Our client, a modern digital social media magazine, needed a membership-based platform offering tiered access to premium content and exclusive lifestyle perks. The goal was to implement HubSpot’s membership functionality to control access to articles, events, brand offers, and luxury experiences based on the user's subscription package.
Challenge / Objective
The key objective was to create a tiered membership system within HubSpot that offers different levels of access depending on the user’s subscription. However, we faced several challenges:
- Content access wasn’t properly restricted:Users could save and access articles (bookmarking) even after logging out, bypassing the membership model.
- HubSpot's native membership features are limited,requiring custom logic for advanced access control.
- Complex access rulesacross multiple packages, where certain features overlap between tiers.
- UX complexityin guiding users through what’s included in each package, and what’s locked behind higher tiers.
- Integration with external experiences and events(e.g., Flyfish Club, styling services, dating services) had to be tied to HubSpot user data.
Our Solution
We leveraged HubSpot’s membership functionality as the foundation and built a custom logic layer around it using HubSpot APIs and custom modules. Our solution included:
- Secure content gating:Users must log in with an active membership to view or access saved (bookmarked) articles.
- Tier-based access control:Each package level (Basic, Higher, Top) grants specific access to features, content types, and partner benefits.
- Dynamic content rendering:Articles, buttons, and sections dynamically appear or hide based on the user’s membership level.
- Custom modules:Built for bookmarking, saving to a mood board, and rendering the “For You” content feed based on user activity.
- Integration-ready structure:Designed future integrations with third-party event platforms and partner APIs for exclusive reservations and offers.
Technologies Used
- HubSpot CMS + Membership Features– Base platform for gated content and user authentication
- HubSpot APIs (CRM & Content API) – For managing users, custom properties, and controlling access dynamically
- JavaScript + HubL (HubSpot’s templating language) – For front-end logic and personalization
- Custom Modules– Built to manage features like mood boards, article bookmarking, and package-specific UI components
Process & Execution
- 1. Requirements Mapping: Collaborated with the client to map each membership tier and its corresponding features
- 2. Content Structuring:Designed templates and content blocks that adapt based on user access
- 3. Membership Rules Logic:Built access control using HubSpot CRM properties and conditional logic in templates
- 4. Custom Bookmarking Flow:Ensured only logged-in users can save and retrieve bookmarked articles
- 5. Feature Testing:Simulated multiple user scenarios to ensure content access and restrictions worked accurately across devices and sessions
- 6. Partner Content Zones:Created placeholder structures for brand offers and external experience links per tier
Results & Impact
- Improved content security:Users can no longer bypass login requirements to access premium content
- Flexible membership model:Client can easily update features or reassign benefits across package tiers
- Enhanced user engagement:Personalized “For You” feed increased time-on-site and repeat logins
- Streamlined partner access:Premium users are clearly guided to the perks and brand discounts they’re entitled to
“This isn’t just a paywall — it’s a curated experience. The way the team implemented memberships within HubSpot, with dynamic content and personalized access, makes our platform feel truly premium. Our users notice the difference.”