Digital transformation is essential for member-based organizations, but the path forward isn’t always simple. Finding the right solution starts with a strong understanding of the technology hurdles that create the most friction in day-to-day operations. So, we wanted to know:

What specific operational pain points are organizations struggling with most?

Method

To answer this, we randomly selected 65 of Vocalmeet’s introductory meetings from the past 1.5 years. We then:

• Reviewed our detailed notes and transcripts
• Organized recurring pain points into standardized categories
• Mapped each issue to the appropriate category
• Ranked those categories by frequency

This whitepaper presents our findings and explores the most common challenges organizations reported with their current systems and workflows. It also aims to offer a practical lens to help organizations plan a more resilient technology foundation for the future ahead.

Key Findings

1. Frustration with data silos caused by fragmentation: More than 87% (57/65) of organizations reported struggling with fragmented systems, describing their technology stacks as disconnected and inefficient.
2. Administrative burden and workflow inefficiency: 72% (47/65) of organizations reported that manual processes, workarounds, spreadsheets, and repetitive administrative tasks continue to slow down their teams.
3. Sensitivity to cost and the need for phased adoption: 60% (39/65) of organizations preferred the phased adoption of solutions. Since pricing remains a major factor, starting with smaller commitments before expanding may be a practical approach.

Additional Findings 

Beyond these three main areas, our review uncovered several other recurring themes. From most to least frequently encountered, these include:

1. Complex membership structures
2. Learning as revenue and compliance infrastructure
3. Leadership transitions and organizational readiness
4. Integration with existing systems
5. Reporting and analytics gaps
6. Vendor lock-in and contract timing
7. Digital experience and growth orientation

Note: This overview is based on aggregated data from a limited set of client meetings and is intended for informational purposes only.

Introduction

Today’s modern technology has created new opportunities to connect and engage. For member-based organizations, there has never been a better time to reach members and provide the support they need.

These opportunities, however, depend on building the right foundation. Here, technology vendors can act as business partners, providing the backbone for core workflows that keep programs running and members engaged.

But as the online world evolves, so do member expectations. In an ideal environment, systems would adapt alongside us every step of the way. In reality, technical frustrations occasionally pop up, challenging organizations to keep up.

That’s why leaders need to understand what’s causing the most friction. The following sections break down the most common technology pain points we encountered, as well as practical ways to resolve them.

The Big Three Technology Struggles Dominating the Conversation

1. Frustration with Data Silos Caused by Fragmentation

In more than 87% (57/65) of our meetings, organizations identified fragmented systems as a major cause of chaotic workflows. Also known as the Silo Effect, this occurs when data is trapped within individual applications, making it inaccessible to other parts of the business (Noble, 2023).

Instead of operating as a single system, data is scattered across disconnected tools, such as separate webinar platforms, e-commerce systems, learning platforms, and member management databases. These “Frankenstein Stacks”, as Noble (2023) puts it, create inefficiencies and long-term risk for organizations.

When isolated tools can’t communicate, routine processes become inefficient and unproductive. As one lead put it, “Our data is everywhere. There’s no single source of truth.” These internal gaps can eventually impact the experience for both members and staff.

For members, logging into different portals to pay dues, register for events, or access education can increase friction and, consequently, the risk of disengagement. Over time, this can erode trust and may even weaken the perceived value of membership.

For staff, manually reconciling information across platforms can reduce productivity and divert focus from strategic goals.

Our Suggestion: Integrated All-In-One Platforms 

Integrated all-in-one platforms bring core organizational functions together into a single, connected environment. This allows systems (such as association management systems (AMS), learning management systems (LMS), and event platforms) to share data and workflows.

This two-way integration setup keeps data consistent across two or more applications over time (Gitlin, 2023). In other words, if data is added, removed, or updated in an application, the integrated systems perform the same action.

For example, instead of exporting spreadsheets from an event portal just to update a main database, integrations can automatically sync information. This functionality gives administrators the confidence that every department is working with the exact same data, ultimately reducing operational friction.

Beyond Integration: The Natively All-in-One Platform

While integrated systems are a solid solution to the fragmentation problem, a natively all-in-one platform takes it one step further. Built as a single system that doesn’t rely on integration, operations and workflows naturally connect. Providers can simply toggle built-in features on or off for organizations as their needs change. Outside of linking a tool like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, the core infrastructure remains the same.

Added benefits of natively all-in-one platforms include:

• No Broken Connections: Third-party integrations may require maintenance and can sometimes break after updates. Native systems don’t suffer from this.
• Cost Savings: Full integration, cross-system maintenance, and development can be expensive, especially if they’re required for every system. Native platforms bypass this type of upkeep.
• Less Conflict: Not all systems want to “play nice” with each other. But when they’re native to the platform, they aren’t just behaving: they’re a single system!
• Instant Scalability: Adding or removing functionalities is as simple as flipping a switch. Because the foundation is already there, organizations can expand their operations and scale their offerings as needed.

2. Administrative Burden & Workflow Inefficiency

72% (47/65) of organizations we spoke to sought systems that automate and simplify workflows to improve efficiency. Manual tasks still remain a major source of friction for many; repetitive administrative work can take time away from member-focused priorities and may even increase the risk of human error.

Our Solution: Increased Automation

Automation lets your software handle everyday administrative duties, like:

• Centralizing data for real-time insights.
• Lowering operational bottlenecks by putting routine data entry on autopilot.
• Handling higher data and payment volumes.

According to Perez (2023), over 90% of surveyed teams reported that automation increased their productivity, and 85% reported better collaboration. Additionally, nearly 90% trusted automation tools to reduce errors and speed up decision-making.

With the repetitive work out of the way, teams free up their hands to focus on higher-value work that actually drives their organization’s growth.

3. Sensitivity to Cost & Subsequent Need for Phased Adoption

Budget considerations arose in 60% (39/65) of our meetings. While organizations often require modern technology, financial realities remain a major driver in deciding whether to upgrade or wait.

Our Solution: Phased Adoption

Instead of jumping into a massive, all-in launch, organizations can gradually migrate individual systems onto a new platform through an iterative approach. This not only breaks the total cost of migration down into chunks but also allows them to validate their return on investment on a smaller scale before committing further resources.

Additionally, this strategy means that software costs only grow as needs expand. With the right structure, one large expense becomes several smaller ones, leading to a more manageable process and fewer budget constraints that block modernization and optimization.

Part 2: Other Notable Findings

While the “Big Three” dominated our rankings, several other themes surfaced repeatedly. These friction points may have been less prominent, but they still shape daily operations and strategic decisions.

