Creating the material for a membership site is a lot easier than most would think. When you think of the intellectual property you would want to create for your followers, think of the course you would want to create for those who will be interested in your topic.
First I always want to be aware of what will make it easier for my database to become more successful and then I look for information and others who are also well known for their contributions in the topics.
I approach people who are listed on Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon and SelfGrowth with the concept of interviewing them about their experiences, references and knowledge. It is amazing at how easy it is to have people agree to be interviewed.
But the real secret to the success of the membership site is to have those who you are interviewing notify their database they will be interviewed by you and to listen to the interview, they only have to sign up through your database.
Then you will be able to develop your database from the trusted followers of those you are interviewing.
Imagine if you add 100 people every week from the databases of those who you are interviewing. In one year you will have more than 5,000 people in your database. That will be more than enough to create a substantial monthly income.
Membership sites are a prime source of income for those who have developed a following. This is just one of the many income streams you will be able to develop as an author.