5 years ago I had a dream to start a Subscription Box service full of goodies for women to treat themselves and nurture the importance of self care. It took me a full 18 months to make it happen! I was paralyzed by ‘all the things’ I had to figure out with no one to turn to for guidance. That is why I created Launch Your Box! Maybe you need some direction on how to begin, or you are ready to grow your subscriber base. Either way, it all starts with an idea that can turn into a constant reoccurring revenue, a raving fan base, and a business to love. I will help you... Take your first steps and know where to start. Figuring out the logistics: packing, shipping, boxes, oh my! Learn how to launch, from idea to sales. Scale that box to the next level, go big or go home!
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Listeners of Launch Your Box Podcast with Sarah Williams | Start, Launch, and Grow Your Subscription Box that love the show mention:The Launch Your Box Podcast with Sarah Williams is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in starting, launching, and growing their own subscription box. Sarah provides a wealth of knowledge and value in each episode, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs. I have listened to every episode and have learned something new each time. The podcast fills a gap in the market as there is limited information available online about starting subscription boxes.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is Sarah's ability to provide actionable advice and insights. She shares her own experiences and gives practical tips that listeners can apply to their own businesses. Her expertise in subscription box knowledge is evident, and she presents the information in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, Sarah's coaching style is efficient yet effective, making it perfect for busy business owners who want to get straight to the point.
Another great aspect of the podcast is Sarah's genuine personality and willingness to help others succeed. She not only shares her own journey but also coaches listeners through the ins and outs of running a subscription box. It is refreshing to see her still actively involved in her own business while guiding others along the way. Her authenticity shines through in every episode, making her relatable and trustworthy.
On the downside, some listeners may find that certain episodes lack depth or specific details they are looking for. While Sarah covers a wide range of topics related to subscription boxes, there may be instances where more specific information would be beneficial. However, this minor flaw does not significantly detract from the overall value provided by the podcast.
In conclusion, The Launch Your Box Podcast with Sarah Williams is an excellent resource for anyone interested in starting or growing their own subscription box business. Sarah's expertise, actionable advice, and genuine personality make it an enjoyable and informative listen. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone seeking behind-the-scenes insights into launching their own subscription box.
I'm excited to bring you this interview with my good friend Cindy Manly of Art Shattered. Cindy has a successful membership with over 1200 members and has been selling one-time art supply kits for the past few years. If you've been selling one-time boxes and are wondering if a subscription is for you, you're going to want to hear Cindy's story! Cindy is an artist who specializes in glass and resin art. She makes beautiful, unique pieces of 3-D art that her followers LOVE. She also teaches her followers how to create their own art through her online membership. Cindy started her membership in 2018 and now has over 1200 members. When some of Cindy's members started asking where to get the supplies they needed to create the pieces she was teaching - and others mentioned they were having a hard time finding the right supplies - she started selling one-off kits. Every time she offered up a kit for sale, she sold out. When she offered kits during her membership pre-launch, she sold 800 full kits and 500 partial kits. Cindy and I have been friends for several years and I've been telling her almost that long that she needed to start a subscription box. She resisted the idea for a long time. But after selling 1300 kits during her pre-launch, she was convinced. Armed with the launch plan she learned inside Launch Your Box and as a member of my Mastermind and backed by her audience of raving fans, Cindy launched her subscription box in June. The result? She sold out of all 500 available spots in her quarterly subscription! And she used four strategies to do it. Urgency - Cindy opened the subscription only to her online membership for 48 hours. Waitlist - Cindy then opened up to members of the waitlist she'd been growing for three weeks leading up to the launch. Early Bird Bonus Engaging her audience - on her last LIVE, Cindy added names on post-it notes to her wall of subscribers. Cindy originally wanted to only plan for 200 boxes, but I convinced her she could absolutely do more. And she did! She's also an absolute genius who packed her subscription boxes ahead of time and had them ready to ship BEFORE she launched! That meant when she was exhausted from her launch - and if you do it right, you will be exhausted - Cindy headed straight to the beach! 500 subscribers means additional financial security for Cindy, the satisfaction of knowing she is serving her loyal audience in yet another way, and steady employment for her team. I can't wait to watch Cindy's subscription box continue to grow. Join me for this episode as Cindy walks us through her journey of moving from offering one-time boxes to launching a subscription box and welcoming 500 new subscribers. Find and follow Cindy: Art Shattered on Instagram Art Shattered on Facebook Art Shattered Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join today!
Should your subscription box be available all the time or only during specific launch windows? It's one of the most common questions I get inside Launch Your Box. But here's the truth… It's not about whether your cart is open or closed. It's about whether you're giving people a reason to subscribe right now. In this week's Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm breaking down the difference between open cart and closed cart subscription models, the pros and cons of each, and what really moves the needle when it's time to grow your subscriber count. I also share a simple strategy that works with either model to create urgency and excitement: the launch bonus with examples you can use without spending a fortune. Open Cart Subscription Model Your subscription box is always live, and subscribers can join at any time. It's simple and steady, but it lacks urgency. You have to create your own momentum. Closed Cart Subscription Model You open the cart for a limited window a few times a year. It builds buzz and urgency, but only if you show up and promote it well. Both work. I've used both. But the most important thing? YOU are the one who creates urgency. It's about how you talk about your box, how you show up, and whether or not you give people a reason to say yes this week. When I launched my Monogram Box™ in April, I offered a free monogram tee to anyone who subscribed that week. That bonus helped me sell out 432 spots. The bonus worked again during my July teacher launch, when I offered a personalized “Teacher” tee to new subscribers. That simple extra created urgency and excitement. And brought in results. Whether your cart is open or closed, a bonus can help you say, “This week matters. Here's why.” Try one of these subscriber-worthy extras: An exclusive item they can't get anywhere else A personalized detail like a name or monogram A small gift that matches your box's theme A digital download or printable Leftover inventory from a previous month Your bonus doesn't have to be expensive—it just has to be timely and thoughtful. Your Friday Fuel Action Step Map out your next launch bonus. Ask yourself: What could I offer that feels special and simple? When will I offer it and when will it end? How will I promote it through email, social, and your website? Write it down. Plug it into your calendar. And remember: when you're excited, your audience will be, too. Join me for this episode and find out why it's not about whether your subscription box is open or closed – it's about getting people to say yes. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
“Don't give up. Just keep moving forward.” - Alexia Haubert After making it to the top 1% of all Etsy sellers in the wedding category - the top 1%! - Lexie was on top of her game. Then came a global pandemic that shut down the wedding industry and Lexie's business. Lexie had to pivot and struggled to grow her business for a long time before recently reaching a big milestone. In this episode, Lexie's story will inspire you to keep going as you work toward your business goals. When the wedding industry slowly started coming back, Lexie introduced The Monogrammed Bride subscription box and started building her audience from scratch. She stayed consistent and continued to show up even though she saw very little in the way of results for a long time. When Lexie and I first talked, after a disappointing launch, I was surprised to see she had done everything I teach. She was doing all the things and she was doing them well. But she wasn't seeing results. We brainstormed and strategized, and Lexie continued working hard. And just recently - after seeing consistently steady growth for the last six months - Lexie hit her long-standing goal of 100 subscribers! So what did she do differently these past six months? She built a community - giving her subscribers something to feel they were a part of. She posted stories on Instagram - consistently. She created engaging posts featuring pictures of subscribers and their boxes. She started going LIVE much more consistently and, when she did, started building an audience who showed up for her and engaged with her during the LIVEs. She followed her subscribers back and engaged with their posts. She did tons of short video, finding cracks of time while sitting in her car waiting to pick her kids up from practices. She sent boxes to a small number of influencers from TikTok and Instagram - people with 1000-2000 followers who want to grow as influencers. She ran Facebook Ads - and has gotten really dialed in which drives the cost per engagement way down. Lexie analyzes her Ads every week and makes changes as needed. While we were talking, Lexie got subscriber #112! This growth in her business - this regular, recurring revenue - has lessened the financial stress Lexie has felt for the past couple of years. She is able to breathe and plan for even more subscribers as her business continues to grow. Lexie's message for anyone who feels overwhelmed or discouraged by the challenges they're facing in building their business? Don't give up. Just keep moving forward. Join me for this episode and get inspired by Lexie's determination to just keep going and never give up on her dream on her way to reaching and passing her goal of 100 subscribers. Find and follow Lexie: Crafty Lady Boutique on Instagram Crafty Lady Boutique on Facebook Crafty Lady Boutique Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join today! Get 30 Days FREE when you switch to Subbly: https://join.subbly.co/sarah-williams Use code LAUNCHWELCOME at https://www.boxup.com/ to get 10% off your first order
If your subscription box planning feels chaotic, rushed, or downright stressful, this episode is for you. I know what it's like to be stuck in a cycle of packing this month's box while still scrambling to figure out what's going in next month's. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm sharing how I went from winging it to planning six months of boxes in just one hour. And how you can do it too. You'll hear the story behind my 6 in 60 Workshop, why this system works, and five simple habits that will help you plan ahead and curate with confidence. Five actionable steps to help you plan and curate your subscription boxes: • Theme First – Map out 6 clear themes or anchor ideas. • Product Partners – Make a running list of your favorite wholesalers, handmade makers, or past vendors. Revisit this list every time you plan. • Budget Guardrails – Know what you can spend per box – product cost, shipping, packaging – so you're not scrambling later. • Lead Times Matter – Give yourself 8–12 weeks to order. Custom items take longer. • Marketing – Think about how you'll tease the box. Each theme should have a built-in story you can share on social media. Join me for this episode and learn how planning ahead makes everything feel easier – from sourcing products and teasing themes to delivering a box your subscribers can't stop talking about. Ready to plan your next 6 boxes in just 60 minutes? Grab the free replay of the 6 in 60 Workshop and start curating with confidence: 6in60workshop.com You don't have to wing it anymore. Let's plan with purpose. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Have you ever felt stuck trying to get seen? Whether you're just starting to build your audience so you can launch your subscription box or you're deep into scaling your business, this episode is for you. I sat down with Brooke Riley of Re-Fabbed with Brooke Riley and Re-Fabbed Boutique. She shared how she built two successful businesses and a thriving community by showing up authentically, consistently, and imperfectly. Brooke started her business 10 years ago with a DIY blog and built a Facebook audience from scratch to send readers to her blog. When Facebook LIVE first rolled out, she jumped right in and discovered how powerful it was to connect with people in real time. Her blog views skyrocketed. Her income grew. And when her audience started asking what she was wearing on her LIVEs and where they could get it, Brooke paid attention. That question planted the seed for what would become the Re-fabbed Boutique, which she's grown into a multi-million dollar business over the past 7 years. More than just a boutique, Brooke has built a community. And she believes that connection – built by showing up as her true self and serving her audience – is what sets her apart. We covered so much in this conversation, including: • Why consistency is everything when building your audience, even when it feels like no one is watching. • How showing up authentically helps your people connect with you. • The danger of waiting for everything to be “perfect” before you start. • How personal content builds trust and deepens relationships with your audience. • Why your actions, not just your words, determine your success. When I asked Brooke, coach-to-coach, about the biggest mistake business owners make, her answer was simple and powerful: They wait. They think everything has to be perfect before they take the first step. They stay stuck in a compulsive learning mode instead of doing. If you've been holding back, Brooke and I challenge you to start today. Show up. Build trust. Be consistent. And get seen, organically. Because if you want to launch your subscription box or grow your business, your audience needs to know you. Brooke left us with one final thought. And in true Brooke Riley fashion, she didn't sugarcoat it: If you want this, your actions need to show it. You either want it or you don't. Do the work. Your audience is waiting, but you have to put yourself out there to be found. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why consistency and authenticity matter more than perfection • How to build trust and connection with your audience •. What it really takes to launch and grow, even when it feels scary • Why your audience will show up for you when you show up for them Join me for this episode if you're ready to stop hiding and start building the business you've been dreaming about. Come away inspired to take the first step and keep going. Find and follow Brooke: Re-Fabbed on Facebook Re-Fabbed Boutique on Facebook Re-Fabbed Website Re-Fabbed Boutique Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