4. Complex Membership Structures

In 49% (32/65) of our meetings, organizations reported that standard software doesn’t meet their structural needs. That’s because memberships don’t always follow a “one-size-fits-all” model. They can span from individual students and professionals to multi-layered corporate partners, each with distinct privileges, pricing tiers, and renewal cycles.

Without the right system, platforms may flatten these differences and force diverse member groups into generic profiles. This removes important context about who the members are and what benefits they should receive.

Our Solution: Multi-Tier Logic

Membership tiers represent different levels of access to benefits, content, or services (Vizor, 2025). With the right platform and configuration, organizations can map real relationships among members, define interconnected account structures, and automate privileges.

For example, an organization could configure its memberships so that when a parent organization purchases a corporate membership, the system automatically recognizes that individuals belonging to the organization should receive the appropriate member discounts. This preserves each member’s unique context without constant administrative oversight.

5. Learning as Revenue & Compliance Infrastructure

In almost 34% (22/65) of our meetings, organizations needed learning systems capable of managing continuing education (CE), certification, compliance tracking, and monetized education.

CE initiatives contribute significantly to organizational performance through enhanced productivity, innovation, and skill acquisition (Noniashvili & Kobalia, 2025). What’s more, these initiatives are closely tied to revenue and member value.

Our Solution: An eCommerce-Enabled, Compliance-Ready LMS

A learning management system (LMS) can help organizations manage the full education process in one place, from registration and attendance tracking to completion records, credit assignment, and certificate delivery.

With a capable LMS, organizations can connect the following in one place:

• Learning content
• Events and webinars
• E-commerce and payments
• Continuing education credit tracking
• Certificates and completion records
• Reporting
• Member education records

Organizations can reduce manual work, meet compliance requirements, and turn educational programs into a scalable source of non-dues revenue.

6. Leadership Transitions & Organizational Readiness

We found that a little over 24% (16/65) of the organizations we spoke to reported that leadership transitions can slow or stall major digital initiatives while interim leaders fill the vacancy.

Because technology projects may often require strong backing, organizations tend to delay commitments during these periods. Unfortunately, postponing critical implementations can keep teams stuck in inefficient workflows and delay improvements to the member experience.

Our Solution: A Solid Continuity Plan

A good continuity plan should distribute digital projects across dedicated teams rather than a single executive, so organizations can maintain momentum even when leadership changes. This way, a new leader can step into an active initiative rather than inherit a stalled idea.

Anderson (2025) explains that a solid transition plan can help reduce leadership disruption by giving organizations a clear roadmap. By addressing immediate operational needs and preparing for long-term success, the plan creates a stronger foundation for new leaders to step in, adapt, and make a meaningful impact.

Documentation of goals, requirements, and vendor criteria (along with ongoing communication with technology vendors) provides projects with enough structure to withstand transitions and helps new leaders avoid having to restart research from the beginning.

7. Integration with Existing Systems

In 23% (15/65) of our meetings, organizations wanted to modernize their systems without fully replacing the tools they already use.

For many teams, existing customer relationship management (CRM), finance, payment, or reporting systems are already tied to their daily operations. Even when these tools create friction, organizations may not be ready to abandon them all at once. Instead, they want new platforms that can connect with their current systems and enable a gradual transition.

Our Solution: Flexible Integration

Flexible integration options can help organizations modernize without forcing an immediate full-system replacement. Application programming interface (API), phased implementation, and integration planning allow teams to connect key systems, reduce duplicate work, and move toward a more central technology environment over time.

See also: Phased Adoption above.

8. Reporting and Analytics Gaps

23% (15/65) of organizations highlighted a strong desire for better reporting and analytics, which can turn everyday administrative data into actionable insight. Tracking member behavior (like event attendance, course completion, and retention trends) can help organizations understand what truly drives value.

The University of Pennsylvania (2022) further explains that using data effectively helps organizations update services to match evolving needs, refine marketing efforts, and improve member support. This adaptability can make the difference between a growing network and a stagnant one.

Without this visibility, organizations lack a clear view of overall organizational health and may struggle to answer basic questions about enrollment, retention, and loyalty.

Our Solution: Centralized Analytics and Custom Reporting

To improve analytics capabilities, organizations need a way to connect and interpret their data. A centralized analytics framework or all-in-one platform can bring information into a single visual report, making it easier to track member behavior across programs and touchpoints.

For example, metrics like engagement rates and click-throughs show what works, while trend analysis helps organizations re-engage at-risk members and shape future courses, events, and resources.

To take it one step further, organizations can look for platforms with custom and AI-enabled reporting. These tools can automate data aggregation, generate tailored insights, and help flag unusual patterns. In addition, teams can also ask specific questions and create reports based on their immediate needs, making it easier to understand the data and identify practical next steps.

9. Vendor Lock-In & Contract Timing

15% (10/65) of the organizations we met with said existing vendor contracts delayed their ability to modernize.

Even when teams recognize the need for better systems, multi-year contracts can limit when they can make a change. This can slow down decision-making, extend buying timelines, and even create a gap between interest and implementation.

Our Solution: Track Renewal Cycles Strategically

Tracking contract timelines early allows organizations to plan modernization efforts before renewal deadlines. With the right roadmap, teams can compare options, prepare budgets, and avoid being forced into another contract cycle with systems that no longer meet their needs. This is also another area in which the Phased Adoption method can be useful.

As a bonus, choosing an all-in-one platform eliminates much of the work involved in tracking multiple vendors, contracts, and renewal timelines. This gives teams fewer administrative details to manage and more time to focus on member needs.

10. Digital Experience & Growth Orientation

Finally, in almost 5% (3/65) of our meetings, organizations discussed modernization in terms of digital growth and expanded revenue opportunities.

These conversations went beyond fixing operational pain points to explore how a stronger digital experience could improve the entire member experience, from engagement and monetization to online learning, events, and ultimately long-term growth.

Our Solution: Choose a Platform Built to Evolve

A modern platform should not only solve today’s operational problems but also grow alongside changing member expectations, digital business models, and technology innovations.

As artificial intelligence (AI), automation, analytics, and personalization become more important, organizations need platforms that can adapt without forcing a full rebuild every few years. By choosing a flexible, scalable platform that supports today’s needs while adapting to future innovations, organizations can create a stronger digital experience while keeping their current technology partner and platform.

Conclusion

These findings point to a consistent (if expected) pattern: professional organizations require systems that simplify daily work without limiting their ability to serve members, respond to change, and support growth.

Further, a strong technology foundation can be that solution, helping teams operate with greater confidence while preparing for what comes next.

Interested in learning more? Contact us to book a meeting to discuss your organization’s needs today!

