SureDash, combined with tools like SureCart and SureMembers, offers a powerful way to create an engaging workshop content funnel. This walkthrough demonstrates how you can build a system that allows users to sign up for free workshops, access exclusive content, and seamlessly transition into paid offerings like courses. By creating an ecosystem where users are accustomed to accounts and gated access, you can drive engagement and conversions.
Here’s the video version of this tutorial where I walk you through step by step.
The Tools You Need
You will need the following tools in order to complete this tutorial:
- SureDash
- SureMembers
- SureCart
- A block editor (I recommend Spectra)
The links above are my affiliate links to these platforms and I’m compensated if you use them at no additional cost to you. They’re the tools that I personally use. I offer additional educational materials and resources as well as support for using them when you purchase through my links. To learn more, check out my affiliate bonuses page.
The Core Idea: A Workshop Ecosystem
The model centers around offering free workshops as an entry point. Users sign up for these workshops via SureCart, which creates an account for them and grants access to gated content in SureDash. This process not only provides value to users but also familiarizes them with your platform, making it easier to upsell courses or other premium offerings in the future.
Creating Workshop Spaces in SureDash
1. Setting Up a Space Group
In SureDash, space groups act as containers for organizing related content. For the workshop model:
- Create a new space group titled “Workshops.”
- Within this group, users can browse all available workshops in a gallery-style layout.
This structure allows users to view and join workshops easily while creating an intuitive user experience.
2. Adding a Workshop Space
For each workshop, create a dedicated space within the group:
- Choose the Blank Space option for maximum flexibility.
- Name the space based on the specific workshop (e.g., “Migrating to Astra and Spectra”).
- Populate the space with your workshop content, such as videos, text, and additional resources.
Restricting Workshop Access with SureMembers
To ensure that only registered users can access workshop content, SureMembers provides two main methods:
Method 1: Protecting the Entire Space
You can restrict access to the workshop space entirely. When unauthorized users try to click on the space, they’ll see a message prompting them to sign up.
Method 2: Conditional Display Inside the Space
This method offers greater flexibility:
- Restrict specific blocks of content (e.g., the workshop video) within the space.
- Display alternative content, such as a sign-up form, to users who don’t have access.
Why Method 2?
By embedding both the workshop content and the sign-up form in the same space, you reduce complexity and keep the user journey streamlined.
Setting Up Access Groups
1. Creating an Access Group
In SureMembers:
- Create an access group for each workshop (e.g., “Workshop: Migrating to Astra and Spectra”).
- Link this group to the content you want to protect.
2. Customizing Unauthorized Access
Even if you choose Method 2 (conditional display), SureMembers requires an action for unauthorized access. Set this to display a simple message or redirect users back to the sign-up form.
Using SureCart for Workshop Sign-Ups
SureCart integrates seamlessly to handle sign-ups and access management. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Create a Product
- Add a new product in SureCart for the workshop.
- Set the price to zero (free) and name the product consistently with the workshop.
2. Integrate with SureMembers
Link the product to the corresponding SureMembers access group. This ensures that when a user “purchases” the workshop, they are automatically granted access.
3. Build a Checkout Form
- Create a checkout form for the workshop product. This can be done from directly within the workshop space in SureDash via the SureCart checkout form block.
- Include fields for the user’s name, email, and password creation.
- Redirect users to the workshop space upon successful sign-up.
Designing the Workshop Experience
Content Blocks and Containers
In SureDash:
- Use containers to organize content within the workshop space.
- Restrict the workshop content container to users in the access group.
- Add a sign-up container that includes the SureCart checkout form. Display this container to users who are not in the access group.
Customizing the Sign-Up Process
To make the sign-up process seamless:
- Add explanatory text around the form to highlight the workshop’s benefits.
- Ensure the form includes all necessary fields, such as name and email, and optionally allow users to set their password during sign-up.
The User Journey
Here’s how the process works for both new and returning users:
- New Users:
- Land on the workshop page and fill out the sign-up form.
- Automatically receive an account and access to the workshop upon submission.
- The redirect back to the same page means they don’t have to go hunt for the email or the workshop page. They’re on it already (the same page thanks to conditional display).
- Returning Users:
- Log in to their account and see which workshops they’ve already joined.
- Easily sign up for additional workshops without re-entering their information.
Benefits of This System
For Users:
- A frictionless experience for accessing free workshops and transitioning into paid content.
- A clear, organized dashboard for managing their workshops and courses.
For Creators:
- Simplified content management with tools like SureDash, SureCart, and SureMembers working together.
- Built-in opportunities to upsell courses or premium offerings.
Conclusion
SureDash, in combination with SureCart and SureMembers, provides a powerful framework for creating workshop funnels that engage users and drive conversions. By offering free workshops as a gateway, you can build trust with your audience while seamlessly transitioning them into your ecosystem.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your existing workshop offerings, this setup offers flexibility, automation, and scalability to grow your community and business.