Episodios

  • 191: 5 Things I Wish Every Subscription Box Owner Knew Before Launching

    191: 5 Things I Wish Every Subscription Box Owner Knew Before Launching
    May 9 2025
    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!
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    12 m
  • 190: Not Growing on Instagram? A 3-Step Strategy That Works

    190: Not Growing on Instagram? A 3-Step Strategy That Works
    May 7 2025
    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
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    38 m
  • 189: Is Your Website Costing You Sales? 5 Must-Fix Mistakes

    189: Is Your Website Costing You Sales? 5 Must-Fix Mistakes
    May 2 2025
    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!
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    13 m
  • Sarah’s Strategies to 100 Subscribers and Beyond

    Sarah’s Strategies to 100 Subscribers and Beyond
    Apr 30 2025
    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!
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    21 m
  • 188: Launching in 30 Days? Here’s Exactly What I Would Do

    188: Launching in 30 Days? Here’s Exactly What I Would Do
    Apr 23 2025
    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!
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    25 m
  • 187: How Two Students Hit $1M in 12 Months by Doubling Down on Their Subscriptions

    187: How Two Students Hit $1M in 12 Months by Doubling Down on Their Subscriptions
    Apr 16 2025
    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!
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    42 m
  • 3 Email Automations Every Subscription Box Owner Needs

    3 Email Automations Every Subscription Box Owner Needs
    Apr 9 2025
    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!
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    23 m
  • 186: Spring Sales: How to Generate Extra Revenue with One-Time Boxes

    186: Spring Sales: How to Generate Extra Revenue with One-Time Boxes
    Apr 2 2025
    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!
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    22 m
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