References

Agile Alliance. (2015, December 17). What is an Iteration? Agile Alliance |. https://agilealliance.org/glossary/iteration/

Anderson, K. (2025, September 16). Effective leadership transition plan: Ensure smooth role changes. Nonprofit Leadership Training – Incite Consulting Inc – Nonprofit Leadership and Fundraising Consulting. https://inciteconsultinggroup.com/effective-leadership-transitions-start-with-a-solid-transition-plan/

Gitlin, J. (2023, December 13). Two-way API integration: examples, benefits, and tools. Merge.dev; Merge. https://www.merge.dev/blog/two-way-api-integration

Noniashvili, M., & Kobalia, Z. (2025). Measuring the ROI of continuing education initiatives in business organizations. Social Economics, 71, 221–235. https://doi.org/10.26565/2524-2547-2025-71-18

Noble, P. (2023, October 27). Beware of the “Frankenstein Stack” of data systems. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulnoble/2023/10/27/beware-of-the-frankenstein-stack-of-data-systems/

Perez, J. (2023, April 12). How Automation Drives Business Growth and Efficiency. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/sponsored/2023/04/how-automation-drives-business-growth-and-efficiency

University of Pennsylvania. (2022, October 20). 5 key reasons why data analytics is important to business | penn LPS online. Penn LPS. https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/features/5-key-reasons-why-data-analytics-important-business

Vizor, D. (2025, October 7). Membership tiers: The ultimate guide to building, pricing, and naming your levels (with 10+ examples). GroupApp. https://www.group.app/blog/membership-tiers/

Vocalmeet. (2025, February 28). All about microlearning: Why less means more. Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet. https://legacyweb.vocalmeet.com/all-about-microlearning/

Vocalmeet. (2025, July 23). 5 key reasons why you should automate your organization’s operations. Vocalmeet. https://legacyweb.vocalmeet.com/5-reasons-to-automate/

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Transcript

Vocalmeet’s All-in-One Platform

Vocalmeet offers an All-in-One Platform that seamlessly integrates association management, learning management, event management, financial processing, and reporting—eliminating the need for multiple platforms, cutting costs, and saving time.

This powerful, future-ready solution helps associations, unions, regulatory bodies, and nonprofits automate tasks, streamline operations, engage members, and drive growth.

Why All-in-One?

• Stronger Member Engagement & Retention: Keep members connected with easy access to courses, events, and key resources.
• Time-Saving Workflow Automation: Member renewals, event registrations, course enrollments, reminders, and payments happen automatically, reducing manual workload and improving efficiency.
• Lower Costs & Greater Efficiency: Reduce vendor expenses and eliminate costly system integrations. No more paying for overlapping features!
• Seamless Data Flow: Real-time analytics connect membership, learning, and event data for better decision-making.
• Scalability & Growth: Designed to evolve with your organization’s needs.

Combine Your Systems

• Membership & Event Management: Automate renewals, event and membership registrations, and payments in one system.
• Learning & Continuing Education: Provide seamless access to courses and certifications on any device.
• AI-Driven Reports: Make data driven decisions faster, uncover member trends, and optimize operations with minimal manual effort.
• CRM: Track member interactions, engagement, and preferences to deliver personalized communication and targeted outreach.
• Accounting: Streamline billing, invoicing, and financial reporting with automated payment tracking and real-time revenue insights.
• Document Management: Store, organize, and control access to resources, compliance records, and member documents in a secure, centralized system.

Contact us for a demo today to see how Vocalmeet can help your organization save time, grow engagement, and drive innovation like never before!

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Transcript

AMS 101

Managing a member-based organization means juggling a lot—memberships, payments, events, communications, and more. But using too many systems (or stacks of spreadsheets!) can slow you down and create unnecessary stress.

That’s where an Association Management System, or “AMS”, comes in.

A quality AMS acts as the central hub–and the heart–of your organization: automating manual processes, saving time, and improving the member experience.

With a quality AMS, you can:

• Automate membership registration and renewals
• Maintain a comprehensive CRM
• Offer personalized member dashboards
• Track engagement and generate detailed reports
• Accept payments and connect directly to your gateway
• Manage live and virtual events
• Integrate with Zoom, Teams, and more
• Build your website with flexible, appealing templates

With features designed to meet your unique needs, Vocalmeet’s AMS empowers you to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and focus on what matters most: your members.

Book a demo today at vocalmeet.com

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Whether you’re managing a union, an association, or another member-based organization, memberships are the backbone of your success. An engaged community doesn’t just make your organization stronger—it keeps the cash flowing and sets you up for long-term wins.

Let’s be honest—people are constantly swamped with content. So, how can you stand out, grab the attention of potential members, and convince them to sign up? The secret to success is creating a strong value proposition, streamlining the sign-up process, and continuously offering experiences that truly resonate with potential members.

When your audience sees the real advantages of joining—whether that means access to exclusive content, valuable networking opportunities, or special member perks—they’ll be far more inclined to take that next step and get involved.

It’s not just about getting people to sign up, though; it’s about creating an experience they want to stay for. So, without further ado, let’s look at some techniques to boost your membership and take your sales to the next level!

Developing a Marketing Plan

Before diving in and testing different approaches, it’s important to have a clear strategy. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Set clear objectives: What’s the goal? More sign-ups? Higher engagement? A better retention rate? Get specific so you can measure your success.
• Identify your target audience: Who are your ideal members? Are they professionals looking for networking opportunities, newbies passionate about advancing in their field, or industry practitioners looking for accreditation? Know your crowd.
• Select the right marketing channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, email newsletters—each of these has its own “vibe”, so make sure to use the tools that your audience will actually engage with.

Strategies to Boost Membership Sales

Now for the fun part: making your membership sales soar!

1. Simplify the Enrollment Process

If your sign-up process is too complicated, potential members may give up before they even complete it. Instead, make it as easy as putting together a sandwich—simple, fast, and intuitive. A streamlined, user-friendly process reduces friction and increases conversions. Consider:

• One-click sign-ups
• Clear pricing (no hidden fees)
• Mobile responsivity (because nobody wants to struggle with a tiny screen!)

2. Offer Incentives and Limited-Time Deals

People are always drawn to a great deal. Build anticipation and drive action by creating a sense of urgency and excitement with:

• Early-bird discounts
• BOGO (Buy One, Get One) memberships for referrals
• Exclusive launch offers for first-time members (such as discounted/free courses)

3. Utilize Social Media & Online Platforms

If you’re not using social media to promote your memberships (and all they offer!), you’re leaving money on the table. Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential members, engaging your current audience, and showcasing the value of your organization. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to:

• Post engaging content (such as behind-the-scenes videos, testimonials, and sneak peeks of new courses).
• Go live! Q&A sessions and virtual events can build hype. Run paid ads targeting your ideal members–after all, members can only join your association if they know you’re out there!