You picked a date to launch your subscription box. You told your audience. But are you actually ready to launch? Here's the hard truth: a launch date without a plan is just a number on the calendar. And hope is not a marketing strategy. In this episode of Friday Fuel, I break down the biggest mistakes subscription box owners make when it comes to launching and what you need to do instead. Because a successful launch is about so much more than just the day your cart opens. It's about everything you do before that to warm up your audience, build momentum, and create excitement. What you'll learn in this episode: Why picking a date isn't the same as planning a launch. The one month I always avoid launching in — and why. What a real launch runway includes (and when to start). Five signs you're not ready to launch yet. How to check if your launch is on track – or if you need to delay with purpose. Take Action Don't launch to crickets. This week, audit your launch plan and ask yourself: Do I have a waitlist? Is my audience warm and engaged? Is my sales page ready? Do I feel confident – or rushed? If you're missing pieces, take the time to fix them now. You only get one chance to make a strong first impression. Make sure you're ready. And if you want the full roadmap to launching your subscription box the right way? It's all inside Launch Your Box. Join me, and let's build your launch plan together. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
One hundred months of subscription boxes. It feels almost unreal to say that out loud. That I've curated 100 different subscription boxes over the past 8 ½ years. And yet… here we are. When I look back at where it started, I can still picture myself stressing over every tiny detail of that very first box. My “Lilly Pulitzer-inspired” box, packed in a plain brown craft box I stamped by hand. During the early days of my subscription box, more always felt better, so I just kept adding things, forgetting all about profit margins, and hoping my customers would be happy. Fast forward to today? My process, my confidence, and my profit margins look completely different. That first year, I thought adding more products would make the box feel more valuable. But over time, I learned the magic is in the experience. The way the boxes make my subscribers feel. Instead of thinking that more is better, I choose one wow-worthy item and curate the rest of the box around it. And the packaging? Let's just say we've come a long way from those stamped boxes and logo tape. When I reached 100 subscribers, I finally ordered my first custom boxes in my signature turquoise. A few years later, we gave The Monogram Box™ packaging the full glow-up it deserved. Out of those 100 boxes, some stand out more than others, for better and for worse. There was the box where FedEx left their truck door open, and my boxes ended up all over a busy road in my town (yes, really). The “Oh My Gourd” box that I thought was funny, but many of my subscribers didn't. Lesson learned - give them what they want! And the custom-designed green Christmas sweatshirt that subscribers still talk about – and still wear – years later. Every one of those moments taught me something. How to plan further ahead. How to problem solve and pivot. How to listen (really listen) to what my subscribers wanted, even when it wasn't what I expected. Today, we plan boxes 6–8 months in advance. I still start with one main item and build the rest of the box around it. And yes , I stopped packing boxes myself after about 45 of them when we moved into the Warehouse (the team kindly told me I was… in the way). And my favorite hack? An automatic paper folder for packing slips. A little thing, but it saves so much time every month. You'd think by our 100th box I could predict exactly what my subscribers will love. But they still surprise me. Sometimes it's the smallest detail that gets the biggest reaction. So what keeps them coming back month after month? The seasonality. Their style needs change, so the box does too. The surprise. That feeling of opening something unexpected every month. The connection. They know I care about their feedback and use it to make each box better. If you're sitting at box #3 or #33 right now and wondering if you're on the right track, let me tell you: you are. And if you haven't launched yet, this advice is for you, too! Consistency matters more than perfection. Growth happens when you keep showing up, even when no one's cheering you on yet. And more than anything, remember: building a sustainable subscription box business is a long game. One box at a time, you're building something bigger than you can see right now. So keep going. Your 100th box is closer than you think. Join me for this episode as I share the story of my first 100 subscription boxes and how the lessons they've taught me can help you reach your 100th box and beyond. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Feeling stuck in your subscription box business, even though you're doing all the things? This episode is your wake-up call—and your pep talk. Sarah breaks down why your lack of growth likely isn't about your product or your effort… it's about visibility. Most box owners aren't failing—they're just not being seen by enough of the right people. She'll walk you through the math behind your conversion rate, share a powerful example from a Launch Your Box member, and give you 5 clear steps to get out of the shadows and in front of the people who are ready to buy. In this episode: Why 1–3% conversion means you need a bigger audience A behind-the-scenes story from a frustrated member—and what Sarah told her What to do instead of launching to crickets 5 visibility actions you can take in the next 30 days
“Start with what you have and build up to what you want.” Welcome to my first on-location podcast episode! Launch Your Box member Rachel Duguay joined me live onstage at SubSummit, the first and only conference exclusively for the subscription box industry. Rachel and I met at last year's SubSummit and she quickly became a member of Launch Your Box. At that time, Rachel and her husband's business, MicroPuzzles, sold miniature puzzles as one-time purchases. In business since 2018, MicroPuzzles took off in 2020 when the entire world turned to puzzles as a way to pass the time together. MicroPuzzles are 4”x6” when complete and are adorably packaged in test tubes. Demand for their puzzles went through the roof and customers clamored for more designs. Rachel decided adding a subscription box to the business was the answer to giving her customers what they wanted. They launched what Rachel calls the 1.0 version and continued to improve and grow. A year later, they have 425 monthly subscribers and both she and her husband have turned a part-time side hustle into a full-time career. Rachel doesn't just put MicroPuzzles in her own subscription boxes, she partners with other subscription box owners, too. Many members of Launch Your Box have featured Rachel's tiny puzzles in their own subscription boxes, customized to their themes and their audiences! Part of Rachel's success is due to her creative marketing, including an emphasis on product seeding. You'll rarely find her without a stash of tiny puzzles on hand to use as “business cards.” She also does a fantastic job of building genuine connections with her audience which has contributed to her success. Join me for this episode as Rachel and I talk about the importance of doing something before it's perfect, the rapid growth of her subscription box, and what led to a cross-country move that included getting the keys to a 3,000-square-foot warehouse. Find out, too, what makes Brian in shipping their most talked about employee. Important Links: Find and follow Rachel: MicroPuzzles on Facebook MicroPuzzles on Instagram MicroPuzzles Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
When was the last time you really looked at your numbers? I'm not talking about follower count or how many likes your last reel got. I mean the real numbers in your business. The ones that actually tell you if your subscription box is healthy, sustainable, and built to grow. If the idea of diving into your numbers makes you want to run and hide, this episode is for you! Because today, I'm walking you through the five most important metrics every subscription box owner needs to track. I'll break down what they are and how to calculate them, and explain what they mean for your business and how to use them to make smarter decisions starting today. Whether you're brand new or scaling toward your next milestone, these numbers will give you clarity, confidence, and control. Don't feel like you have to track everything all at once.Pick one number and start there. Maybe this month, you track your retention rate. Next month, add Customer Acquisition Cost. Then plug in your numbers for LTV. In this Friday Fuel episode, I'm breaking down the 5 metrics that matter most and how to start tracking them (without the overwhelm). Don't ignore your numbers because they feel confusing or overwhelming. Because clarity? That's power. Mentioned in This Episode: Free Retention Rate Calculator Box Budget Worksheet Launch Your Box Training Library (members only) Inside Launch Your Box, we take this even further, teaching you how to track, interpret, and use these numbers to scale your subscription box business. If you're ready to stop guessing and start making decisions based on data, we're here to help. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
For 18 months, I posted regularly on YouTube. Livestreams every Monday. Audio-only versions of The Launch Your Box Podcast. A few Shorts every week. I saw some slow, steady growth, but it wasn't what I'd hoped for. Then I attended a conference this past February, and I kept hearing the same thing over and over again: “YouTube changed everything for my business.” But the thing was, it hadn't changed everything for my business. It hadn't really changed much of anything at that point. That's when it hit me. I was treating YouTube like just another platform instead of the powerful growth tool it is. So I made a few simple, strategic changes… and everything shifted. In this episode, I'm walking you through: What I changed Why those changes worked And how you can start using YouTube to grow your business, especially if you sell a product or subscription box There's a reason every successful creator I met at that conference credited YouTube with playing a big role in their growth. It's the second-largest search engine in the world. And unlike so many social media platforms, your YouTube content lasts. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where posts disappear in a flash, YouTube videos keep working for you for months (even years). This builds visibility, trust, and community, especially when you're showing up with value. If you're making Reels or packing videos, you're already halfway there. YouTube just gives it more reach and staying power. If you want to go deeper, check out the YouTube course that helped me shift everything. It's practical, doable, and honestly... it changed how I show up on the platform. Click HERE to grab it now. Use code SARAH for $50 off. I went from 2,300 subscribers in February to more than 16,000 just a few months later. My goal? 50K subscribers by the end of 2025. I know it's possible because of the systems I've put in place. Join me for this episode to learn how YouTube can work for you and your subscription box business. YouTube isn't magic. But with the right strategy, it can grow your business. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Are you telling yourself you're "just not consistent"? That your schedule is the problem? That if life would just calm down for a minute, you'd finally make progress in your business? I'm calling you out (with love)in this week's Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast. Because I've been there, too. And what I'm sharing in this 10-minute mindset reset might be exactly what you need to break through. It all started with a stat I heard at a conference. Only 1.9% of women-owned businesses ever reach a million dollars in revenue. That number stopped me in my tracks. And it got me thinking about why so many subscription box businesses stall out before they ever really start. Inside this episode, I'm walking you through the four barriers that are actually holding you back, and the simple shift that can move you forward starting today. Get honest about what's actually distracting you. Stop chasing new strategies and start following the roadmap you already have. Take back control of your numbers, including your profit margin. Rethink the story you've been telling yourself about consistency. Here's the truth: You're already consistent. You just haven't chosen to be consistent in your business. Yet. And that changes now. Ask yourself: What's distracting me from growing my business? Which of the 4 barriers is holding me back? What's ONE thing I can do every day for the next 7 days to show up differently? You don't need a 10-step plan. You need one simple action, on repeat. Listen now and let's make that shift together. Because million-dollar momentum doesn't start with a perfect plan. It starts with showing up. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today! In this episode, I'll challenge you to:Take Action This Week
One of the most important aspects of our subscription box is the products we put inside it. Whether you're brand new to business or an experienced subscription box owner, finding the right products at the right prices can be challenging. Where do you start? What about when you begin to grow? How do you buy in bulk? Before you start shopping, you will need your sales tax permit and resellers certificate. File for your sales tax permit first and then you'll be able to get your resellers certificate. Where you head next depends on where you are in your business. I found in my own business that buying product for my growing subscription box was different from buying product for my brick-and-mortar shop or the early days of my subscription box. So how can you find the products you need? 1 - When you're brand new to business: Local Shops/Brands Facebook Wholesale Groups 2 - Once you've established yourself and have some orders behind you: Online Marketplaces such as Faire - You can shop thousands of vendors on one platform with low required minimum order quantities. Direct vendor wholesale site - Go directly to the websites and look for a wholesale link. See if you can apply for a wholesale account with them. Markets or Trade shows -These are scheduled events that happen across the country where hundreds or thousands of vendors come to connect with buyers. You can walk through all their booths, see their products in person, meet with vendors, and place orders. I want you to go to a Market. They opened my mind to brands and vendors I never would have found or considered. I've met vendors at Market who have grown along with me and my business. 3 - You're growing and it's time to start making bigger bulk purchases: When you grow past a certain point, it's time to buy bulk and consider working with overseas manufacturers. Global Marketplace - Alibaba, AliExpress, and IndiaMart are a great way to lower costs for items. I purchased small items first to get comfortable with product quality and shipping time. However, since the items are coming from overseas, you'll need to give them more lead time when ordering. White Label from an Existing Vendor - Vendors allow you to custom-make products under their supply chain and manufacturing process and put your label on it. Sourcing Services - You can work with a sourcing agent who works with manufacturers on your behalf, getting products for you at really great prices. This sourcing agent handles all the communication and organization. My advice for you: Use several different vendors - don't put all your eggs in one basket. Build relationships - get representatives and keep in touch with them. Relationships are so important in our business. Prices are negotiable - don't be afraid to ask. Always ask for bulk pricing or discounts or free shipping or products. The bigger your business gets, the more buying power you have. If you are working on a T-Shirt subscription, I've got a great FREE resource for you. Check out my favorite t-shirt brands and styles pdf. There are SO many choices when it comes to t-shirts - this resource will help you find the best ones for you and your customers! Join me for this episode as I walk you through 8 ways to find products for your subscription box. Whether you're just getting started or need more product options as you grow, get answers to your product sourcing questions! Sarah's Favorite T-Shirt Brands and Styles FREE 6 in 60 Workshop Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
