Your members are the lifeblood of your organization. They shape your organization; with them, you will thrive and grow. Without them, who knows? For this reason, your organization must establish effective recruitment strategies.
Member recruitment requires strategic planning and proactive outreach efforts. This blog post covers steps and strategies that can help grow your organization.
Best Practices for Recruiting New Members
1. Define Your Value Proposition
What makes your organization unique? Too often, member groups don’t clearly articulate the benefits of membership. Be sure to cover what unique advantages your group offers. Do you offer training or certifications? Are there network opportunities? Is there an active job board available for members? Understanding and communicating this value proposition is crucial for attracting new members.
2. Leverage Existing Networks
Encourage current members to contact their networks and invite others to join. Word-of-mouth referrals can be highly effective, especially if your group has satisfied and engaged members. Consider running a refer-a-friend program that rewards members making introductions.
3. Online Presence
Establish a solid online presence through a website, social media channels, and relevant online forums or communities. Remember that your website is the hub of your activities, and first impressions matter. Be sure to keep your website and social media platforms updated with content showcasing membership’s value and encouraging interaction. Nothing says “don’t bother joining,” like a stale website with outdated content.
4. Host Events and Webinars
Organize events, webinars, workshops, or networking sessions open to members and nonmembers. These events can offer prospective members opportunities to learn more about your group and its activities. If you’re hosting a webinar, consider adding an icebreaker with break-out rooms to help attendees make connections.
5. Offer Trial Memberships or Free Resources
Consider offering trial memberships or providing free access to select resources or events. If you have an eBook that covers vital industry information, make it available to members and nonmembers. Gating good quality content allows you to collect names and emails to continue marketing and staying in front of your prospects. This allows potential members to experience the benefits firsthand before committing to full membership.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations
Explore partnerships with related organizations or businesses with a similar target audience. Collaborative efforts can help expand your reach and attract new members who may be interested in your group’s offerings and be a win-win for you and your partner.
7. Targeted Marketing Campaigns
Develop targeted marketing campaigns aimed at specific demographics or industries that align with your group’s focus. Use digital advertising, email marketing, social media, and other channels to reach potential members where they are. Keep in mind that it’s tough to be on all of the social media platforms. Whew! Consider your typical member; where do they hang out? What platforms do they use?
8. Follow-Up and Nurture Relationships
Once you’ve identified potential new members, follow up regularly and nurture the relationship. Provide personalized attention, address any questions or concerns they may have, and demonstrate how membership in your group can benefit them. Consider getting help from your long-term members. Pair long-term members with prospective members to show them the ropes and introduce them to other members and networks.
9. Leverage Your ASM Platform
Make a good impression by using a professional, user-friendly association management platform like AMO that offers an array of features and functionality that lets you put your best foot forward.
10: Track Best Channel Performance
Use analytics platforms like Google Analytics 4 to measure what sources/mediums bring in potential members so you can spend your time and money on the effective channels.
By implementing these strategies and consistently refining your approach based on feedback and results, you can effectively recruit new members to your member group and ensure its continued growth and success.
If you’re looking for a solid all-in-one AMS platform, contact us for an AMO demo.
