How to get more members for your club: 15 ideas that work
Clubs rarely lack people who might join. They lack a simple way for those people to discover the club, try it, and sign up before they change their mind. Here are 15 ideas, from free to cheap, that clubs use every season.
- Make joining take less than five minutes, on a phone.
- Offer a free trial session and follow up the same week.
- Your current members are your best recruiters: reward referrals.
- Be visible where people already look: Google Maps, local groups, schools.
Make it easy to find you
- Claim your Google Business Profile. People search “football club near me” or “choir in [town]”. Add photos, training times and a link to sign up.
- Have one clear web page for newcomers: what you do, for whom, when, where, how much, and a big “Join” button.
- Post in local groups: neighbourhood Facebook groups, town newsletters, community noticeboards.
- Partner with schools and companies nearby: a flyer at the school gate or a discount for employees.
Let people try before they join
- Run an open day at the start of the season, with a short demo and someone at a table to answer questions.
- Offer a free trial session, or two. Ask for an email address and follow up within three days.
- Organise a bring-a-friend week: every member brings someone for free.
- Show up at local events: fairs, markets, sports days, with something to try, not just a leaflet.
Choose your activity, type your club’s name, and add the card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Free, no sign-up.
Turn members into recruiters
- Reward referrals: a discount on next season’s fee, a club t-shirt, a free drink.
- Give members something to show: a nice membership card on their phone, photos from matches, a club story worth sharing.
- Create a family or duo plan: one member often brings a partner, a child or a friend.
Remove the friction
- Let people sign up on their phone, in a few minutes, without printing a form. A shareable membership link works well in WhatsApp groups and on social media.
- Send the welcome the same day: a membership card, the schedule, who to ask for. A new member who hears nothing for two weeks often does not come back.
- Start mid-season too: offer a reduced fee for people joining after the season has started.
Keep the members you win
- Follow up with new members after a month: ask how it is going. Members who feel noticed renew; see our renewal reminder emails for the end of the season.
Where MPass helps
MPass gives each new member a membership card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, sent by email the moment you add them, and lets you share a membership link that people fill in themselves. It is free for up to 50 active cards. Have a look at the cards for sports clubs and associations, or create a test card for your club now.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to attract new club members?
A free trial session followed up quickly, a simple sign-up on the phone, and rewards for members who bring a friend.
How can a small club get more members for free?
Claim your Google Business Profile, post in local groups, run an open day and ask every member to bring a friend.
How do I keep new members?
Welcome them the same day, follow up after a month, and remind them in good time when their membership is about to end.
Choose your activity, type your club’s name, and add the card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Free, no sign-up.
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