How to Design Your Membership Tiers on BTS: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Designing your membership tiers is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a creator. Get it right, and you've built the foundation for a real business. Get it wrong, and you'll spend months tweaking, confusing your audience, and leaving money on the table.

At BTS, we've helped over 1,600 creators launch their membership businesses, paying out more than $1.4 million along the way. We've seen what works—and what doesn't. This guide walks you through exactly how to design membership tiers that convert, retain, and scale.

What you'll learn:

• How to structure your tiers for maximum clarity and conversions
• The psychology behind effective pricing
• Step-by-step instructions for setting up tiers on BTS
• Pro tips from creators who've built six-figure memberships

Time estimate: 15-30 minutes

What you'll have at the end: A complete, launch-ready membership tier structure that positions your creator business for growth.

Before You Start

Before diving into tier design, let's make sure you're set up for success. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses—but that starts with having the right foundation in place.

Prerequisites

• A BTS account – If you haven't signed up yet, create your free Starter account first
• Your content or community offering – Know what value you're providing (courses, exclusive content, community access, coaching, etc.)
• Your audience in mind – Understand who you're serving and what they're willing to pay for

Quick Checklist

Our recommendation: Don't overthink this stage. You can always refine later. The goal is to launch, learn, and iterate—not achieve perfection on day one.

Step-by-Step: How to Design Your Membership Tiers

We've worked with creators across education, fitness, business, and entertainment. From that experience, we've developed a methodology that works regardless of your niche. Let's walk through it together.

Step 1: Decide on Your Tier Structure

Before you touch any settings, you need to decide how many tiers you'll offer and what each includes.

From our experience: The most successful creators on BTS use 2-3 tiers. More than that creates decision paralysis. Fewer limits your earning potential.

Here's the framework we recommend:

Pro tip: Your Core Tier should be where most members land. Design your Entry Tier to be valuable enough to attract members, but limited enough that upgrading feels natural.

[Screenshot: Step 1 - Tier Planning Worksheet]

Common mistake to avoid: Don't create tiers based on arbitrary features. Each tier should solve a progressively bigger problem for your audience.

Step 2: Define Your Value Ladder

Now that you know how many tiers you want, it's time to map out exactly what goes where. We call this your "value ladder."

What we've learned: The most effective memberships don't just add more stuff at higher tiers—they add more access and transformation.

Think of your tiers in terms of:

1. Content – What can they watch, read, or listen to?
2. Community – How can they connect with you and others?
3. Access – How close can they get to you personally?
4. Results – What outcomes can they achieve?

BTS's take: Creators who focus on transformation over transaction build memberships that last. Your highest tier should promise the fastest, most supported path to their goal.

Here's an example from a fitness creator on our platform:

[Screenshot: Step 2 - Value Ladder Mapping]

Step 3: Set Your Pricing Strategy

Pricing is where many creators get stuck. They either undercharge (leaving money on the table) or overthink it (and never launch).

Our data shows: Creators who price based on value—not time or content volume—earn 40% more on average.

Here's how we approach pricing at BTS:

The 10x Rule: Your price should be less than 10% of the value you deliver. If your course helps someone earn an extra $5,000, a $497 price tag is reasonable.

The Anchor Strategy: Your Premium Tier makes your Core Tier look affordable. Even if only 10% of members choose Premium, it increases conversions on Core.

Start Simple: You can always raise prices. Starting too high creates friction. Starting reasonable and increasing with added value builds trust.

[Screenshot: Step 3 - Pricing Configuration in BTS]

From our experience: "Most creators start too cheap. If you're nervous about your pricing, you're probably in the right zone."

Step 4: Configure Your Tiers in BTS

Now let's actually build this in BTS. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so this part is straightforward.

1. Navigate to your Creator Dashboard
2. Click on "Memberships" in the left sidebar
3. Select "Create New Tier" or "Edit Existing"
4. Enter your tier details:

• Tier name (keep it clear: "Starter," "Pro," "VIP" or niche-specific names)
• Price (monthly and/or annual)
• Description (focus on outcomes, not features)
• What's included (link to your content, spaces, and features)

Pro tip: Write descriptions from your member's perspective. Instead of "Access to 50 videos," try "Master the fundamentals with our complete video library."

