---
title: "Getting Started"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/memberdash/getting-started-with-memberdash/"
description: "Introduction MemberDash helps you manage who can access your site’s content by creating different types of memberships. This guide will walk you through install…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "MemberDash"
topics: ["Billing and Payments", "Getting Started", "Installation & Activation", "MemberDash", "Membership Levels", "Payment Gateways", "Restricting Content"]
date: "2023-07-10"
last_modified: "2026-06-29"
---

# Getting Started

### Introduction

**MemberDash** helps you manage who can access your site’s content by creating different types of memberships. This guide will walk you through installing MemberDash, setting it up, and creating your first membership.

### Installing and Activating MemberDash

To install MemberDash:

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, go to **Plugins > Add New**.
2. Click **Upload Plugin**.
3. Select the MemberDash plugin file from your computer and click **Install Now**.
4. Once the installation is complete, click the blue **Activate Plugin** button.

### Creating Your First Membership

After activating MemberDash:

- You’ll see a **Welcome** page with a **Let’s Get Started** button. Click it to begin creating your first membership.
- If you’ve navigated away from the Welcome page, you can return to setup by going to **MemberDash > Set Up** in your WordPress Dashboard.

#### Membership Types

MemberDash offers four membership types:

- **Standard Membership:** Restrict content to members only; hidden from visitors and users without a membership.
- **Dripped Content Membership:** Release content in scheduled intervals over time.
- **Guest Membership:** Make content available only to logged-out users.
- **Default Membership:** Make content available to all logged-in users who are not registered for a specific membership.

### Steps to Create a Membership

> **Note:** If you select **Paid Membership**, you will be automatically directed to the **Payment Settings** page.

1. Select the membership type you want to create.
2. Enter a name for the membership.
3. (Optional) Check **Allow users to register for this membership** if you want to make it publicly available.
4. (Optional) Check **This is a paid membership** if you want to charge for access.

![MemberDash Membership Type options screen](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/image-6-10.png)MemberDash Membership Type options screen### Payment Settings

On the **Payment Settings** page:

- Follow the on-screen instructions to configure pricing and payment options.
- For additional guidance, view the [Payment Setup Tutorials](#).

![Payment Settings page](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Payment-Settings-Page-scaled-1.png)#### Payment Gateways

Below the Payment Settings, you’ll find the **Payment Gateways** section where you can choose from available gateways to process membership payments.

#### Optional: Trial Membership

- You can enable a trial period for the membership.
- Trials can be turned on or off at any time.

### Conclusion

Setting up MemberDash is quick and flexible. Once your first membership is live, you can continue refining payment settings, adding trial periods, and exploring advanced features like dripped content and guest access. MemberDash provides powerful tools to manage your membership site with ease.