Launch Your Box Podcast with Sarah Williams | Start, Launch, and Grow Your Subscription Box

Sarah Williams
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8 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!

  1. 3D AGO

    Ask Sarah: What’s the Most Costly Mistake New Subscription Box Owners Make?

    In today’s Ask Sarah episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m answering two powerful questions from Launch Your Box member Tabitha Dragonberry, the founder of Funberry Kids. And these are questions I know a lot of you are asking, too. Tabatha’s first question? “What is the biggest mistake new subscription box owners make?” It’s one I see all the time. And it’s one I made myself when I started. Trying to be for everybody. When you try to build a box that pleases everyone, you end up attracting no one. Your messaging gets muddy. Your products miss the mark. And instead of standing out, you blend in. Tabatha and I talked about:  Why choosing a narrow niche leads to faster growth The specific ways a too-broad audience creates costly problems, especially with inventory How to make decisions faster and more confidently by knowing who your box is for Tabitha’s second question is just as important as the first. Maybe even more so. She asked: “What should a first year in business really look like?” And my honest answer? Probably not what Instagram is telling you. Your first year isn’t supposed to be your biggest year. It’s supposed to be the year where you learn how to be a business owner. Where you test things. Where you build systems. Where you figure out how to keep showing up, even when the numbers aren’t blowing you away. We talked about: The slow but meaningful signs of progress to look for in your first year Why it’s okay to have small numbers at the start How your mindset shapes your experience, especially in those early months Why success in year one looks more like momentum than massive revenue If you’re in your first year, or gearing up to start your subscription box, I hope this episode helps you stop putting pressure on yourself to get everything right, right away. Growth is possible. But first, you need a strong foundation. Join me for this episode where I clear up the confusion about what to expect in your first year of business and share how to avoid the most common misstep I see new subscription box owners make. 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!

    18 min

  2. FEB 4

    Ask Sarah: How Do I Grow on Social Media With No Budget?

    In this week’s Ask Sarah episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m answering a question I hear all the time from subscription box owners who are doing the work - posting consistently, showing up - but still feel like no one’s seeing it. Staci asked: “How else can I get followers on Facebook and Instagram? I’m currently posting on my Facebook page but haven’t done any ads yet because of my budget. What else can I do to get followers for free?” If you’re growing on a tight budget (or no budget at all), this episode is for you. First, Let’s Normalize Where You Are I want you to know this upfront: if you’re showing up and posting but growth feels slow, you’re not doing anything wrong. Organic growth is slower, but it’s absolutely possible. And you are not alone in this stage. Why the Right Followers Matter More Than More Followers Before we talk tactics, I ground this conversation in something important:It’s not about big numbers. It’s about aligned followers. Those people who could actually become subscribers or customers. A small, engaged audience will always outperform a large, disconnected one. 5 Organic Ways to Grow (No Ads Required) 1. Start Conversations in Your ContentInstead of just showcasing your box, invite people to engage. Polls, this-or-that questions, and simple prompts work incredibly well. Example: “Would you rather get Product A or Product B in your next box?” Engagement helps your content get seen. And it’s free. 2. Show Up in Facebook Groups (Strategically)Join 2–3 groups where your ideal customer already hangs out. Don’t sell. Be helpful. When people see your value in comments, they naturally click through to learn more about you. 3. Share on Your Personal Profile (Gently)Your personal network already knows and trusts you so let them in on what you’re building. Share behind-the-scenes moments, your why, or sneak peeks, not just polished product posts. 4. Collaborate with Other Creators or Small BusinessesCollaboration is one of the fastest free growth strategies out there. Joint giveaways, co-hosted Lives, or simple cross-promotions introduce you to the right audience without spending a dollar. 5. Use Reels and Live Video (Keep It Simple)Both Facebook and Instagram prioritize video, especially Live video. Go LIVE while packing boxes, sharing a theme, or answering FAQs. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Bonus: you can repurpose Lives into reels, clips, and stories for extra mileage. You don’t need a huge audience to win. You need trust, consistency, and connection with the right people. Organic growth takes time, but when you stay visible and intentional, you’re building a foundation that lasts. Join me for this Ask Sarah episode where I break down exactly how to grow your audience organically, even with a limited budget and how to focus on growth that actually supports your business. Where to find Staci:  Meditation Money Mindset on Facebook  Meditation Money Mindset on Instagram 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!

