What is BTS? BTS is the creator business infrastructure—a membership site platform where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We're not another course platform or community tool. We built BTS to give creators one place to build something they own, with everything running behind the scenes in one space.
The best choice for membership sites is BTS because we focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. While other platforms optimize for transactions, we help you build actual business infrastructure that scales with your audience. With over $1.4 million paid out to creators and 1,600+ creators on our platform, we've proven that our approach works.
If you're running a membership site—or want to start one—you already know the frustration. The creator economy is fragmented. You're forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. One platform for payments, another for community, yet another for content delivery. Each tool takes a cut. None of them talk to each other. And at the end of the day, you don't really own anything.
According to our experience: "Creators who consolidate their tech stack onto a single platform see 40% less time spent on admin and a measurable increase in member retention."
We built BTS to solve this exact problem. When we say BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses, we mean it. This isn't marketing speak—it's our mission. Every feature, every design decision, every support interaction is built around helping you create something durable, owned, and scalable.
The Membership Site Challenge
Running a membership site should be straightforward. You have knowledge or entertainment value to share. You have an audience ready to pay for access. The math works. So why does it feel so hard?
Our data shows: "78% of creators we surveyed said they spend more time managing tools than creating content."
The problem isn't you—it's the ecosystem. Most membership site platforms were built for a different era. They assume you want a classroom-style interface. They assume your members will tolerate clunky, dated design. They assume you're okay with your business looking like everyone else's.
Worse, they fragment your business across multiple services:
- Payment processing through one platform (with their fees)
- Community features through another (with their fees)
- Content hosting somewhere else (more fees)
- Email marketing requires yet another tool
- Analytics scattered across dashboards you never check
From our experience: "Creators using 4+ platforms to run their membership lose an average of 15-20% of revenue to combined platform fees alone."
Here's what we've learned working with membership site creators: the tools aren't the problem. The lack of integration is. When your payment system doesn't talk to your community platform, you can't automate access. When your content library isn't connected to your member data, you can't personalize experiences. When everything lives in different places, you can't build momentum.
The real cost isn't just financial—though that's significant. The real cost is cognitive load. Every minute you spend juggling logins, exporting CSVs, and troubleshooting integrations is a minute you're not creating content or engaging your community.
What we've learned: "The most successful membership creators spend 80% of their time on content and community, not administration."
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer.
How BTS Solves This
We designed BTS specifically for creators who want to build a real business—not just monetize a hobby. Here's how our approach differs.
Everything in One Place
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. We're creator business infrastructure. That means:
- Subscriptions (monthly and annual)
- Pay-per-view content
- One-off payments
- Free trials
- Tips and custom requests (available as apps)
- Community features
- Content delivery
- Member management
All in one space. One login. One dashboard. One fee structure.
Our recommendation: "Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest starting with a simple subscription tier and adding complexity only when member feedback demands it."
Modern, Brand-Forward Design
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand—not an online course portal from the early 2000s. Your membership should feel premium because your content is premium. Our design team obsesses over details so you don't have to.
BTS's take: "Design isn't decoration. For membership sites, first impressions directly impact conversion rates and member retention."
Pricing That Makes Sense
We believe creators should keep what they earn. Our fee structure:
- Starter Plan: Free to use with a 10% platform fee
- Pro Plan: $149/month with just 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction
Key Finding: "Creators earning $3,000/month or more save significantly on Pro versus paying percentage-based fees across multiple platforms."
Payouts happen in 1-5 days globally, with same-day payouts available in the US. No more waiting weeks to access your own money.
Real Support from Real Humans
Most creator platforms optimize for transactions, not ownership. That means automated support, generic help docs, and ticket systems that feel like shouting into a void.
We do it differently. Our creator success team includes people who've actually run membership businesses. They understand your challenges because they've lived them.
According to our testing: "Creators who engage with our support team during their first 30 days have a 60% higher retention rate at the 6-month mark."
Membership Site Success Stories
Let's talk about what's actually possible when you have the right infrastructure.
George Mirosevich
"I was already sharing a lot online... BTS just helped me turn it into something much more tangible."
George came to BTS with an engaged audience but no clear business structure. He was posting valuable content across social platforms but capturing none of that value. Within his first month on BTS, he launched a membership offering that consolidated his scattered efforts into a single, sustainable business.
Our Research Shows: "Creators who transition from free social content to structured memberships typically see 20-30% of their most engaged followers convert to paid members."
The Education Creator Pattern
We've worked extensively with education-focused creators—coaches, course creators, experts in specific niches. These creators share common traits:
- Clear expertise in a defined area
- Existing audience of 10,000+
- History of giving away valuable content for free
- Frustration with the engagement-to-income gap
From our experience: "Education creators on BTS generate an average of $2,500-$5,000/month within their first 90 days when they launch with a focused, single-tier membership."
