Introducing members-only pages is one method Shopify store owners can use to improve customer loyalty and increase sales.
By setting up members-only pages, you can offer special experiences and benefits that deepen your relationship with customers. This article explains in detail the recommended apps for creating members-only pages on your Shopify store, along with the advantages and disadvantages of implementing them.
What Is a Members-Only Page?
A members-only page refers to a special page or feature that only registered members, or members above a certain membership tier, can access.
Reference: A members-only page built using the Shopify app "RuffRuff Order Limits"
Members-only pages provide unique content that isn't available on regular store pages. For example, they may include exclusive products that only members can purchase, special member pricing, or early-access sale information. It's also possible to offer a more personalized shopping experience, such as displaying recommended products customized based on each member's purchase history and preferences.
The blog article below introduces various other restriction features available on Shopify, in addition to members-only pages. Please use it as a reference.
Benefits of Implementing a Members-Only Page
You Can Expect Improved Customer Loyalty
By offering special content and products on a members-only page, you increase customer satisfaction and attachment to your brand. For example, by featuring exclusive product information or special sale information that only members can view, you can make members feel the value of their membership.
You Can Expect Increased Sales
By offering specially priced products or early-access products on a members-only page, you can stimulate purchase intent and boost sales. Encouraging access to the members-only page can also lead to longer time spent on the site and more purchasing opportunities.
You Can Collect Data Efficiently
Since accessing a members-only page requires member registration, you can efficiently collect customer information. By analyzing the collected data, you can understand customer needs and behavior patterns and build more effective marketing strategies.
You Can Differentiate Yourself From Competitors
By offering a unique members-only page, you can clearly distinguish yourself from other stores. For example, you can provide unique value through features like member-exclusive product customization or information about online events that only members can join.
Drawbacks of Implementing a Members-Only Page
Increased Operating Costs
Creating and managing content for a members-only page, as well as the cost of the Shopify app needed to implement it, requires additional effort and expense. Regular content updates are also needed to maintain the appeal of the members-only page.
Non-Members May Feel Excluded
The existence of a members-only page can make non-member (guest) users feel left out. This may arise from the stress of not being able to access part of the site's content, or from the impression that they are not receiving special treatment.
Shopify Apps That Can Implement Members-Only Pages
This section introduces Shopify apps that let you restrict access to specific pages so that only members can access them.
RuffRuff Order Limits
RuffRuff Order Limits is a Shopify app that lets you implement a wide range of purchase restrictions all in one. For example, a single app lets you implement the following types of purchase restrictions:
- Quantity limits
- Multiple-quantity limits
- Amount limits
- Customer limits
- Bundled-purchase limits
- Payment method limits
- Shipping limits
- Viewing limits (access restrictions)
Since the app was developed by a Japanese company, it offers robust Japanese-language support, and it has also earned Shopify's official mark of the highest quality apps, "Built for Shopify."
Unlike conventional access-restriction apps, it makes no code changes to your theme, so you can use it with peace of mind, without the risk of leftover code or a broken theme after uninstalling.
Pricing: The Light plan starts at $9.90/month or $99/year, and the Full plan starts at $29.90/month or $299/year. Cumulative quantity limits are available only on the Full plan.
Below is a demo product with access restrictions applied via RuffRuff Order Limits so that only members can access it. Please use it as a reference.
The blog article below explains how to use RuffRuff Order Limits to restrict access to a specific product to members only. Please use it as a reference.
LockSmith
Source: LockSmith｜Shopify App Store
"LockSmith" is a Shopify app that lets you control access to specific pages. LockSmith is one of the most popular access-control apps on Shopify. It can restrict access to specific regions only, or control access so that only people who know a specific password, or members with a specific tag, can gain access.
By using LockSmith, you can create members-only pages that only specific members can access.
The blog article below introduces LockSmith's plans, how to set it up, and specific usage instructions. Please use it as a reference.
Pricing: From $12/month
Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B (formerly EasyLockdown)
Source: Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B｜Shopify App Store
Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B is an app that, like LockSmith, can restrict access to specific pages or products. In addition to being highly functional, Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B is characterized by being more affordable to use than LockSmith.
It offers access control via IP restrictions and geolocation, access control via passwords, and the ability to set access permissions by member group.
By using Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B, you can create members-only pages that only specific members can access.
The blog article below introduces Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B's plans, how to set it up, and specific usage instructions. Please use it as a reference.
Pricing: $9/month
(Bonus) Shopify Apps That Enable Members-Only Sales
This section introduces Shopify apps that, rather than restricting access, let you control purchasing or offer discounted sales for specific members only.
RuffRuff 予約販売
RuffRuff 予約販売 is an app that enables pre-order sales on Shopify. Beyond pre-orders, a single app lets you implement limited-time sales, coming-soon announcements, discount sales, and deferred payment.
By using RuffRuff 予約販売, you can run sales (or promotions) exclusively for members, or run sales (or promotions) exclusively for members with a specific customer tag.
Pricing: From $9/month
The page below is a demo product showing members-only sales and members-only promotions run using RuffRuff 予約販売. Please use it as a reference.
In Conclusion
Introducing a members-only page is a powerful tool for increasing customer engagement and building brand loyalty. By using apps such as LockSmith and Easy Wholesale Lock for B2B, you can easily create members-only pages on your Shopify store. In addition, by using RuffRuff 予約販売 and RuffRuff Order Limits, you can also run members-only sales and promotions.
That said, members-only initiatives also come with drawbacks, such as increased operating costs and a sense of exclusion among non-members. For that reason, it's important to carefully consider your own business model and customer base and build an appropriate strategy. By effectively leveraging a members-only page, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and build long-term relationships with your customers.
The blog article below introduces recommended Shopify apps—beyond those for building members-only pages—that help boost sales and improve operational efficiency. Please use it as a reference.
