Creating Digital Membership Cards: A Step-by-Step Guide
Digital membership cards are rapidly replacing traditional plastic cards, offering a more convenient, secure, and environmentally friendly solution for managing memberships. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to creating and implementing digital membership cards for your organisation, covering everything from platform selection to troubleshooting common issues.
1. Choosing the Right Platform
The foundation of a successful digital membership card programme lies in selecting the right platform. Several options are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Consider these factors when making your choice:
Features: What features are essential for your organisation? Do you need features like push notifications, loyalty programmes, event ticketing integration, or detailed analytics? Make a list of must-have and nice-to-have features.
Integration: How well does the platform integrate with your existing systems, such as your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or membership database? Seamless integration is crucial for efficient data management.
Security: Security is paramount. Ensure the platform offers robust security features, including encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with relevant data privacy regulations.
Scalability: Can the platform handle your current membership volume and scale as your organisation grows? Choose a platform that can accommodate your future needs.
User-friendliness: The platform should be easy to use for both your staff and your members. A complicated system will lead to frustration and adoption issues.
Cost: Consider the total cost of ownership, including setup fees, monthly subscription fees, transaction fees, and any additional costs for customisation or support. Explore what Cards offers and compare it with other platforms.
Platform Options
Dedicated Membership Management Platforms: These platforms are specifically designed for managing memberships and often include built-in digital card functionality. Examples include Wild Apricot, MemberClicks, and Raklet. They often offer a comprehensive suite of features but can be more expensive.
Mobile Wallet Integration: Platforms that allow you to create digital cards that can be stored in Apple Wallet or Google Pay offer a seamless user experience. These platforms often focus on the design and delivery of the cards, relying on other systems for membership management. PassKit and OneID are examples of this type of platform.
Custom App Development: Developing your own app provides the most flexibility and control but is also the most expensive and time-consuming option. This is suitable for organisations with specific needs and the resources to manage app development and maintenance.
No-Code/Low-Code Platforms: These platforms allow you to build custom solutions without extensive coding knowledge. They offer a good balance between flexibility and ease of use. Examples include Bubble and AppGyver.
2. Designing Your Digital Membership Card
The design of your digital membership card is crucial for creating a positive user experience and reinforcing your brand identity. Consider these design elements:
Branding: Incorporate your organisation's logo, colours, and fonts to create a consistent brand image. The card should be visually appealing and easily recognisable.
Information: Include essential information such as the member's name, membership number, membership type, and expiry date. You may also want to include a photograph for added security and identification.
QR Codes or Barcodes: Include a QR code or barcode that can be scanned for quick access to membership information or to redeem benefits. Ensure the code is easily scannable and directs to the correct information.
Dynamic Content: Consider using dynamic content to display real-time information, such as points balance, event updates, or personalised messages. This can enhance engagement and provide added value to members.
Mobile Optimisation: Ensure the card is optimised for mobile devices and displays correctly on different screen sizes. Test the design on various devices to ensure a consistent user experience.
Accessibility: Design the card with accessibility in mind, ensuring it is usable by people with disabilities. Use sufficient colour contrast and provide alternative text for images.
Design Tools
Several design tools can help you create professional-looking digital membership cards:
Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator: These are industry-standard design tools that offer a wide range of features and flexibility.
Canva: Canva is a user-friendly online design tool with pre-designed templates that can be easily customised.
Platform-Specific Design Tools: Many membership management platforms include built-in design tools that simplify the card creation process.
3. Implementing Security Features
Security is a critical aspect of digital membership cards. Implement these security features to protect member data and prevent fraud:
Encryption: Encrypt all sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. This will protect member information from unauthorised access.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA for both staff and members to add an extra layer of security to account access.
Unique Identifiers: Use unique identifiers for each member to prevent duplication and fraud. This could be a membership number, QR code, or barcode.
Secure Storage: Store membership data in a secure environment that complies with relevant data privacy regulations, such as the Australian Privacy Principles. Learn more about Cards and our commitment to data security.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Fraud Detection: Implement fraud detection mechanisms to identify and prevent fraudulent activity, such as unauthorised access or misuse of membership benefits.
Tokenisation: Consider using tokenisation to protect sensitive data. Tokenisation replaces sensitive data with a non-sensitive equivalent, which can be used for processing without exposing the actual data.
4. Distributing Digital Membership Cards
Once you have designed and secured your digital membership cards, you need to distribute them to your members. Consider these distribution methods:
Email: Send members an email with a link to download their digital membership card. This is a simple and cost-effective method.
SMS: Send members an SMS message with a link to download their digital membership card. This is a convenient option for members who prefer mobile communication.
Mobile App: Integrate the digital membership card into your organisation's mobile app. This provides a seamless user experience and allows you to offer additional features, such as push notifications and loyalty programmes.
Website: Allow members to download their digital membership card from your website after logging in to their account.
In-Person: Provide members with a QR code or link to download their digital membership card when they sign up in person.
Onboarding Process
Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions on how to download and use the digital membership card. Include screenshots or videos to guide members through the process.
Support: Offer support to members who have difficulty downloading or using their digital membership card. Provide a contact email or phone number for assistance.
Welcome Message: Send a welcome message to new members with information about their digital membership card and the benefits of membership.
5. Managing Membership Data
Effective membership data management is crucial for the success of your digital membership card programme. Consider these aspects:
Data Collection: Collect only the necessary data from members. Be transparent about how you will use their data and obtain their consent.
Data Storage: Store membership data in a secure and organised manner. Use a CRM or membership database to manage member information efficiently.
Data Updates: Keep membership data up to date. Allow members to update their information easily and regularly review and update data to ensure accuracy.
Data Analysis: Analyse membership data to gain insights into member behaviour and preferences. Use this information to improve your membership programme and offer more personalised experiences.
Data Privacy: Comply with all relevant data privacy regulations, such as the Australian Privacy Principles. Protect member data from unauthorised access and use. Consult the frequently asked questions for more information on data privacy.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning and implementation, you may encounter some common issues with your digital membership card programme. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Card Not Displaying Correctly: Ensure the card is optimised for mobile devices and displays correctly on different screen sizes. Check for any design issues or compatibility problems.
QR Code Not Scanning: Ensure the QR code is easily scannable and directs to the correct information. Check for any damage or distortion to the QR code.
Download Issues: Provide clear instructions on how to download the digital membership card. Offer support to members who have difficulty downloading the card.
Account Access Issues: Implement two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access to member accounts. Provide a password reset option for members who have forgotten their password.
Integration Problems: Ensure the digital membership card platform integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. Work with your IT team to resolve any integration issues.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can create and implement a successful digital membership card programme that benefits both your organisation and your members.