Membership database plugin – executive pro

[Anahere]

Hi,

My client is using Executive Pro for their website. They are a non-profit and have recently decided to add a secure membership area to the site. After doing lots of home work we decided on WP-Member (www.http://wp-member.com/). It has everything we need, well it did until the client decided they wanted to do all this manual stuff behind the scenes.

Originally all we needed to capture was the information from the membership form, have a secure login area with download docs, and a payment process. All good as far as that goes. But now we have to see if there is another plugin that can integrate this with a manual process that allows them to add office admin stuff such as, what stage of the membership process the candidate is in, who is managing that process, whether they are on a waiting list, notes on how the candidate was accessed etc and the list goes on.

I know these aren't exactly Studio Press questions but I thought some of the WP Gurus in here might know where to point me.

Questions:
1. is there anything out there can integrate with WP-Member that will allow us to merge the membership registration with a manual / customized database on the back of the site?
2. Does anyone know of a plugin that can do everything i.e. secure members area with customizable database for admin.
3. Why do clients change there minds once the quote is signed off! (No, just joking)

Any help or advice would be so much appreciated.

Anahare

http://iam.org.nz

[Ren Ventura]

Hi, Anahare. To answer #3, there are a number of reasons but, in my experience, it's usually because 1.) they want to feel like they've locked in a lower rate before increasing the functionality required or 2.) they don't realize that many modifications require a lot of time and, often, "small" features/changes are not so small. If their requests are not things that were initially discussed, just tell them that and let them know if any of those new requests are beyond your expertise. It's not your fault that they didn't bring those things up sooner.

Regarding everything else, you're not really looking for a database but, rather, a way to store various member information. Correct? The best way to go will likely be with some custom user meta.

Depending on your comfort level with PHP, you may be interested in a post I wrote on creating membership sites without a dedicated membership plugin. Here's the link:

http://www.engagewp.com/best-membership-plugin-wordpress-membership-plugin/

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Web & Software Developer & Blogger | RenVentura.com | Follow Me on Twitter @CLE_Ren

[Anahere]

He Ren,

Thank you so much for replying to my query. I agree with your response to my #3 in this case they were using a separate database and were going to continue with that until they realized they had to renew the software license this January. They then decided they may as well add it to the site. Naturally they just assumed I'd do that for free! I don't think so.

I've read your post and will go back through it in detail but I do have a question re MemberPress. Normally a membership site will only capture the data that is filled out in a form. In MemberPress can we add additional details in the back end where the client can manually add more information, that the member doesn't see or isn't part of the form? I hope that makes sense.

Anahere

[Ren Ventura]

Yes, it's definitely possible to create "backend" user data that the member won't have access to and will not be collected on a registration form. This isn't a feature I'm aware of in any membership plugin (i.e. MemberPress) so it would likely need to be coded out.

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Web & Software Developer & Blogger | RenVentura.com | Follow Me on Twitter @CLE_Ren

[anotherusername]

To me, it sounds like the best thing would be a way to download the info and then put it into a proper Customer relationship management (CRM) application.

In MemberPress can we add additional details in the back end where the client can manually add more information, that the member doesn’t see or isn’t part of the form?

will the customer need to see it eventually? Do you plan on communicating with the customer THROUGH the wordpress site?

Again, if you are going to be added more information ABOUT the customer by the client, I think that it would be best to use something dedicated to customer management (other than wordpress).

but hey, maybe there IS something out there that will handle this well.

[Ren Ventura]

A CRM is a legitimate solution if you need one. If you only have a few minor pieces of information you need to save and a CRM seems like overkill, then the custom user meta would be a good option. I also just discovered a few plugins for easily managing user meta:

User Meta – User Profile Builder and User management plugin

https://wordpress.org/plugins/user-meta-manager/

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Web & Software Developer & Blogger | RenVentura.com | Follow Me on Twitter @CLE_Ren

[Anahere]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I have considered a CRM but the client would prefer to manage from the back end of WordPress if possible. It could be an option to find a membership plugin that works with third party crm software. We will need to communicate via email to members so this is a viable solution, if I can find the right plugin and crm that work together.

Ren, thank you sending the links on user meta. This is a grey area for me so I will read everything you've provided and see if I can work out a solution with what you suggest. It will be a bit of a learning curve but that's what makes working with WP so enjoyable.

I now have a couple of options so will do my research on both before I come back with further questions.

Cheers,
Anahere

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