In this Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm sharing how I sold my first subscription boxes to local customers. And how setting up my tech from the beginning made it easier to grow later. If you're just getting started, this simple approach will help you build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Starting local gives you faster feedback, lower risk, and fewer moving parts. But you still need a strong foundation. Even with just a few subscribers, a professional setup builds trust and gives your box a sense of legitimacy, both for your customers and for you. Your first subscribers may be closer than you think. Local events, vendor markets, and craft fairs Neighborhood or niche Facebook groups Friends, coworkers, school connections Current retail or online customers You don't need a huge audience. You need a warm one that already knows, likes, and trusts you. Keep the experience simple and seamless: Share one link to your checkout page Show what the box includes and how pickup or delivery works Automate monthly payments Then create a great first impression: Add a welcome card and clear pickup instructions Send a follow-up email with next steps Stay consistent with communication Even local subscribers deserve a polished, thoughtful experience. Your local customers can become your most loyal subscribers. To keep them engaged: Add them to your email list Share sneak peeks and reminders regularly Celebrate them in your content if they post about their box Offer simple loyalty bonuses or referral perks Most importantly, keep showing up. The more consistently you communicate, the more likely they are to stick around and spread the word. Your Friday Fuel Challenge Set up your checkout page with recurring billing, even if you're only selling to a few people. Identify 5 local places or communities where your ideal subscriber already hangs out. Map out your local delivery or pickup process so customers know exactly what to expect. Create a simple follow-up email to thank new subscribers and build connection from day one. You don't need a massive audience or a complicated shipping setup to launch. You just need a solid foundation—and a few boxes that build belief. Start like you mean it. You've got this. Ready to launch your subscription box without the stress of shipping? Join me for this Friday Fuel episode and learn how starting local can give you the momentum – and the systems – you need to grow. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Two. Hundred. Episodes. Can you believe it? When I started the Launch Your Box Podcast, I had no idea just how many stories we'd tell, how many breakthroughs we'd celebrate, or how many times I'd get teary recording solo episodes in my office. This week, we're throwing a little podcast party to celebrate. And, of course, you're invited. For this special 200th episode, I sat down with five of my biz besties – women I've been walking alongside in life and business for more than seven years. These are the people who have seen it all, from messy middle moments to million-dollar wins. We talked about… How we met (and what that has to do with building your own business bestie crew inside Launch Your Box). The moment they each decided to go for it in their businesses. What life looked like before the business and how it's changed. The worst (and best!) advice they got when they were just starting out. What no one sees behind the scenes, but totally drains their time and energy. The mindset shifts, personal growth, and unexpected wins that changed everything. This celebration is filled with laughter, heart, and the kind of real talk we all need to hear. Especially when we're knee-deep in decisions, doubt, or feeling like duct tape holding is all that's holding things together. Whether you're still dreaming of starting or knee-deep in the hustle, this episode is your reminder that you're not alone and that success doesn't happen overnight (or without people who “get it” in your corner). Join me and my biz besties for this special episode as we celebrate, laugh (a lot), and hear the real stories behind the highlight reels. Find and follow Tamara: Tamara on Instagram Tamara on Facebook Tamara's Website Find and follow Christie: Christie on Instagram Christie on Facebook Christie's Website Find and follow Cindy: Cindy on Instagram Cindy on Facebook Cindy's Website Find and follow Heidi: Heidi on Instagram Heidi on Facebook Heidi's Website Find and follow Kasey: Kasey on Instagram Kasey on Facebook Kasey's Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Do you think your subscription box has to be stuffed to feel valuable? Let's shift that mindset. In this Friday Fuel episode, I'm giving you a reality check and a smarter way to think about value. You'll learn three simple ways to increase the perceived value of your subscription box without adding more products (or more cost). These tips came straight from recent member box openings inside Launch Your Box. And they're the kind of small shifts that lead to BIG results. Here's what you'll take away: How to elevate your subscribers' experience with a cohesive theme or story. How to make it easy for subscribers to consume the items inside your box. How to simplify the extras and focus on the experience. Think about what really matters to your subscribers and whether what you're doing delivers. The member boxes that delivered the most were the most thoughtful, the most cohesive, and the most clear about who they are for. Your Friday Fuel Challenge: Do a mini audit of one of your past audits. Simplicity with intention is powerful. Make sure every element of your box matters. You don't need to add more, you just need to make what's already in your box feel more meaningful. If you've been trying to “add more” to make your box feel worth it, this episode is for you. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
In this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm walking you through the 7-step roadmap to turn your product-based business into a subscription in 90 days or less. These are the same steps I used when I launched my first subscription. And the same steps I teach inside Launch Your Box. Step 1: Simplify Your Subscription Box Tech You need: A way to sell online A way to collect recurring payments That's it. Step 2: Choose What Goes in Your Subscription Box Start with what your customers already love. What are your top 3-4 best-selling items or categories? Those best sellers are the perfect foundation for your subscription. Think scalable, repeatable, and easy to ship. Always ask yourself: Can I source this monthly? Will it ship well? Does it deliver high perceived value? Step 3: Price It Before You Plan It Don't plan your box and then figure out what to charge. Instead, set your price first, then curate around that number. Use your average order value as a guide. Keep an eye on your profit every step of the way. Step 4: Map Out 6 Months of Boxes Want to feel ahead in your business? Plan six months of boxes now. You don't need every detail figured out. Just sketch out your themes or categories using customer behavior patterns and seasonal trends. For help doing this in just one hour, take my FREE 6 in 60 Workshop. Step 5: Choose (and Commit to) Your Subscription Box Launch Date Mark your launch date on the calendar. Ideally, 45–60 days out. That becomes your anchor point. It tells you when to: Finalize tech Order product Build your waitlist Start marketing Tell someone your date. Accountability works. Step 6: Build a Waitlist + Create Launch Momentum Your waitlist isn't just a place to collect emails. It's your launch engine. Build a simple opt-in page that shares: Who your box is for What's inside Why it's special Then nurture that list with weekly updates. Even a small waitlist can convert like crazy when you keep them engaged. Step 7: Prep, Test, and Launch Test your tech. Write your emails. Plan your social content. Then go LIVE and get that first box out into the world. Take Action You already have a business. You already have customers. Now it's time to turn that into a recurring revenue stream you can count on. You've got the plan. Now go launch the dang thing. Want to turn your product business into recurring revenue? This episode gives you the action plan. Start listening now. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Hitting 100 subscribers can feel like a huge milestone. And that's because it is. It's a sign of momentum, confidence, and real growth. In this Friday Fuel episode, I'm breaking down the 4 things that helped me – and so many Launch Your Box members – reach that 100-subscriber mark faster. If you're stuck in the 20 to 30 subscriber zone and not sure what to focus on next, this episode is for you. These four areas are simple, powerful, and completely within your control. Here's what you'll take away: Why consistency means more than just posting regularly. It's about delivering what you promise. How to revise your messaging so your ideal subscriber says, “That's for me!”What makes an offer irresistible. And what might be confusing your audience. Why showing up is the non-negotiable that builds trust and drives sales. Your Friday Fuel Challenge: Listen to this quick, impactful, action-packed episode, then pick one of these areas to focus on—and go all in. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
If you've ever found yourself dreading the “J months” of January, June, and July, you're not alone. A lot of subscription box owners and product-based business owners see these as slow, even sluggish seasons. But what if that mindset is the very thing holding you back? In this episode of the Launch Your Box podcast, I'm sharing a mindset reset, practical list-building strategies, and five real sales ideas to help you beat the summer slump and build serious momentum heading into fall. Because here's the truth: you don't have to coast through summer. Because your success this fall starts with what you're doing right now. The Real Reason the “J Months” Feel Slow I recently heard a speaker say, “The J months are just bad for business.”And my first thought? That's the problem right there. These months are not the problem. But how you show up for them might be. As subscription box owners, we often scale back our marketing, stop sending emails, and lower our energy during these months. And guess what? That creates the slowdown we feared. The J months aren't cursed. They're just different. The key isn't to disappear. It's to show up differently. Build Now to Launch Your Subscription Box Strong Later When other business owners are quiet, you have a chance to stand out. This is the time to grow your following and build your list so your next subscription box launch is stronger than ever. Here's how to stay visible and connected all summer long: Share sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content Reconnect with your “why” and invite your audience in Offer a summer opt-in like a checklist, quiz, or guide Run a giveaway to build your list Start or grow your waitlist Send 1–2 nurture emails per week What you do now will directly impact your future sales and your next launch. 5 Sales Strategies to Beat the Summer Slump If you want to drive revenue during the J months, try one (or more!) of these proven strategies: This is your prep season, your brand-building season, your relationship-deepening season. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Have a million subscription box ideas, but no idea which one to launch? You're not alone. So many aspiring subscription box owners get stuck right here. Spinning in indecision. Afraid to choose the “wrong” idea. And waiting for clarity that never comes. In this Friday Fuel episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm sharing a simple framework to help you move from overthinking to deciding. Because the truth is, clarity doesn't come from thinking harder. It comes from taking action. If you've been stuck in idea overload, this is the mindset reset you need. Instead of chasing the perfect idea: 1 – Acknowledge that “too many ideas” is a form of fear.Coming up with a long list of ideas feels productive. But really, it's a sneaky way to stay safe. You can't launch five boxes at once – and you don't need to. You just need to pick one. 2 – Use the 3 C's to filter your subscription box options.I walk you through a simple framework to help you evaluate your ideas and find the one with the clearest path forward. Choose the idea you can build momentum around now. 3 – Let go of the pressure to pick the perfect subscription box idea.Your first box doesn't have to be your forever box. It just has to be the one you start with. And the faster you start, the faster you learn. 4 – Make the decision and move forward.Action builds confidence. Once you've chosen your direction, commit. Focus on progress, not perfection. Your Friday Fuel Challenge: Pick ONE idea and talk about it this week. Share a post, send an email, or start building your waitlist around it.Because clarity follows action. And one focused idea is how you'll finally launch your box. Need help planning your first 6 boxes once you've picked your idea?Join my FREE 6 in 60 Workshop at 6in60workshop.com Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
