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
  
  • Slack
  • Discord
  • Telegram
• 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.