Mobile app development for membership organizations

Member app or member portal

What a member app can add

A wallet pass may be enough

If the main thing members need on their phone is proof of membership, a membership card issued as a wallet pass, added from an email or the member portal, may meet the need without building an app. Apple Wallet and Google Wallet both support generic passes, which Apple describes with examples such as membership cards, and a fresh pass can be issued at each renewal. That is far cheaper than an app and works for members who would never install one.

Consider an app only when members need more than the card.

Events in a member app

Member data and preferences

Members should control which news and alerts they receive, whether they appear in the directory and what others can see. Collect only what the organisation needs, explain how it is used and keep records of lapsed members only as long as necessary. Store privacy declarations for the app must match what it actually collects.

Using your membership software

Some membership or association management systems include a member app or app module. Check its fit before building, especially for events, CPD and cards. A custom app should be built on the same member database through its API, so the portal and app never disagree. The member portal page covers what members do in the portal itself.

Logging development on the go

Members often forget to record development activity weeks after it happens. Letting them log an activity in the app straight after a session, with a photo of a certificate or notes, and having the organisation's own events added automatically, keeps records more complete. The app should show progress against the year's requirement and remind members gently before deadlines. Records must sync with the member portal so they can be reviewed in either place.

The rules themselves are the organisation's to set; the app records and reminds.

Measuring whether it helps

Look at how many members install and keep the app, event check-ins through it, CPD records logged on mobile and renewal rates among app users compared with similar members. Ask staff which routine requests have fallen.

Accessible for every member

Members vary widely in age, confidence with technology and accessibility needs. Support large text and screen readers, keep language plain and test key tasks such as showing the membership card and checking in with members who are less comfortable with apps.

Where to start

Begin with a wallet membership card from the portal. If members then ask for event check-in and CPD on the go, an app becomes worth considering.