    30 min

  3. JAN 28

    Ask Sarah: The Box Reveal Strategy Every Subscription Owner Needs

    In this Ask Sarah episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m joined by Katie of Katie’s Heart and Home. In this episode, I walk her through exactly how I approach LIVE box reveals, why they matter so much, and how I use one unboxing to create weeks (and sometimes months) of content for my business. When you go LIVE to unbox a subscription box, think about three goals: Connecting with your current subscribersSubscribers already have the box, but the LIVE gives you a chance to experience it together. Think of it like a book club. Everyone has the same thing, and you’re gathering to talk about it. Creating excitement and FOMO for new customersIf you never show what’s inside the box, how does anyone know what they’re missing? Box reveals let people see the experience. And that’s what makes them want to join. Creating content for the entire monthOne box reveal fuels emails, social posts, reels, blog content, and website SEO. It’s not “extra work,” It’s smart use of something you’re already doing. I always wait until about 90% of boxes are delivered before going LIVE. Once I know most subscribers have their box, I schedule the LIVE and let people know it’s coming. When you go LIVE: Open with a strong hook right away Share a little about your day to let people join Ask questions early to encourage engagement Start with the hero item and explain why you built the box around it Walk through the box exactly how you curated it Ask viewers to share their favorite item (even if no one is LIVE yet) And yes, sometimes no one is watching LIVE. That’s okay. Still act like they are, because the replay matters just as much as the LIVE moment. An unboxing is so much more than just showing products. Talk about: Why you chose the theme How each item connects to the others What inspired the curation How you wanted subscribers to feel when they opened the box Before you end the LIVE, always tease the next box. Share colors, patterns, or a small sneak peek, but never everything. That curiosity keeps people watching and coming back. From one live unboxing, you can create: A replay post At least two emails A fast unboxing reel Individual product posts Lifestyle photos Blog content SEO-friendly website pages If you have five to seven items in a box, you easily have a week or more of content. And for quarterly box owners, this is how you stretch one box across 90 days. You don’t need anything fancy. A sturdy overhead camera stand A phone or camera Simple lighting Hands-only filming when you don’t want to be on camera For reels, film a quick overhead unboxing, speed it up, add music and text. Quick and easy. A Note for Quarterly Subscription Boxes: Quarterly boxes can feel harder because you don’t have something new every month. But that’s exactly why box reveals matter. When you use one box intentionally, you can: Keep talking about it without repeating yourself Stay visible between shipments Continue inviting people to join or get on the waitlist Build momentum instead of going quiet If you’re not doing box reveals, especially LIVE, you’re missing out on: Deeper connections with your subscribers Visibility for your business Content you already have but aren’t using yet Your subscription box is not just a product. It’s a content engine that supports growth, engagement, and consistent sales. Where to find Katie:  Katie’s Heart and Home on Facebook  Katie’s Heart and Home on Instagram Katie’s Heart and Home 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!

    22 min

  4. JAN 21

    Ask Sarah: How Do I Manage Cash Flow With a Quarterly Subscription Box?

    Growing a subscription box is exciting, but when all your revenue keeps going right back into growth, it can start to feel discouraging. Especially when you’re approaching the milestone you set for yourself to finally pay yourself. In this week’s Ask Sarah episode, I coach Beth, Launch Your Box member and quarterly subscription box owner. She is nearing the two-year mark with her subscription box and feeling the cash flow squeeze that comes with scaling. Beth wants to know how she can build a sustainable business that supports her, not just the box. Beth’s Question “I’d love to hear Sarah talk more about cash flow, especially with a quarterly box. I’ve been growing and it’s been a struggle to pay myself because all my money is going into growth. I planned for it to take two years before I could make money and now I’m almost there.” Overcoming Quarterly Subscription Box Challenges 1. Quarterly Boxes Are the Hardest The truth is that quarterly subscription boxes are the hardest model to run.You’re stretching cash for 90 days at a time, trying to maintain momentum between shipments, and trying to keep subscribers engaged without a monthly touchpoint. A successful quarterly box is not impossible, but it does require an intentional strategy. 2. Acknowledging the Long Game Beth set a realistic two-year growth window. That kind of planning shows she isn’t chasing quick wins. Instead she has been building something meant to last. Now that she’s nearing that mark, it’s time for a mindset shift. A truly successful business has to start supporting the owner, too. 3. Paying Yourself Is a Growth Strategy I reminded Beth of something very important. Something all subscription box owners need to hear. Paying yourself isn’t selfish. It’s what keeps you in the game. Burnout doesn’t grow subscription boxes. Sustainable owners do. 4. Four Practical Cash Flow Options for Quarterly Boxes Option 1: Add One-Time Offers Between Subscription BoxesMystery boxes, seasonal drops, or exclusive add-ons can create a “bridge” between shipments.The key is to choose low-lift, high-margin offers that don’t add stress or inventory risk. Option 2: Introduce a Small Monthly OfferThis could be a low-cost physical add-on or even a digital product that fits your brand.The goal is consistent cash flow without overwhelming fulfillment. Option 3: Pay Yourself First (Even a Little)Create a recurring “pay myself” line in the budget, even if it’s just $100–$250 a month to start.The habit matters more than the amount. Option 4: Consider Shifting to a Bi-Monthly ModelSometimes the subscription model itself needs to evolve. A bi-monthly box can offer more stable billing, easier marketing, and better cash flow, without the intensity of monthly fulfillment. 5. Navigating the Waitlist Challenge If closing subscriptions feels necessary, keep your audience warm with intention, like a VIP email list that gets first access to one-time offers.That way, your waitlist doesn’t go cold while you protect your cash flow. I reminded Beth that reaching the two-year mark she set for herself isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning of building a business that finally gives back to her. If you’re running a quarterly subscription box and wondering how to balance growth with sustainability, this episode is a must-listen. Join me for this special Ask Sarah episode where we talk honestly about cash flow, quarterly subscriptions, and how to build a box that can finally start paying 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!

