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Membership bodies invest substantial time and effort into creating exceptional content and interactive experiences – conversations, articles, white papers, courses, videos, podcasts, and more. However, these efforts often fall short of their potential due to fragmented digital experiences where members may find themselves searching across different silos for the value your organisation provides. This fragmentation can lead to frustration and disengagement, ultimately affecting retention and long-term membership growth.
Your members expect connected experiences across websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms, allowing them to engage whenever and wherever they choose. If these expectations aren’t met, associations risk declining satisfaction and increased churn.
In fact, the iMIS 2025 Membership Performance Benchmarking Report found that 48% of associations report stagnating or declining member engagement, with 47% of non-renewals linked to lack of engagement and 43% tied to lack of perceived value. These statistics highlight an urgent challenge – how can membership bodies create meaningful, lasting connections with their members in an increasingly digital world?
One of the biggest pain points for users is inconsistent experiences across digital platforms. If an app offers different features than a website, or if branding and navigation vary from one platform to another, it can create confusion, dilute brand identity, and undermine trust. Disjointed interactions across touchpoints also prevent members from feeling fully invested in the experience, increasing the likelihood of disengagement.
Associations that succeed in digital engagement prioritise cross-platform consistency, ensuring that their website, mobile app, and social media platforms work together seamlessly. This means:
Consistent messaging that aligns with your values and ensures clarity and coherence across all touchpoints.
Integrated functionality, so users can switch between devices without getting logged out or encountering frustrating barriers.
By maintaining a cohesive digital ecosystem, you provide members with a frictionless, high-quality experience every time they engage with your organisation. This approach drives engagement, enhances user satisfaction, and fosters long-term retention.
A strong example of this approach in action is The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Connect app, built using Cantarus’ own MemConnect platform. CIOB recognised the need to provide members with an integrated, mobile-first experience, bringing together learning opportunities, industry news, and community interaction all in one place.
With MemConnect, CIOB was able to aggregate content from multiple existing sources, including its AMS, CMS, LMS, and digital publications, into a single, easy-to-use platform. The app includes:
This approach ensures that CIOB members receive a connected, consistent experience across their digital touchpoints, reinforcing engagement and member value while reducing frustration from fragmented content sources.
Read more about the CIOB app here.
The future of member engagement lies in creating an interconnected experience that empowers users to engage across all platforms. The iMIS report highlights that 45% of associations have yet to begin their digital transformation, a gap that presents a significant opportunity for organisations ready to evolve. By embracing a mobile-first, multi-platform strategy, organisations can meet modern member expectations and gain a competitive edge.
In summary, a multi-platform strategy allows you to:
For membership bodies, sustained growth and retention depend on delivering personalised, integrated experiences across all platforms. We understand the complexities of the membership sector and offer a comprehensive member engagement ecosystem with your needs at its core.
Our solutions work together to create an interconnected, unified experience that exceeds modern member expectations.
Contact us below to learn more about how we can help you.