“It takes money to grow.” - Sarah Williams Is it time to raise your prices? After all, costs are up on absolutely everything. Your costs are up - on products, packaging, shipping, and more. Your costs going up means your profit margins are going down. If you don't raise your prices, you'll keep chipping away at your profit margin - and your business won't be sustainable long term. It takes money to grow your business. A lower profit margin means less money to invest back into your business which means less growth. I recently had to do something about increased shipping costs in my business. My “free” shipping was costing me more and more of my profit on every order. I had to make a change. I went from free shipping on everything to a flat rate of $6.99 or free shipping on orders over $100. I worried about what would happen. Would my customers not buy without free shipping? Would my revenues go down? No. Instead: My average order value increased by 38% - from $48 to $65. Last month saw a 74% increase in sales year over year. Not only are my customers still buying, they're buying MORE to meet the free shipping threshold. When you decide it's the right time to increase the price of your subscription, you have two options: Raise the price across the board for everyone. Understand and accept that you may have some attrition - but fewer subscribers at a higher price will make you more profitable in the long run. Run a full marketing campaign notifying subscribers the price is going up and when the increase is effective. Be transparent about the reasons for the increase. Your subscribers know the price of everything is going up. Make it clear that you want to be around to continue giving them great products in their subscription boxes. Grandfather in your existing subscribers at their current price and increase for any new subscriber. This makes for a GREAT launch campaign. “Get in now before prices go up.” Older subscribers at the lower rate will go away over time. You have to raise your prices as your costs rise. You can not sustain your business long term without raising your prices. Join me for this episode as we talk about profit margins, what the increased cost of absolutely everything means for your business, and the right way to increase the price of your subscription box. What's the profit margin on your subscription box? Text “budget” to 940-204-0023 and I'll send you my box budget calculator. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Are you worried you'll launch your subscription box and no one will subscribe? You're not alone. This fear shows up for nearly every subscription box owner at some point, especially in the early days. In this Friday Fuel episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm sharing a mindset shift and some simple, strategic steps to help you move forward with clarity. Even if you're starting from zero. If fear or self-doubt has you feeling stuck, this is the pep talk you need. Instead of worrying about launch day numbers: 1 - Know that this fear is normal. The fear of “no subscribers” doesn't mean you're not cut out to be a subscription box owner. It means you care. Acknowledge the fear, but don't let it call the shots. 2 - Don't obsess over your launch date. Setting a date can be helpful, but it's not the most important thing. Focus on taking action and building momentum before the cart opens. 3 - Start building your waitlist now. Your waitlist is your best launch asset. It gives you an audience of warm leads who are interested, engaged, and ready to buy when the time comes. 4 - Understand that clarity comes from action. You don't need all the answers to get started. Just take the next right step. Then the next. That's how you build both confidence and progress. Your Friday Fuel Challenge You're not behind. You're just getting started. The best way to start? Take one small action this week to build your waitlist. Post a teaser, create a freebie, and talk about your box. Progress beats perfection. Every single time. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Your subscription box business isn't growing like you want it to. You're not gaining subscribers at the rate you'd planned for and hoped for and you're not sure what to do. If you start looking around for advice, you're likely to find people telling you the answer to your problem is Facebook Ads. I have a different opinion. Facebook Ads will NOT grow your subscription box for you. Yep, I said it. I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but it's one I feel very strongly about. Let's dig in and talk about why. It is rare in life that throwing money at a problem solves it. And it turns out, a subscription box business is a lot like life. Facebook Ads are ONE tool in your multi-channel marketing plan. They aren't the main tool and shouldn't be weighted more heavily than the rest of your tools. You have to have so many things dialed in with your business and your ideal customer BEFORE you start paying for Facebook Ads. If you don't, you may bring people in by spending a lot of money on Facebook Ads, but they won't stay. If you haven't spent the time and effort building connections with your subscribers, building that incredibly important know/like/trust factor, they will not stay. They are not invested in you or in your business. Facebook Ads can be incredibly effective as PART of an overall marketing strategy – not as a standalone strategy. So, if it's not Facebook Ads, what will make the biggest difference when it comes to growing your subscriber base? Clearly defining your niche: consider whether you can niche down further. Making sure your copy – all of it – is clear and conversational. Making sure you have an effective way to capture people once they get to your website: do you have a high converting pop-up or opt-in? I also want you to think about other organic ways to drive traffic and get new subscribers. This is traffic you do not have to pay for! Pinterest – start using this FREE search engine/social media platform that is my #2 source of traffic! Blog on your website – write posts regularly (monthly, biweekly, weekly). YouTube TikTok Are you counting on Facebook Ads alone to grow your subscriber base? In today's episode, I talk about the negative sides of putting all your eggs in the Facebook Ads basket and what you need to do instead. Want to grow your subscription box? Come listen! Important Links: Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Are you posting videos to YouTube but not seeing much traction? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. But a few small shifts could make a big difference. In this Friday Fuel episode, I'm breaking down four simple, strategic ways subscription box owners can grow their audience on YouTube—without expensive equipment, complicated editing, or hoping a video goes viral. Whether you're just getting started or trying to revive a slow-growing channel, these tips will help you show up with purpose and turn casual viewers into loyal subscribers. 1 - Be consistent with what you post on your YouTube channel. Think of your channel like a favorite show. Your audience should know what kind of content to expect and when to expect it. Choose video types that work for your subscription box, including: Monthly unboxings Behind the scenes Style guides How tos/tutorials Subscriber stories Q&As 2 - YouTube video titles and thumbnails “sell the click.” It doesn't matter how good your video is if you can't get people to click on it! Your goal is to grab your audience's attention and tell them what the video is about. Clarity beats clever when it comes to titles! For thumbnails, faces matter! Use brand colors and faces to capture attention. 3 - Win viewers over in the first 30 seconds. The longer people watch your videos, the more YouTube's algorithm rewards you by showing your videos to more people. Grab viewers' attention quickly and keep them watching by: Clearly stating what the video is about Building curiosity Showing energy and confidence 4 - Tell your YouTube viewers what to do next. Every video needs a CTA (call to action). Tell viewers what you want them to do next: Subscribe to your channel Join your waitlist Drop a comment Download a freebie Your Friday Fuel Challenge Building an audience for your subscription box on YouTube is all about showing up, standing out, and giving people a reason to stay connected. Your audience will grow, and your confidence will, too. Remember, you don't need to be perfect—you just need to show up with intention. Pick one of the four tips from today's episode and use it in your very next video. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Most subscription box owners are focused on growing their subscriber count. And while getting new customers is exciting, it's not where sustainable growth comes from. If you want to build a thriving, profitable subscription business, there's one strategy you can't afford to ignore: retention. In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between chasing subscribers and keeping them — and why keeping them can make a bigger impact on your bottom line. From curating a subscriber experience that builds loyalty to planning and implementing a retention strategy that actually works, we'll walk through the key shifts that can help you reduce churn and grow your business more predictably. Acquiring new subscribers is 5–7 times more expensive than keeping the ones you already have. If new subscribers are simply replacing those who've canceled, you're not really growing — you're just treading water. How to Create an Experience, Not Just a BoxProducts bring people in. Experiences make them stay. I share how community, surprise & delight, and consistency can turn casual customers into long-term subscribers and loyal fans. Building Connection through CommunicationIf subscribers only hear from you when their box ships, they'll forget you. Learn how regular emails, engaging social content, and personal touches can keep your box top of mind and off the chopping block. Retention Doesn't Just Happen–You Need a PlanHigh retention isn't luck — it's strategy. I'll show you how to build a simple 90-day plan that keeps subscribers engaged and excited to stay with you month after month. Whether you're just starting out or are trying to scale an established subscription box, retention needs to be at the top of your list. Of course, you'll always work to attract new subscribers — but keeping the ones who already said yes? That's where your growth becomes sustainable. Join me to learn how a focus on retention can make your subscription box more profitable, more stable, and more sustainable. Download our free Retention Rate Calculator HERE and start measuring what matters: Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today! The real cost of acquisition vs. retention in your subscription box business
Starting your subscription box? Or maybe you've already launched—and now you're realizing there's a lot more to it than you expected? You're not alone. In this quick, 10-minute Friday Fuel episode, I'm sharing five lessons I wish I could go back and tell myself before launching my own subscription box. These are the things that catch new box owners off guard—and if you know them early, they'll save you stress, money, and momentum down the road. This episode isn't about perfection. It's about being intentional—making smart choices that set your business up for long-term success instead of early burnout. One of the biggest mindset shifts new subscription box owners need to make? Your box isn't about you. You might be curating products you love (and that's great!), but your box has to be about your subscriber. What does she need? What makes her smile? What problem are you helping her solve? When you build your subscription box with your customer in mind, everything else—from your messaging to your retention strategy—becomes so much easier. A strong, engaged waitlist is what makes a successful launch possible. If you skip the relationship-building part and jump straight to selling, you're likely to be disappointed. Most new box owners focus almost entirely on getting subscribers—and forget about keeping them. But if you want your subscription box to be profitable, retention matters just as much as growth. In this episode, I'm sharing a simple mindset shift that will help you boost retention without spending more on product. You'll be surprised at how small touches can make a big impact. It happens every time—new box owners underestimate how much that first box will cost. Between product, packaging, shipping, and all the little things (like tissue paper and filler!), the expenses add up fast. That's why it's so important to budget with margin—and expect the unexpected. The subscription box business isn't a sprint. It's a marathon. When you give yourself permission to grow steadily and build a strong foundation, you set yourself up for long-term success. This week, I want you to take 10 quiet minutes and ask yourself:“Am I building my subscription box for me… or for my ideal customer?” Look at your product selection, your messaging, and your social posts. Are they focused on you, or are they truly speaking to the person you want to serve? Refocus your energy—and you'll see a big difference. Want to keep your subscribers longer? Grab my free guide: 10 Ways to Surprise & Delight Your Subscriber Or just text SURPRISE to 940-204-0023 Grab your Box Budget Calculator! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Struggling to grow your subscription box on Instagram? You're not alone. In this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I'm joined by Instagram strategist Michelle Gifford to break down exactly how to grow on Instagram right now—even if you're starting from scratch or feeling stuck. I first connected with Michelle after seeing my friend Heidi's Instagram take off. When I asked what changed, Heidi said, “Just do what Michelle says.” So I invited her on the podcast to share her expertise with us. Michelle shared that Instagram recently shifted from a follower-based algorithm to a content-based one—meaning quality content is what drives growth, not your follower count. That's a huge win for subscription box owners trying to get more eyes on their offers. The foundation of her Instagram strategy is what she calls the Attract, Nurture, Sell Method: Attraction content (50%): reels, trending sounds, quick wins—content designed to reach non-followers and get shared Nurture content (30%): carousels, Stories, Lives—more in-depth content that builds connection and trust Selling content (20%): simple, direct posts that show up and sell your box If you post 6 days a week, think: 3 attraction posts, 2 nurture posts, and 1 sales post. That's your 3:2:1 formula. Michelle's advice: Post attraction content that makes people think, “I know exactly who to send this to.” Use nurture content to deepen the relationship—think saves, not shares. Don't skip the selling posts! They matter just as much as the rest. We also talked about: Why b-roll video is your best friend for attraction content. How to repurpose one activity—like an unboxing—into multiple content types. Why hashtags still matter (yes, really!) Before we wrapped up, I asked Michelle to brainstorm with me one thing every subscription box owner could post today to boost their Instagram reach. Her answer was so simple and actionable: Record a b-roll clip of you packing or unpacking your box. Add a bold, shareable caption like: “Fashion advice I'd give you if I wasn't afraid to hurt your feelings.” That's it. That's attraction content. Ready to grow your Instagram with confidence and strategy? This episode is packed with practical tips, simple frameworks, and the encouragement to just start. Listen now and tag me @howtostartasubbox when you post your reel—I can't wait to see it! Find and follow Michelle: Michelle on Instagram Michelle's Podcast Michelle's Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today! Instagram Strategy That Works for Subscription Box OwnersWhat to Post on Instagram to Grow Your Subscription BoxA Quick Instagram Content Idea You Can Use Today
