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

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!

“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!

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!

Have you gotten stuck trying to decide what to include in your subscription box? You want to give your subscribers everything they could possibly want - but you know it’s not possible to do that and stay profitable. It is so easy for new subscription box owners to overthink everything and end up overwhelmed. One subscription box owner decided to keep things simple - really simple - and now has more than 500 monthly subscribers!  Meet Launch Your Box member Emily Vincent of The Polka Dot Poodle. Emily is creative and fun and loves to give gifts. She doesn’t just “give” gifts, though - she presents them in a way that makes them seem personal and extra special. Emily is passionate about gift-giving and adding the special touches that take a gift and turn it into an experience for the recipient.  When Emily first started her business, she was creating all the things. She and I share a love for monograms and she was creating and monogramming products for her many customers. But she quickly found that creating the same item over and over again didn’t bring her joy. When she examined what she loved about her business, she realized what she really loved was designing gift tags for people to give the items she made as gifts.  So Emily decided to focus on just that. Gift tags. She started a digital subscription where subscribers receive a digital file with that month’s designs and print them themselves. How easy is that?! No printing, no packing, no shipping. Emily’s workload is the same whether she has 10 subscribers or hundreds.  Emily soon realized that some of her subscribers wanted to receive the gift tags already printed and ready to go. They wanted her to make things even easier and more convenient for them. She was happy to oblige and started another version of her subscription. For these subscribers, Emilly prints the physical gift tags and ships them - just the tags - to her subscribers. Still simple and easy to fulfill.  Because Emily likes to serve her audience, she recently added another subscription. This one is more custom, more personalized, and more labor-intensive. And yes, it involves monograms. But Emily loves it and so do her subscribers. And she is careful not to take on more subscribers than she can comfortably handle.  When Emily started her first subscription, she had 37 subscribers. That number has grown to more than 500 subscribers. 500 people who receive gift tags designed by Emily every month.  Gift tags. How simple is that?  Emily’s advice to anyone thinking about starting a subscription box? Just start. Develop your idea, create a landing page, grow your email list and social media followers, and just start. She promises it will be worth it.  Join me for this episode and learn how Emily found subscription box success by focusing on what she loves to do and keeping things simple. Find and follow Emily:  ⁠The Polka Dot Poodle on Instagram⁠ ⁠The Polka Dot Poodle on Facebook ⁠ ⁠The Polka Dot Poodle 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!

If you want to make more sales this week, but don’t want to chase new customers, run ads, or overhaul your whole marketing strategy, this episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast is for you. One of the biggest mistakes subscription box owners make when looking to grow their business? Overlooking the people who already said yes. Your current subscribers are your warmest audience. They love your brand, they open your boxes, and they already trust what you deliver every month. Inside this Friday Fuel episode, I’m sharing three simple, practical ways to generate extra revenue using the subscribers you already have. No launch, no ad budget, and no extra overhead required. 1. Add a Simple Upsell Before Renewal A few days before renewal, give your subscribers a chance to add something special to their next box. Keep it easy, keep it relevant, and make sure it fits inside the box they're already getting. Some ideas: A coordinating item A seasonal exclusive A “mystery upgrade” A subscriber-only item pulled from your shop Promote it with a quick email: “Want to add this to your next box?” “Just for subscribers. Add this before your box ships!” Why does it work? They’re already expecting a charge. This simply gives them a fun, low-barrier way to get more of what they love while increasing your average revenue per subscriber. 2. Give Subscribers Access to Past Boxes If you’ve been in business for a while, you likely have leftover past boxes. They’re valuable… but only if people know they exist. Turn them into a subscriber-only vault. What to include: Boxes from recent months or seasons Limited leftovers from special editions Any extras you never publicly sold How to promote it: “Missed this one? Here’s your chance.” “Subscriber exclusive: Shop past boxes before they’re gone.” Why does it work? Subscribers know the value of your boxes. If they missed one - or want to gift one - this becomes an easy yes for them and fast revenue for you. 3. Offer a Subscriber-Only Promo or Perk Subscribers love feeling like insiders. When you give them access no one else gets, they respond. Offer them: Early access to a new collection or seasonal drop A subscriber-only limited-quantity item A special discount code for the week (ex: 15% off shopwide) Say things like: “You get first dibs just for being a subscriber.” “This week only: shop exclusive and save!” Why does it work? Exclusive perks drive loyalty, encourage extra browsing, and often lead to bonus sales from people who are already your best buyers. You don’t need a full blown launch to make more money. And you don’t need new customers.  You just need to give your current subscribers more opportunities to say yes. Join me for this Friday Fuel Episode and walk away with practical ideas you can use to make more sales this week - no launch or new audience required. 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!

