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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAccording to the 2022 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report<\/a>, 52% of associations believe a lack of engagement is the top reason members don\u2019t renew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The solution? Implementing proactive member engagement strategies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a broad level, member engagement strategies<\/a> can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A member engagement strategy should be measurable, and ultimately aim to increase member participation in your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll get into a more detailed list of member engagement ideas below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Improving member engagement is important for many organizations\u2014but why is it so essential for associations in particular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Investing in association member engagement strategies can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you brainstorm the best association member engagement strategies for your organization, keep these 6 tips in mind: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dividing your members into segments will help you target your member engagement strategy towards their individual needs and interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can segment your association members by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, with 75% of millennials<\/a> actively avoiding phone calls, connecting by phone is a member engagement strategy that might be better used for the older members of your association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also vary your CTAs for each segment depending on what they\u2019re likely to offer\u2014long-time members are great volunteer prospects!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Build your strategy by measuring member engagement as it currently stands!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can gather engagement data from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you run your analytics and get a larger picture of how and where your members engage, keep those segments in mind. You\u2019ll very likely find different information from each grouping, which will help you build more targeted association member engagement strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Member engagement isn\u2019t a one and done thing\u2014your association member engagement strategies should be present through the entire lifecycle of membership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This includes building strategies for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local extroverts might be eager to meet up at a restaurant for a networking event, but members who live on the other side of the country might not have the time or money to fly out for a conference. Strategizing for both in person and online spaces gives all members the opportunity to engage on their terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In person association member engagement strategies can look like galas, local volunteer opportunities, and networking meetups. For your online members, you can utilize webinars, community software, and workshops with thought leaders from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting specific key performance indicators<\/a> (KPIs) is essential to measuring the success of your member engagement activities and strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some association member engagement KPIs you can look at include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your association is relatively new, investigate what solid member engagement metrics typically look like in your industry. This can help you set realistic KPIs and know where you stand in your broader community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracking and measuring member engagement can be made easy with the help of tools like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your strategy and KPIs, you can pick the member engagement platform that supports you best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s explore some of that software\u2014and many more member engagement ideas\u2014below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to build community year-roundy? <\/strong>With appointment booking, group discussions, and detailed reporting metrics, EventMobi\u2019s Networking App will help your members make valuable connections\u2014all thanks to your association. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve covered the tips for making your strategies successful, here are our top 24 association member engagement strategies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annual conferences create a regular gathering for members, and serve as a great introduction for new people. In fact, 43% of associations<\/a> find that offering a conference discount is the most effective way to recruit new members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the help of event tech<\/a>, your annual event can grow into a community that engages conference-goers year round! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Running a gala adds an element of luxury and elegance, no matter what sort of organization you are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galas are also a space to engage members with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at the 21st Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation Gala<\/a>\u2014not only was it a night to remember, but it also served as a critical fundraiser to support innovative research by the organization!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that 63% of associations<\/a> believe networking is the top reason that members join? Speed networking events, happy hours, and roundtable discussions are the perfect place for members to form professional relationships, and your association can be the reason they connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dedicated appreciation event helps members feel seen and included in your organization\u2019s work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Show your appreciation through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Workshops give your members a hands-on way to build new skills with the help of your association. For example, the Ontario Beekeepers\u2019 Association<\/a> offers workshops for beginners and more established beekeepers. This maintains the value of membership throughout members\u2019 growth and development in the hobby!<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a 2021 survey from vFairs, 77.2% of people<\/a> preferred virtual events because of how easy they are to attend. Webinars offer a unique educational opportunity for members all over the globe to learn from the experts in your field through live or pre-recorded content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Post-event surveys offer direct insight into how the event was received, members\u2019 favorite parts, and areas of improvement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Including a post-event survey in your event app<\/a> can integrate this engagement with the rest of the event journey. Sending an email is also fine\u2014but why not use the software that has already helped them register, set their schedules, and given them maps?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 58% of associations<\/a> use member surveys to run these check ins, and for good reason! Checking in with members makes them feel valued, and shows you what you might need to change before renewal time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your member engagement survey questions can tell you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run virtual conferences, workshop series, or webinars, conference software like EventMobi<\/a> can provide you with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right member engagement software for your event makes all the difference in giving your members a positive experience at your events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your association primarily engages members through educational software, learning management systems can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the name suggests, association management software helps you manage your association from many angles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It plays a part in improving member engagement through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like we mentioned, one of the most important parts of member engagement is building year-round community. When the resources are read and the events are done, community spaces are what keep members coming back to your association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This member engagement software often includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n EventMobi\u2019s Multi Event App<\/a> lets members register for all of your association events in one central, easy-to-use place. Chat with our team<\/a> to see how your organization can benefit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certificate programs offer your members valuable professional development opportunities. It\u2019s not always feasible for people to go back to school full time to learn a new skill\u2014certificate programs fill that need and give your association an opportunity to become invaluable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentorship programs pass down essential knowledge within your community and create the leaders of tomorrow. Plus, the opportunity to learn from someone 1:1 feels more personal than sitting in a seminar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the best member engagement ideas come down to member appreciation! When members are doing something cool in your community, give them a shoutout in your newsletters and social media. You can even include \u201cis there something you\u2019d like to share with the community?\u201d in your member engagement survey questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 55% of associations<\/a> invite long-time members to volunteer. When you can already expect a renewal, volunteer opportunities are a way of improving member engagement with the people who have shown their loyalty to your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marketing association events<\/a> is a whole lot easier when you give your members a calendar to reference! Including a calendar space on your website and email newsletter will make sure members don\u2019t miss your upcoming events. If your renewal date is the same for everyone, you can also include that in your calendar so it doesn\u2019t sneak up on anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Newsletters are a great place to send updates across your membership base. This might surprise you, but some people believe that sending paper newsletters<\/a> is more effective for member engagement! While it\u2019s a pricier option, paper is a way to cut through inbox overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Say \u201chappy anniversary\u201d to your members with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your association is still young (and you have the extra time and resources!), a personal card can also go a long way towards making early supporters feel valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also apply the above ideas to member birthdays! Who doesn\u2019t love a kind word and a little treat on a special day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best association member engagement strategies show members that they\u2019re more than just a number. Engage members with personalized salutations and relevant content, and by actively seeking out feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When renewal time comes, consider offering accommodations like sliding-scale rates for member hardship. This shows members that you value their presence and engagement more than their dues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t underestimate the power of fun as a member engagement strategy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engage your members with gamification tactics like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can determine which activities get the most points depending on your member engagement KPIs. For example, if your top goal is boosting social media metrics, you can offer members 3 points for a tagged photo at your event and 2 points for each platform they follow you on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let members share their thoughts with the power of polls. The information you gather shows you how engaged your members are, and also gives you insight into what\u2019s on their mind! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Why Does Member Engagement Matter for Associations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6 Tips for Planning an Effective Association Member Engagement Strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Segment your members<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Find where your members are already most active<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Strategize for the whole membership lifecycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Have strategies for in person and online spaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Set your member engagement KPIs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Use tools to track member engagement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Top 24 Association Member Engagement Strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Annual conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Networking events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Member appreciation events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Workshops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Webinars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Post-event surveys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Member satisfaction surveys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Conferencing software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Learning management systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Association management software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Online community software <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Certificate programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mentorship programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Member spotlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Volunteer opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Association calendar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Member newsletters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Member anniversaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Member birthdays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Personalized member comms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Event gamification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Polls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n