4. Offer Valuable & Exclusive Content

People don’t just want to join a group; they want to feel like they’re in a community of their peers. Building a strong sense of belonging is key to attracting and retaining members. Make them feel like VIPs by offering:

• Members-only webinars, courses, and/or networking events
• Special discounts, freebies, and/or priority access to new features
• Industry insider information they can’t get anywhere else

5. Partner with Complementary Organizations

Teamwork makes the dream work! Collaborate with businesses or groups that share your audience but aren’t direct competitors. Strategic partnerships can enhance your offerings, attract new members, and strengthen your association’s credibility. For example:

• A professional association could collaborate with soft skills career coaches.
• A teachers’ association could work with educational publishers.
• A medical association could partner with healthcare product providers.

6. Host Conferences and Exhibits

Sometimes, nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes to building relationships and growing your membership. Hosting industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events gives you direct access to potential members who are already engaged in your field. You can:

• Set up an eye-catching welcome booth with engaging visuals, informative materials, and interactive elements to draw attendees in.
• Offer live sessions, exclusive giveaways, or limited-time membership discounts to encourage sign-ups on the spot.

7. Leverage Social Proof & Testimonials

People trust real experiences more than advertisements. Highlight your satisfied members and let their stories showcase the value of your association:

• Share video testimonials
• Post screenshots of positive feedback
• Display success stories and case studies on your website

You may also like: Expanding Your Reach: How to Market Your Association’s Continuing Education

Monitor & Evaluate Strategies

What’s working? What’s not? Here’s how to ensure your strategy is helping (not hurting):

• Track KPIs: Monitor conversion rates, engagement levels, and retention rates.
• Gather feedback: Ask new members what convinced them to join (and what could be better).
• Refine based on data: If a strategy isn’t delivering, tweak it until it does!

Conclusion

Selling memberships doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right mix of strategic marketing, compelling incentives, and meaningful engagement, you can turn potential members into enthusiastic advocates. The key is to make the process simple, exciting, and packed with value—because when people clearly see the benefits, they’ll be eager to join.

Now, go out there with confidence and boost your association’s membership!

References

Content Marketing Institute. (2023). CMI: Content Marketing Strategy, Research, “How-To” Advice. Content Marketing Institute. https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/

Marketing General Incorporated. (2025). The Membership Lifecycle. Marketinggeneral.com; Marketing General Incorporated. https://www.marketinggeneral.com/solutions/the-membership-lifecycle

MCIM, H. M. (2023, June 13). Elevating Club Membership Sales with Demand Generation Strategies. Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elevating-club-membership-sales-demand-generation-mcguckin-mcim/

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When choosing a presenter, associations need to consider several key elements about their event. They can then match speakers to session themes to ensure a cohesive event from start to finish. 

Though budget often plays a large role in the process, associations should ensure that quality is the most important consideration in their decisions. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help your association simplify the process and find the perfect speaker for your next event!

1. Define and Align Values

The first step of this process requires your association to define its values and goals for the event. 

Think about the overall message of the event. You can use this as a basis for your speaker search. Your speaker should deliver something consistent with your overall message. 

Consider the timing of their presentation: where will it fall? Is it the kick-off, the midpoint, or the closing keynote speech?

Equipped with this information, finding a speaker to fit will be much easier. Get a feel for their material and how it might work with your audience. If their message would be best served to set the table for what’s to come, they might be best in one of your event’s opening slots. 

Don’t be afraid to voice what you want from your speaker, either. Let them know what your values and goals are and see how they believe they will fit. They may have suggestions you never thought of!

2. Understand Your Audience

The best speaker for your event is the one that will best satisfy your audience. For this to happen, you should know who your audience is and what they want. 

Wondering how to gather this information? 

Ask your members for feedback. 

Ask them what they look for from event speakers, and review feedback from past events. You may also consider searching social media to learn what members want most–or even using the poll functions to quiz your audience. 

The important thing is to start the conversation on your association’s various channels. Do this, and you’ll understand what your members want in no time! 

3. Consider Their Style

If you have a chance to see and review the style of your potential presenters, consider how they might fit in with the feel of your event. You may also want to think about how their style matches the time slots available. 

For example, those with energetic and dynamic presentation styles may work best at the mid-day point to get everyone energized and over the hump. On the other hand, those who inspire and motivate change may be best suited for the final keynote slot.

You will also want to think about how speakers structure their presentations. For example, those who integrate Q&As can be useful for livening and loosening up a crowd. 

Consider:

• How do they present and work with audiences? 
• Are they creative and thoughtful? 

It’s a delicate balance. 

While the big name speakers may help attract audiences, those who constantly work the event circuit may not be able to offer the same fresh ideas and perspectives as newer or more unfamiliar speakers. Try to incorporate some of both!

4. Take Some Risks

As mentioned above, taking a risk on a speaker can pay off enormously, as unknown speakers bring an element that attendees can’t find elsewhere. The trade-off here is that more familiar speakers likely bring with them more security; they often have more experience and more material for your association to review before making a decision. 

Think about what is most important to your event and let that help inform your decision.

You might want to also consider what kind of risks speakers take. 

• Are they trying new things?
• Do they incorporate new technologies or new keynote methods? 

While new speakers might not have the same proof of success as their tried and true counterparts, they may also give your audience something they’ve never seen before–making a lasting impact and boosting your event’s value.

5. Seek Out Integration

While integrating a speaker into your next event largely depends on how your association structures its speaker packages (and what you offer them), you can at least explore whether potential speakers would be open to greater involvement. After all, speakers who are more engaged with your event and your association may be willing to offer something extra for your audience. 

• Would they stick around after their presentation to talk to the audience? 
• Would they be open to running a workshop as well? 
  • Do they have the material (and the ability) to do so? 
• Would they speak to smaller groups who express interest after? 
• Would they promote the event to their network? 

These are all questions that may help you answer how much integration is possible. Talk to your potential speakers–you may be surprised!

You may also like: 5 Benefits to Live Streaming Your Association’s Event

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect speaker for your next event requires careful consideration and planning. By following the tips outlined above, your association can simplify the process and find a speaker who aligns with your values, understands your audience, and complements your event. Remember to prioritize quality, and be willing to take risks to make your event memorable and impactful!

With a well-chosen speaker, your event is sure to go in with a boom and leave a lasting impression on all who attend!

Sources

The post How to Choose the Perfect Speaker for Your Next Event appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

The reality is, there is no right way to design a website, but there are plenty of wrong ways. 

The good news is that by following a rather straightforward checklist, your future website can help you achieve everything you’re hoping for–without fears and headaches plaguing the design process!

Because there are so many ways to create an effective site, we’ve decided to hone in on some of the most important aspects in this article.

