Choosing an Online Member Management

System

Choosing an Online Member Management

System

Ted Meyerson, Virginia Crespo

Paul Bessell

David Dickens

Victor

Bruce Emmerling

IntroductionIntroduction

• USM requires a new member management system to aid in its membership database, email communications, accounting, and event planning

• After careful review of three online management systems, the most versatile and effective system was found to be the application called Memberclicks

Why does USM need a new Member Management System?Why does USM need a new Member Management System?

• Despite the excellent efforts of USM volunteers, the organization has grown past its current membership system

• Further growth may be inhibited by a lack of support through the current system

The Current USM Management SystemThe Current USM Management System

• USM has several main functions that include financial management, membership record keeping, event planning, legislature advising, and communications

• Other activities include monthly meetings, seminars, campaigns, and newsletter promotion

Problems Found With the Current System

The largest problem was found to be a breakdown in communications

Problems Found With the Current Problems Found With the Current System ContinuedSystem Continued

Inaccurate Member Information

Bounced and failed email communications

Other ProblemsOther Problems

Inaccurate payment records

Disconnected event planning

A SolutionA Solution

An Online Member Management An Online Member Management SystemSystem

What is an Online Management System?What is an Online Management System?

• An Online Member Management System is a set of applications integrated into a single system hosted on a web server

• Online Member Management Systems can be accessed by administrators with security credentials from any location

• Members can also use the system to update limited sections of information

Benefits of a Member Management SystemBenefits of a Member Management System

An integrated system that shares the same information

Other Benefits of a Member Management Other Benefits of a Member Management SystemSystem

• In-depth email communication capabilities using a member database system

• Integrated payment and member profile systems

• A wide range of social media promotional features

• The ability for members to add or change their profile information and pay dues online

• Online event planning, automated ticket processing, and receipt capabilities

Member Management System Features Member Management System Features ReviewedReviewed

The following features are needed in a new system

•A member record database system

•Integrated email communications with member database

•Event planning

•Payment processing using PayPal

•Website hosting features

•Integration and compatibility with QuickBooks Software

Online Management Systems ReviewedOnline Management Systems Reviewed

• Memberclicks

• WildApricot

• Memberize

Memberclicks Memberclicks

Positives:

•Offers an integrated, online portal with an easy to use interface

•Features in-depth email communications features to track email messaging campaigns

•Provides technical support for the system setup and for system maintenance

•Easy payment processing and event planning features

•Allows members to modify their personal information and pay dues

Cons

•Expensive

•Longer setup period

WildApricot WildApricot

Pros

•An easy to use interface

•Easy web site builder application

•Online community support

•Event registration and planning

•Less expensive

Cons

•Lack of features for email communications

•Lacks customization features

•Lack of technical support

MemberizeMemberize

Pros

•Included web hosting with pricing

•In-depth reporting features

•Payment processing features integrated with member database

Cons

•A lack of setup and technical support

•Expensive

•Lack of one to many membership records

Suggested Choice: MemberclicksSuggested Choice: Memberclicks

• Memberclicks was found offer the best features with the best service

• Sales, technical support, and setup guidance was better than what was found with other services

• Memberlicks is very well recommended by other customers and organizations

The Cost of Using MemberclicksThe Cost of Using Memberclicks

Setup Fee:

Complete Setup $1895

or

Basic Setup $895

Monthly Costs:

Services $170

Webhosting $30

Total $200

Payment Processing Fees:

PayPal processing 1% plus .35 per transaction

Setting Up a Memberclicks AccountSetting Up a Memberclicks Account

• Depending on setup choice, member information would need to be entered

• Forms and screens would need to be created

• Event planning and email communications would need to be setup

• Memberclicks would provide guidance and training for both types of setup

The End Resulting Benefits of MemberclicksThe End Resulting Benefits of Memberclicks

• Member records would be securely stored and be more accurate

• Payments for dues and events would be simplified with online receipts

• Email communications would be enhanced with a robust email server and added features

• Anyone accessing the system would have the same information

In Conclusion

• Utilizing a new Online Membership Management System would help USM expand and grow in the coming years

• Memberclicks would offer USM the ability to expand member record keeping, event planning, email campaigns, and provide automated payment processing capabilities

• USM could focus more time on non administrative tasks such as seminars, meetings, campaigns, and events