Let’s be honest: the tech part of starting a membership can make even the most grounded business owner spiral.
So many platforms. So many features. So many tabs open at once.
“Do I really need all of this? Am I doing it wrong if I don’t have Kajabi and Slack and three different email tools?”
The truth?
You don’t need a complicated system to run a meaningful, scalable membership.
You just need a few purposeful pieces—and permission to keep it simple.
The 3 Essential Tech Pieces for Any Membership
No matter what type of membership you’re building, you’ll need three core tools:
1. A Place to Host Your Content & Members
This is your membership’s home base.
It should feel clean, accessible, and easy for both you and your members to use.
Use it to:
- Deliver monthly resources
- Host a “Start Here” page
- Create a searchable content library over time
Some platforms to consider:
- Kajabi – Great all-in-one platform for content, payments, and community.
- Podia – A lower-cost all-in-one platform (content, payments, emails)
- Circle – Ideal for discussion-based memberships with community interaction.
- Mighty Networks – Works well for memberships that center around community engagement.
- ThriveCart Learn – A solid option with a one-time fee. I host my digital products here.
If you plan to add more courses and programs down the road, you might want to consider a platform that can grow with you. But if you just need a simple membership, go with simple.
2. A Payment Processor
It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to work without you chasing invoices.
If your platform includes payments, great. If not:
- Stripe – Reliable, easy to set up, and integrates with most platforms.
- PayPal – Great as an alternative payment option but not ideal for primary subscriptions.
- ThriveCart = allows you to customize checkout pages (integrates with both Stripe & PayPal)
Pro tip: Set up auto-reminders or “dunning emails” so you’re not manually following up when cards fail.
3. A Way to Communicate with Members
You don’t need five channels. You just need one clear, consistent space to connect.
Choose based on your style:
- Email = introvert-friendly + async
- Kit
- ActiveCampaign
- Kajabi
- Community = group chat feel
- Private podcast = cozy, thoughtful, and low-effort delivery
- Hello Audio
- Kajabi Podcasts
Remember: Communication builds connection—but only if it feels sustainable for you.
What You Don’t Need (At Least Not Right Away)
When you’re building something new, it’s easy to think, “More tools = more legit.” But often? More tools just means more tabs, more logins, more burnout.
Here’s what you can skip for now:
- Fancy automations – A welcome email + a monthly reminder is plenty to start.
- Multiple communication channels – Slack, Facebook, email, Voxer, podcast? Nope. Pick one.
- Live support 24/7 – Office hours twice a month is still support.
- Complex integrations – Avoid toolchains that require Zapier just to send an email.
Start lean. You can always layer later.
How to Choose the Right Tech for Your Membership
| If You’re Most Focused On … |
Start With … |
| Delivering content clearly |
Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific |
| Creating connection & discussion |
Circle, Mighty Networks, or Slack |
| Keeping it extra lean |
Zoom + Google Drive + Stripe |
| Having one tool do everything |
Kajabi or Mighty Networks |
Choose one tool per category:
→ Content Hosting
→ Payments
→ Communication
That’s your starter stack.
Small Step You Can Take Today
Write down:
- Where your content will live
- How people will pay
- How you’ll stay in touch
Then close every other tab.
You don’t need more tools—you need a clear plan for fewer tools that work.