I have a t-shirt subscription. Actually, I have two successful (and very profitable) t-shirt subscriptions: my T-Shirt Club and Tees 4 Teachers. And I’m not the only one growing thriving t-shirt subscriptions. LOTS of members of Launch Your Box are finding huge success with their own t-shirt subscriptions. With all this t-shirt subscription talk, you might be wondering if starting a t-shirt subscription is right for you.  In this episode, I’m sharing six reasons why you should consider starting a t-shirt subscription.   1. A T-shirt subscription has low start-up costs compared to other products. T-shirts range from $2-$7.  Printing can be done in-house or outsourced.  There is no need for expensive boxes - t-shirts can be shipped in poly mailers.  2. T-shirts are a wardrobe staple.  Everyone wears t-shirts.  T-shirts are consumable - they are used (worn) for a while and then replaced.  T-shirts can be dressed up or worn casually.  3. T-shirt subscriptions can be seasonal/holiday/theme-based.   Any niche can have a t-shirt subscription. Launch Your Box member t-shirt subscriptions include:  Career-focused tees Inspirational/self-care tees Tees for artists/crafters Snarky tees Animal/pet-themed tees 4. T-shirt subscriptions provide recurring revenue and recurring brand exposure.   A t-shirt subscription is a consistent source of recurring revenue.   A t-shirt subscription can provide opportunities for recurring brand exposure.  Add your label or brand to every design.  Build customer loyalty and commitment by consistently delivering quality t-shirts and designs.  5. T-shirt subscriptions foster a sense of community which can result in:  Increased loyalty Higher engagement Higher lifetime value (LTV) and retention rates 6. T-shirt subscriptions are more affordable and accessible than many other subscriptions.  A t-shirt subscription can be a successful, standalone subscription. It can also be a complement to your existing subscription box. Mine started as a complement to my Monogram Box when my subscribers asked for more t-shirts!  I’ve seen great success with my own t-shirt subscriptions and have helped SO MANY members of Launch Your Box build thriving t-shirt subscriptions.  I’m well-known for my extensive knowledge of all things t-shirt. So much so that my students and peers have been asking for a standalone t-shirt subscription course for quite a while. My team and I have spent the last several months working on this course. ⁠How to Start a T-Shirt Subscription⁠ covers everything you need to know in 12 video lessons full of actionable steps, worksheets, and special bonuses. It’s the perfect way to get all your t-shirt subscription questions answered and get your t-shirt subscription started NOW!  Learn more about⁠ How to Start a T-Shirt Subscription⁠.  Join me for this episode as I share my own t-shirt subscription experience and all the reasons you should start a t-shirt subscription.  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!

Need cash fast? You’re not alone. Whether sales have slowed, you’re sitting on extra inventory, or you just want to give your bank account a boost before the weekend, this episode is packed with three simple, scrappy ways to generate quick revenue, without overcomplicating a thing. 1 - Run a 24- to 48-hour Flash SaleCreate urgency around one irresistible offer. Think: past boxes, seasonal items, or customer favorites.  Keep it simple: one offer, one deadline, and plenty of promotion. 2 - Offer a Gift with PurchaseInstead of discounting, add value.  Use leftover inventory as a limited-time bonus. Frame it as a surprise treat for the first 25 orders or for anyone who subscribes this weekend. 3 - Bundle Up Your LeftoversTurn old inventory into a new product (and revenue).  Combine 3-5 items into a mystery or “surprise goodie box.” Make it limited - “this weekend only” or “limited quantities available.” Price it to move and make it limited. You’ll clear space and make money fast. Key takeaways Keep the offer simple.  Add urgency and deadlines. Promote multiple times!  Most importantly? Just do it. Set a timer. Pick an idea. And launch it today. Fast cash comes from fast decisions. So stop overthinking and start selling. Take Action Pick one of these ideas and make it live today. Flash Sale, Gift with Purchase, or Bundle, whichever fits your business best. You don’t need a new product or a fancy campaign. You just need to start. You’ve got products. You’ve got followers. Now it’s time to turn them into fast cash. Join me for this short Friday Fuel episode for three tried-and-true ways to boost revenue this weekend. Join me in all the places:     Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website

