I have a dating site that has been 100% free for the last 1 1/2 years. It is now up to about 180 new members a day (average). I just finished adding paypal and membership levels. I decided to charge only $5/month for full and total access. It's been about 4 days, and I still have been receiving an average of about 180 members a day. However, not one person has spent the $5 to get total access for one month. I had thought that I would likely have at least 10 out of every 180 new members a day. Was I way off??? How many paid members can I expect? Does anybody have any ideas (based on experience or things they heard/read). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Well, I guess I'm following in the footprints of the giants. Members can search, browse profiles, send winks, and add people to favourites, etc. for free. If they want to send messages, chat, etc. they have to pay. The site can be viewed by clicking on my first signature link. Thanks. I'm still offering many features for free because I don't want to lose all my regulars. Perhaps this is my mistake. Instant Messaging is still free, along with blogs, adding pics and vids, etc.
possibly look for more features you could give them. You want to beat other dating sites. So you have to have unique features. Try marketing your site a little more. Post in other dating forums and what not and see what you can get.
My guess is the memberbase is very young looking at the site and who it would appeal to. Also, by leaving "instant messaging" as free there's no real need to upgrade. With 180 new sign ups per day perhaps more advertising linked to your members profiles/demographics would add revenue.
have you checked our okcupid or plentyoffish (*I'm sure you have) recently they both started charging, have you compared to what they offer for premium members? (*not much) Marcus really points out the size of his team and tried to make the connection of "hey I'm a small guy, wanna help?)
provide a shop where one can send flowers or something ordered by one of the member. i think i've read about this feature in plenty of fish..
Its just due to "Free Instant Messaging". Make it paid and you will get paid signups. Also block any other method for free members that allow exchange of messages or contact information between them, otherwise you won't get any paid signups. It is must to do this!
I think thats a right decision you made. every site should be monetized. wait at least 2 months, with that kind of signup rate I am sure you would get paid members as well.
Before you implement paid option,you need to ask for your member opinion. And in order to get more paid member sign up,you should give out some free premium membership for your member such as 1 month to let them see the different of paid and free account.
Ask yourself this question: Why would someone pay you for a membership when they can pay a company with 1000x more members then you (Example Match.com). On top of that, there is plentyoffish, mingle2, okcupid and even facebook can be used....all 100% free with 1000x more members then you. Not trying to be rude, just stating the facts. You have to find your position in the market that makes you different if you want to succeed.
You need to make the members WANT to upgrade to a membership. Get some more added features and other useful stuff for members then maybe try and make a page to advertise the "new membership". For instance, after someone signs in (who isn't a member), it may take them to a page discussing the advantage of upgrading and why they should spend their money.
Honestly, i do not think its enough features worth to pay for $5 a month. Like many of the members said here, i would suggest to offer more unique features. If you're following the footsteps of the giants then you're killing your business right there because they made using that business model so you should build off that but add more. I would also recommend looking into a new design. I personally would not want to sign up to a dating site like that.
You need the value to be there. If people don't see a reason to spend their hard earned money they won't go there. How about this....offer 1 month free. After the month of using the full features they can decide to pay or go back to the free membership. This way they can at least get a taste of the "premium" experience.
First, find out what new services your current membership would like to see added (conduct a survey). Once you get the feedback, start with those services and offer discount to your current membership and full price for new members.
People like free start Paying for a dating site lool are there people paying for that lol Anyway you should post ads on site Regards