22 Ways to Boost Membership
Members are at the core of not-for-profit organisations. They provide financial and human resources to perform the work of the association. A healthy membership leads to a vital organisation, yet even strong groups need to pay close attention to boosting membership numbers.
With a large marketing and promotion budget, associations could accelerate membership growth, but few organisations enjoy the luxury of ample funding. Therefore, we have to ‘think smart’ to utilise low-cost and highly effective strategies.
Recommendation 1: Be relevant
Recommendation 2: Have the right structure
Recommendation 3: Survey members’ needs
Recommendation 4: Plan your marketing
Recommendation 5: Provide the right and new member services
Recommendation 6: Run seminars, workshops and conferences
Recommendation 7: Support Special Interest Groups
Recommendation 8: Lobby for your cause
Recommendation 9: Appoint membership-responsible volunteers
Recommendation 10: Set targets
Recommendation 11: Communicate personally
Recommendation 12: Research the public domain
Recommendation 13: Include membership in agendas
Recommendation 14: Use public relations to build profile
Recommendation 15: Be cautious with advertising
Recommendation 16: Launch your association or a new project
Recommendation 17: Set a membership ‘season’
Recommendation 18: Abolish joining fees
Recommendation 19: Promote to likely future members
Recommendation 20: Work with related groups
Recommendation 21: Innovate and be creative
Recommendation 22: Ensure Retention
John Peacock is CEO of Associations Forum Pty Ltd.
John can be contacted on +61 2 9904 8200 or jpeacock@nfp.net.au