If you’re a small business owner, you are probably experiencing some degree of overwhelm in your business or personal life. Probably both. Because when you’re a small business owner, business and personal overlap and intertwine. A lot.  Overwhelm can become a major obstacle to success. It can affect your business growth and your personal growth. Personal overwhelm affects your business and business overwhelm affects your personal life. How many times have you been impatient or snippy or overreacted to something because of stress in another part of your life?  So many business owners operate in a constant state of overwhelm. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I’m walking you through five things you can do to help reduce your overwhelm so you can thrive instead of just surviving.  1. Time Management - There will never be enough hours in the day to get everything done. How we manage our time is crucial to reducing overwhelm. Get more done by:  Identifying high-priority tasks. Time blocking those tasks. Removing distractions. Using a timer to stay focused.  2. Hiring, Outsourcing, Delegating - you can’t keep doing business alone. This means knowing when it’s time to:  Hire Outsource Delegate 3. Setting Realistic Goals and Timelines - entrepreneurs are guilty of always thinking we can get more done in a set amount of time than we actually can.  Be honest with yourself.  Plan only ONE big rock per quarter. (detailed in my Strategic Yearly Planning Workshop - linked below) 4. Getting Support - feeling supported makes a huge difference to the amount of overwhelm you feel.  How can your team support you?  How can your spouse support you?  How can your children support you?  How can your friends and family support you?  Seek out other support - housekeeper, grocery deliveries, etc.  5. Self-care - you need to take time for yourself. Don’t feel guilty about it.  Plan self-care time - put it on your calendar.  Make time to spend with friends and family.  Start with one of these items and build it into your routine. Then layer in another. And another. Stop operating in fight or flight mode. Your health and the health of your business depend on it!  Join me for this episode and learn five things you can do to tackle overwhelm in your subscription box business. Take my ⁠Strategic Yearly Planning 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 ⁠today!

Ever tell yourself, “I know I should show up online more…” and then somehow, the week slips away and you didn’t? You’re not alone. Showing up online doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or depend on daily bursts of inspiration. You just need a simple system you can repeat week after week. In this Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m walking you through the exact rhythm I use to stay consistent across live video, email, and social media, without overthinking it. You can steal it, tweak it, or make it your own. Step 1: Choose Your Weekly Anchor Consistency starts with one non-negotiable: a set day and time for your LIVE.For me, it’s Thursday at 9 a.m. every single week. That’s my anchor. It’s on the calendar, it never moves, and it keeps me accountable. My audience knows when to expect me, and I always know when I’m showing up. If your plan is “I’ll go LIVE sometime this week,” chances are you won’t.Pick your day, pick your time, and treat it like an important appointment (because it is). Step 2: Turn One LIVE into Days of Content Right after your LIVE, before you clean up or move on, take a few quick photos of yourself with the products you featured. You’re already camera-ready and the setup is done. Those images become instant marketing gold: Add one to a same-day recap email linking to the replay, Use another in a next-day email highlighting one or two featured products, Sprinkle the rest across your social media posts for the next few days. This rhythm means you’re never starting from scratch. Step 3: Stretch It Over Three Days of Posts We repurpose that Thursday LIVE for three more days of content:Day 1: Product flat-lay or styled shotDay 2: Reel or clip from the LIVEDay 3: Lifestyle photo or testimonial that ties in Same message. Different formats. Maximum visibility. When you build this kind of routine, you’ll never again wonder, “What should I post this week?”  Step 4: Why This System Works This weekly rhythm keeps you top of mind and builds trust. The LIVE keeps you visible. The emails deepen connection and drive sales. The posts give your audience multiple chances to see, comment, and buy. You’re no longer chasing content. Instead, you’re running a system. Take Action Start this week: Pick your LIVE day + time. Go LIVE. Send a recap email. Post follow-up content for three days. That’s it. You’ll be amazed how quickly consistency turns into momentum. Join me for this episode to discover how one weekly LIVE and two quick emails can create days of content, connection, 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!

