Case Study
SAE International
How We Increased Association New Member Sign-Ups by 30%
SAE International needed a clearer, more consistent path to membership growth. New sign-ups were inconsistent. Renewals were slipping. And it was hard to pinpoint what was actually driving results.
One issue: member and volunteer engagement were treated as separate experiences. That fragmentation made it harder to communicate the full value of belonging and harder for members to see a future with the organization.
Creating a Unified Engagement Journey
We provided creative direction and collaborated with their internal design team to develop a unified engagement graphic that connects membership benefits, volunteer opportunities, and professional development. This work also informed updates to the membership page on their website, ensuring the digital experience mirrored the full engagement path.
Building a Stronger Foundation
This work laid the foundation for a more connected, intentional member experience. With clearer messaging, a stronger digital presence, and a streamlined path to engagement, the organization was better equipped to recruit, retain, and grow its member base.
Identifying Key Priorities & Quick Wins
We started by mapping the member experience to uncover missed opportunities and disconnects. The journey from first touch to renewal wasn’t as cohesive as it could be, and performance signals weren’t always easy to track.
- 20%
- increase in new member sign-ups
- 30%
- increase in member renewals
- Overhauled renewal outreach to highlight value
Defining a Targeted Marketing Strategy
- Marketing Strategy
- Website Optimization
- Email Marketing
- Digital Marketing
We didn’t just optimize emails or tweak a few web pages. We helped SAE International rethink what membership could look like, how it is presented, how it is delivered, and how it supports long-term growth.
Now, every part of the experience feels more connected. Members do not just join. They understand where they fit and why it matters. Staff have more clarity, less manual lift, and stronger systems to support them.
The transformation was not about doing more. It was about doing it smarter, with strategy that supports scale, retention, and real results.
Less churn. More momentum.