Welcome to Friday Fuel—a brand-new mini-episode series designed to give you quick, actionable insights to move your subscription box business forward. These episodes are short, sharp, and packed with practical takeaways—all in under 10 minutes. In this very first Friday Fuel, I'm breaking down five common website mistakes I see subscription box owners and online product sellers make over and over again. Mistakes that might be costing you sales right now. Whether your website is brand new or several years old, this episode will help you clean up your first impression and start turning more visitors into customers and subscribers. What your homepage must include above the fold How to use your visuals to sell, not just decorate Why too many checkout options can scare buyers away A smarter way to use pop-ups without driving people off Where and how to add social proof that builds trust quickly Your Action Step Pick one of the five areas I shared and make a small update to your website.You don't need to fix everything at once—just keep moving forward. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Have you launched your subscription box but found yourself struggling to grow? Launching your subscription box is a HUGE milestone. Celebrate that! The next HUGE milestone for so many of my members is reaching 100 subscribers. Some - those with large, engaged audiences - do this during their first launch. Most don't. I didn't. Growing your subscription box to 100 subscribers and beyond takes time. It's important to give yourself grace and time to get there while still staying focused and holding yourself accountable. Inside Launch Your Box, I walk my members through what it takes to get their subscription boxes launched. But the launch is not the end. There is more work to do to keep it going - and growing - each month. Which is why we talk about much more than just launching inside LYB. It's constant curation. Keeping up with trends and what your subscribers want. It's constant marketing. Getting yourself out there and in front of new people consistently. It's constant retention. So many subscription box owners make the mistake of focusing only on the acquisition of new subscribers, losing sight of the subscribers they already have. Focusing on these three things should drive your business and create long-term recurring revenue. So, what got me to my first 100 subscribers and what should you do to get to yours? Don't stop talking about your subscription box. You think everyone has seen it. They haven't. You think you're talking about it enough. You're not. Inside the Launch Your Box Training Library - in the Marketing Module - you'll find a Subscription Box Social Media resource with posting ideas for EVERY day of the month! Not an LYB member yet? Text LAUNCH to 940-204-0023 for a link to join! Engage. Consistently. Be social before and after the sale. Retention is a HUGE part of growth - make sure you're engaging with your subscribers, letting them know how much you appreciate them. Your excitement is contagious. Create FOMO for those not signed up! Create connections with and for your subscribers. I don't recommend private Facebook groups for our subscriptions - you lose a valuable opportunity to create FOMO. Create value - it's not always about the stuff. What makes you different and unique? Why should someone buy from you and not a big box store? Curate the experience your subscribers are looking for - the experience they can't get from big box stores or even big box subscriptions. Everyone can do these simple things to grow their subscriptions. Your launch is only the beginning. When you're ready to take your subscription box to the next level, when you're ready to go deeper… you're ready for my Scale Your Box course. There's so much to scaling your box - so many things you can do to grow your business in a manageable, profitable way. Join me for this episode where I talk you through what it takes to get you to your first 100 subscribers and beyond! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Are you 30 days away from launching your subscription box? Whether you're launching for the very first time or opening up to new subscribers again, these steps will help you build momentum, stay focused, and launch with confidence. Step 1: Set Your Launch Date (and Tell People About It) When you commit to a specific date—and announce it to your audience—everything shifts. You create urgency. You focus your content. You hold yourself accountable. So go ahead—circle it on the calendar and tell your people what's coming. Step 2: Launches Happen in the Inbox Email matters. Even if your list is small. Building know/like/trust happens in the inbox. Here's what to do: If you haven't been emailing regularly - Start now. Send one email right away, then email once a week. If you have been emailing regularly - It's time to increase frequency. Start sending two emails per week. And in every single email? Make your call-to-action: Join the waitlist. Haven't started building your email list yet? Prioritize it now. Step 3: Double Your Video Efforts Video builds trust fast—and gives you a powerful tool for retargeting. Go LIVE on Facebook. Post reels on Instagram. Share behind-the-scenes stories. Show packing day, talk about your why, or just let people see you. You can repurpose what you're emailing or posting and bring it to life through video. When people view even 3 seconds, you can retarget them with ads later. So the more you show up, the more your future customers get to know you. And again—make your call-to-action: Join the waitlist. Step 4: Drive People to Your Waitlist Your waitlist is not just a page. It's the heartbeat of your launch. These are your warmest leads—your future VIPs. So treat it like the powerful tool it is. Make it the one thing you're asking people to do every day. And if you're planning a bonus or early access offer? Use that to create urgency and get more people signed up. Step 5: Nurture Your Waitlist with a Sequence Getting people to join your waitlist is only step one. You've got to keep the energy going. Send a short email sequence that makes your future subscribers feel seen, excited, and ready to buy when you open the doors. Here's a simple plan: Welcome + Introduce Yourself Share Your Why Take Them Behind the Scenes Give a Sneak Peek of What's Coming Step 6: Run Ads to Fuel Growth Even with a small budget, running the right kinds of ads can help you grow faster. Page Like Ads – grow your Facebook audience Lead Magnet Ads – offer a freebie to build your email list Waitlist Ads – drive warm leads straight to your waitlist Ads aren't just for launch week—they're a great way to fill your funnel in the 30 days leading up to it. Don't Wait Until the Middle of Your Launch to Get Ready These 30 days? They're your prep time. You'll thank yourself when you're in the middle of your launch and you're not scrambling to “catch up.” These six steps aren't just for launch season—they're what you should be doing year-round to build a thriving subscription box business. Whether you're launching for the first time or re-opening your subscription, this episode will help you show up with confidence and a clear plan. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Whether you're just getting started or dreaming of your next big milestone, this conversation will encourage you, motivate you, and inspire you . We talk about how they built momentum, what they focused on (and what they let go of), and the mindset shifts that helped them scale without losing their sanity. Kristy launched Kristy's Craft Room in 2019 by simply doing what she loved — crafting and building community. She hosted in-person craft nights that quickly moved online just before the pandemic hit. When everyone was suddenly at home in spring 2020, Kristy's classes exploded. At first, she wasn't selling anything. Her audience had to convince her to start offering craft kits — and when she did, they sold like crazy. After hearing me speak at an event, she realized she could turn this into something sustainable… and launched her subscription box. In 2024, Kristy faced some real-life challenges — aging parents, kids leaving home, and a business that had started to take over her time. Instead of pushing harder, she pulled back. She paused one-off product launches and went deeper with her subscribers. She offered behind-the-scenes content, created FOMO with unboxing videos, and focused on nurturing her core community. And guess what? She still hit $1 million — and had more time to spend with the people she loves most. Stacey's story starts even earlier — she began painting custom furniture in 2013. By 2017, she pivoted online, going LIVE with decorating tips and DIYs, and her audience grew quickly. She launched her subscription in 2018 with just 20 subscribers. Today, 1,100+ members strong, her community is one of the most loyal I've ever seen. But in 2024, Stacey hit a wall with growth. Getting new subscribers was tough. So instead of spending her time and energy chasing new subscribers, she focused on the people who already loved her. She gave them exclusives, launched new offers just for them, and stopped trying to do all the things. She focused on growing her main thing — and it worked. What I love most is that both Stacey and Kristy set this goal in 2023… and missed it. But they didn't give up. They came back in 2024 — a year full of challenges for both of them — and hit that milestone by staying focused and trusting the process. This episode is full of those kinds of reminders — that you don't have to do everything. That your subscribers are your most important customers. That leaning into what's working beats chasing everything else. Let this episode be your inspiration. You can build a million-dollar business from home. You can scale without burning out. You can do it with focus, community, and a little courage to stay the course. These two amazing women are proof. And I couldn't be more proud of them. Whether you're just getting started or dreaming of your next big milestone, this conversation will light a fire under you. Grab your earbuds and come join us. Past episodes featuring Kristy and Stacey: Generating Over $20K a Month with a Digital Subscription - episode 82 750 Pillow Subscriptions Sold in 5 Days with Wilshire Collections - episode 135 Streamline Your Subscription Box with a Fulfillment Center - episode 152 Journey from One-Time Boxes to a Thriving Monthly Subscription - episode 45 Find and follow Kristy: Kristy's Craft Room on Facebook Kristy's Craft Room on Instagram Kristy's Craft Room Website Find and follow Stacey: Wilshire Collections on Facebook Wilshire Collections on Instagram Wilshire Collections Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
What if I told you writing six simple emails once could bring ongoing revenue into your subscription box business? There are three email automations (also called flows or sequences)every subscription box owner needs to have in place. Write these once and they'll work for you for a long time. If you've listened to my podcast, seen me on social media, or read my blog, you know I like to keep things simple but effective. That's why I recommend that each automation needs to be only two emails. The three types of email automations you need are: Waitlist flow. New subscriber flow. Abandoned cart flow. Each email has a purpose. Each email contains a call to action. Each email needs to connect with your audience, engage them, and encourage them to take action. These email automations - plus the bonus automation I tell you more about in this episode - account for a full 5% of my monthly revenue. 5%! That's a lot of revenue coming into my business that requires no work from me. I wrote the emails once and they keep working for me… month after month. Join me for this episode as I share more details about each of the three types of email automations you need to put in place right now. Learn what to put in each email and how to write subject lines that get noticed. Important Links: Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to bring in some extra revenue—even if you don't add any new subscribers. In this episode, I'm sharing two super simple, super effective ways you can generate quick cash flow this season by creating limited-time, one-time boxes your audience will love. These strategies work, whether you want to clear out inventory or make the most of gift-giving opportunities. Spring is the perfect time to launch limited-time boxes to bring in extra revenue and keep your audience engaged. Two of my favorite spring offers are Mother's Day Gift Boxes and Spring Cleaning Mystery Boxes. They're easy to curate, fun to promote, and they provide an injection of cash into my business. One-time boxes serve a specific purpose in your business, giving you a quick revenue boost without the need for new subscribers. One-time boxes are: Easy to market–seasonal urgency or limited quantities A great way to re-engage and re-energize your email list Perfect for testing new themes or audiences A low-commitment way for new customers to try your brand One-time boxes require you to temporarily shift your focus from recurring subscriptions to creating hype and excitement around these one-time purchases. Mother's Day is like Christmas in May for your business. Make the most of this gift-giving holiday and create one-time boxes. Some examples that have worked great for me and members of Launch Your Box include: Self-care for moms Mom's Night In “Treat Yourself” boxes for moms to buy for themselves (because yes, moms will buy for themselves) Sarah's One-Time Mother's Day Box Pro tips: Start promoting in mid-late April Build a waitlist and create urgency Offer themed packaging and gift notes Ship in early May– make order deadlines clear Price one-time boxes similar to your subscription price or average order value (AOV) Turn extra inventory into profit—without running a clearance sale. Mystery boxes: Create FOMO and excitement Let you surprise and delight customers Help clear shelves of inventory and bring a revenue boost to your bottom line Spring Mystery Boxes Pro Tips: Curate using past box items or extra stock Offer 1–2 price points Include at least one high-value item in each box Make value messaging very clear: e.g., “$100 worth of products for $50” Marketing these seasonal boxes doesn't need to be complicated. Keep it simple and show up. Go LIVE on social media to build excitement and show sneak peeks Email your list—your list is your best sales tool Social media content: unboxings, packing videos, behind-the-scenes Paid ads to warm audiences for last-minute sales Pick one of these seasonal box ideas and:: Set a launch date Build a waitlist Start planning your promo schedule Grab your notebook and join me on this episode as we talk through Mother's Day Boxes, Spring Cleaning Mystery Boxes, and how to use both to re-engage your audience, boost sales, and build even more excitement around your subscription box business. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