It’s the 4th quarter—also known as the busiest, craziest time of the year for product-based business owners! You've planned your 4th quarter promotions and products are arriving, but have you thought about the logistics of fulfilling and shipping all those orders?  In this episode, I share shipping hacks and strategies to help subscription box owners and product-based businesses navigate our busiest quarter… and stay sane doing it!  Prep Packing & Shipping Supplies Early Audit your packing and shipping supplies now: tape, labels, boxes, poly mailers, filler.  Order enough to get you through December. Plan for the unexpected.  Establish a dedicated storage space for your extra supplies so your team knows exactly where to find what they need. Optimize Fulfillment by Prepacking, Prepping, and Batch Packing  Pre-pack items that will be sold together, like holiday bundles or Black Friday specials. Reduce friction, eliminate unnecessary steps, and gain efficiency Implement batch packing by processing similar orders together for a smoother, faster workflow. Research Shipping Carrier Cut-off Dates & Have Options  Research carrier cut-off dates and set your own Christmas shipping cut-offs well in advance.  Overcommunicate! Post these cut-off dates visibly in your social media headers, on your website, and in emails. Stay flexible and ready to adjust by having multiple shipping options. Maintain open communication with your drivers to help manage any unexpected delays. Be Prepared for Increased Customer Service Volume  Expect an increase in customer service inquiries and be transparent with customers about shipping timelines and potential delays. Have a contingency plan in place to deal with lost packages, including a policy for replacements or refunds. The holiday rush can be chaotic, but with these tips, you’ll feel more prepared than ever to tackle Q4.  Have a shipping manager or team? Have them listen to this episode to boost efficiency and reduce holiday chaos in your shop! Join me for this episode where I share fulfillment & shipping strategies to help subscription box owners and product-based businesses navigate the busiest, craziest time of year - the 4th quarter. Grab your coffee (or something stronger!) and let’s dive in! 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 ever sit down, open Facebook or Instagram, and think, “I have no idea what to post today”? You’re not alone. Every subscription box owner has those days.  I have good news. If you’re shipping a box every month, your content is already in your hands. Literally. One box = 30 days of content. In this week’s Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m walking you through exactly how to turn a single subscription box into an entire month of posts, emails, and videos. And how to batch it all in a single day. Shift Your Mindset: You Already Have the Content Before we jump into ideas, let’s change the way you think about content. Instead of asking: “What should I post today?”... Start asking: “How can I talk about this one box in different ways that connect with my audience?” You’ve already spent hours curating, packing, and presenting that box. Let it work harder for you. Content doesn’t have to be new. It does have to be useful and consistent. The Breakdown: 30 Days of Content From One Subscription Box Your monthly plan, no guesswork required. Static Post Ideas (15 posts)  Flat lays Product spotlights Behind-the-scenes photos Testimonials Theme graphics Polls Personal stories These visuals help your followers connect the dots between your box and the value it delivers. Email Ideas (1–2 per week) Sneak peeks Full reveals How-to guides “Last day to order” reminders  Remember, your subscribers live busy lives. These emails keep your box top of mind and your waitlist full. Live Video Topics Unboxings Packing parties Styling demos Q&As.  Go live, connect, and show off the passion behind your brand. Long-Form Content Ideas Blog posts like “5 Ways to Use This Month’s Box” or “Behind the Scenes: How We Chose This Theme” boost your SEO and give you evergreen content to repurpose later. Create 30 Days of Content from ONE Subscription Box… All in One Day You don’t need to create content every day. You just need one content day per month. On your next packing or reveal day, block out 2–3 hours to capture: Full-box flat lays and product close-ups You holding or packing the box Short video clips for Reels Selfies or lifestyle shots with the products From that one session, you’ll walk away with: 15+ social posts 4–6 Reels Photos for emails and blogs Visuals for stories and highlights Smart marketing that respects your time? Yes, please. Take Action Your Friday Fuel Challenge: Grab your most recent shipped box and plan your next 30 days of content. Map out the ideas, schedule the shoot, and start posting. Once you see how simple this process is, you’ll build momentum. And momentum brings in subscribers who stick around because you’re showing up consistently. 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 felt like your email list is too small to matter or wondered what to actually say to the people on it, this episode is about to change the way you think about email marketing. I sat down with Amy Porterfield - yes, that Amy Porterfield - to talk about list building, storytelling, and staying consistent, especially when your list feels like it’s barely getting started. Amy went from working in the corporate world for Tony Robbins to becoming one of the most trusted teachers in digital marketing. She’s the creator of Digital Course Academy, host of the Online Marketing Made Easy podcast, and one of the biggest advocates for growing your business through the power of your email list. Your Email List Is Where the Magic Happens As Amy says, social media is rented land. Your email list is the only platform you truly own. If you have even one subscriber, talk to that person like you’re writing just for them. Your list will make you money over and over again, but you have to do the work to grow it. Amy’s simple steps: Get clear on who you want to serve and how you want to serve them. Create a freebie (lead magnet) that solves one small problem. Set up your CRM and get that freebie out there. Promote it often! Talk about your freebie on social media every single week. Consistency Builds Trust When I asked Amy how to keep showing up in email, her answer was simple: consistency. She sends her newsletter every Tuesday morning, no matter what. Her formula: Start with a story that connects back to the reader. Share two pieces of valuable content from others. Teach something simple and actionable. End with a personal story (and add her podcast link in the P.S.) People open emails from people they trust. And trust is built when your name keeps showing up in their inbox. Storytelling That Sells (Without Feeling Salesy) Amy shared that storytelling has become one of the most powerful tools in her emails. When people feel seen and understood, they stick around. And they buy. She often shares stories between her email and social platforms. If a story performs well in one place, she uses it in the other. Stories make your audience feel connected, and connection builds conversion. From Email Subscriber to Buyer So how do you actually move people from your list to paying customers? Keep showing up. Tell stories that build trust. Send more than one promo email - your audience needs to hear from you multiple times. Let your personality shine through every message. And if you don’t know where to start? Create a simple email template to guide you every week, and do a brain dump in a Google Doc of every story or lesson you could share. Amy reminded me of something she learned from Tony Robbins — and something I’ve said many times myself. Growth comes from being uncomfortable. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. Do it scared. Do it messy. But do it. If you’ve been waiting to “get your list ready,” this is your nudge. Start small. Share one story. Send one email. Stay consistent. Your email list doesn’t have to be big, it just has to be active. Where to find Amy:  Amy Porterfield on Facebook Amy Porterfield on Instagram Amy Porterfield’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!

