Member Categories: Now integrated with Profile Questions and Paid Access

[Eric Suesz]

Read all about how to Integrate Member Categories with Profile Questions in the Help Center.

Two requests we've heard about the new member categories feature are to a) add the ability to tie categories into Profile Questions so members can automatically be placed into categories upon sign-up, and b) tie this into Paid Access. We're happy to report that we've completed the work for both of these. If you've thought member categories might be a nice-to-have feature, these changes may turn it into a must-have feature.

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Automatically add new members to categories

Most Network Creators ask their members a few profile questions when they sign up. Now, you can use a multiple-choice question to automatically slot members into a custom-made member category:

• You'll find the option to assign members to categories only when you use multiple-choice Profile Questions.
• You can assign a member to only one category, so one "single-answer" multiple-choice profile question can be used for this purpose.
• Create a question and match up the answers you've specified with the categories you've created. New members are automatically added to those categories.
• You can easily add or remove answer choices. You can also drag and drop the answer choices into the order you prefer.
• You can assign members to categories using up to 10 multiple-choice answers. The first 10 you've indicated will be used. You can always reorder these by dragging and dropping them.
• Want to use a Profile Question you've been asking for the past two years to put people into new categories? Not a problem. You can retroactively assign members to new categories you've created based on the answers they've given in the past.

A few things to keep in mind

• One person, one category: Members can only be in one category at a time (the most recent category they were assigned to, whether that was manually or automatically).
• More robust messaging: You can use member categories to message your categories directly, so this gives you a more powerful way to filter members for messaging purposes.
• Simpler might be better: You have the flexibility to keep changing these details, but too much revision of category designations might confuse members if they are continually moved to new categories. Of course, it's all up to you, but we recommend picking a few categories and sticking with them.
• New Profile Questions & Old Members: If you want to create a new profile question and tie it into member categories, existing members will need to edit their profile question list. They can do this from their Settings page.
• Adopt this when you're ready: Not sure how you want to use this yet? This is an optional features, so you can always add this later if you're not ready to jump in.

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Member Categories + Paid Access

The other big request we've heard from Network Creators is to tie the new member categories into the Paid Access optional add-on. We knew that would be a big request, and we're happy to report that this second round of improvements now supports Paid Access. We've added two different ways to encourage your members to sign up for special membership designations and badges.

Fixed-price paywall integration

Use Member Categories in conjunction with a fixed-price paywall to assign paying members who pay to a custom-made category. For example: You want members who pay to subscribe for access to a special VIP Group to be identified with a special VIP badge. You can simply assign those paying members to a custom-made category.

Donation paywall integration

Use Member Categories in conjuntion with a donation paywall to encourage members to give more to achieve a higher level of prestige. You do this by setting a threshold for payment that puts one (higher-paying) class of membership on a pedestal. For example: Gold members = $20/year donation; everyone who contributes below that amount = Silver member; all non-paying members = a non-paying category (you can simply use the "default member" designation for non-paying members if you choose).

We hope you will find a lot of new uses for Member Categories using these two new ways to extend the feature. Let us know how you plan to use it!

[Eric Suesz]

You want to create 400 member categories? I have to say that I would never expect that type of use from this feature. May I ask why you want to create 400 different categories? How many members do you have, and how would you use this feature? Just kind of curious because this is a very unexpected question.

[Robert Spencer]

i would like 400 member categories because members of my site would like to update their in game level from 1 to 400. I think it would be a great feature for my site, as many members owuld come back to update their profile. Most members use it to track their progress through the game and this would add to this functionality.

[Eric Suesz]

Okay, but you realize that you would have to update a member whenever they progressed from level 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to... 400. This sounds like a total administrative nightmare. A completely un-winnable game. Note that members do not assign themselves to categories. NCs and admins choose those. 

[soaringeagle]

u need 400/ ???? i dont think thres a limit but only 10 can auto populate by profile question

why does creators say please write something in your reply everytime i try to reply? i gota copy reload paste  add reply..every single time!

[Starrfire Price]

This is a great addition, well done!

[Christopher Witecki]

well thought out.  Great job Ning.

[Christopher Witecki]

ONE REQUEST:   I'm an astrology site.  Many of your new features have a cap on "10" options.  Everything in my life and soul has "12" options (for 12 zodiac signs)

So I'm always challenged with 10 subTab limits, now 10 multiple choice questions, etc. 

If there is any way you can bump to 12?  I know that's a special request but MANY businesses deal with varieties by the dozen instead of 10.

Thank you in advance.

Christopher Witecki

Founder, http://Soulgarden.me

[Eric Suesz]

In most situation, I think 10 is more than enough. But, I can totally see how in your specific case this would be an issue. Not sure if we can change this, but I will pass it along to the product manager. 

[Bousal]

yes, more is really needed 

[Planeta Balada]

Now would be nice having the option to share content such as events, groups, photos and forums for members of a specified category!

Thanks! 

[B Blogger]

Very cool. 

[Paulo Mello]

Very good these new features.They turns it easier to manage our network and it's members !!!