Creating Memberships

Creating and managing memberships in MediaOS gives you flexibility in offering subscription-based access to your content. MediaOS uses a system of membership types and tier types to help you build dynamic membership structures that can accommodate various pricing models, access levels, and special offers. This guide walks through each step.

Understanding Membership Types vs. Tier Types #

Membership Types: #

Membership Types are the core structure—think of them as the equivalent of subscribing to a service like Netflix. Each membership type is linked to a product and defines how access is granted (time-based or issue-based).

Tier Types: #

Tier Types define levels within a membership—like Silver, Gold, or Platinum. These allow you to avoid creating separate membership types for each level and instead use a single membership type with multiple tiers.

Tip: Each unique combination of a membership type and a tier type defines a specific membership plan.

Creating Membership Tiers #

• • Navigate to System Settings > Membership Tier Types.
  • Click + Create Tier Group.
  • Name the tier group and create your tiers (e.g. a tier for subscribers may have Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers).
  • Save the tier group.
  • Use tier types to distinguish between versions of a subscription, such as with or without ads, or basic vs. premium content.

Note: Tier types are not for tracking complimentary subscriptions.

Creating Membership Types #

• • Go to System Settings > Membership Types.
  • Click + Create Type.
  • Name your membership type.
  • Choose the type method:
  • Time-Based: Subscriptions for fixed periods (e.g., monthly, yearly).
  • Issue-Based: Access is based on a set number of issues.
  • Select the corresponding publication.
  • Assign a tier group.
  • Choose a primary website (used for renewal links).
  • Save the membership type.

Note: A membership type must be tied to a product to use MediaOS’s issue tracking.

Setting Up Products #

• • Products are the actual items that will be purchased.
  • Navigate to Members > Sales > Products.
  • Click + Add Product.
  • Fill in:
    • Name and Description.
    • Product Type (Digital, Physical, Ticket, or Membership).
    • Active Status.

If it’s a membership:

• • Assign the correct Membership Type.
  • Select the Tier.
  • Set Inventory Limits if applicable.
  • Assign the appropriate Invoice Item Type.

Tip: Use the same product across regions or editions (e.g., US/Canada) by adjusting tiers or offers.

Creating Offers #

• • Offers define pricing, auto-renewal, and custom purchase logic.
  • Go to Members > Sales > Offers.
  • Click + Add Offer.

Fill out the following information:

• • Name and Description.
  • Linked Product.
  • Quantity (number of product units included).
  • Auto-Renew Settings and target renewal offer. This will be to offer the membership is renewed with.
  • Revenue Allocation %.
  • Define Pricing Rules:
  • Default price.
  • Member-specific pricing.
  • Location-based pricing (e.g., US vs. Canada).
  • Promo codes.
  • Custom pricing (for donations).
  • Active: Enables the offer.
  • Hidden: Hides it from store listings.
  • Account Required: Tied to CRM business accounts only. A member not tied to an account in MediaOS will not be able to purchase offers that require an account.
  • Max Purchases: Limits amount of times the offer can be purchased per member.

Tip: Always provide default pricing.

Embedding and Selling Memberships #

• • Use the MediaOS embed code to display your product/storefront on your website.
  • To access the embed code navigate to Members < Sales < Offers and select the Store Embed button
  • Choose which offers and products to include (e.g., memberships only).
  • Paste the embed code on your webpage.
  • Once live, purchases and renewals are tracked through the Sales section.

Final Notes #

• • Members need payment details for auto-renewals to function.
  • Hidden offers can still be sold by admins or via direct links.
  • Always test your offers and pricing combinations to ensure accurate checkout behavior.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to structure flexible and scalable memberships in MediaOS tailored to your content and audience needs.