Member types are the bread-and-butter (yum!) to organizing members in your database. They are the core classification for all dues-paying members and determine how member benefits flow to related records in the system.
They also hold settings for new member signups and renewals. Additionally, each member type includes dues rules that determine how much those members will ultimately pay for their membership.
If you have a new option for member signup or need to edit your existing options, follow the steps below to create a new Member Type.
Novi Tip: Before creating a member type, ask yourself:
Should we create an entirely new member type, or can this just be a custom field?
For example, let's say you have a few complimentary members who don't pay dues. You don't need to create a "Complimentary" member type, because these members are still a part of their original type.
You'd just want to create a custom field, select the field on the appropriate member records, and add the custom field as a condition on your dues rules so those members won't be billed.
Reach out to us in Intercom if you need help with the setup!
To create a Member Type:
1. Go to the Members section > Member Types tab on the backend of Novi.
2. Click the Add Member Type button on the top right of the screen.
Tip: If the settings and/or dues rules of your new member type are similar to another type, you can copy an existing member type to save time. This option is found in the Action column.
The "New Member Type" modal will be displayed:
3. In the New Member Type modal, add the following details...
Required:
Name
The Member Type's Name is what admins will see on the backend, and also what users will see on the frontend when signing up for membership and in their Member Compass.
Display Name for Directories
This is what users will see when viewing a directory on your website. In most cases, this will be the same as the Member Type Name, but when necessary this allows you to rename specific types. (see example in the screenshot below)
Note: The "Member Types" filter in directories will show options based on each member type's settings in the "Display Name for Directories" field. If two member types have the same display name, it will only be listed once in the filter drop-down and the members from both types will be displayed in the directory results together.
Example: Complimentary Member
Member Type Category
Overview
The members within a particular member type can be either companies or individuals. This refers to the record that has the member type assigned, but other records can be set to inherit benefits if applicable.
The following can be used as a general guideline when considering which member type category you'll need for your association's members:
Trade associations will be able to nest individuals underneath companies so that they can inherit member benefits.
Hybrid associations will want to use different member types for their individual vs company-oriented memberships.
Societies can set member types to individuals and even use our hybrid functionality if they decide to start offering company memberships to sponsors or other businesses.
Color
This applies to any record with a member type assigned (current & expired members, prospects, etc.). The colors will show in the Members list for quick reference - on the tiles at the top and on the far left of the rows in the list.
Tip: If you copied an existing member type in step #2 above, then don't forget to select a different color on the new member type.
Member Type Color:
Optional:
Description
This will show on the frontend of your website to help users select the appropriate Member Type. This can be short or even blank, but oftentimes it includes whether the member type is for companies or individuals, a list of member benefits, and the annual dues amount.
Once a member type is created, the Description field can be edited on the backend by going to the Details tab of the member type, or on the frontend "join page" (which can be found at this URL: https://yourassociation.com/membership-information
Tip: If your member types have very specific eligibility requirements, this description field is the best place to explain the differences so the user can select the correct Member Type before starting the membership application process.
Welcome Email
Automatically send a welcome email to new members. If approval is required, the email will be sent after an admin approves the record on the backend.
>> More info on the New Member Welcome Email, including available merge tags for your message.
4. Click Save & Close to create the new member type.
5. Open the member type on the backend where it was just created and go to the Dues Rules tab. If the member type gets billed for dues, you'll need to set up your dues rules, and be sure that they are set to "Active" status.
6. Go to the Member Benefits tab if this member type should flow benefits to any family members. For example, if it is a company-based Member Type and the people connected to that company (e.g. staff) should receive member benefits because their company is a member, you'd select Dues Paying Member's Children (People).
This is what the Member Benefits tab looks like when
the Member Type Category is Companies -or- Individual People:
This is what the Member Benefits tab looks like when
the Member Type Category is Companies with Individual Seat Dues:
Additional information related to benefit flow:
7. Go to the Product Add-ons tab if you would like to include any products on the dues invoices. Keep in mind that these will show up on both new and renewal invoices. New members joining can remove the product from the invoice before it is created, renewing members will need to contact you to remove the line item from the invoice since the invoice is created automatically.
8. In the Renewal tab, update the member type's renewal settings and renewal email messaging.
9. Then, go to the Settings tab to dial in general Member Type settings (e.g. signups and dependencies) and accounting options (e.g. default billable party for dues and message displayed on invoice).
10. Now that the new member type has been created and all settings are dialed in, go to the main Member Types list (on the backend) and review the display order, which is what users will see on the frontend of your website when they are on the page with this URL: https://yourassociation.com/membership-information
If any member types should be moved, drag & drop into position or right-click for "Move to Top" and "Move to Bottom" options:
Now you're all set and ready to receive memberships under this new member type. Don't forget to review the Recent Signups list on a regular basis!