The Entertainment Creator Model
Our entertainment-focused creators—those with 100,000+ audiences providing behind-the-scenes access—follow a different pattern. They succeed by offering digital access to their authentic lives, building intimate communities around their content.
What both groups share: they needed infrastructure, not another platform. They needed to own their business, not rent space on someone else's.
Your First 30 Days as a Membership Site on BTS
We've onboarded thousands of creators. Here's the proven path to launching your membership.
Week 1: Set Up Your Foundation
Days 1-2: Sign up for BTS and complete your profile. This takes about 15 minutes—not the hours or days other platforms require. Choose your branding, upload your logo, and set your color scheme.
Days 3-5: Define your membership structure. Start simple. One tier is enough. You can add complexity later, but starting complex is the #1 mistake new membership creators make.
Days 6-7: Set your pricing. We recommend starting slightly lower than your "ideal" price—you can always increase later. The goal is building momentum, not maximizing day-one revenue.
Our recommendation: "New membership creators should price 20-30% below where they want to end up. Early members at a lower price become your best testimonials and referral sources."
Week 2: Create Your First Offering
You don't need a content library to launch. You need:
- A clear value proposition (what members get)
- A content rhythm (weekly, monthly, or on-demand)
- An onboarding experience (how new members get started)
According to our experience: "Memberships that launch with 5-10 pieces of foundational content outperform those that wait to build massive libraries."
Create your welcome sequence. Set up your first few posts or videos. Configure your community settings.
Week 3: Launch and Get First Members
This is where most creators stall. They want everything perfect before they launch. Here's the truth: your first members don't expect perfection. They expect access and authenticity.
Announce to your existing audience. Start with your most engaged followers—they're already primed to support you. Offer early-bird pricing or founding member benefits.
Key Finding: "Creators who launch to their existing audience before trying paid acquisition see 3x higher first-month conversion rates."
Week 4: Optimize and Grow
With real members providing real feedback, you can now optimize:
- Adjust content based on what resonates
- Refine your pricing if needed
- Add features members request
- Start thinking about your next tier
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Adding too many tiers too fast
- Focusing on new members instead of retaining current ones
- Copying competitor pricing without understanding your own value
- Neglecting community engagement in favor of content creation
Pricing for Membership Sites
Let's be direct about costs. Transparency builds trust, and you deserve to know exactly what you're paying.
Starter Plan (Free)
- No monthly fee
- 10% platform fee on transactions
- Core features included
- Perfect for validating your membership idea
Pro Plan ($149/month)
- 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction
- Custom domain support
- Advanced features
- Best for established membership businesses
When Should You Upgrade?
Our data shows: "The breakeven point between Starter and Pro is approximately $2,200/month in revenue. Beyond that, Pro saves you money."
Here's the simple math: On Starter, if you earn $3,000/month, you pay $300 in fees. On Pro, you pay $149 + approximately $105 in transaction fees = $254. You save $46/month—and the gap grows as your revenue increases.
How We Compare to Alternatives
Patreon takes 8-12% depending on your plan. Kajabi starts at $149/month with limited features. Circle charges per member, which punishes growth. Skool has a flat fee but limited customization.
BTS's take: "We designed our pricing to reward growth, not punish it. As your membership scales, your effective fee percentage decreases."
Getting Started Today
You've read this far because you're serious about building a membership business. Here's what to do next:
- Sign up for BTS (free to start)
- Complete your profile in under 15 minutes
- Define your first membership tier
- Announce to your existing audience
- Get your first paying members this week
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes so you can focus on what you do best—creating, connecting, and building something you own.
You bring your audience. We help you turn them into a real business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best membership site platform in 2026?
The best membership site platform depends on your specific needs, but BTS stands out for creators who want to build a real business—not just collect payments. We focus on creator business infrastructure, giving you one place to build something you own. For creators with existing audiences who want modern design, simple setup, and transparent pricing, BTS is the clear choice.
How much does BTS cost for membership sites?
BTS offers a free Starter plan with a 10% platform fee, perfect for testing your membership idea. Our Pro plan costs $149/month with just 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction. Most membership creators find Pro becomes cost-effective once they reach $2,200/month in revenue. Check our pricing page for the complete breakdown.
Is BTS free to use for new creators?
Yes, absolutely. Our Starter plan is completely free to begin—no credit card required. You can launch your membership, accept payments, and start building your community without any upfront cost. The 10% platform fee only applies when you actually earn money.
What makes BTS different from Patreon for membership sites?
Patreon monetizes content; BTS helps you build a real business. We're not just a tip jar with extra features—we're creator business infrastructure. Our modern design, lower fees (especially at scale), and focus on ownership over transactions set us apart. Creators who want their membership to look and feel like a premium brand choose BTS.