While we can’t highlight every possible factor that goes into making a great site, we’ve listed some of our favorites below:

Know Your Purpose and Your Audience

Before setting out on your design adventure, you need to know who your audience is and what the purpose of your website is. 

Ask yourself: what do you want to achieve, and what do you want your users to achieve online?

By answering these questions, you can start to identify what type of content, layout, and structure you’ll need. 

In fact, the consideration of your audience and your overall goals will help you answer a great deal of your design queries! 

You can think of the following:

• Will your website be rich with media? What type of media would you include (videos, podcasts, etc) 
• What kind of training programs should you include? What programs will you use?
  • Will you have video modules? Will you host them on your own custom platform, or with a SaaS vendor? Will they be interactive
• What types of original content and industry links will you be hosting? How many dedicated pages will you have for them?
  • Do you plan to have a blog or video series? Will you create a “knowledge hub” for members? Will there be multiple “pillar pages” dedicated to different topics?

From this point, you can begin making some important decisions about providers and the level of support you need:

• What level of traffic do you anticipate? How much growth do you anticipate?
• Do you have in-house staff to support the website, or do you need a third-party company to manage the website?
• What level of security and technical support do you need?

Once you’ve got the ball rolling, set your goals (specifically, your measurable goals) and track them. If you find that your website is failing to meet these targets, don’t just change them to accommodate your design. Instead, make changes to your design to better meet your goals!

Create Your Online Brand 

The early decisions you make about your online design may be some of the most important. 

Your goals and your audience will also inform these decisions, of course, but your (likely) already established brand and brand identity are also important. 

You will, for starters, need to decide on a website name. 

This name will take into consideration your brand voice and website purpose. You want to make it as easy to remember and simple to spell as possible–simply hearing it once should be enough! 

In these early stages, you also want to start thinking about the content on your page. Think of what your users want most and how you can deliver this to them best.

Another early-stage design consideration is your online color scheme. 

The colors you pick for your website can have a major impact on your brand overall; colors can evoke emotional responses in visitors, and they help make your brand recognizable and memorable. 

The color scheme you choose will likely be based on your existing brand materials, such as your logo and other marketing materials. It will also be informed by your primary audience; different colors, fonts, and contrasts may appeal to certain demographics and not others.

To lay your foundation, start your page design by placing your logo in the upper left-hand corner. Everything should flow from that point out!

Steer Clear of Navigation Issues

While it may be tempting to create as many pages as you can, it’s probably more effective to keep things simple. 

Avoid overloading users with pages and options to keep them from getting overwhelmed. The most effective designs are often those that are attractive, clear, and concise. 

Think “ease-of-use”. 

Users should be able to navigate the site intuitively with no barriers. Include a comprehensive site map to help visitors locate the information they need. Your location headings should be descriptive and illustrative of the content they encompass. Site maps also help search engines sort and identify information for more accurate and positive search results.

The cleaner your design, the greater the focus will be on your brand and your content. 

Bombarding users with fancy design elements, distracting graphics and images, and large blocks of text can make the website feel messy and unfocused. To keep things smooth over time, test out the site regularly and make sure that every page and its content features short loading times and serves an overarching purpose. 

Finally, the easiest way to determine ease-of-use is to put yourself in a first-time user’s shoes and try to pinpoint any usability or navigation issues; this way, you can quickly find and eliminate problems and make the interface as user-friendly as possible!

Get on Schedule

An effective online design gets the ball rolling, but website management is a process. Over time, it evolves and changes. So too does your content, so it’s important to keep it up-to-date and fresh. 

Simplify your processes by keeping a schedule for regular updates. Content-wise, organizations want to maintain a steady stream of helpful, useful, original, and relevant material. A content management system (CMS) can help with this monumental task by streamlining your updates. 

You should also manually check all of your material regularly. Scroll through your pages and double check that all links and images are functional. Comb through all of your content and remove any outdated information. Training programs, surveys, and contact and feedback forms are some of the areas that often need attention. 

If you’ve put tracking and reporting systems in place, you can identify any pages or links that are underperforming, either in traffic, engagement, or conversion rates. You may choose to remove the offending sections or revise them; either way, you want all your pages performing at their best!

Give Them a Reason to Return

For some organizations, an online design that centerpieces first-time users is enough, but many depend more on return visitors. To accommodate the latter group, your website needs reasons for visitors to keep coming back. 

This can be achieved in several ways, but they can be broken down into content and structure. 

The structure of your website, for example, may accommodate return users by hosting an online forum or a continuous training program. If done right, users may treat your site as their industry hub or homepage.

The other major component is content, and content is (and likely always will be) king. Users will return to your website because of the material you host. If it’s fresh, useful, and relevant, people will continue to come back. 

Consider hosting an industry news and updates section. Start an active blog to provide helpful information to your members, consumers, and partners. Encourage and integrate social media sharing and beef up your social media presence to extend the reach of your online activities. 

Incorporate Marketing Strategies 

The next major stage of online design is mixing in marketing strategies. These should contribute to a cohesive overall brand identity and should be developed well in advance of starting your site. 

First, think about your ideal search terms. 

This goes back to your audience’s goals and what they want to achieve. What will they typically search for to find you, and in what other ways might your organization be useful to them? 

Once you know your ideal search terms, you can craft content and design elements to help facilitate positive search engine results. 

Your organization can be assisted here by CMS services or various SEO applications, which can help clean up your design and code to improve your search results. You can also do this manually by posting relevant content, creating engaging links on social media, and partnering up with local directories. 

Try to complete promotional activities regularly to keep your marketing fresh and effective, and use calls to action to get the most from visitors.

Think Secure

Once you’ve considered your major front-facing design elements, it’s time to secure your website. 

First of all, you want to provide multi-browser compatibility and security for your visitors, while also protecting your back end from attacks. 

To prevent automated spam from hitting your forums, forms, and comment sections, add some captcha tests to these sections; it may feel like an extra step for users, but it is essential in safeguarding your site overall. 

If your website allows online transactions, you’ll need to strengthen any security that protects consumer information and privacy. Add SSL certificates to prevent more browser-based threats, and conduct regular security audits to detect any vulnerabilities or suspicious activities. You’ll be thankful you did!

You may also like: Keeping Members on Your Association’s Website

Conclusion

Designing a website is a complex process, and there are many elements to consider when creating the one that’s best for your association.

We’ve highlighted some of the most important steps in this article: from knowing your purpose and audience to incorporating marketing strategies and keeping your site secure, you’ll be able to build a top-notch, valuable site for your members to enjoy. 

Ensure that your online design will be successful, engaging, and helpful to your visitors–try employing these steps today!

Sources

The post Online Design 101 appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As the leader of a member-based organization, you know that investing in the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to boosting member engagement.