Every subscription box owner hits a wall. Growth slows down. The excitement you once felt starts to fade. You check your numbers and realize things have stalled. Stalling doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means it’s time for a reset. Most of the time, growth slows because you’ve either tapped out your current audience or haven’t been visible enough lately. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul everything. You just need to re-energize a few key areas to spark fresh momentum. In this quick Friday Fuel episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m walking you through how to restart your momentum by focusing on three key areas that move the needle: growing your email list, showing up intentionally on social media, and running short, smart marketing bursts between launches. Reset #1: Grow Your Email List (Again) Your email list is your highest-converting asset, and when growth stalls, chances are your list has stalled, too. Ask yourself: Am I actively growing my list this week? If not, start here. Try a giveaway, launch a new lead magnet, or add a pop-up to your site. Promote your opt-in more often than feels comfortable. Remember, most people haven’t seen it yet! Reset #2: Grow Your Following with Intention People can’t buy from you if they don’t know you exist. Audit your last six social media posts. Do they speak directly to your ideal subscriber? If not, shift your focus to connection: Share behind-the-scenes peeks of product selection or packing days. Spotlight subscriber stories or testimonials. Create simple reels using B-roll and overlay text. Share content that reflects your box’s niche or transformation. Engagement comes first. Conversion follows. Reset #3: Run Short-Burst Marketing Campaigns You don’t need to wait for “launch week” to grow. Between launches, run small but mighty campaigns:  3-day waitlist push Flash freebie bonus Subscriber referral challenge Simple paid ad paired with a short funnel sequence. Think of these as mini-launches that keep your energy and your subscriber list growing all year long. Bonus Reset Tips If you’re ready to dig deeper, try these quick wins: Audit your list: scrub cold leads and segment by subscribers, leads, and past customers. Update your website: make sure it’s clear who your box is for and why they need it. Re-engage dormant leads: send a short, two-part reactivation sequence. Ask your audience: use Instagram polls or a quick quiz to find out what’s holding them back from subscribing. Take Action Choose one of these resets and take action today. Whether it’s creating a new lead magnet, sharing a behind-the-scenes post, or running a 3-day waitlist push, do something that moves you closer to your next subscriber. Join me for this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, where we’ll hit the reset button together and get your subscriber growth moving again, one simple action at a 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!

