10 creative ideas for naming membership levels (with examples)

Are you planning to build a membership website but don’t know what to call your membership levels? Don’t want to follow the usual pattern of tier naming? Want to stand out by using an innovative naming convention?

Naming can be much tougher than you might think.

If it wasn’t bad enough having to come up with a cool name for your website, you now have to come up with names for your membership levels!

We feel your pain, which is why we wrote this post.

We’re going to provide 10 ideas for naming membership tiers along with some examples. We aim to provide the inspiration you need to get your website up and running!

What are membership levels?

Membership levels are another word for membership tiers. Just like you have different levels at different prices for Spotify or Netflix, you can do the same.

Typically, the cheap tier offers basic access. A more expensive tier offers wider access to all content.

The most expensive tier offers extra features like seminars, priority tickets, one-on-one time with you, access to learning resources or other exclusivity not available in lower tiers.

The idea of levels is to fit the preferences, demands and budgets of individual members so that everyone can find their ideal fit.

What are membership level names?

Membership level names are often selected to carry a sense of value associated with each tier.

Here are some common membership tiers examples:

• Basic/Standard
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum
• Diamond
• Elite
• VIP
• Premier
• Founder
• Ambassador
• Executive
• Inner Circle
• Ultimate
• Exclusive
• Lifetime
• Pro
• Pioneer
• Champion
• Royal
• Empower
• Stellar
• Prime

These are just a few membership level names we see in use across the internet. They are descriptive, sure, but hardly memorable.

Why do membership level names matter?

Membership level names can play an important role in creating engagement among your members. They can make your program more exciting and encourage members to stay loyal to your brand.

It also plays a part in tribe.

A membership website is a tribe of like-minded people who share a particular interest, perspective or other trait.

Most of us want to be part of one or more tribes and the name of that tribe can significantly influence how we engage.

Let’s examine the significance of why membership level names matter and why they can make a difference for your business:

Identity

Membership level names help members feel recognized and part of your group. Think about participating in a program where you are referred to as a ‘Silver Member’ or a ‘Platinum Elite.’

These names can provide members with a sense of exclusivity, distinction and worth.

It’s similar to being a member of an exclusive tribe where someone can boast, “I’m a Gold Star member!”

Progression

Using tiered membership level names can help create a clear path of progression for members and has a gamification element.

It’s great to start as a ‘Bronze Member’ and work your way up to ‘Silver Member’ as it gives you a clear goal to aim for.

It motivates members to achieve goals that recognize their loyalty. Every step you take is a reason to celebrate and it encourages members to interact more with your brand.

Personalized benefits

Different membership levels frequently have exclusive advantages. You may express these benefits in a straightforward manner by giving each level a particular name.

For example, ‘Gold Royalty’ can be entitled to special discounts while ‘Diamond Elite’ has access to private events.

You can increase the level of excitement and attraction by giving these advantages catchy names.

Word-of-mouth marketing

Using catchy membership level names can help your brand stand out and create a buzz through word-of-mouth marketing.

When you’re proud of your membership status, it’s natural to want to share your experiences with friends, family and colleagues.

Provoking conversation with naming can turn into powerful word-of-mouth marketing.

Emotional connection

Membership level names can help establish an emotional connection with members.

For example, imagine a level called ‘Platinum Ambassadors.’ The name implies that members are more than just customers – they are valued, passionate supporters of your brand.

It’s good when customers feel emotionally connected. It helps build loyalty and makes them feel like they’re part of something meaningful.

10 ideas for naming membership levels with examples

Here are ten membership level name ideas along with real life examples. We cover a selection of name types to cover any eventuality.

They include:

• Price/Term-based membership levels
• User-based membership levels
• Content delivery membership levels
• Content access membership levels
• Supporter-based membership levels
• Interest-based membership level names
• Time-based membership level names
• Achievement-based membership level names
• Different groups based membership level names
• Progression-based membership level names

Let’s get started!

1. Price/Term-based membership levels

Price-based membership levels are one of the common naming conventions. You’ll often see them on websites like news, web hosting and others.

With this type of membership level, the level of benefits, features and services the member receives depends on the price point.

In general, more expensive membership tiers provide more premium services than cheaper ones.

For example, The New York Times used the price based membership levels in their website. You see the payment is time-based, monthly and yearly.

You can also use name conversion like the following:

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Quarterly
• Annually
• Lifetime

Members may quickly comprehend what they are getting for their money because the names are so clear.

2. User-based membership levels

Members are assigned to membership tiers or groups based on their status. Think ‘Freelancer’, ‘Agency’, ‘Enterprise’ or ‘Family’ type names.

Online communities, platforms with a subscription model, loyalty schemes and other similar systems frequently have user based membership levels.

These levels may have different names and features, but they often have a hierarchical structure with more benefits as you go up through the levels.

Spotify has four distinct membership tiers, each one denoted by the user type.

3. Content delivery membership levels

The term ‘content delivery membership levels’ refers to different membership tiers or levels that control the kind and quantity of content accessible to subscribers.

This idea is frequently used in content-driven websites including streaming platforms, educational platforms and others.