In today’s digital age, many organizations are turning to learning management systems (LMS) to provide continuing education (CE) programs for their members. But how do you know if investing in an LMS is worth it?

The answer lies in calculating your projected return on investment (ROI): the measurement of how much value you gain compared to what you spend.

Calculating the ROI for an LMS, however, is not a one-size-fits-all equation; every organization will have different results depending on its needs. Results will depend on factors like course pricing, member participation, staff capacity, implementation costs, and overall system adoption.

In this article, we’re giving you a quick refresh of why it’s important to understand your technology’s ROI and, of course, how to do it yourself!

Key Takeaways

• ROI projections support smarter decisions 
  • Estimating potential return helps clarify whether a learning management system (LMS) aligns with financial priorities, operational needs, and long-term goals. 
• Non-dues revenue is only part of the picture
  • Course sales matter, but so do hidden cost reductions like staff time savings, tool consolidation, automation, stronger analytics, and easier reporting. 
• ROI will vary by organization 
  • Pricing, participation, staff capacity, setup approach, and workflows all shape results. Treat ROI as a strategic estimate, not a guaranteed outcome.
• The right LMS fit matters 
  • Ease of use, relevant features, scalability, and continuing education (CE) support all affect adoption, engagement, and long-term value. 
• Look past upfront costs 
  • A full analysis should include implementation, training, integrations, and management, along with gains in efficiency, automation, engagement, and scalability. 
• A strong LMS supports both delivery and growth 
  • A good LMS can improve engagement, simplify operations, and support long-term scalability. 

ROI (And Why It Matters)

The fundamental formula for an ROI is as follows:

ROI = [(Revenue – Investment) / Investment] x 100

Basically, it measures an investment’s profitability, providing a clear picture of the potential return relative to the investment cost (Southern Illinois University, 2024).

But why should you bother getting into the nitty-gritty calculation of your LMS? As it turns out, investing in technology creates a solid foundation for your organization’s growth!

In an article published by Wilcox (2025), “The Real ROI of Investing in Technology: Beyond the Numbers”, a successful digital transformation gives organizations the long-term boost they need to lead their industry. It improves financial performance, overall agility, and member satisfaction.

Crunching the numbers can therefore help determine whether investing in a quality LMS is the right move for you. Calculating ROI turns a simple math equation into a clear, strategic roadmap for your organization. By understanding the value of a tool, you can confidently adopt new technology and position yourself for a competitive advantage.

Calculating the ROI of Your LMS

Now that we’ve quickly brushed through what an ROI is and its importance, let’s look at how that specifically applies to an LMS investment.

The basic formula for calculating the ROI of investing in an LMS for continuing education programs is as follows:

LMS ROI = [((Average Course Price x Annual Enrollments) + (Members Influenced by LMS x Membership Fee x Attribution %) + Cost Savings – LMS Investment) / LMS Investment] x 100 

Now, this may look complicated, so let’s break it down step by step:

• Average course price: the cost of a typical course in your catalogue.
• Annual enrollments: how many course registrations you receive/expect to receive in a year. This figure includes enrollments across your full course catalogue.
• Members influenced by the LMS: this represents the estimated number of members whose renewal, engagement, or participation is positively impacted by your learning platform.
• Membership Fee: the cost of your annual membership fee.
• Attribution %: how much you attribute renewals/member registrations to the LMS and its offerings as a percentage. This will determine how much of the membership fee should be included in the ROI calculation.
  • If your CE is one of the main membership benefits for your organization (or a regulatory requirement!), you will likely opt for a high attribution percentage.
  • If your CE is a nice benefit but not the main draw of your organization, you may choose to go with a lower attribution percentage.

• Cost savings: the amount saved by using an LMS. This can include savings gained from consolidating separate tools and freeing up staff time.

• LMS investment: the total cost of acquiring, implementing, and maintaining the LMS.

For a more complete picture, you’ll want to break the investment down over time (ideally across the full length of your contract).

The first year on a new system will typically carry higher upfront costs due to implementation. After that, expenses are usually tied to ongoing platform use, maintenance, and any add-on services (such as end-user technical support).

Using a 3-year contract as an example, the formula would be as follows:

3-Year LMS ROI = [((Total Course Revenue + LMS-Attributed Membership Revenue + Total Cost Savings) – Total 3-Year LMS Investment) / Total 3-Year LMS Investment] x 100 

Let’s Try It!

Let’s say you run a health organization with about 8,000 members. Members need continuing education credits to maintain their professional standing, and your organization wants to use a learning management system (LMS) to deliver on-demand courses.

After reviewing your current programs, you estimate:

• You’ll offer about 20 courses on the platform
• The average course price will be $50
• You expect about 6,000 paid enrollments per year
• After course production, speaker, marketing, and administrative costs, you estimate a 50% net margin

This gives you:

$50 × 6,000 enrollments = $300,000 in gross annual course revenue

With a 50% net margin:

$300,000 × 50% = $150,000 in net annual course revenue

Because continuing education is an important member benefit (and, in your case, a regulatory requirement), you also estimate that the LMS will influence retention or renewal for about 3,000 members. Your annual membership fee is $150, but you only attribute 10% of that value to the LMS.

3,000 members x $150 x 10% = $45,000 in LMS-attributed membership revenue per year

Next, you estimate cost savings. By streamlining credit tracking, course administration, reporting, and event registration, the LMS could save about $45,000 per year in staff time and tool consolidation.

Finally, your vendor quotes:

• $25,000 for implementation
• $60,000 per year for the platform

Over a 3-year contract, your total LMS investment is:

$25,000 + ($60,000 x 3) = $205,000

Now, plug those numbers into the 3-year formula:

3-Year LMS ROI = [((450,000 + 135,000 + 135,000) – 205,000) / 205,000] x 100

3-Year LMS ROI = 251.22%

In this example, your preferred LMS delivers a strong return because it supports continuing education revenue, helps retain members, and reduces administrative costs over time.

But what if you want to see the value in dollar terms? Simple: your net return is as follows:

Total Gains – Total Investment

In this case, that works out to:

($450,000 + $135,000 + $135,000) – $205,000 = $515,000

So, all in all, for every $1 invested, your organization would receive approximately $3.51 in total return.

Things to Consider

Of course, revenue is only one part of the equation. An LMS can also add value by helping your team save time, reduce manual tracking, automate certificate issuance, manage CE credits, and access clearer reporting. These benefits may not always show up as direct course revenue, but they can still make a real difference in your overall return. (That’s why we have a “savings” section in the formula!)