When Jane Wild of Jane's Agenda first joined me on the podcast in Episode 92, we were celebrating a huge milestone: 500 subscribers to her planner subscription. That was a big deal—and one that meant Jane had to start doing things differently in her business. Now she's back, and her numbers have more than doubled. With 1300 active subscribers and an 85% growth rate in 2024, Jane is sharing exactly how she got here—and what she's doing to scale intentionally in 2025. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Jane's one-off planner sales dropped off. After all, no one had anything to plan. So Jane created a subscription box to give her customers something to look forward to—and some much-needed structure in uncertain times. Reaching 500 subscribers was a major turning point. Jane had to shift from small-scale planning to: Ordering in bulk Sourcing from overseas Hiring help and defining roles Creating systems—because “everyone doing everything” no longer worked Those changes laid the foundation for what came next. The secret to Jane's growth? Consistency and connection. Jane committed to going LIVE 2–3 times a week, every week. Not just random LIVEs—she scheduled them in advance, gave each one a purpose, and showed up even when she felt nervous or unsure. This consistent visibility: Built her know/like/trust factor Helped her audience get to know the real Jane Made it easier for people to say yes when she opened the cart Jane also ran a KingSumo giveaway, following the step-by-step training inside Launch Your Box. The result? 1,000 new email subscribers 300 new paying subscribers Giveaways aren't just about free stuff. When done right, they build your list, generate excitement, and drive conversions. Jane uses a closed-cart model and leans hard into: Urgency Scarcity Exclusivity She keeps a waitlist and creates serious FOMO with high-value, wow-worthy products her audience doesn't want to miss. And when her box hits its anniversary each September? She celebrates BIG—with a special edition box and a major sale in her online shop. Jane's success didn't come without some hard lessons. She realized: She needed to hire ahead of growth Her team needed clear roles and responsibilities Moving into a separate office space (away from the warehouse) helped her focus and lead more effectively Now she's building out SOPs, instituting team reviews, and cultivating a culture of "Why are we doing what we're doing?" Oh—and she's taking weekends off. If you're in that 300–500 subscriber range and feeling like you're about to outgrow your systems, Jane has some advice: Negotiate! Once you hit certain volume levels, use your buying power to get better pricing from vendors—including shipping. Look at your marketing. If people aren't buying, it's not always about the price. It might be the photos, the messaging, or how you're communicating the value. Create content that connects. Show people why they need what you're offering—and build the relationship that makes it easy to say yes. Join me for this episode as I check in with a past guest whose subscription has grown from 500 to 1300 subscribers since our last interview. Find out what's behind that growth and why canceling is “never about the money.” Listen to Jane's first interview on episode 92. Find and follow Jane: Jane's Agenda on Facebook Jane's Agenda on Instagram Jane's Agenda's Website Jane's Agenda on YouTube Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Audience building should always be on your to-do list. Whether you already have a subscription box or you're just getting started, consistently work to reach and engage new people. One audience building strategy I teach inside Launch Your Box is to run a giveaway on social media. I use a free, easy-to-use software called Kingsumo to run my giveaways a couple of times a year. My last giveaway added 1500 people to my email list! When you run a giveaway, follow four simple steps Determine your goal - why are you running a giveaway? To grow your following. To build your email or text list. To gauge interest in your potential box. All of the above! Determine your prize. Your prize needs to be “worth it” - what would make you enter a contest? Consider offering a box or a 3-6 month subscription. Create your timeline. Your giveaway should run for 7-14 days. Share, share, share! Send an email to your list - remember, some of them may not follow you on social media yet. Social posts - videos, stories, etc. Keep talking about it throughout the 7-14 days to keep the excitement going. There are rules for running giveaways on social media. You need to be aware of these rules and follow them. The contest must be free to enter - it cannot be combined with a purchase. The winner must be chosen randomly. The winner must be announced publicly. You must state clearly (in posts and your contest rules) that your giveaway has no affiliation with the platform. Every week inside Launch Your Box, members are setting up and running giveaways. It's one of the best things you can do to jump-start your audience building no matter where you are in your subscription box journey. Join me for this episode as I talk about why you should run a giveaway as part of your audience building strategy, the steps to follow to make it a success, and the important rules you need to follow! Important Links: 6 in 60 Workshop - Sarah's Method for Curating 6 Subscription Boxes in 60 Minutes Kingsumo Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
As subscription box business owners, we wear all the hats—marketing, customer service, tech, fulfillment—you name it, we do it. But trying to do everything can hold you back from growing your business. That's where hiring help–a Virtual Assistant (VA) or a Digital Marketing Assistant–comes in. If you've been thinking about hiring help but aren't sure where to start, this episode is for you! I sat down with Emily Reagan, who specializes in training smart women to provide digital marketing services to online business owners. Inside her Digital Marketing Assistant School, Emily teaches the core marketing skills businesses need, from SEO and blogging to email marketing and funnels and so much more. She also runs the Digital Marketers Workgroup, where experienced freelancers continue honing their skills. Emily brings online business owners' needs to her experienced freelance digital marketing assistants, often resulting in a match made in online business marketing heaven! I turned to Emily to hire my first VA who is still on my team many years later and has grown far beyond her original VA title and role. What is a Digital Marketing Assistant? You've probably heard the term Virtual Assistant (VA) before—it's a general term for anyone working remotely to help a business. A Digital Marketing Assistant is a specialized VA who focuses specifically on marketing tasks that drive growth for online businesses. A Digital Marketing Assistant can help with: Email marketing Social media management Blogging & SEO Funnels & automation Affiliate marketing Tech setup In short, they help you get more done in less time—so you can focus on growing your subscription box. If you're thinking: I'm not ready to hire someone yet, the truth is that by the time you feel ready, it's already too late. You don't have to hire a full-time employee. Start small! My first VA worked just 10 hours a week, and she got SO much done in that time. These team members often work faster and take things off your plate—especially those tasks you keep putting off. (I'm looking at you, tech stuff!) Instead of feeling overwhelmed and unproductive, focus on the things you love to do and those things that will move your business forward. And delegate the rest. Where do you even find a digital marketing assistant for your subscription box business? Emily makes it easy—just head to hireaunicorn.com and post a job. Up to 10 digital marketing assistants will reach out, and you can get on Zoom or Google Meets and have a conversation with the ones who seem to be the best fit. Sarah's tip: Personality matters. You want someone who's not only skilled but also a great fit for you and your business. Setting Your Digital Team Member Up for Success Hiring a digital marketing assistant is just the first step—making it work is just as important. Give both of you the best chance of success by: : Being clear about expectations Providing feedback Vetting before hiring Onboarding properly Emily said it best: “No one successful does it alone.” And something I say inside Launch Your Box and Scale Your Box: Hire before you feel ready. Because if you wait until you finally feel ready, you'll already be drowning in tasks that could have been delegated months ago. Find and follow Emily: Emily Reagan on Facebook Emily Reagan on Instagram Emily Reagan's Website Emily Reagan's Podcast Hire from Emly's Digital Workgroup Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Are you relying solely on automations to recover failed payments? If so, you are losing money and experiencing unnecessary churn in your subscription box business. Business is personal. Recovering failed payments needs more than just automation - it needs a personal touch. Your personal touch. Think about how much time, energy, and money you spend getting new subscribers. How much time and energy are you willing to spend to keep them? In my subscription business, we use a combination of automations and personal outreach to follow up on failed payments. The result? Each month we recoup 98% of our bounced payments. Keep in mind, most failed payments are not due to subscribers wanting to cancel or intentionally not paying. Credit cards expire and need to be updated. Other things happen that unintentionally cause payments to fail. Assume subscribers want to stay with you and just need help updating their info. Every subscription box business should have a failed payment automation set up. You can do this directly in your subscription platform or CRM. The goal is to recover as many payments as possible through automation, reducing the time spent manually recouping payments via personal outreach. The automation process we use in my subscription box business is set up like this: Payment Run #1 - failed payment Email #1 sent - something like “There was an error processing your payment for XXX subscription. If you need to update your card, please do so at this link. Your payment will run again in 12 hours.” We aren't accusing them of anything. We blame the error on ourselves and direct them to update the payment if they need to. We create urgency by letting them know the payment will run again in 12 hours. Payment Run #2 - failed payment Email #2 is very similar to Email #1 - they may not have seen the first email yet. Payment will retry in 24 hours. Payment #3 - failed payment Email #3 - 36 hours after initial payment has run. They've likely seen one of the first two emails. The first two emails are text only, this email includes an image. “Hi Subscriber. We are busy personalizing and packing all our subscriptions and want to make sure you get yours on time. If you need to update your card, please do so at this link. If you need help with that or have an issue, please hit reply and let us know how we can help.” This email includes a picture of the team packing a box. Payment runs again in 48 hours - they have time to reach out to customer service before the payment runs again. At this point, we start working through the list of remaining failed payments with personal touch points. Personal email Personal text Now we're ready to run one last automation. Email #4 - on day five of failed payment Last chance email “Boxes are shipping and we want to make sure you get a Monogram Box this month. Please let me know how I can help.” We follow this plan every month. And every month, we recoup 98% of our failed payments. Business is personal. Don't forget the importance of a personal connection point when working to retain your customers. Business is also business. Don't leave money on the table. Following up on bounced payments reduces involuntary churn and retains more recurring revenue. Join me for this episode as I talk you through the automations combined with personal touches process I use to recoup 98% of bounced payments every month. Important Links: 6 in 60 Workshop Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join Launch Your Box today!
When I first started my subscription box, I thought I was selling cute products. I didn't realize my audience wasn't just buying things—they were buying transformation. They wanted to feel confident, stylish, and put-together, but my messaging wasn't reflecting that. Making that shift—from selling products to selling a feeling—was one of the biggest game-changers in my business. And it can be the biggest game changer in your business, too. The person who helped me understand the need for this shift in messaging was my very special guest on this episode, my mentor Stu McLaren. Stu McLaren is the go-to expert when it comes to creating and scaling profitable memberships. For the past 17 years, he's helped business owners build recurring revenue models that provide stability, growth, and freedom–hello, recurring revenue! And now, he's packed his best insights into a brand-new book, Predictable Profits. Before I took Stu's course in 2018, I had about 300 subscribers in my subscription box business. I had hit a plateau and didn't know how to break through it. Stu's course showed me the biggest reason for my plateau. I was focusing on selling instead of serving. People don't subscribe to a box because of what's inside. They buy it because of how it makes them feel. My audience wanted to feel stylish, confident, and put together without spending hours shopping or second-guessing their outfits. Once I shifted my messaging to reflect that transformation, my business took off. How to Shift Your Messaging to Serve Instead of Sell Want to make this shift in your own business? Here are three key takeaways from my conversation with Stu: 1. Understand Your Customer's Journey Instead of just thinking about what's inside your subscription box, think about how it impacts your customer's life. Ask yourself: What problem are you solving? What feeling are you creating? 2. Speak to Their “Before and After” Stu shared a simple but powerful exercise. I did it with him and want you to do it, too. Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On one side, write down all the frustrations and struggles your customers feel before they purchase. On the other side, write down how they feel after they've experienced your subscription box. Your messaging needs to focus on bridging that gap. 3. Focus on Transformation, Not Just Features My customers don't just want earrings, bags, or t-shirts—they want confidence, ease, and style. What does your audience want? Your messaging should highlight the outcome, not just the product itself. I went from 300 subscribers to 750 in my next launch. And over time, I've built a seven-figure subscription business that gives me the stability and confidence to scale even further. With predictable, stable income coming in each month, you can make smarter business decisions, invest in growth, and stop feeling like you're constantly chasing sales. Recurring revenue is business and life-changing! And that's why Stu's book Predictable Profits is such an amazing resource—it walks you through exactly how to build and scale a business that runs with you, not just because of you. If you're ready to learn more from Stu, go grab your copy of Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren. You can find it at all major retailers, or head to Stu.me/book for links to order. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from this episode! Screenshot it, share it on Instagram, and tag me @launchyourbox. And if you're loving the podcast, hit subscribe and leave a review—it helps more subscription box business owners find us. Find and follow Stu: Stu McLaren on Facebook Stu McLaren on Instagram Stu McLaren Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Is your subscription box missing something that would increase its value in the eyes of your subscribers? Maybe things are feeling a little monotonous or routine. Or maybe some months you feel like you need “a little something extra” to make your subscription box feel like the complete experience you want it to be. But, how can you add value without blowing your budget? Remember, you need to stay profitable to stay in business. In today's episode, we're talking about increasing the perceived value of your box. Perceived value is simply a subscriber's perception of the merit or desirability of a product. There are five things you can do to increase the perceived value of your subscription box for little or no cost. Customization Style - i.e, home decor - farmhouse or modern. Size - i.e., clothing or wearables. Type - i.e., breed of dog. Teachers - i.e., grade level or type of school. YOU - Your Personal Connection Remember, being “ME” is free marketing. Include a handwritten note. Put a birthday card in their box the month of their birthday. Surprise & Delight - include a gift in the box periodically (not every month) Coupon to your store or “bonus bucks.” The “Golden Ticket” - a special gift included in only select boxes. Anniversary gifts - on the anniversary of them becoming a subscriber. Early bird bonuses during launches. Exclusive Content or Collectibles First access. Digital bonuses. Tutorial or training access. Exclusive meet-ups. Zoom parties. Bundle Items One thing by itself can seem too small, but bundle two or three of an item and tie a ribbon around it or put it in an organza bag to make it look special. Hair clips Chapstick Sticker sheets Dog treats Join me for this episode as I talk about five ways you can increase the perceived value of your subscription box and stay within your budget. Important Links: 6 in 60 Workshop Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website
