There’s no right way to run a membership – only the right way for you. In this post, I’ll break down three simple membership models you can choose from so you can stop overthinking and start getting clarity on what fits your business best.

This post is based on Episode 5 of my upcoming podcast, Beyond 1:1, launching soon! If you want to be the first to know when it’s live, join my email list.

 

Model 1: The Resource Vault (Low Time Commitment, High Value)

If you already have existing resources – like PDFs, videos, guides, or recorded trainings – a content library might be the easiest way to start a membership.

How it works:

• Members pay for access to a vault of valuable content. They can log in anytime and access lessons, templates, guides, or whatever you provide.
• Content can be dripped (released over time) or available all at once, depending on how you want to structure it.
• Works well if you want a low-maintenance membership model where your involvement is minimal after setup.

Examples:

✅ Managing Perimenopause Skin – A monthly membership where estheticians and skincare professionals receive ready-to-use client protocols, product recommendations, and treatment plans to help their clients manage hormonal skin changes.

✅ The Gut-Friendly Meal Plan Club – A weekly meal planning membership for people with IBD, where members receive 20-minute, gut-friendly meal ideas designed for remission support.

✅ The Prenatal Fitness Vault – A growing on-demand library of pregnancy-safe workouts, trimester-by-trimester strength training plans, and video guides for expecting moms.

Best for you if:
✔ You want a hands-off approach with minimal live interaction.
✔ You already have existing content or are willing to create it upfront.
✔ You want members to have flexibility in how they engage.
✔ You don’t want to commit to live calls or constant community engagement but still want to provide high-value resources.

 

Model 2: The Community Membership (Connection & Ongoing Support)

If you enjoy engaging with people and facilitating conversations, a community-based membership could be a great fit.

How it works:

• Members get access to an interactive space – this could be a private forum, Slack channel, Facebook group, or even a chat feature on your website.
• You can provide structured engagement through weekly prompts, live Q&As, or themed discussion topics to keep conversations going.
• Members benefit not just from you, but from each other – peer support is a big draw for many people.
• You set clear expectations for engagement so it doesn’t become overwhelming – some community memberships thrive with just a few check-ins per week.

Examples:

✅ Living with Endometriosis: A Private Support Circle – A peer-to-peer support membership where women with endometriosis can connect, share experiences, and get guidance on symptom management, lifestyle changes, and emotional support.

✅ The Nutrition Mastermind – A private community for naturopathic doctors where members can troubleshoot complex cases, share patient resources, and discuss emerging research in holistic health.

✅ ADHD for Entrepreneurs – A low-pressure support group for solopreneurs with ADHD, where members share productivity hacks, business struggles, and systems that actually work for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.

Best for you if:
✔ You love engaging with your audience and facilitating discussions.
✔ You enjoy building relationships and fostering a sense of community.
✔ You want a space where members can support each other, not just rely on you.
✔ You don’t mind checking in a few times a week to guide discussions but don’t want to provide daily content.

 

Model 3: The Hybrid Membership (A Mix of Content + Live Support)

If you like the idea of having structured content AND live interaction, the hybrid model blends the best of both worlds.

How it works:

• Members get access to pre-recorded content (videos, workbooks, templates) so they can learn on their own time.
• They also have opportunities for live support – such as Q&A sessions, group coaching calls, or office hours to get their questions answered in real time.
• Works well if you want to provide value without needing to be available all the time but still want to maintain personal connections with members.
• You can structure it so live interactions are at set intervals (like once a month) to prevent it from feeling like another full-time job.

Examples:

✅ Manage Your Acupuncture Practice – A monthly coaching membership for new acupuncturists, featuring live business Q&As, guest expert sessions, and templates for client intake, treatment notes, and marketing.

✅ Postpartum Recovery Circle – A C-section recovery membership, including monthly live group calls with a pelvic floor specialist, guided rehab exercises, and expert Q&As.

✅ The Online Therapy Growth Hub – A membership for therapists starting a private practice, offering self-paced business modules + biweekly office hours for personalized support.

Best for you if:
✔ You like creating structured content but still want some live engagement without feeling overwhelmed.
✔ You want members to learn at their own pace but have a way to check in and get personalized support.
✔ You don’t want a membership that requires constant availability but still want a connection with your members.
✔ You enjoy teaching but want a balance between automated content and live interaction.

 

Small Step You Can Take Today

Think about how you naturally like to work:

• Are you more of a content creator who enjoys making resources?
• Do you thrive on community and connection?
• Or do you like a mix of both?

Pick the model that sounds most like you – you can always adjust later, but starting with a clear format makes everything easier.

 

What’s Next?

Now that you have a better idea of your membership model, let’s talk about what actually goes inside your membership – without making it complicated. In the next post, I’ll break down exactly what to include so you’re not stuck overthinking every little detail.

This post is based on Episode 5 of Beyond 1:1, my podcast for wellness practitioners who want to expand beyond private sessions. The podcast is launching soon—join my email list to be notified!