There are a few key things to consider before investing in an LMS:

• Suitability: Ensure that the LMS you choose is the right fit for your organization. You need to make sure that it can offer the features and tools you need to successfully implement your continuing education programs.
• Intuitive navigation: Your LMS should be easy for members to use. If your members can’t find their way around, they won’t use it, and you won’t get a high ROI.
• Budget: It makes sense, after all: everything comes down to cost! This is where the ROI calculation comes in: if the expected costs exceed the expected benefits, it may be time to rethink the investment, adjust your approach, or look for a better fit.

You should also consider the full cost of the LMS, not just the annual subscription price. This can include both optional and mandatory items, such as:

• Data migration
• Implementation
• Staff training
• Support
• Integrations
• Time spent managing the system

On the benefits side, you want to think about more than simple course sales. Consider whether the LMS can:

• Save administrator time
• Improve CE tracking
• Issue certificates faster
• Support member engagement
• Provide comprehensive reports

Conclusion

Investing in a solid LMS can be a great way to get the most out of your continuing education programs. By calculating your ROI and taking the time to find the right fit, you can ensure that you get the most out of your investment. And, by arming your organization with the right tools, you’ll be able to offer your members a learning experience that’ll keep them coming back for more!

References

Southern Illinois University. (2024, June 20). Discover the Importance of ROI for Business Decision-Making. SIU Carbondale. https://onlinedegrees.siu.edu/programs/business/mba/finance/importance-of-roi-in-decision-making/

Wilcox, S. (2025, April 7). The Real ROI of Investing in Technology: Beyond the Numbers. Bluetread.com. https://www.bluetread.com/posts/the-real-roi-of-investing-in-technology-beyond-the-numbers

The post How to Calculate LMS ROI for Associations: Revenue, Cost Savings, and Continuing Education appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As member-based organizations increasingly rely on technology to run their operations and interact with their members, the value of connecting one’s tools can’t be overstated.

Today we’ll be talking about Software as a Service (SaaS) integrations, which link two separate cloud-based software systems together. Integration can provide many benefits to your organization, including increased efficiency, improved data accuracy, decreased administrative work, and higher member satisfaction. But what does that look like in practice?

In this article, we’ll explain how SaaS integration works, where it can be used, and why it matters for smoother day-to-day operations. Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

• Understand how connected systems work: Software as a Service (SaaS) integration allows separate platforms to exchange information and support more efficient workflows.
• Choose integrations based on your needs: The right setup depends on your organization’s systems, processes, and member experience goals.
• Keep data consistent across platforms: Data integrations can reduce duplicate entry and help member records stay accurate across connected tools.
• Simplify access with one login: Single sign-on (SSO) can make it easier for members to move between portals, courses, and resources.
• Streamline online transactions: Payment gateway integrations can process purchases, update records, and reduce manual work for staff.

What is SaaS integration?

IBM (2024) defines SaaS integration as the process of connecting software with other applications and systems, whether cloud-based or on-premises. It enables applications to request and share data more easily, driving workflow automation and enhancing functionality across various business processes. This can be achieved through several means, including:

• Application programming interfaces (APIs)
• Webhooks
• Pre-built connectors
• Middleware or integration platforms
• File imports and exports
• Web services

The main goal of SaaS integration is to help systems work together more effectively. This can reduce manual data entry, support workflow automation, improve data consistency, and make it easier for staff and members to move through connected processes.

In the context of organizations, SaaS integration can simplify member record management. For example, integrating your association management system (AMS) with your learning management system (LMS) can make course activity easier to track. Depending on the setup, when a member completes a course, that completion record then flows back into their member profile, helping staff keep learning records, certificates, and engagement data more organized.

SaaS integration can also help you save time and money while also improving information accuracy by reducing the need for manual data entry.

You may also like: 7 Universally Crucial Features for Your New LMS

Useful Integrations for Organizations

There are many types of SaaS integrations available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For member-based organizations, three common examples include data integrations, single sign-on (SSO), and payment gateway integrations.

Data Integration

Data integration allows different software applications to share, sync, or combine data. For member-based organizations, this can help connect systems, like your AMS, LMS, CRM, payment gateway, and events platform.

Data integrations can work in different ways. With one-way (or unidirectional) integrations, data only moves in one direction. It sends information to another but doesn’t receive anything from it (Skyone, 2022). For example, an event platform might send registration details to a member database, but the member database doesn’t send updates back.

Meanwhile, with bi-directional integrations, data flows back and forth between systems, helping keep records more consistent. Also known as two-way integration, this setup keeps data consistent across two or more applications over time (Gitlin, 2023).  For member-based organizations, this can mean that when a member updates their profile, registers for an event, completes a course, or renews their membership, that information can be reflected across connected systems. This can save a lot of time and hassle for both your team and your members!

Single Sign-on (SSO)

Another useful integration for member-based organizations is single sign-on (SSO). SSO allows members to access multiple software applications with a single set of login credentials (often the same username and password they use for your website or member portal!).

This can be especially convenient for members, as they don’t have to remember multiple sets of login information. And that’s not all! According to Okta (2022), SSO systems can reduce login-related help desk calls by 75%, save 30 minutes per application provisioning request, and speed up information technology (IT) integration with acquired businesses by 500%.

For example, an organization might use SSO to allow members to move from the member portal to the LMS without creating a separate account or logging in again. This can be especially helpful when members need to access courses, event recordings, certificates, or member-only resources through connected platforms.

Payment Gateway Integration

Payment gateway integrations connect your organization’s website, AMS, LMS, event platform, or online store with a payment processor, such as PayPal or Stripe. This allows members to pay for membership dues, event registration fees, continuing education courses, donations, products, and other purchases online.

What makes a payment gateway integration convenient is that it can provide a smoother checkout experience, whether payments are completed directly through your platform or via a secure hosted checkout page. Either way, the integration can help reduce manual payment processing for your staff, saving your organization time and money.

For example, when a member renews their membership, the payment gateway can process the transaction and send the payment status back to the connected system. Depending on the setup, the platform may also update the member’s renewal status, send a receipt, and record the transaction for reporting.

There are many other types of integration available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The right setup depends on your organization’s goals, systems, data needs, and member experience. To determine this, it can help to speak with a SaaS integration expert who can assess your systems, workflows, data needs, and member experience goals.

You may also like: Taking the Fear Out of Updating Your Association’s Technology

Conclusion

Overall, SaaS integrations can provide a number of benefits for organizations. When choosing a SaaS integration, it’s important to consider your needs and goals in order to select the best option for your organization; you’ll be glad you did!

