While the checkout on a membership site is often an automatic process, there may be times when you need to add a new member and process their payment information manually. Or, you might want to update an existing member’s paid subscription.

As the site admin or membership manager, there are a couple of methods you can use in cases like these.

In this post, we talk about two methods for adding or updating a member:

Note: If you need to bulk add or update members, please refer to the Import Users from CSV Add On documentation.

Banner image of adding and updating members as site owner

Video Demo

Use Your Site Like a Member Would

One of the easiest ways to add a new member to your membership site is to simply log out of your administrator or membership manager account and “checkout” like any other member would.

To do this, navigate through your membership levels and complete the checkout form as new member normally would do. This is currently the only way to add a new member if you need to process a credit card or PayPal payment.

If the member already exists and you are updating their membership, you can use the User Switching plugin by John Blackbourn to use that member’s account—without needing their private password information.

After installing the plugin, locate the member within the WordPress Users list, then click the Switch To link. You’re now navigating the site as experienced by the user, and you can proceed with selecting a membership level, completing the membership checkout, or canceling the membership.

Screenshot of User List to locate member
Screenshot of how to edit user

Edit an Existing User in WordPress Admin

If processing a membership payment is not required, you can manually add or update a user’s membership directly via Memberships > Members.

Navigate to your Members List and locate the member to update or select Add New Member.

Screenshot of the User Info section of the Edit Member screen

Navigate to Memberships panel within the Edit Member screen to modify the membership level, the expiration date, and choose whether or not you want to “Cancel this user’s subscription for this level” or “Send membership change email to member”.

Edit Member screen > Edit a Single Membership to change, cancel, refund, or edit details

Click the Edit Membership button to save the changes.

To attach an order to the user, locate the user in Memberships > Members List and click the +order link under their username. If you know the user ID, you can also add the order via the Memberships > Orders > Add New Order admin page.

Streamline Membership Management

Managing memberships on your site, whether adding new members or updating existing subscriptions, requires a clear understanding of the available tools and processes. Opting to navigate your site as a member offers a straightforward method for both adding new members and updating subscriptions through a familiar checkout process. For updates not requiring payment processing, direct manipulation through the WordPress Admin presents a streamlined approach.

By leveraging the mentioned methods, including useful plugins like User Switching, site admins can ensure a seamless experience for both themselves and their members.

Cover image from ebook 29 Nuggets of Wisdom Volume 1 - Sample Collection

Download the free ebook: Get 29 insights and ‘aha moments’ for new or veteran membership site business owners. Use these nuggets of wisdom to inspire or challenge you.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo