When the Internet first exploded, some publishers thought a membership website was the answer to the online opportunity. Many put the content from their print product on a website behind a firewall and charged users for access. Today, it is obvious that no successful publishers are using that overly simplified online business model because it does not work.

What does work are the Mequoda best practices for membership website design described in this report. Methods like having an easily searchable, extensive archive and clean navigation are all vital, as are others that you will discover.

The two business goals of every membership website are to acquire and retain paying members. The 14 guidelines for successful membership website design will teach you how to achieve those goals. You will understand the best ways to find and satisfy members because you will have discovered the secrets of some of the best membership websites online today, including ConsumerReports.org and WSJ.com.