    21 min

  5. JAN 14

    Ask Sarah: The 70% Rule for Subscription Box Content

    One of the biggest challenges subscription box owners face isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s knowing what to promote, when, and how to stay focused without feeling like you’re leaving money on the table. In this first episode of our new Ask Sarah series, I’m joined by Launch Your Box member Jenn Klein, founder of The Woodland Hare. Jenn brought a question that so many box owners quietly wrestle with: “Sometimes I feel torn between promoting the subscription box and promoting other items. When I post too many things in one day, they don’t seem to be seen. Should I mainly focus on the subscription?” If you sell both a subscription and one-off products, this episode will bring instant clarity. Why This Confusion Is So Common I started by telling Jenn what I want you to hear too: you’re not doing anything wrong. This tension shows up when you care deeply about your business and you’re trying to make smart decisions. But when everything gets promoted equally, the message can get muddy. And that’s when audiences scroll past instead of taking action. Clarity isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing a clear direction. Your Subscription Is the Main Character Here’s the core of the coaching I gave Jenn: Your subscription box is your recurring revenue engine. It’s the offer that builds stability, momentum, and long-term growth, so most of your marketing should lead there. That doesn’t mean your shop products don’t matter. It means all roads point back to the subscription. I call this the 70% Rule: About 70% of your content should lead to or support your subscription box. The remaining 30% can spotlight shop items, behind-the-scenes moments, or lifestyle content, as long as it still connects back to the box when possible. How to Promote Other Products Without Losing Focus Instead of promoting everything separately, I encouraged Jenn to think about integration. Your shop products can: Tease what’s coming in a future box Highlight past box favorites Show how items pair together in real life Reinforce the value of being a subscriber (“Subscribers saw this first!”) This is exactly how I approach my own businesses. Even when I’m showing a one-time product, the direction of the post still leads people toward the subscription. A Simple Weekly Content Rhythm We also talked through how to simplify content planning so it feels supportive, not overwhelming. A consistent rhythm might include: Sneak peeks and theme teasers Subscriber photos or unboxings Short educational posts answering FAQs Lifestyle shots showing products in use Clear, confident CTAs to join or stay subscribed The goal isn’t perfection. It’s focus. Coaching Toward Simplicity (and Ease) One of the most important reminders I shared with Jenn was this: You don’t need to be everywhere, doing everything, all the time. When you simplify your focus, your audience knows what to do. And you get to show up with more confidence and less pressure. If You’re Feeling Torn Right Now… Come back to this question: What do I want to grow long-term? Let that answer guide your content, your energy, and your decisions. Your other products aren’t going anywhere. They can support the big picture without stealing the spotlight. Join me for this special “Ask Sarah” episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast and let’s simplify your content strategy so your subscription can grow with clarity and confidence. 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!

