DOWNLOAD & SAVE THIS POST >> CLICK HERE <<Written by the PromoteLabs team. Updated for 2027.
You can grow a membership without paid ads by turning members into referrers, partnering with non-competing marketers through podcasts, webinars and ad swaps, offering your content in more formats to reach more people, adding intermediate and advanced tiers, and giving away free memberships or trials to build your list. Lower acquisition costs come from people who already trust you or your partners.
Start with your own audience
- Referrals: reward members who invite friends with a free month or a bonus.
- Testimonials: ask happy members for short stories and use them everywhere.
- Upgrade paths: invite your email list and past buyers first.
Partner with other marketers
| Partnership | How it works |
|---|---|
| Podcast guesting | Teach on someone else’s show and invite listeners to a free offer |
| Joint webinars | Co-host a training and share the leads |
| Ad and email swaps | Promote each other’s free offers to similar-size audiences |
| Affiliates | Pay partners a share of each membership they bring in |
Widen your reach with formats
Some people read, some listen, some watch, some learn by doing. Offer each lesson as video, text, audio and a worksheet, and you appeal to more buyers and make your site more accessible.
Raise perceived value
- Add intermediate and advanced content so members don’t outgrow you.
- Add done-for-you tools and templates as member bonuses.
- Offer a premium tier with live support.
Give memberships away to build your list
Free memberships or trials attract subscribers you can later upgrade. Our Platinum Reseller License gives you reseller access to 10 membership websites you can give away to grow your list; see PromoteLabs Licensing.
Keep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get members without ads?
Use referrals, partner podcasts, webinars and ad swaps, and free trials that lead to paid upgrades.
Do free memberships hurt sales?
Not if the free level shows value and clearly leads to a paid upgrade.
What is the cheapest way to grow a membership?
Referrals from happy members and partnerships with non-competing marketers.
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