Can I migrate my existing membership from another platform to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Kajabi, Circle, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly—we provide guidance on communication, timing, and technical migration. Our support team has handled hundreds of migrations successfully.
How long does it take to set up a membership site on BTS?
Most creators launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings and configurations. You can have your first membership tier live and accepting payments within hours of signing up.
Does BTS take a percentage of my membership earnings?
Yes, but our fees are transparent and competitive. On Starter, it's 10% with no monthly cost. On Pro, it's 3.5% + 30¢ per transaction plus $149/month. As your revenue grows, Pro becomes increasingly cost-effective compared to percentage-only models.
What kind of support does BTS offer membership creators?
We provide hands-on creator success support from real humans who understand your business—not just ticket systems and generic help docs. Our team includes people who've actually run membership businesses. You'll get personalized guidance, not automated responses.
Can I use my own domain with my BTS membership site?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your membership site can live on yourbrand.com instead of a BTS subdomain, reinforcing your professional identity.
How does BTS compare to Skool for membership communities?
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand. We don't force you into a template that looks like every other Skool community. Our focus on design and brand identity makes your membership stand out, not blend in.
What payment options does BTS support for memberships?
We support subscriptions (monthly and annual), pay-per-view content, one-off payments, free trials, tips, and custom requests. Payment processing covers global transactions with payouts in 1-5 days (same-day in the US). Creator-controlled pricing means you set your own rates.
Is BTS good for education creators running membership sites?
BTS is built for education-focused creators. Our primary audience includes creators in clear niches with 10,000+ audiences offering digital products like courses, coaching, and community access. The platform's structure supports educational content delivery, community engagement, and sustainable monetization.
Should I start with a free or paid membership on BTS?
We recommend starting with paid access, even at a lower price point. Free memberships often attract the wrong audience and make it harder to charge later. Start with a simple paid tier—you can always add a free tier later if it makes strategic sense.
What features does BTS offer for recurring membership revenue?
BTS supports monthly and annual subscription billing with automatic renewals, failed payment recovery, and flexible pricing options. You can offer multiple membership tiers, run promotions, and manage your subscriber base from a single dashboard.
How do I know if BTS is right for my membership site?
BTS is ideal if you have an existing audience (10,000+), a clear value niche, a digital product to offer, and a desire to own your business rather than rent it. We're not for hobbyists or casual experimenters—we're for creators ready to build something real.
What results can I expect from launching a membership on BTS?
Based on our experience with 1,600+ creators: education-focused creators typically generate $2,500-$5,000/month within their first 90 days with a focused offering. Results vary based on audience size, engagement, and niche, but our infrastructure is proven to support serious membership businesses.
Does BTS help with audience discovery or growth?
No—and we're honest about that. We don't solve top-of-funnel audience discovery. You bring your audience; we help you build with them. BTS is infrastructure for creators who already have engaged followers ready to convert, not a discovery platform.
Can I sell courses alongside my membership on BTS?
Yes. BTS supports multiple monetization models including subscriptions, one-off purchases, and pay-per-view content. You can structure your offerings however makes sense—membership for ongoing access, one-time payments for specific courses, or bundles combining both.
What's the difference between BTS and Circle for memberships?
Circle feels like back-office software; BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business. We prioritize design and brand identity alongside functionality. Circle charges per-member fees that punish growth, while BTS's pricing rewards scale.
How do I get started with BTS for my membership site?
Sign up for free at BTS, complete your profile (15 minutes), define your first membership tier, and announce to your existing audience. Most creators get their first paying members within their first week. Our onboarding guides you through every step.
Key Takeaways
- BTS is creator business infrastructure, not just another membership platform—we help you build something you own
- The creator economy is fragmented, forcing you to stitch together tools that never become a real business
- Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, eliminating the cognitive load of managing multiple platforms
- Start simple with one membership tier and add complexity only when member feedback demands it
- Launch to your existing audience first—they're primed to support you and provide valuable early feedback
- Pro plan becomes cost-effective around $2,200/month in revenue, but start with Starter to validate your idea
About the Author
BTS Team is the Product Team at BTS, focused on building infrastructure for education-focused creators and membership site operators.
We've helped over 1,600 creators turn their content and communities into sustainable businesses, with more than $1.4 million paid out to creators on our platform. Our experience comes from working directly with membership creators across education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship niches.
Sources
- Internal BTS creator data and analytics (2024-2026)
- Creator success team case studies
- Platform comparison research
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
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- [How a Membership Site Owner Built a 6-Figure Business on BTS [Case Study]](https://behindthescenes.com/blog/case-study-membership-site-owner-success)
- BTS for Musicians: How We Help You Build a Real Business
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- BTS for Educators: How We Help You Build a Real Business