References

IBM. (2024, July 15). SaaS integration. Ibm.com. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/saas-integration

Okta. (2022, April 28). The Advantages and Benefits of Single Sign-On (SSO). Okta.com; Okta.  https://www.okta.com/en-sg/blog/identity-security/benefits-of-single-sign-on/

Skyone. (2022, December 21). Systems integration: what is it, what types are there, and how does it work? Skyone. https://www.skyone.solutions/en/systems-integration/

The post What Is SaaS Integration? A Guide for Member-Based Organizations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

When it comes to managing your association’s educational programs, you may be wondering if an Association Management System (AMS) or a Learning Management System (LMS) is right for you.

So, which one is right for your organization? Let’s take a look at the key differences between association management and learning management systems to help you make the best decision for your organization.

What’s an AMS?

An association management system is a cloud-based software platform designed to help manage the day-to-day operations of membership organizations. AMS platforms provide a central database for storing member data, as well as tools for online payments, invoicing, event registration, email marketing, and more.

Association management systems also include features for building a professional website and online store. Many AMS platforms offer integration with third-party software programs, including QuickBooks, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and Eventbrite.

What’s an LMS?

A learning management system is a type of software that allows organizations to administer, track, sell, and deliver their continuing education courses online. They’re the most effective and economical solution when it comes to managing your association’s educational programs!

With an LMS, you can create and deliver courses online, track who takes each course (and how they perform!), and even sell courses directly to members. An LMS makes it easy to host continuing education content and follow user analytics in one central location.

You may also like: LMS is More Than Just a Tool for Continuing Education

So, what’s the difference?

One of the main differences between an AMS and an LMS lies in the type of data they track:

• An LMS is designed specifically for tracking data related to your educational programs, such as course completion reports, course purchase reports, and course information.
• An AMS, on the other hand, is designed to track membership data, such as membership type, renewal date, membership status, and revenue review data.

Another main difference includes the purpose of each system: why were they created?

The Key Features of an LMS

• An LMS is designed first and foremost for learning.
• It helps individuals gain new skills and knowledge, usually through participation in online or offline courses.
• An LMS will track progress, provide assessments, suggest learning paths, and offer certificates and accreditation.
• Learners can access an LMS at any time, any place, and on any device!

The Key Features of an AMS

• An AMS is designed to manage processes and events within an association.
• This includes membership functions like sponsorships, fundraising, payments, donations, and fees.
• An AMS also allows for communication between members and the organization through automated emails, invoices, reminders, and newsletters.

There is, of course, some overlap between the two systems. Both can offer eCommerce features, for example, and both can be used to store and organize data. But, at their core, an LMS is designed for learning while an AMS is designed for managing.

You may also be interested in: Post-Purchase Service: Why It’s Crucial When Picking an LMS Vendor

So, while an LMS helps individuals upskill and learn new things, an AMS helps associations manage their members and events. Both are essential for organizations with relevant interests, but they serve different purposes overall.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the main difference between association management systems and learning management systems is the type of data they track. An LMS tracks educational data, while an AMS tracks membership data. Additionally, the purpose of each system differs: an LMS is designed for learning, whereas an AMS is designed to manage processes and events within an association. Consequently, while there is some overlap between the two systems, they serve different functions overall.

Both systems can run independently from one another, or they can be integrated to create a seamless learning and membership experience for your organization. Whichever route you decide to go, make sure you pick a system that meets the specific needs of your organization!

The post AMS vs LMS: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

According to the 2014 Operating Ratio Report from the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), most associations have five primary revenue sources (outside of private donors):

• Memberships
• Events
• Certifications
• Educational programs
• The sale of goods and services

With today’s association members wanting to engage with associations online, Vocalmeet understands that a positive experience with your online system is one of the key ways associations can achieve this and, in so doing, increase revenue and grow membership.

By focusing on these key revenue generators, we ensure associations continue to deliver high value to their members and contribute to the long term sustainability of the association.

Let’s take a look at how!

1. Improve the Member Registration and Renewal Process

Registration has never been easier than it is with Vocalmeet.

Members are no longer required to fill out lengthy forms, nor do they need to wait for a certain date to get the most of their annual dues (nor submit their membership renewals!).

Vocalmeet’s online forms make it easy to sign up and even easier for administrators to track and analyze membership data. Member management is also dramatically improved, allowing for quick, easy, and personalized communication with members–keeping them more aware and engaged than you ever thought possible!

The online platform also has the added benefits of a much wider reach for potential members, as well as compatibility with different marketing channels (such as the major email providers), which helps boost both membership and advertising potential.

2. Generate Revenue with Online Learning and Certification

With the ability to offer courses and certifications online through Vocalmeet’s platform, your association can provide flexible learning opportunities to a wider member network than ever before. Online courses can also significantly decrease overhead costs for physical space, as well as the dollar-per-student costs that in-person training can rack up.

By monetizing and mobilizing rich online content (such as eLearning courses, webinars, digital publications, and more), associations can drive increased traffic and entice further sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

3. Simplify Event Registration and Increase Attendance

Just like association registration, event registration and marketing are made easy and effective with Vocalmeet’s intuitive event registration platform.

By running effective marketing campaigns for your events that speak directly to your members, your association can create a continued buzz for your upcoming events. The platform also allows associations to send automatic promotional emails through email marketing solutions like MailChimp and Constant Contact, effectively auto-marketing your events.

To accommodate members and attendees that cannot be present, Vocalmeet can also help your association create online or hybrid events that will provide a more mobile and flexible event platform, as well as an added medium for advertising and sponsorship dollars.

4. Build a Great Online Marketplace

Another potential–though largely underutilized–revenue stream for associations can be found in their online stores or marketplaces.

With Vocalmeet’s easy-to-use store settings, you can take online orders for the sale of goods and services, offering different delivery methods and even presenting varying options and prices to different members and membership levels. This is a great opportunity to publish and sell your content to members and site visitors! The purchased items are available for immediate download and viewing.

The ability to track and analyze this information also provides your association with additional information about your membership and clientele–pivotal data when approaching sponsors and advertisers!

5. Grow Revenue and Maximize Member Engagement with Digital Marketing

Not only does Vocalmeet have the ability to throw a much wider membership net–reaching and influencing a greater number of potential members–we can help to modernize your marketing efforts, too! 

Using our platform’s compatibility with different online marketing channels (such as major email solutions like MailChimp and Constant Contact, as well as other digital marketing giants like Facebook and LinkedIn), marketing not only keeps your connected members more engaged, but it also helps you generate new and future members!

You may also like: Learning Management Systems for Associations: An Overview

If you’re looking to bring your association up to date, don’t hesitate to contact us. Have any questions? Interested in a free demo? Visit us at https://legacyweb.vocalmeet.com or call our toll free number (866) 553-4540 and we’ll help you out!

Sources:

Operating Ratio Report (14^th Edition, October 2014). The American Society for Association Executives (ASAE).

The post How Vocalmeet Can Help Your Association Increase Member Engagement and Grow Revenue appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.