Hey there! If you’ve landed here, I reckon you’re looking to spruce up your lapsed membership settings in Wild Apricot. I know how important it is to keep your members engaged and to tweak those settings just right. I’ve been in the same boat, and through that journey, I’ve gathered some nifty tips to help you get things rolling. Let’s dive into it, shall we?
Understanding Lapsed Memberships
What is a Lapsed Membership?
Lapsed memberships are those that have expired and have not been renewed. This could happen for various reasons – maybe your members forgot to renew, or they lost connection with the organization. Regardless, identifying lapsed memberships is a crucial initial step in re-engaging them.
In Wild Apricot, the system automatically manages membership statuses. However, it’s important to regularly check this status to ensure that you’re engaging with the right members at the right times. Trust me, knowing who’s lapsed can help you shape your re-engagement strategies.
Understanding what a lapsed membership entails can give you insights into how to approach those members and what communication strategies to employ. A little knowledge goes a long way!
Why Should You Care?
Okay, let’s be real here. Lapsed memberships mean lost revenue and potentially lost community engagement. It’s like having a garden and neglecting some plants; they could flourish if you just give them a bit of attention!
By addressing lapsed memberships, you can increase your organizational growth trajectory. When members feel prioritized, they are more likely to renew. This isn’t just about the money; it’s about making your community vibrant!
So, if you’re still unsure why you should care, think of it as preserving relationships. Every member that lapses has a story, and by reconnecting with them, you show that your organization values its community.
Using Wild Apricot Features
Wild Apricot offers a plethora of features designed to help you manage membership status seamlessly. From automated reminders to personalized outreach, knowing how to leverage these tools can be a game changer.
The membership database allows you to filter out lapsed memberships easily, and from there, you can use templates for email campaigns targeted toward encouraging renewals.
Exploring the settings menu can reveal a treasure trove of options that’ll help you refine your approach to re-engaging members.
Adjusting Membership Renewal Settings
Accessing Membership Settings
Alright, let’s get technical! To change the lapsed membership settings in Wild Apricot, you first need to navigate to your membership settings. Don’t worry; it’s not rocket science. Simply log in to your organization’s account and click on “Membership levels”.
You’ll see options for each membership level you have in place. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with where everything is hiding. It’s like finding your way around a new city; you just need a bit of time to get your bearings.
Once you’re comfortable, you’ll be ready to make adjustments that can have a significant impact on your engagement strategy!
Setting Up Renewal Reminders
One of the smartest things you can do is set up automatic renewal reminders. You can customize how many notifications your members receive. I typically choose a mix of emails, SMS, and maybe a personal outreach if they’ve been silent.
You can decide how far in advance these reminders go out. Just keep in mind that not everyone responds the same way to reminders—experiment to find what works best for your community!
By creating a thoughtful reminder system, you can minimize the number of lapses and keep your members informed. It’s all about nurturing those relationships!
Personalizing Member Experiences
Don’t forget to personalize communications! When setting up notifications, throw in a bit of personal touch when possible. Use their names, refer to their past activities in the organization, and highlight updates that might interest them.
Personalization can make all the difference! Members are more likely to engage when they feel recognized as individuals rather than just numbers on a spreadsheet.
And remember, this isn’t just about getting them to renew; it’s about creating an atmosphere of belonging. This can be the differentiator between merely retaining a member and truly re-engaging them.
Engaging Lapsed Members
Creating Targeted Re-engagement Campaigns
Once you’ve nailed down your settings, it’s time for the fun part: reaching out to those lapsed members! I like to create targeted email campaigns that tackle why their membership matters. Include updates, testimonies, or maybe a little incentive to renew.
It’s essential to be clear about the value your organization brings. Did you recently host an amazing event or launch a new program? Share that information! Be transparent and inviting.
Approach them as if you were reconnecting with an old friend. Warm, casual, yet persuasive—that’s the trick!
Utilizing Feedback for Future Improvements
Don’t just reach out for the sake of it; gather feedback too! This could be in the form of surveys following your re-engagement campaigns. Ask lapsed members why they didn’t renew and what would have encouraged them to stay.
Utilizing this information can help you pinpoint areas for improvement within your organization. Maybe it’s programming, communication channels, or even content that needs an update.
Don’t shy away from making necessary changes based on the feedback you receive—this kind of evolution fosters a vibrant, responsive community!
Building Stronger Connections
Engagement doesn’t stop when a member renews; it’s a continuous journey. Keep the lines of communication open, allow your members to suggest ideas, and make them feel a part of the organization.
Consider hosting exclusive events or webinars for past members. This not only makes them feel special but also reignites their interest in what you’re doing.
It’s like planting seeds; with effort, you’ll see a blooming garden of relationships that last for years to come!
Measuring Success
Tracking Renewal Rates
So, you’ve done the work; now it’s time to see how effective it’s been! Tracking your renewal rates post-adjustments is crucial. Wild Apricot has built-in analytics that can help you see how well your lapsed settings are performing over time.
A spike in renewals is a clear indicator that your new approaches are resonating. However, don’t stop there; keep iterating and finding ways to further improve your engagement efforts.
Remember, this is a long-term play. Membership engagement isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon, and tracking helps you stay on course!
Evaluating Engagement Campaigns
Your re-engagement campaigns can be assessed based on open rates, click-through rates, and ultimately, the number of renewals. Dive into this data to understand which messages resonate most with your audience.
If an email blasts are turning heads, consider running similar campaigns in the future. If something flopped, take it as a learning opportunity. The goal here is continuous improvement!
Each time you run a campaign, keep tweaking it based on previous results. Over time you’ll find that sweet spot that feels just right for your members.
Using Insights for Future Planning
Finally, the insights you gather from tracking success should inform your future planning. If many members are lapsing after a particular period, think about how you can intervene earlier. Perhaps adjusting membership offerings or payment plans might help.
This is all about building a sustainable membership program that stands the test of time. Adjust, learn, grow—that’s the mantra!
FAQ
1. How do I access my lapsed membership settings in Wild Apricot?
You can easily access lapsed membership settings by logging into your account, navigating to “Membership levels”, and checking the membership statuses listed there.
2. What should I include in a renewal reminder?
Your renewal reminders should be friendly and inviting, incorporating the member’s name and highlighting the benefits they receive from being a member. Personal touches go a long way!
3. How can I measure the success of my re-engagement campaigns?
You can measure success by tracking renewal rates and analyzing metrics from your email campaigns such as open rates and click-through rates to see what strategies are working best.
4. What if members don’t respond to my outreach?
If members aren’t responding, it may be time to evaluate your messaging. Consider gathering feedback from those who have lapsed to better understand their needs and adjust your approach accordingly.
5. How frequently should I review my membership settings?
It’s wise to review your membership settings every few months to ensure everything is running smoothly and that you are effectively engaging your members. Consistent check-ins allow for adjustments based on member feedback and changing needs.