Membership sites are prevalent, with many marketers offering low-cost trials. However, time constraints limit how much time one can spend online. Even with a fast internet connection, slow speeds can occur during peak hours, and some still rely on dial-up. To fully leverage these trial accounts, consider using an offline browser.
An offline browser downloads the website content to your computer, allowing you to browse at your convenience without an active internet connection. The browser adjusts the links, ensuring a seamless experience identical to online browsing, but without the speed limitations. This approach ensures a smoother, faster experience. Keep in mind that downloaded sites can consume significant hard drive space, potentially a gigabyte or more. Transferring these sites to a DVD can free up space.
Continuing a paid membership after the trial depends on the perceived value of new content. Few sites meet this criterion consistently. One exception is Dan Kennedy’s site, which offers newsletters via email and physical mail.
Recently, a trial membership was offered for just $1 for the first month, with a subsequent monthly fee of just under $30. It’s crucial to monitor these subscriptions to prevent accumulating unnecessary costs.
The advantage of combining a trial membership with an offline browser lies in retaining access to valuable information obtained during the trial period at a reduced cost. Many marketers also retain inactive user accounts, meaning your username and password might still grant access even after the trial expires.
To prevent unauthorized access, a membership site should implement monthly password resets, providing a uniform password to all members, instead of allowing user-defined passwords.