In this episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down six things thriving boxes all have in common, so you can see where you’re already strong and where you might need a little reset. 1. They Know Exactly Who Their Subscription Box Is For The boxes that grow fastest have one thing in common - they know exactly who they’re serving. “It’s not for everyone” is actually a good thing. These business owners have defined who their box is for, why it matters to her, and how she feels when she opens it. Their branding, product choices, and social media posts all speak directly to that person. Mini Challenge: Who is your box not for? Answering that might help you get clearer on who it is for. 2. They Built an Audience Before They Launched and Keep Building After A launch without an audience is like throwing a dart in the dark. The most successful subscription box owners don’t wait for launch day to start showing up. They build their audience through social media, email, freebies, quizzes, and waitlists. And they keep going long after launch day. They treat audience building like brushing their teeth: it’s just part of doing business. Mini Challenge: What are you doing this week to grow your audience? 3. They Retain Subscribers with Purpose Getting someone to subscribe is the first win. Keeping them? That’s where the magic (and the profit) happens. Successful subscription box owners know their subscriber journey from checkout to renewal. They create consistency in their packaging, emails, and experience, and they look for ways to surprise and delight along the way. Even a simple handwritten note goes a long way. The average subscriber in my own subscription box business stays for 18 months. That’s 18 sales from one person! Mini Challenge: Map out your subscriber experience after checkout. What happens next? 4. Their Subscription Box Website Converts Your website isn’t a brochure, it’s a sales tool. Within five seconds, someone should know: What your box is Who it’s for Why they need it Clear visuals, transparent pricing, and a simple checkout make all the difference. If people have to guess what they’re buying, they’ll move on. Mini Challenge: Open your homepage and pretend you’ve never seen it before. Could you understand your subscription box in five seconds? 5. They Start Small and They’re OK with That The smartest box owners don’t chase huge numbers. They build intentionally. They’d rather sell out at 100 subscribers with a waitlist than stretch too fast and get stuck. Growth without cash flow isn’t sustainable - it’s stressful. Mini Challenge: What’s your comfortable subscriber cap right now? Can you fulfill confidently at that level? 6. They Keep Showing Up (Even When It’s Not Perfect) Consistency beats perfection every time. The subscription box owners that last are the ones that keep showing up even when engagement dips or sales slow down. They test, tweak, and keep learning instead of quitting. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. That box with 1,000 subscribers? She once had 44, just like you. Mini Challenge: What’s one way you can keep showing up this week, even if it’s not perfect? Take a few minutes to audit your own subscription box using this list. Which one of these is your biggest strength? Which one is your next opportunity? Join me for this episode to learn the six habits I see over and over again in successful subscription box owners and how you can start putting them into practice today. 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 of the biggest questions subscription box owners ask is: Where do I find products for my box? There’s no single “right” answer because the best sourcing strategy depends on where you are in your business journey.  In this quick Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down three key sourcing methods - wholesale, trade shows, and manufacturing - and showing you how each one fits a different stage of subscription box growth. Stage 1: Just Getting Started. Start with Wholesale If you’re still prepping for launch or working toward your first 50–100 subscribers, wholesale is your best friend. It’s flexible, affordable, and helps you learn what your audience loves without over-committing. Why it works: Low minimums let you order small quantities. Fast turnaround means you can ship quickly. It’s the easiest way to test different product types. Challenges with wholesale: Smaller profit margins. Less exclusivity. Limited branding options Stage 2: You’ve Launched. Trade Shows & Curated Finds Once you’ve launched and built momentum, it’s time to elevate your box. Trade shows and curated wholesale marketplaces help you discover unique, small-batch, and boutique items that give your box that “wow” factor. Why it works: You’ll find more distinctive products. Meeting vendors face-to-face often leads to better pricing or exclusivity. You can start building your signature brand style. Challenges with trade shows and curated marketplaces: Travel costs and larger order requirements. Longer lead times mean planning boxes further ahead. Stage 3: Ready to Scale. Manufacturing When your subscription is stable and you’re ready to increase margins or stand out even more, manufacturing can be a game-changer. But there are two levels to consider: Option 1: Stock Product from Manufacturers Buy from manufacturer catalogs and add your own branding or packaging. This is a great bridge between wholesale and full custom. Pros: better margins, faster turnaround, and the ability to add your own brand touches. Cons: limited product selection and minimal exclusivity. Option 2: Full Custom Manufacturing Design your own products from scratch for total control and differentiation. Pros: complete customization, higher perceived value, stronger brand identity. Cons: higher minimums, longer timelines, and bigger upfront costs. Sourcing Is a Journey, Not a Jump You’ll probably use all of these sourcing methods at some point: Start with wholesale. Grow into trade shows. Add manufacturer stock for better margins. Move to custom products when you’re ready. Take Action Identify your current sourcing stage and make one move this week that aligns with it: New? Order your first wholesale products. Growing? Research an upcoming trade show or apply for a wholesale marketplace account. Scaling? Reach out to a manufacturer and ask about their minimums. Every step forward brings you closer to the box and the brand you’re meant to build. Join me for this episode, where I’ll help you figure out which sourcing strategy fits your stage of business and how to take the next step with 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!

