Members Only Page

Creating a members-only page lets you offer exclusive content, resources, or services to approved users. Whether you’re running a private community, client portal, or subscription-based resource centre, Oncord makes it simple to manage access and control who can view your content.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up a membership application form, approve members, automatically manage groups, and secure your pages so only approved contacts can log in and view them.

Step 1: Create a Membership Application Form

First, you’ll need a form for users to apply for membership.

1. Go to Dashboard > Pages > New Page.
   
2. On your page, add a Form and title it “Membership Application”.
   
3. Add fields such as Name, Email, Contact Details, and any other information you require.
   
4. Save the page.
   

Tip: Test your form by submitting a set of details. This ensures the form is created and appears in your Form List.

For more details, see: Creating a Form

Step 2: Configure Form Workflow for Approval

Set up a workflow to review, approve, or reject applications.

1. Go to Dashboard > Pages > Form, find your membership form, click the three-dot menu, and select Configure Workflow.
   
2. Create workflow steps such as:
   
   • Pending (default)
     
   • Approved
     
   • Rejected
     
     
3. When a user submits the form, manually change their status to “Approved” once you’ve reviewed it.
   

This gives you full control over who becomes a member.

🔗 Configuring Form Workflow

Step 3: Create an Automation to Add Approved Members to a Group

Groups let you categorise and manage your members.

1. Go to Dashboard > Customers > Groups.
   
2. Create groups such as:
   
   • Approved Members
     
   • Rejected Members
     
     
3. Go to Marketing > Automation > New Automation.
   
4. Add a title (e.g., Group Membership Form).
   
5. For Upon Event, select Forms – When a form’s workflow status is changed.
   
6. Choose your membership form and the workflow step.
   
7. Under Workflow, select Groups – Add Contact to Group and choose the correct group.
   

Repeat this for each workflow step so all applicants are categorised properly.

Note: The Marketing feature must be enabled on your account to use Automations.

Step 4: Create a Members-Only Page

Next, build the page you want to restrict to members.

1. Go to Dashboard > Website > Pages.
   
2. Create a new page (e.g., Member Dashboard or Members Area).
   
3. Add your member-only content (resources, downloads, announcements, etc.).
   

Step 5: Secure the Page with Access Restrictions

Now lock the page so only approved members can view it.

1. Click the three-dot menu next to the page.
   
2. Select SEO & Page Settings > Attributes & Security.
   
3. Under Security, select New Ruleset > Contacts Who Meet Conditions.
   
4. From the dropdown, select Groups – In at least one of these groups, then choose Approved Members.
   

Note: Users must log in to access secured pages.

Step 6: Set Up Login & Community Portal

Oncord provides a built-in portal for member logins.

• Members can log in at: yourdomain.com/community/login
  
• Approved members use their email and password to access secured pages.

Summary

Here’s a summarise way to run a members-only section on your website:

1. Membership form – Add a form to your site so people can apply to become members.
   
2. Review applications – You’ll be able to approve or reject applications in your dashboard.
   
3. Group members – Approved members will be added to a “Members” group so they can be managed easily.
   
4. Members-only page – Create a special page (like “Member Dashboard”) and mark it as members-only.
   
5. Login – Members log in with their email and password at yourdomain.com/community/login to access secured content.