    17 min

  6. JAN 7

    Inside My Subscription Box Business: Year-End Recap and 2026 Strategy

    I’m sharing a real look inside my own subscription box business. Not the highlight reel. The actual numbers, the launches that worked, the one that didn’t, and the decisions that shaped where we’re headed in 2026. The numbers never tell the whole story. But they also never lie. Always start by looking at your numbers.  I added 1,300 new subscribers in 2025.  What surprised me most? Some of our biggest growth didn’t happen during launches at all. What happened between launches mattered more than I expected. May and September ended up being two of our strongest months. No cart open. No big push. Just momentum doing its job. What made the difference?  Staying visible instead of disappearing after launches Treating email like a growth tool, not just a reminder Paying close attention to who was already saying yes That’s also why retention became such a big win this year: I’m ending 2025 with a 94% retention rate People weren’t just buying a box once, they were staying One of my biggest - and somewhat unexpected wins - was my teacher tee subscription launch. My “baby subscription” doesn't always get a lot of attention. I ran a short, focused launch that doubled that subscription in just five days. Revenue told one story. Profit told another. After 8.5 years, I passed $6 million in subscription box sales. A huge milestone that felt great. But 2025 didn’t end up being a record year. Revenue finished 4.8% down compared to the year before Profit margins increased by 12% That shift came from smarter buying, cleaner inventory, and fewer decisions made out of panic. You can be down in revenue and still be building a healthier business. Some things in 2025 were harder than they should’ve been. We ran into backend issues that affected payments, cash flow, and retention.  At the same time, social media visibility dropped hard. Content that used to perform just didn’t. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing traction, you’re not imagining it. This was one of those years where pivoting mattered more than pushing. Where I’m putting my energy in 2026. I’m going all in on what’s already working. That looks like: Growing subscriptions earlier in the year instead of waiting Putting more focus on email and paid ads between launches Cutting tools, products, and offers that don’t earn their keep Letting subscriptions lead instead of chasing one-off ideas When I applied the 80/20 rule, the answer was obvious. Most of the revenue in my business comes from subscriptions. So that’s where the focus stays. Before you plan anything, ask yourself this. As you head into 2026, I want you thinking about three simple questions: What worked - and how can you do more of it? What didn’t - and what are you ready to let go of? Where do you actually want to go in 2026 - and what needs to change to get there? You don’t need more ideas. You need fewer, better decisions. Join me for this episode for an honest look behind the scenes and a grounded way to think about what comes next in your own business. And if you want support along the way, come join us inside Launch Your Box. You don’t have to figure this out alone. 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!

    27 min

  7. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    Taking Your Side Hustle to a Full-time Gig

    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!

    27 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    Turn Your Camera Roll into Sales This Weekend

    You don’t need a photoshoot.You don’t need new content.And you definitely don’t need to overthink it. In this Friday Fuel episode, I’m sharing how to turn what’s already sitting in your camera roll into real sales this weekend using photos and videos you’ve already taken. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll show up “when things are more polished,” this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting and start posting. Your phone is full of content that sells, you just haven’t used it yet. I walk you through exactly what to look for in your camera roll, including: Packing boxes Unboxing moments Stacked shipments Labels, inserts, and flat lays Sneak peeks of inventory Your hands assembling boxes Your workspace mid-ship Even the messy, in-progress moments count. Especially those. Your audience isn’t just buying a box. They’re buying from you. In this episode, I explain why everyday, non-business photos build trust. And how trust leads to sales. Things like: Your morning coffee while prepping orders A walk outside while thinking through next month’s box Your dog hanging out in the office A messy work table before launch A quick post office run Travel photos with a behind-the-scenes caption These aren’t filler posts. They’re connection builders. A Simple 3-Day Posting Plan (Friday–Sunday) I break it down into a realistic, no-stress weekend posting plan using only what’s already on your phone. Friday: Visibility & Light CTA Reel or short clip (packing, organizing, workspace setup) Casual text like: “Packing this month’s box. Want one?” Simple static post with a clear link-in-bio CTA Saturday: Show Value + Build Connection Carousel showing what’s inside the box Stories with behind-the-scenes clips, product shots, polls, or countdowns A quick “can’t wait for these to go out” talking clip if you want Sunday: Urgency + Final Push Reel or story of boxes stacked or ready to ship Static post with a detail shot Clear urgency: “This box ships tomorrow. Last chance to grab yours.” You don’t need to overthink it You just need to scroll through your phone and post Take Action:  Pick one photo from your camera roll right now, write a quick caption, and post it before the end of the day. And remember:  Real moments sell. Personality sells. Connection with your audience sells. And your camera roll already has everything you need. Join me for this episode, where I’ll show you how to scroll your camera roll, pick a few everyday photos, and turn them into connection, visibility, and real sales this weekend. No new content, no overthinking, just action. 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!

    11 min
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About

8 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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