[Screenshot: Step 4 - BTS Tier Configuration Screen]

1. Set visibility options:

• Public (anyone can see and purchase)
• Hidden (only accessible via direct link)
• Invite-only (requires approval)

1. Configure billing settings:

• Free trial options (7, 14, or 30 days)
• Annual discount (we recommend 2 months free)
• Proration settings for upgrades

1. Save and preview

What to look for: Make sure your tier page looks clean on mobile. Over 60% of creator business purchases happen on phones.

Step 5: Create Your Tier Comparison Page

A clear comparison helps potential members choose the right tier—and often upsells them to a higher one.

In BTS, you can:

1. Enable the built-in tier comparison table from your membership settings
2. Customize which features appear in the comparison
3. Highlight your recommended tier (usually Core)
4. Add FAQs to address common objections

Our methodology:

[Screenshot: Step 5 - Tier Comparison Page Builder]

Step 6: Set Up Your Upgrade Paths

One of the biggest mistakes creators make is treating tiers as separate products instead of a journey. On BTS, we've built upgrade paths that make moving between tiers seamless.

Configure your upgrade flow:

1. Go to Membership Settings → Upgrades
2. Enable "Prorated Upgrades" (members only pay the difference)
3. Set upgrade prompts (after X days, or at key moments)
4. Create upgrade-specific offers (first month at new tier discounted)

From our experience: Creators who actively promote upgrades earn 35% more than those who wait for members to discover them.

[Screenshot: Step 6 - Upgrade Path Configuration]

Step 7: Launch and Iterate

Your tiers are set up. Now it's time to launch—but remember, this isn't "set and forget."

Our recommendation: Review your tier performance monthly for the first quarter. Look at:

• Conversion rates by tier
• Upgrade rates between tiers
• Churn rates by tier
• Member feedback on value perception

BTS gives you all this data in your Creator Dashboard under Analytics.

What we've learned: The creators who build sustainable businesses treat their membership like a product that evolves. Your V1 tiers won't be your forever tiers—and that's exactly right.

[Screenshot: Step 7 - Analytics Dashboard]

Pro Tips for Designing Your Membership Tiers

After helping 1,600+ creators launch on BTS, we've seen patterns. Here's what separates good tier design from great:

Best Practices

1. Name tiers based on transformation, not levels. "Starter," "Growth," and "Scale" tell a story. "Bronze," "Silver," and "Gold" don't.
2. Keep your Entry Tier genuinely valuable. If it feels like a teaser, members will feel tricked. If it delivers real value, they'll trust you enough to upgrade.
3. Make your Core Tier the obvious choice. This is where 60-70% of your members should land. Design everything to guide people here.
4. Limit your Premium Tier intentionally. Scarcity increases value. "Only 20 VIP spots available" creates urgency and exclusivity.
5. Offer annual billing from day one. Members who pay annually churn 50% less than monthly subscribers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too many tiers: More options = more confusion. Stick to 2-3.
• Unclear differentiation: If members can't instantly see the difference, you've lost them.
• Pricing too low: Underpricing attracts uncommitted members who churn faster.
• Feature bloat: More features ≠ more value. Focus on outcomes.
• Ignoring upgrades: Your upgrade path is a revenue engine. Use it.

Advanced Options for Later

Once you've validated your tier structure, consider:

• Founding member pricing (early supporters get locked-in rates)
• Lifetime access tiers (one-time payment for permanent access)
• Pay-what-you-want options (for accessibility or launches)
• Bundle deals (combining multiple products)

Troubleshooting

Even with a great setup, you might hit some bumps. Here's how to solve the most common issues:

"Members aren't upgrading between tiers"

Try this: Make the value gap clearer. If members can't immediately see what they're missing, they won't upgrade. Add upgrade prompts inside your content, especially after they've consumed something valuable.

"My premium tier isn't selling"

Try this: You might be pricing it too high for the value, or the audience isn't ready for that investment. Consider adding a "VIP waitlist" or requiring members to be in Core for 30 days before Premium becomes available.

"Conversion rates are low across all tiers"

Try this: Check your tier descriptions. Are you focusing on features or outcomes? Rewrite with transformation language. Also verify your comparison page is mobile-optimized.

"Members are churning quickly"

Try this: Churn often means misaligned expectations. Survey churning members, add more value to early member experience, or consider a longer free trial to filter uncommitted signups.