I’ve been part of The Boutique Hub for more than five years, and I was so excited to welcome its founder, Ashley Alderson, to the Launch Your Box Podcast. Ashley started The Boutique Hub in 2013 to give small business owners a place to connect, learn, and grow together. Today, the Hub supports more than 100,000 small businesses. What Loyalty Really Looks Like When I asked Ashley what customer loyalty actually looks like, she didn’t hesitate. It’s all about building community. People want to buy from people. The more your customers feel connected to you and your brand, the more loyal they become. Ashley shared her team’s approach to content creation, something she calls the VAVA Method. Viral: Is it relatable enough that someone would click, like, share, or comment? Authentic: Does it sound like a real person said it? Value: Does it help your audience by saving them time, solving a problem, or making their day better? Aspirational: Does it make them feel like they’re becoming a better version of themselves? When you’re running a product-based business, you can’t just sell all the time. Ashley says that at any given moment, about 90% of your audience isn’t ready to buy, so you need to nurture them with community-building content. Ashley suggests ratio of two-thirds soft-sell, one-third direct-sell. Sales Is a Noble Process Ashley reminded us that selling is about serving. When you connect with your audience, help them solve problems, and make their lives a little better, that’s a noble thing. As subscription box owners, we have to be attached to that outcome for our subscribers. We start by building community, then we serve that community, and then we sell to that community. That’s servant leadership in action. How to Build Loyalty That Lasts Ashley shared that true loyalty comes from creating an emotional reaction. Everything, from your community and marketing to post-purchase experiences, should make your customers feel something. Your subscribers should always believe the value of your box is greater than its price. As Ashley likes to say, “Cheap ain’t loyal.” Be the face of your brand. Let people see you. Because at the end of the day, people want to buy from people. The Six Layers of a Sustainable Business Ashley broke down the six layers every business needs to build a strong foundation: Operations and Brand Profits and Profitability Team Sales Strategy Content Strategy Social Media Each layer works together to create a business that’s stable, scalable, and ready for long-term success. The Future of Small Business Ashley sees a shift happening, away from isolation and scrolling, and back toward real human connection. People are craving community, conversation, and relationships again. And that’s great news for subscription box owners, because community is what we do best. Take Action Spend time this week building connection with your audience. Share something that’s relatable, real, and valuable - something that reminds your followers there’s a person behind your brand. Join me for this episode with Ashley Alderson of The Boutique Hub to learn how to build loyalty through community and content that connects. Where to find Ashley:  The Boutique Hub on Facebook The Boutique Hub on Instagram The Boutique Hub 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!

Launching your subscription box shouldn’t require a tech degree or a six-figure software stack. Yet too many new subscription box owners spend weeks stressing about tools. Or worse, skip setup until launch week. Let’s fix that. In this quick Friday Fuel episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m walking you through the exact tech tools you actually need to launch your subscription box. Nothing fancy, nothing extra, just what works from Day 1. The 4 Core Tools Every Subscription Box Business Needs Before you launch your subscription box, you need four core systems in place: Website Platform – Shopify or WooCommerce Payment Processor – PayWhirl or Stripe Shipping Software – Shopify Shipping or ShipStation Email Marketing CRM – Klaviyo Hire Out the Tech or DIY? If setting up checkout flows and automations makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. You don’t get bonus points for doing it all yourself. You can hire someone for a few hundred dollars to get your tech stack up and running, or take it step-by-step yourself.  The key is that everything works before you go live. Test Like a Customer Testing your tech isn’t optional. Walk through your own site like it’s your first visit: Can you place a test order from start to finish? Do your emails send automatically? Are your shipping options correct? Do recurring payments process properly? Do your confirmation emails look professional? Click every link. Test every flow. You’ve worked hard to get people to your site, don’t lose them because of a broken button or missing email. A Bonus Tool for Staying Organized Is your desk covered in sticky notes? It’s time for a free project-management tool like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp. Use it to organize launch tasks, email prep, or even box curation. Each has a free version and will save you serious stress. Take Action Carve out an hour to audit your tech stack. Set up your storefront, payment processor, and email CRM. Run a full test order from start to finish. Make sure every piece, from opt-in to order confirmation, works flawlessly. You don’t need the fanciest tools. You just need tools that work.  Keep it simple, get it tested, and be ready when subscribers start clicking “buy.” Join me for this quick, practical episode and walk away with a clear, budget-friendly tech plan that’s ready for launch day. 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!

