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

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

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. 13 HR. AGO

    Scaling Your Subscription Box: The Path to True Growth

    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!

    33 min

  2. JAN 29 · BONUS

    7 Ways to Market Your Subscription Box Cost Effectively

    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!

    18 min

  3. JAN 22

    4 Productivity Hacks for Subscription Box Owners

    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!

    32 min

  4. JAN 15

    From Blogger to Subscription Box Owner with 1200 Subscribers in Less Than a Year

    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!

    35 min

  5. JAN 8 · BONUS

    10 Ways to Build Your List - Every Month

    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!

    29 min

  6. JAN 1

    $0-$100k in 10 Months with The Crafty DIYer

    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!

    26 min

  7. 12/25/2024 · 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. 12/18/2024

    Year-End Review of My Subscription Box Business

    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!

    25 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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