Subscribers have access to different levels of content depending on their membership level. Members can select the level that best satisfies their interests and needs because each level often offers a varied range of content, features, or perks.

Netflix offers membership levels based on content delivery.

4. Content access membership levels

A website’s content is like a treasure and different membership tiers are like different keys to open it.

You can begin with a free access level, much as in a game, where you can sample what’s on offer.

You can then upgrade to a basic or premium subscription if you want to access premium content and features.

MasterClass is a popular online learning platform using content access membership tiers.

5. Supporter-based membership levels

Supporter-based membership levels are a sort of membership that enables members to contribute money to a website or organization in exchange for special advantages.

These advantages may consist of early access to content, exclusive discounts, or even the chance to work on projects with the website or business.

Websites are increasingly using supporter-based membership levels as a strategy to make money and grow supporter numbers.

For example, Patreon offers supporter-based membership levels on their website.

6. Interest-based membership level names

A membership level can also have a name based on member interests, known as an interest-based membership level.

This can be an effective strategy for attracting new members who value the same things that your tribe does.

Potential members will quickly be able to understand and relate to what kind of community and material they can expect on your site.

TradersFly comes with different membership plans based on member’s interests.

7. Time-based membership level names

Membership levels with names dependent on the duration of a member’s access to benefits are known as time-based membership levels.

The name of a membership level, for instance, could be ‘Monthly’ or ‘Yearly.’

They aren’t usually the most creative names, but they provide instant recognition, which can be a definite benefit.

You can usually add a little creativity to make things a little more interesting.

RosettaStone membership plans is a good example of time-based membership levels.

8. Achievement-based membership level names

Achievement-based membership level names refer to tiers that are allocated in accordance with successes or milestones.

Think ‘Pro’, ‘Player’, ‘Master’, ‘Guru’ and other types of names.

These membership levels are common in a variety of settings, including online gaming groups, fitness apps, educational platforms and networking websites.

These levels inspire members, provide a sense of accomplishment and offer a systematic path for advancement and acknowledgment within the community.

Option Alpha organizes its membership level names based on achievement-based.

9. Group-based membership level names

Consider the demographic groups that could be interested in joining your membership program when naming your tiers.

For instance, if you own a fitness center, you might have various levels of membership for seniors, adults, and students. Or for athletes, amateurs, weight loss or something else entirely.

Working with your audience enables you to customize each level’s advantages to meet the unique requirements of each group.

Plus, members join a tribe they can immediately identify with.

For instance, the Apple Music membership tiers are a perfect example of group-based membership levels.

10. Progression-based membership level names

Progression-based membership level names use descriptive terms to describe a progression path through your website or knowledge.

Think ‘Apprentice’, ‘Newbie’, ‘Padawan’, ‘Jedi’, ‘Master’, ‘Professional’ and so on.

These names can be used to encourage participants to keep taking part in the program and to honor them for their dedication. They can also play into gamification, which we mentioned earlier.

For example, the Institute of Videography has a strict hierarchy for members. You begin as an Ordinary Member before becoming a Master, Fellow or Corporate member.

You even have to take tests to climb the tiers!

Best practices for creating successful membership levels

Creating successful membership levels requires careful planning and consideration as they can impact how a member relates and engages with you.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Understand your audience

Understanding your target audience’s needs, preferences, and demographics is essential when developing membership levels.

To learn more about what members value most, conduct market research and gather feedback from current subscribers.

Keep it simple and flexible

Keep your membership structure as simple as possible. Try not to give your audience too many choices.

It’s good to limit the number of tiers and make sure to explain the advantages and distinctions of each level. Allowing members to readily upgrade or downgrade their membership will also add flexibility.

Provide exclusive benefits

Offer exclusive awards and benefits to make each membership level feel special.

These could include activities that are exclusively open to members, early access to new releases, special discounts and priority support.

It’s great to keep each level’s value proposition attractive enough to encourage continued membership.

Consider pricing strategy

Pricing is very important in deciding how well your membership levels do. Consider elements including the perceived worth of the benefits, competitive pricing and accessibility to your target market.

To accommodate different tastes, think about providing multiple cost alternatives, such as monthly, yearly, or lifetime subscriptions.

Review and update membership levels

Examine tier performance and comments to spot areas that could be improved.

To determine how well each tier is working, keep an eye on member engagement, satisfaction and retention rates. Continually revise your levels in light of these insights and changing client needs.

Test each membership tier

Consider running a pilot test with a smaller set of clients before introducing your membership levels to a large audience.

Before a full-scale rollout, you may use this to gather feedback, polish the benefits and make sure the tiers are well-liked.

Wrapping Up

The success of a membership program is greatly influenced by the titles of the membership levels. They act as a tool for involving members, fostering a sense of exclusivity and inspiring them to stay a member.

Well-crafted membership level names give members a clear identification, a path of growth, individualized perks and an emotional connection to the brand, whether they are based on cost, user type, content delivery, or achievements.

In this article, we’ve shared 10 great name types for membership tiers and spoken about how crucial it is to name your membership tiers correctly.

We hope we have given you plenty to think about when you’re ready to set up your own membership site.

If you are thinking of setting up a membership website, check out SureMembers. It’s one of the top WordPress membership plugins you can use!