Ready or not, the 4th quarter is here. It’s time to sell! The 4th quarter is crucial for any small business. It can make or break your year and generate the momentum you need going into the next year. The 4th quarter matters. I’ve been through nine 4th quarters in my business and I’ve learned a LOT along the way.  In this episode, we’re talking about four areas you need to focus on during this important time of the year in order to maximize your revenue before year-end. Building Your Q4 Sales Strategy  Inventory  Have it Manage it Create demand for it Holiday Promotions Gift Guides  Marketing & Advertising  Email Marketing - the money is in your list!  A consistent plan is crucial. Segment your list and send targeted emails.  Have abandoned cart flows and browse abandonment flows set up!  Social Media Schedule - consistency is king!  Paid Ads - target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. Prepping for Peak Sales Days   Customer Service  Make this a priority!  Schedule time for it! You’ll have a lot of first-time customers - make their experience a good one!  Social Media Response Time Answer questions & respond to comments promptly.  Clearly Communicate Urgency & Deadlines Banners on home page  Flash sales   Promotional codes Free shipping thresholds  Christmas shipping deadlines  Managing Logistics & Fulfillment    Clearly outline shipping and processing timelines.  Make sure you have enough staff to handle the influx of orders.  Hire temporary staff for the holidays. Have current staff work extended days/hours. Conduct a supply inventory NOW!  Bags  Boxes Tape Shipping labels Etc.  Holiday Packaging How will you uplevel your customers’ experience this season?  That sounds like a lot of extra work to do, doesn’t it? And it is. But it is all SO important. So it’s time to ask yourself, “What can I eliminate from my day-to-day so I can focus on these revenue-generating activities?”  Now is not the time to start a blog or podcast. It’s not time to create a new ebook or opt-in. It’s not time to build a new website or plan for 2024.  Now is the time to focus on SALES and the activities that generate those sales.  The 4th quarter is here! Join me for this episode as I walk you through 4 areas of focus you need to jump into right now to make the most of your 4th quarter.  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!

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!

“Is it better to have a monthly or quarterly subscription box?”  This question comes up a lot inside Launch Your Box and on the How to Start a Subscription Box public Facebook page. The truth is, there is no one answer to this question. No right or wrong when it comes to choosing a monthly or quarterly box. There’s only the answer that’s right for you.  Your answer to whether a monthly or quarterly box is right for you and your business depends on your goals for your business and what is most important to you as a business owner.  Each model has its benefits and its drawbacks. It’s important to understand both before making a decision about the frequency of your subscription box.  The pros and cons of a quarterly subscription box: 1. Revenue Con - a quarterly subscription model can cause financial strain during the “off” months.  Pro - you can typically charge more for a quarterly box, allowing for greater profit and more revenue. 2. Curation/Products   Pro - you only have to curate a box four times a year!  Pro - your subscriber only gets four boxes a year to consume. This can lead to greater subscriber satisfaction and less churn. 3 3. Frequency/Recency  Con - lack of engagement. The time between each box can cause a sense of disengagement for subscribers. They’re not getting the constant reminders of something new coming like they do with monthly boxes.  Con - not having enough content. It can be very challenging to stretch out the content from one box to last for three months until the next box comes out. Content can get stale.  4. Time    Pro - the monthly grind of curation/fulfillment/customer service is a full-time commitment. A quarterly box allows you the space and freedom to do other things.  Top cons of a quarterly subscription box: No monthly recurring revenue. Lack of engagement in your community. Lack of content to market and promote your box and brand consistently.  Top pros of a quarterly subscription box:  Ability to charge more for a quarterly box, increasing the amount of revenue per box.  Only have to curate four boxes a year instead of 12.  Subscribers are less likely to cancel due to inability to consume the box.  You get a break from the curation/fulfillment/customer service cycle.  We’ve talked about monthly and quarterly boxes and the pros and cons of each. But, there is one other option and it seems to be gaining in popularity: bi-monthly subscription boxes. Bi-monthly boxes are curated and fulfilled every other month. Some subscription box owners and subscribers find this to be just the right balance between a monthly box and a quarterly box.  Join me for this episode as I talk about why there’s not an easy answer to the question, “Is it better to have a monthly or quarterly subscription box?” and walk you through the pros and cons of each.  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!