MembershipWorks and Mailchimp serve different communication purposes for Ibex.
The distinction is important because MembershipWorks is not intended to function as our promotional email marketing platform. Limiting its use to administrative, transactional, and participation-related communications helps protect MembershipWorks—and Ibex—from potential anti-spam compliance issues and liability. Mailchimp is designed to manage promotional email, including subscription preferences and unsubscribe requirements.
MembershipWorks may be used for messages that are directly related to a member’s participation in the club or in a specific activity, event, or trip. These are primarily administrative, transactional, or operational communications.
Examples include:
Trip or event updates sent to registered participants
Payment reminders or payment confirmations
Changes in schedules, meeting locations, transportation, or other logistics
Information members need because they have registered for an activity
Membership-related notices or administrative information
Communications to a specific group when the message relates directly to that group’s participation or responsibilities
Mailchimp should be used when the primary purpose of the message is promotional or marketing-related.
Examples include:
Promoting an upcoming trip or event to encourage registrations
Announcing that openings are still available
Encouraging members to purchase, register, attend, or participate
General club newsletters containing promotional content
Messages designed primarily to generate interest in future activities
Ask…
“Am I giving people information they need because they are already involved, or am I trying to persuade them to become involved?”
If they are already involved and the message supports that participation, MembershipWorks is generally appropriate.
If the purpose is to promote, market, or encourage participation, use Mailchimp.
This distinction also ensures that promotional messages are sent through a system designed to honor unsubscribe requests and other anti-spam requirements, rather than using MembershipWorks to bypass those protections.
When in doubt, use Mailchimp for promotional messages.
