Choosing an Online
Member Management
System
Ted Meyerson,
Virginia Crespo
Paul Bessell
David Dickens
Victor
Bruce
Emmerling
Introduction
• 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?
• 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 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
Membership
Management
Event Planning
Communications
Financial
Records
The largest problem was found to be a
breakdown in communications
Problems Found With the Current
System Continued
Inaccurate Member Information
Bounced and failed email communications
Other Problems
Inaccurate payment records
Disconnected event planning
A Solution
An Online Member 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 System
An integrated system that shares the same
information
• Membership
records
• Payment of Dues
• Profiles of
Members
• Website
• Online
Community
• Social Media
• Email campaigns
• Newsletters
• Notices
Membership
Communications
Web Operations
Event
Mangement
• Event planning
• Event registration
• Event payment
processing
Other Benefits of a Member Management
System
• 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
Reviewed
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 Reviewed
• Memberclicks
• WildApricot
• Memberize
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
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
Memberize
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: 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 Memberclicks
Setup Fee:
Complete Setup
$1895
Basic Setup
$895
or
Monthly Costs:
Services
$170
Webhosting
$30
Total
$200
Payment Processing Fees:
PayPal processing
1% plus .35 per transaction
Setting 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 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