There are certain benefits that come from developing a site that requires members to log-in. When developing a members only WordPress site, every individual is assigned a unique login and password, which they use to gain full access to the site. Setting up a members only site also gives the administrator greater management options, and user access settings. To set up a members only WordPress site follow these step-by-step instructions.


Step 1: Start a blog, and log in as the administrator

This is relatively simply; just go to WordPress and follow the step by step instructions on the screen to create a new blog. You can skip this step if you plan to make an already established blog into a members-only site. Then, decide what your purpose is in making the site members only. When running a business, like a direct sales team, creating a members only site can be extremely valuable because it lets you post confidential information. Members only sites can also be used to set up a more advanced layer of your site, which requires members to pay a fee for entry. For example, if you keep a blog about quilting, the members only site might provide access to printable versions of each quilt design. it is important that you keep your purpose in mind when moving through the process of setting up a members-only blog.

Step 2: Go to the Site Admin Area

Go to the Site Admin area of the page; this is the menu that lets you edit posts, change the blog's appearance and add plug-ins.

Step 3: Click on the Plugins Menu

Click on the Plugins menu, and then click "add new." Which plugin you need to upload to your site depends on how you would like it to be structured. If you want members to be able to join the website for free, upload a members plugin. There are a wide variety of membership plugins available. Read the summary of each plugin to select the one that is right for your organization. For example, the s2members plugin is one that allows you to charge a membership fee. Make sure that the plug-in you select is compatible with the version of WordPress you are using. This information is visible in the "description" menu for each plugin option.

Step 4: Install and Activate the Plugin

There will be a blue hyperlink that says "Install." You must click on this to fully add the members plug-in to your page. It will then be visible from the plugins area of your page. Scroll through the plugins on the page until you see the Members plugin. Then click in the box beside the word "Activate" to get the plugin running.

Step 5: Adjust the Members Menu

After adding the plugin, your WordPress site will have a new menu called "members." Go into this menu and adjust the settings there to control how members interact with your site. This is where you can set up how they pay for membership, and how often they are required to log in. Make sure that you go to the Private Site area of the menu and click the option that forces members to log in and log out. Without activating this option, the blog will not truly become members only.

Whether you are using your WordPress site as an educational platform, training tool, or financial asset, the ability to make it members only can be valuable. Setting up a members only site is as easy as adding a plug-in, activating it, and adjusting the settings. Set a purpose and add member features with just a few simple steps today.