Betsy Goodman of B Goods Lettering is back on the podcast, and wow—what a difference two years makes! When I last interviewed Betsy in October 2022 on episode 93, she had 118 subscribers to her Lettering Box and was using Instagram brilliantly to grow her audience. Fast forward to today, and she's running two thriving physical subscription boxes, a digital membership, and has grown her subscriber base to 1800! In this episode, Betsy shares the incredible journey of scaling her business, the lessons she learned along the way, and the strategies that helped her reach her goal of quitting her full-time job. Finding a niche that thrives Betsy serves a very specific audience: people passionate about hand lettering and wax seals. By focusing on what they love, she's created products they can't wait to subscribe to. The power of audience polling Betsy didn't just guess what her audience wanted next; she asked them! That's how she discovered her followers were eager for a Wax Seal subscription. Launching a second subscription successfully Betsy took what she learned inside Launch Your Box and started The Wax Seal Club with 50 subscribers. Today, it has 1,200 subscribers! Balancing physical & digital offers Inspired by an episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast featuring my Mastermind members who hit $1M in annual revenue, Betsy realized she needed monthly recurring revenue to stabilize her income. That led to the launch of her digital membership, The Script & Seal Society, where Betsy teaches exclusive hand lettering and wax seal projects LIVE three times a month. Overcoming the challenges of growth From fulfilling boxes out of her basement to hiring help and managing product delays, Betsy shares what it's really like to scale a subscription business. Hitting major milestones Betsy recently quit her full-time job and is now focusing on growing her business even further—with a goal to move out of her basement and into a dedicated space in 2025! Betsy's Best Advice for Subscription Box Owners: Think about your customer first. What else would help them? What else do they need? Ask your audience! They'll tell you exactly what they want—if you're willing to listen. Be willing to try something new. Don't be afraid to try and don't give up! Betsy's story is proof that when you take action, listen to your audience, and stay consistent, serious growth is possible. If you're thinking about adding another revenue stream to your business—whether it's a second subscription, a digital membership, or something else entirely—you won't want to miss this episode! Find and follow Betsy: B. Goods Lettering on Facebook B. Goods Lettering on Instagram B. Goods Lettering Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Scaling your subscription box business isn't just about making more money—it's about building a business that works for you, instead of you working for it. Are you stuck in the day-to-day grind, feeling like growth is just out of reach, or afraid that scaling will be overwhelming (or expensive!)? Then this episode is for you. When I first launched my subscription box, my goal was 100 subscribers. That felt HUGE. I never imagined I'd be where I am today—packing thousands of boxes every month. But if you don't plan for growth, you'll eventually hit a ceiling. I learned this the hard way. At one point, I was packing boxes 10 hours a day, running two embroidery machines nonstop, and trying to juggle everything myself. That wasn't sustainable. The business had grown, but I hadn't scaled—yet. Scaling is about more than just more subscribers and more revenue. It's creating systems and processes that allow you to grow without burning out. Growth is not the same thing as scaling. Growth is adding resources (time, money, or effort) to increase revenue. Scaling focuses on increasing revenue significantly without a proportional increase in resources. Without scaling, it's easy to reach a point in growth where your costs exceed your revenue. The benefits of scaling your subscription box Achieving financial freedom: scaling allows you to unlock higher profit margins. Serving a larger audience: you're able to reach more people who love what you do. Building a legacy: scaling can make your business more profitable and even potentially sellable in the future. The risks of not scaling your subscription box Burnout: trying to “do it all” can lead to burnout…fast! Plateauing: without scaling, your growth will reach a ceiling, limiting your income and your ability to reinvest in your business. The mindset shift needed to scale Fear holds us back. In order to scale, you need to shift your mindset away from, “What if I fail?” or “What if I can't handle the growth?” Instead, your mindset needs to be, “Scaling is not about perfection. It's about progress.” Investing in tools, people, or systems can feel risky. But those risks pay off. There will be challenges. There will be setbacks. Look at these as opportunities to learn and continue moving forward. Not everyone is ready to scale. But how can you know if you are ready? If you're ready to scale, you have: Proof of concept: you're selling regularly or have a steady subscriber base. Clear audience understanding: You know and understand what your customers love and are willing to pay for. Solid processes: You've systemized parts of your business (payments, packing, customer service, etc). If you're not sure you're ready to scale, take some time to reflect and ask yourself: Do you have a vision for where you want your business to go? Are you ready to let go of some control in order to gain freedom? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star rating and a review! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Do you think growing your subscription means spending tons of money on ads? It doesn't need to be that way! There are so many low and even no-cost ways to market and grow your subscription box business. The bottom line? You can't rely on just one marketing channel or strategy. You need to build a multi-channel marketing plan, layering one type of marketing on top of another. Don't worry - building this plan doesn't have to be time-consuming or costly. I'm sharing seven cost-effective ways to market your subscription box business. But I don't want you to try to implement all of them at the same time! If you're just getting started, choose one, get consistent with it and then layer on another. If you're already doing one or more of these, choose another one to add to your marketing plan. Leverage social media. These accounts are FREE. Figure out where your ideal customer is and start there. Have FUN with it. Get social - serve and engage with your audience. Partner with micro-influencers in your space. Offering affiliate commissions is super cost-effective - you don't pay them unless they sell something for you. Influencer or affiliate marketing. Very inexpensive. Still a very effective way to reach your audience. How will you get people onto your email list? How will you market to them once they're on your list? Email marketing. Create valuable content to attract your ideal person. Blogs, videos, eBooks, etc. Content marketing. Word of mouth is so powerful! Customer reviews. Where does your ideal customer go? Farmers Markets, expos, shopping events, etc. In person events. It's not about the stuff - it's about the people. A strong community creates raving fans - the kind that market your subscription for you! Build an online community. Take one of these ideas and build it into your routine. Get comfortable and consistent with it. Then layer in another strategy. Continue to grow your audience, reach more of the right people, and ultimately gain new subscribers. You can't rely on one marketing channel or strategy. And you don't need to spend a lot of money on ads to market effectively. Join me for this episode as I take you through seven cost-effective ways to market your subscription box. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
In this episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, we're diving into 4 productivity hacks that will help subscription box owners save time, reduce stress, and grow their businesses more efficiently. 1 - Avoid Task Switching Set boundaries to allow you to focus on one task at a time. 2 - Batch Your Work Focusing on a single task allows your brain to get into a flow. This improves concentration and efficiency. 3 - Use Time Blocking Time blocking is all about intentionally planning your day or week, dedicating specific blocks of time to specific tasks (hello, batching work). Add these blocks to your calendar and treat them like appointments! Consider using a timer (I do) to stay focused and keep you from getting off track. 3 - Use Project Management Tools Project Management tools like Asana, Trello, and others can help you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and team responsibilities. Trust me, they work a lot better than writing notes in multiple notebooks and on sticky notes! Each has its pros and cons. You can decide which works best for your time or, like we do, use both. If you're not using a project management tool yet, start small. Choose one simple task and start managing it in Trello or Asana. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes. Game changer! Make running your subscription box business more manageable. Join me for this episode and start implementing these 4 game-changing productivity hacks today! Try Trello Explore Asana Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star rating and a review! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
On this episode of the Launch Your Box podcast, meet Jenny Finke of Love Me Gluten Free. Jenny didn't just pivot from blogging to launching her subscription box—she sold out her first 125 boxes in just two hours and now has over 1,200 subscribers in less than a year! Learning and Sharing All Things Gluten-Free Jenny launched a blog where she shared recipes, stories, products, advice, and more. She ran the blog for over 10 years and had several million readers. Jenny wrote a book and amassed a sizable social media following. Her newsletter went out weekly to more than 24,000 readers. She made income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. In 2023, everything changed. The algorithm that was so helpful in the past, directing people to Jenny's content who needed it, changed. Many successful bloggers were throwing in the towel and returning to corporate jobs. Jenny knew she needed a new way to serve her community and save her business. Starting and Launching a Gluten-Free Subscription Box Jenny saw a need. Her audience wanted a subscription box but needed to know they could trust the safety of the items. And Jenny knew she could deliver. Jenny already had an audience, but needed to learn how to start and manage a subscription box business. She needed to build relationships with brands who would supply items for her box. Jenny joined Launch Your Box and jumped right in. She set a 90 day plan to launch her box with a launch date in April 2024. Selling Out - and Gaining 125 Subscribers - in Two Hours Jenny crunched the numbers and decided to make up 125 boxes to offer during her subscription box launch. She sold all 125 in less than two hours! Jenny went back to her vendors and asked if they had 25 more of the items in the box. They did and she offered the additional 25 boxes to her audience. All were gone that first day. 150 subscribers in one day. An incredible result for a first launch. Jenny's Love Me Gluten Free subscription box has continued to grow, adding subscribers every month. For the first several months, fulfillment took place in Jenny's basement. That meant capping growth at 300 subscribers until they found a warehouse space. Jenny moved her business into the warehouse space which allowed her to add more subscribers. Nine months after launching they have 1200 subscribers and are already outgrowing this new space. Pivoting from Blogger to Subscription Box Owner Jenny's business didn't just survive the changes to Google's algorithm. It evolved and is thriving. All because Jenny wasn't afraid to pivot. She knew she wanted to stay in the gluten-free industry. She knew she wanted to continue to serve her loyal audience. They needed her expertise. They trusted her. And now she provides them with products they can trust. Jenny's advice for other bloggers who are struggling is to pivot and look to diversify their revenue streams. She believes many could benefit from starting a subscription box - just like she did. A subscription box is another way to serve an audience you've spent so much time nurturing, growing, and serving. Join me on this episode to hear Jenny's inspiring journey, how she solved a problem her audience desperately needed a solution to, and her advice for anyone needing to pivot in their business. Don't miss it! Find and follow Jenny: Love Me Gluten Free on Facebook Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram Love Me Gluten Free Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
What one thing can you do in your business every single day that would help you be the most successful? Work to build and grow your email list! If you're not replenishing the pool of people you're selling to, you won't be able to grow your business the way you want to. Growing your email list gets new, fresh eyes on your stuff. It allows you to present your offer to new people. And that allows you to grow. One of my main goals for my business in 2023 was to double the size of my email list. I challenged the ladies in my Elevate Mastermind to make growing their lists one of their goals for 2023 and now I'm challenging you to do the same thing. List-building activities need to be at work in your business every day. I'm sharing ten different ways you can build your email list. And no, you don't need to do all of them at once. Add a pop-up on your website - have a pop-up at work on your site at all times capturing email addresses. Create an opt-in on your website with a way to serve your audience - give them more information about something (box opening with a freebie or additional information like a style guide, a free printable to go with your home decor box, a checklist to go with a beach themed box, tips about caring for your pet for a pet box, etc.) Think about the industry you're in and what you can provide to serve your audience. Run a giveaway - a great way to build your list when you're new and as a quarterly list-building strategy for seasoned box owners. Post a lead magnet on social media and run ads to it - pulling people in and onto your list. (ebooks, checklists, gift with purchase, etc.) Add an email opt-in at checkout - capture people who buy from you but may not be on your list. Create a fun quiz that requires an email address to get results - make it something your audience will want to share! Offer a discount or free gift - use this carefully to prevent training people to only shop with you when there is a sale or a discount. Host an event or workshop - free or low-dollar offer. Works great for DIYers or crafters. Tease sneak peeks or exclusive behind the scenes content with opt-ins - early access gives feelings of fun and exclusivity. Get in front of new audiences - collaborate with other brands, businesses, and influences who have the same customer but sell different items for a joint giveaway or a way to serve each other's audiences. Note: Make it clear to people that they will be receiving emails from you when they provide their email addresses. Pick one thing to work on right now. Get that going and then add in another strategy. The more of these you do, the more people you'll reach and the more people you'll add to your email list. Join me for this episode where I challenge you to grow your business by growing your email list this year and give you 10 simple ways to do it! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
