As Shopify's App Store evolves, the range of features available to merchants continues to expand, enabling stores to not only generate more revenue but also enhance customer satisfaction. According to Statista (opens in new tab), the global eCommerce market is expected to reach $6.4 trillion by 2024, showcasing a growing need for customer retention strategies-which brings us to the topic of memberships.
Membership programs are an exciting way for Shopify merchants to build stronger connections with their customers, reward loyalty, and create recurring revenue streams. Whether you're offering exclusive perks, gated products, or early access to new drops, memberships provide a powerful tool to enhance retention and drive sustainable business growth.
The features of membership programs
Membership programs unlock opportunities for merchants to:
- Provide Exclusive Access: Create member-only product collections, early access to sales, or exclusive product drops.
- Generate Recurring Revenue: With paid memberships, you can count on predictable revenue from loyal customers. A recent McKinsey report (opens in new tab) highlighted that subscription models can increase customer lifetime value by up to 40%.
- Offer Custom Perks: Discounts, free shipping, and exclusive content are just a few ways to reward members.
- Foster Community: Build a sense of belonging through invite-only or high-value programs.
- Gather Customer Data: Better understand your most loyal customers with detailed insights to inform marketing and product development.
Are memberships right for my Shopify store?
These features are not one-size-fits-all, but businesses well-suited to membership programs often share these characteristics:
- A loyal customer base willing to pay for perks or value exclusive access.
- Products that encourage habitual purchases, such as consumables, apparel, or cosmetics.
- Frequent product drops, limited-edition items, or exclusive merchandise to keep members engaged and excited.
- A desire to offer clear, upfront value without the added complexity of loyalty points or confusing reward systems.
Memberships are less likely to succeed if:
- Your product range doesn’t support repeat purchases or exclusivity.
- Your customers are price-sensitive and less likely to pay upfront for perks.
Memberships vs loyalty points
Unlike loyalty points, memberships are easy to understand. They reduce friction in the buying process by offering clear value, such as free shipping or early access, rather than requiring customers to calculate points-to-savings conversions. According to HubSpot (opens in new tab), 63% of customers prefer straightforward membership benefits over complex loyalty programs.
Shopify tech stack considerations
Before committing to a membership program, ensure compatibility with your existing tools. If your Shopify store uses subscription management platforms like Recharge or Skio, it’s essential to choose an app that integrates smoothly to avoid costly custom development. Compatibility with tools like social proofing apps such as Reviews.IO and Okendo are still worth consideration but not as critical for your core business operation.
Comparing membership apps for Shopify
With so many options available, choosing the right membership app for your Shopify store can be daunting. Each app comes with its unique set of features, strengths, and limitations, making it crucial to select one that aligns with your business model and technical requirements.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Appstle Memberships | Conjured Memberships | Inveterate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Features | Free & paid options, recurring billing, invite-only, Shopify discounts integration, analytics | Discounts, gated products, early access, simple setup, widget-based integration | Premium design, API integrations, marketing tools, white-glove onboarding |
| Best For | Subscription-heavy merchants | SMBs new to memberships | Luxury & premium brands |
| Pros | Recharge integration, affordable, flexible tiers | User-friendly, cost-effective, easy setup | Highly customisable, visually polished, Klaviyo-compatible |
| Cons | No Skio integration, basic design | No Recharge/Skio integration, limited analytics | Expensive, requires development expertise |
| Pricing | Affordable for SMBs | Budget-friendly for entry-level | Higher cost for premium features |
Membership apps overview
- Inveterate: A premium option tailored to luxury brands that value exclusivity, advanced design, and custom integrations.
- Appstle Memberships: The best choice for merchants already using Recharge and seeking flexibility with free, paid, or invite-only membership tiers.
- Conjured Memberships: Ideal for entry-level stores looking for an affordable and straightforward membership solution.
Which membership app is right for you?
The better question might be: Can my brand offer an attractive and meaningful membership proposition to our customers?
Like all third-party tools, membership apps come with trade-offs-whether it's limited features, incompatible integrations, or reduced customisation options. Brands need to critically assess the value a membership program would bring to their customers and their business.
If your store lacks exclusive products, operates within tight margins that limit discounting (especially with existing subscription pricing models), or doesn’t offer branded merchandise, a membership program might feel like an overly elaborate way to provide free shipping-particularly when subscribers often already receive that perk.
Final thoughts
Membership programs can be a powerful tool for driving customer loyalty and recurring revenue, but only when implemented with consideration. Among the options, Inveterate stands out as our top pick for merchants aiming to create premium, exclusive experiences - especially for brands with high-value customers, frequent product drops, or merch lines that lend themselves to an elite membership offering.
Ultimately, a successful membership program depends on delivering clear value without undermining your store's core purchasing experience. Platforms like Inveterate can be highly effective, but only when they enhance - not complicate - your customer's journey. Careful planning and integration are key to achieving this balance.