A membership card may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “member engagement strategies,” but it could be. Not only are membership cards vital to their experience, they’re capable of far more than just identification. At least, they are when you make them digital.
A digital membership card provides numerous benefits to both the organization and the member. As mobile devices and digital wallets become increasingly ubiquitous, this technology allows for more streamlined, efficient, and engaging membership experiences.
In this article, we’ll explore the wide reaching use cases for digital member cards, the aforementioned benefits, and how you can implement them using MobileUp.
The Evolution of Membership Cards
The days of paper or plastic cards cluttering wallets, being out of date, or getting lost in the shuffle are nearly over. Associations, universities and other member-based organizations have always had to order physical cards from third-party manufacturers. Those who held them risked losing or damaging their cards and having to request new ones.
Digital membership cards, however, eliminate these problems, offering a whole new level of convenience and cost savings. When securely stored on their membership or event mobile app, and pushed to their phone wallet these cards are far more than just digital replicas of their physical counterparts – they’re dynamic, interactive tools that can enhance the member experience.
What You Can Do With a Digital Member Card
Digital Cards can offer:
- Membership Status and History: Track membership levels, renewal dates, and history, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s engagement with an organization.
- Customization and Branding: Include your association logo, the user’s membership level, banners, etc.
- Professional Credentials: Show licenses, certifications, and qualifications that can be verified digitally, streamlining processes for employers and associations alike.
- Giving Levels: Showcase members’ donation history and current giving level, encouraging continued support and recognition through links to giving opportunities.
- Continuing Education: Track and display credits earned..
- Event Check-Ins: Allow members to seamlessly check into an event, sessions, or exhibitor booths, speeding up event admission and shortening lines.
- Member Benefits: Offer quick access to exclusive discounts, resources, and partner offers by showing their digital card.
- Custom Attributes: Add specific fields tailored to your association’s needs, such as Licensure number, expiration date, membership level, etc. allowing for a more personalized experience.
The Organizational Benefits of Digital Membership Cards
- Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly
- Digital wallet membership cards eliminate the need for physical cards, reducing printing and mailing costs.
- No need to reorder or reissue physical cards, resulting in ongoing savings.
- Reduces environmental impact by avoiding the use of plastic and paper materials.
- Instant Delivery and Easy Updates
- Organizations can deliver membership cards instantly via email or an app, meaning members don’t have to wait for a physical card to arrive.
- Easily update membership details (such as renewals, status changes, or new benefits) in real time without the need to reissue a physical card.
- Changes can be made centrally and applied across all member devices, ensuring consistent and up-to-date information.
- Enhanced Engagement
- A digital membership card can be integrated with a mobile app, creating a seamless experience that keeps members engaged. Through this app, members can access exclusive offers, notifications, and news.
- Push notifications can be sent directly to the member’s mobile device, improving communication and keeping the organization top of mind.
- By offering discounts or special offers through the digital card, organizations can drive more engagement and participation in events, promotions, or campaigns.
- Increased Renewal Rates
- Since digital wallet membership cards make it easier to communicate with members and remind them of their membership status or renewal deadlines, organizations can expect improved retention and renewal rates.
- Automated renewal reminders can be sent through the app, simplifying the renewal process for both the organization and the member.
- Security and Fraud Prevention
- Digital membership cards are more secure than physical cards. They are tied to the member’s mobile device, requiring authentication.
- Reduces the risk of fraud or unauthorized usage, as digital cards cannot be easily duplicated or shared like physical cards.
The Member Benefits of Digital Member Cards
Convenience and Accessibility
- Members can easily access their digital membership card via their app on their smartphone and push it to their phone wallet. There is no need to carry around a physical card.Membership cards are always with them as long as they have their phone, ensuring they never miss out on benefits or have trouble proving membership status
- Simplifies the process for members to take advantage of exclusive offers or discounts without the need to search for a physical card.
Instant Access and Real-Time Updates
- New members receive their digital membership card immediately upon joining, eliminating any delays in receiving benefits.
- Members can see real-time updates about their membership status, renewals, and any new perks or rewards offered by the organization.
- Any updates made by the organization are automatically reflected in the digital card, keeping members informed without additional effort.
Integration with Mobile Apps
- Digital membership cards can be linked to the organization’s mobile app, providing a one-stop solution for accessing membership benefits, event details, and other features.
- Members can receive personalized notifications or reminders directly to their phone, such as upcoming events, new benefits, or reminders to renew their membership.
- Loyalty programs, QR codes, or scannable features may be integrated, making check-ins at events or redeeming discounts fast and easy.
Enhanced Security
- Digital wallet cards offer more security than physical cards because they are stored on the member’s mobile device with encryption, passcodes.
- Lost or stolen phones can easily be disabled, whereas a lost physical card may require reissuing.
- Members can trust that their personal information is secure and protected through the digital card platform.
Seamless Membership Renewal
- Digital wallet cards can send renewal reminders directly to the member’s phone, streamlining the process and helping avoid membership lapses.
- Members can renew with just a few taps through the digital platform, making it quick and hassle-free.
- This ease of renewal ensures that members don’t forget or procrastinate when it’s time to continue their membership.
Eco-Friendly and Less Clutter
- Many members appreciate the environmental aspect of going digital, as it reduces the use of plastic and paper.
- There’s also the added benefit of less clutter, with no physical card to carry or store.
Membership Verification Anytime, Anywhere
- Members can easily show their digital card to verify their membership at any time, whether attending events, redeeming benefits, or accessing member-only areas.
- The digital wallet card is always available offline, meaning they can use it even if they are not connected to the internet.
How to Adopt Digital Membership Cards
1. The first step of implementing digital member badges in your organization is to identify the needs of members and the functionality they would need in a card.
2. The next step is to find the right provider that provides a flexible and data-driven solution. MobileUp is an excellent provider of digital cards within their year-round member app or event app.
3. Request a demo with MobileUp. During the demo, you can discuss your specific use cases and identify where your member data will be coming from.
As we look to the future, the potential applications for these cards are promising. At MobileUp, we’re committed to helping associations harness the full power of digital membership cards within member apps. By embracing this technology, associations can offer a more engaging, personalized, and valuable experience to their members – all while streamlining operations and gaining valuable insights. The digital membership card is more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a gateway to a new era of member engagement and association management.
