Every app has different types of people involved. Here's a simple way to think about it: staff run your app, while members are in your app.
Staff
"People who help run things"
Staff are the people behind the scenes. They have logins and can do things that regular visitors can't—like managing content, viewing private data, or sending announcements.
- Have their own login credentials
- Can access the dashboard
- Have assigned roles (admin, manager, etc.)
- Can see and manage app data
Members
"People you keep track of"
Members are the people your app is about. They're stored in your app's data—like a contact list, roster, or directory. You might send them emails or track information about them.
- Listed in your app's data
- Can receive emails from your app
- Might have profiles or records
- Don't need logins to be members
Quick Comparison
| Staff | Members | |
|---|---|---|
| Who are they? | Your helpers & admins | Your audience & contacts |
| Do they log in? | Yes, with credentials | Usually no |
| What can they do? | Manage & control | Be tracked & contacted |
| Typical count | A few (1-25) | Many (20-1,000+) |
Real-World Examples
Church App
A small church uses Rhappsody to share announcements and manage their congregation.
Youth Soccer League
A local league coordinates schedules, rosters, and parent communications.
Local Bakery
A bakery uses their app for online ordering and a loyalty program.
Nonprofit Organization
A charity tracks donors and coordinates volunteer activities.