In this episode, we're talking with Denise Parkes of The Crafty DIYer. Denise and I know each other well. She's a member of Launch Your Box, Scale Your Box, and my Elevate Mastermind. As one of my Mastermind Ladies, I get to see Denise in person 3 times a year! Her strength and the story of the last year in her business inspire me and the other members of our Mastermind. It will inspire you, too. Denise is an artist and a crafter. She is passionate about teaching others to enjoy crafting. Denise serves mainly women over the age of 60 and, by going LIVE six days a week for a long time, had built up a devoted following. When Denise learned about me and my annual Subscription Box Week, she joined right away. During that week, Denise got to know me and my teaching style as well as what she could expect inside Launch Your Box. Denise was convinced a subscription box was the right next step for her. She actually launched during Subscription Box Week (remember she already had a large audience) and got 120 subscribers! Denise's subscription box grew quickly and soon she needed to rent warehouse space to handle inventory and fulfillment. But all was not well inside Denise's business. Denise and her business reside in Canada where shipping costs are prohibitive. She simply couldn't afford to ship to her largely US based subscribers, or even those in her own country. Shipping costs were eating up all of her profits. Denise was also dealing with health issues and found herself stressed and unhappy. Her business in its current form was no longer serving her. She knew she still needed to make an income, but couldn't go on as she was. But Denise is someone who gets back up and figures things out. And during our September 2023 Mastermind Retreat, she did just that. There is power in being in a room with other smart, like-minded businesswomen who want the best for you. Denise realized the way forward was with printables – no shipping required! She'd had a super successful printable lead magnet in place to grow her list and further proved the viability of her idea by selling one-off printables. When she was able to get out of her warehouse lease, Denise felt able to start from scratch again… even though doing so was scary. Starting from scratch for Denise meant “doing everything Sarah teaches.” Building her list Driving traffic to her website Putting effective lead magnets out there The Digital Print Clubhouse launch was a big success – 150 subscribers big. And it has continued to grow. Denise now has more than 400 subscribers and celebrated hitting 6-figures only 10 months after making this major pivot. So what's different now? Less stress More joy Nothing to pack and ship More time and energy to create Denise talks about the importance of being around women who support and understand her – like the ones found inside Launch Your Box. She also reminds us of the importance of not worrying about what anyone else thinks and resisting the urge to compare yourself to anyone else. Pivoting was necessary for Denise's business to survive. And now she's not only surviving, she's thriving… and celebrating hitting six-figures in less than a year! Join me for this episode as Denise and I talk about realizing when it's time to pivot, working through the fear, and coming out stronger… oh, and reaching six-figures in revenue in less than a year! Find and follow Denise: Crafty DIYer on Facebook Crafty DIYer on Instagram Crafty DIYer Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Have you thought about taking your subscription box business from a side hustle to a full-time gig? It's absolutely possible. I did it and so have many members of Launch Your Box. But… Before you quit your full-time job or make any major changes to your business, you need to ask - and answer - some questions. And you need to get really comfortable with your financial details, business and personal. Take your time and get real about what your goals are. Are you currently working 40/50/60 hours a week and want to work less? Do you want to make more income than you have been? The truth is, you can get there. But you'll need to make a plan and work that plan. Start by asking yourself these four questions: What is the income you need to replace? What is the survival income you need to cover your bare bones expenses every month? What portion of that survival income can be covered by someone else (spouse, parents, roommates)? What is the initial investment you'll need for your business (products, supplies, packaging, tech)? Understand that your business will need to be profitable before you can pay yourself. That takes time. It took me 9 months before I was able to pay myself a regular paycheck. 8 ½ years later, I pay myself a very nice salary and also pay the salaries of more than 20 employees. Join me for this episode as I take you on my journey from tiny side hustle making $200 a month to where I am now, running two multi seven-figure businesses, answering those questions, knowing my numbers, and making careful decisions every step of the way. Important Links: Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
This past year in my business was filled with wins, challenges, and hard-earned lessons. And that's okay. Because being an entrepreneur, and especially a subscription box owner, isn't as glamorous as the internet sometimes makes it seem. It's more like a rollercoaster – holding on tight through the highs, the lows, and all the in-betweens. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my business, sharing the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating moments. Why share all of this with you? You know I believe in being transparent. And I want to inspire you to take a good look at your own business, reflect on your year, and use those insights to propel you into 2025, making it your best year yet! Why Reflecting on the Past Year in Your Business Matters Looking back helps us see what worked, what didn't, and how we can grow. As entrepreneurs, it's easy to focus on where we fell short. I'm challenging you to shift your mindset to celebrate the progress you've made instead. I started my subscription box business in 2017. To date, I've surpassed $10 million in revenue. That's the gain I choose to focus on, even when things don't go as planned. And there were definitely some times this year when things didn't go to plan. The Highs – What Worked in 2024 Recurring Revenue – My three subscriptions—The Monogram Box™, T-Shirt Club, and Tees 4 Teachers—account for 75% of my revenue. Recurring income is the foundation of my business. Successful Launch – My April launch, featuring low-cost bonuses, brought in over 400 new subscribers in just a few days. Turning Inventory into Growth – Self-liquidating offers (SLOs) helped me clear out excess inventory while attracting new customers, and turning one-time buyers into subscribers. The Lows – What Didn't Work in 2024 A Slow Start to the Year – Taking my eye off the numbers in January led to slower months and a revenue deficit I worked all year to recover from. Campaigns that Fell Short – An "intro offer" flopped early in the year. But… Instead of giving up on the strategy, I revamped and relaunched it later with much better results. 2024 Had Its Surprises, Too Retention Challenges – My retention has always been high. Always. Like 94%+ high. Until it wasn't. A payment failure issue in September caused my retention rate to drop to a never-before-seen 79%. This was a hard pill to swallow – and sent me for the wine and chocolate – but it taught me to stay resilient. Key Takeaways for Your Business Track Your Numbers – Every month. Don't let busy months distract you from keeping an eye on your metrics. What happens today impacts the months ahead. Embrace Launches –Launches breathe new life into your business, giving customers a reason to subscribe or make a purchase. Experiment and Adjust – Not every campaign will succeed. But even those that don't can teach you how to improve and grow. Focus on the Gain –Instead of dwelling on where you want to be, celebrate how far you've come. Progress is worth celebrating. Entrepreneurship isn't easy, but it's worth it. By reflecting on your year, focusing on the gains, and staying intentional with your plans for 2025 you can set yourself up for success. Join me for this episode where I take an honest look at my subscription box business—and challenge you to reflect on 2024 in your business. Tune in and let's dive into the lessons of the year! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Ed Mylett Show (Podcast) The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star rating and a review! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
“If you've been thinking about starting a podcast, now is the perfect time.” - Sarah Heeter. My podcast producer, Sarah Heeter, joined me for today's episode to talk about all things podcast. We talked about the benefits of podcasting and why starting a niche-specific podcast could be a valuable part of your audience-building strategy. Sarah knows a LOT about podcasts. After all, she helped me start this podcast and grow it to more than 200,000 downloads in 18 months and a ranking in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. She's also a member of Launch Your Box. If you're wondering if podcasts can be a valuable part of an audience-building strategy for subscription box owners, the answer is yes! I mentioned I have more than 200,000 episode downloads in only 18 months. Compare that to my social media audience. It has taken me years to grow my Facebook and IG followers to a combined 20,000. And if you're wondering if there's room for another podcast - for your podcast - the answer is also yes. Studies show more than half of people over 12 listen to podcasts and, on average, each listens to 7 podcasts! There are several benefits to podcasts when it comes to connecting with your audience. Podcasts meet people where they are. They lend themselves to being interrupted - it's easy to stop a podcast when needed and get right back to where you left off. Podcasts allow listeners to multitask. They listen while driving, cleaning, exercising, and more. A podcast mimics the intimacy of a phone call - you're talking to your audience for 25-40 minutes per week. Unlike social media posts, reels, and videos, podcast episodes live forever! It can be daunting to think about what you would talk to your audience about each week. Many people worry they'll run out of things to say. If you're serving your niche, and know your audience well, that shouldn't be a problem. Sarah suggests brainstorming a list of possible topics by asking yourself: What keeps my ideal customer up at night? What answers are they searching for on Google? What is their support system like? What is their value system? What are their highest priorities? Use what you learned about your ideal customer in my FREE 6 in 60 Workshop to help you get started. Join me for this episode as Sarah shares so much knowledge about why subscription box owners should consider starting a podcast, how to decide what to talk about, and why it's very possible to DIY your podcast. Important Links: 6 in 60 Workshop Find and follow Sarah Heeter: Sarah Heeter on Instagram Sarah Heeter's Website Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
Are you sitting on extra inventory as we near the end of the year? For most of you, sales are strong right now. You're filling holiday orders and managing all that comes with this busy season. But as the end of the year draws near, it's time to liquidate leftover stock. Why is liquidating inventory important? Liquidating inventory frees up your cash flow, opens up room on your shelves, reduces taxable assets, and prepares you for a fresh start. In this episode, I'm sharing 4 strategies to liquidate products. Don't sit on unnecessary inventory. Liquidate it before the end of the year and avoid dragging old stock into the new year. 1 - Flash Sales Flash sales are quick, time-sensitive sales. They're also one of the best ways to move product FAST. Create urgency, scarcity, and excitement! 2 - Bundle Older Products We've been talking about product bundles for all of Q4. Continue selling these through the holidays and to the end of the year – they hold a lot of value and make great gifts. 3 - Offer Mystery Boxes You and your customers will have so much fun with this one! After all, who doesn't love a good surprise? Mystery Boxes are more than just fun; they're also an effective way to clear inventory. 4 - Social Media Sales Events Put social media to work for you! Social media is your best friend when it comes to liquidating inventory quickly. Use it to host a sales event. Of course, you can't just plan these events. You need to market them, too. Each event needs its own marketing campaign in order to be effective. Join me for this episode where I share 4 ways you can liquidate inventory before year-end. Let's turn your inventory into cash and clear space for growth! Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star rating and a review! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
“Don't bring that stale inventory into 2023!” - Sarah Williams Inventory is one of the biggest challenges product-based businesses face. Too much, not enough… and what happens if it doesn't sell? Now, during this buying season, is the perfect time to liquidate any old or stale inventory you have sitting on your shelves. One of my favorite ways to move product and get old inventory off my shelves is by selling Mystery Boxes. They're new, fresh, and fun for your customers and a GREAT way to reduce inventory without putting clearance tags all over everything. Whether you made a bad buy (been there), overbought for your subscription box (yep, been there, too), or you've just had a slower year than last year and need to move some product quickly, Mystery Boxes are a great strategy. The goal is to get your money back. Don't focus on making a large profit or even a profit at all. Focus on getting the cash you spent on the items back in your bank account and getting space back on your shelves. The excitement of a Mystery Box is not knowing what's inside! Mix items from past subscription boxes with items never in boxes. Make subscribers aware they might receive something they already have. These are not curated experiences like your subscription box. They are filled with items at a great value. Create different price points. Choose different size boxes, fill them up, and price them. These Mystery Boxes won't all be the same. If you have 20 of one item and 30 of another, you can still make 50 boxes. Just make sure the items you're putting in the boxes have a similar size and value. Get excited about these Mystery Boxes and start teasing your audience about a week before you'll start selling them. Go LIVE, let your audience see how excited you are, and show them one of the boxes and how FULL it is! Talk about the value! Do you have inventory you need to liquidate? It's time to let go of old product and start fresh in the new year. Join me for this episode to learn how to create your own Mystery Boxes and start liquidating! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!