When to Contact Support

Our creator success team is here to help. Reach out if:

• You're seeing technical issues with tier setup
• You want a tier strategy review
• You need help migrating members from another platform
• Something just doesn't feel right and you need guidance

We provide hands-on support because we understand that BTS is creator business infrastructure—your success is our success.

What's Next?

You've designed your membership tiers. That's a huge step toward building something you own. Here's where to go from here:

Related Tutorials to Explore

• Setting Up Your Content Library – Organize your courses, videos, and resources
• Building Your Community Space – Create engaging member discussions
• Launching Your Membership – Our complete launch checklist
• Email Marketing Integration – Connect with your members effectively

Your Next Steps

1. Soft launch to your warmest audience – Get feedback before going public
2. Set up welcome sequences – First impressions matter for retention
3. Create upgrade triggers – Plan when and how you'll promote higher tiers
4. Schedule your first tier review – Put it in the calendar for 30 days out

If You're Stuck

We're here. BTS isn't just a platform—we're your partner in building a creator business that lasts. Reach out to our support team anytime, and we'll help you get unstuck.

Remember: BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. You bring the audience and the expertise. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes so you can focus on what matters—creating, connecting, and growing something you own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does BTS cost?

A: BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched. Our Pro plan is competitively priced for creators ready to scale. Visit our pricing page for the full breakdown—we're transparent about every fee.

Q: Is BTS free to use?

A: Yes! Our Starter plan is completely free to launch with. You only upgrade to Pro when you need advanced features like custom domains, lower transaction fees, and priority support.

Q: What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?

A: We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. BTS gives creators one place to build something they own. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space—community, content, payments, analytics—so you're not stitching together a dozen tools.

Q: Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?

A: Absolutely. We help creators migrate from Patreon, Teachable, Skool, and others regularly. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and we'll walk you through the process.

Q: How long does it take to set up BTS?

A: Most creators launch within a day. Unlike complicated enterprise software, BTS is designed for momentum. Get started, get earning, and refine as you go.

Q: Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?

A: Our fee structure is transparent and competitive—starting at just 3.5% on Pro. Check our pricing page for exact rates. We believe in creator-first economics.

Q: What kind of support does BTS offer?

A: Real human support from people who understand creator businesses. No ticket systems and automated responses—actual help from our creator success team.

Q: Can I use my own domain with BTS?

A: Yes! Pro members can connect custom domains for a fully branded experience. Your business, your brand, your URL.

Q: How long does designing membership tiers take?

A: Most creators complete this in 15-30 minutes using our step-by-step process. Taking your time to get it right upfront saves hours of adjustments later.

Q: What if I get stuck during setup?

A: Our support team is standing by. Reach out anytime and we'll guide you through personally.

Q: How many membership tiers should I create?

A: We recommend 2-3 tiers for most creators. More creates confusion, fewer limits your earning potential. Start with what makes sense and add later if needed.

Q: Can I change my tier pricing after launch?

A: Yes, you can adjust pricing anytime. Existing members can be grandfathered at their original rate or migrated to new pricing—your choice.

Q: Should I offer free trials?

A: It depends on your content. Free trials work well for community-focused memberships where members need to experience the value. For course-based offerings, a money-back guarantee often works better.

Q: What's the best price for my membership?

A: Base it on the transformation you provide, not the content volume. A $50/month membership that helps someone earn or save more than that is a no-brainer. Start reasonable, prove value, then increase.

Q: Can I offer one-time payments instead of subscriptions?

A: Yes! BTS supports subscriptions, one-time payments, pay-per-view, and hybrid models. Use what fits your offering best.

Key Takeaways

• Start with 2-3 tiers – More creates confusion, fewer limits growth
• Design around transformation, not features – What outcome does each tier deliver?
• Price based on value – Your price should be less than 10% of the value you provide
• Make your Core Tier the obvious choice – Design everything to guide members there
• Launch, learn, iterate – Your V1 tiers won't be your forever tiers, and that's okay

About the Author

BTS Support is the Creator Success team at BTS, helping creators launch every day. We've supported over 1,600 creators in turning their content and communities into real businesses, with more than $1.4 million paid out to creators on our platform.

When it comes to membership tiers, we've seen what works—and what doesn't—across education, fitness, business, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. This guide reflects the methodology we've developed from working directly with creators at every stage of their journey.

This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.

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