If you’ve recently launched your subscription box model, congratulations!
Now, the crucial next step is acquiring your first 1000 subscription customers.
But “How to get our First 1000 Subscription Customers”?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential strategies for the first 1000 subscribers, laying the foundation for a thriving and sustainable business.
Step-by-step tactics to get your first 1000 customers on subscription boxes
Getting your first 1000 customers for a subscription box service requires a combination of strategic planning, marketing tactics, and customer engagement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to subscription marketing for beginners:
1. Promote it with an announcement bar on the site
An announcement bar is a thin strip of text on the website. A website announcement bar is a customizable feature and a less intrusive method to instantly capture visitors’ attention, raising awareness about new offerings. These notifications strategically guide traffic to specific pages, such as ongoing promos, flash sales, shipping terms, cookie consent messages, and more.
Best practices for announcement bar integration.
- Utilize strong action verbs like “Shop now,” “Subscribe now,” or “Learn more.”
- Personalize messages for greater impact, incorporating urgency with phrases like “limited time offer.“
- Modify the background and text colors in the announcement bar for a cohesive color scheme.
- Enhance functionality by adding language and region selectors, along with social media icons.
- Include multiple announcements, enabling automatic rotation or manual navigation through chevron buttons.
Learn to add, edit, or delete the notification bar on Shopify.
2. Promote it on the product pages
Concentrate on specific product pages that match the subscription service and highlight the subscription plan on these product pages. These could be products with a consumable nature or those frequently repurchased.
For example, in the image, Sugarbear offers a convenient option to subscribe for hair vitamin gummies at a reduced rate of $33.24, a 5% discount from the one-time purchase price of $34.99. The reduced price of $33.24, a 5% discount capitalizes on the human inclination towards savings and the convenience of automatic monthly delivery.
3. Promote it on checkout
As customers finalize their purchase, introduce a compelling incentive for subscribing, such as a discount on the current purchase or a future subscription. This tactic creates a sense of immediacy and encourages them to opt for the subscription option to unlock additional value.
4. Set up a landing page separately
A subscription landing page showcases the features of your subscription service, encouraging visitors to begin a free trial, schedule a demo, or purchase a package. This centralized hub simplifies the process for shoppers to thoroughly explore the subscription options.
To create a subscription landing page, make sure to
- Inform visitors about product details, pricing, and the subscription process.
- Craft CTAs with strong verbs.
- Use pop-ups for attention-grabbing CTAs.
- Incorporate testimonials and reviews for credibility.
For example, Brew Tea has one of the best landing pages for subscription promotion. Click here to view.
Recommended read: How to Create a High-Converting Subscription Landing Page
5. Promote loyal and repeat customers
For growing an online store with subscriptions, repeat customers are key. Repeat customers often develop habits around using a particular brand’s products or services. Subscriptions play into the psychology of habit formation by providing a convenient and consistent experience. Once a subscription is in place, customers may be less likely to explore alternatives, reinforcing their loyalty and repeat business.
Use email, SMS, or WhatsApp to directly communicate with your existing customer base, emphasizing the value proposition of your subscription service tailored to their purchasing habits.
6. Influencer marketing
Influencers with their extensive audiences ensure your subscription plans gain visibility. Their firsthand account creates a compelling narrative that resonates with their audience, potentially driving new subscribers to your service.
Since subscription boxes operate on a fixed schedule, establishing long-term relationships with influencers adds authenticity to their endorsements.
Make sure to reach out to influencers within your niche and offer them complimentary subscriptions for several months. Clearly define your partnership objectives and assess pricing considerations, factoring in differences across platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
7. Referral program
Referral programs provide social proof as existing subscribers refer the service to friends or family. Potential subscribers are more likely to trust recommendations from people they know.
People are motivated by rewards and incentives. Offering tangible rewards, discounts, or exclusive perks for both the referrer and the new subscriber serves as a powerful motivator.
A referral program not only helps in acquiring new subscriptions but also builds a community around your subscription service, fostering a sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm among your customer base.
8. Promote on social media
People tend to follow the crowd and social media platforms provide a visible platform for showcasing testimonials, reviews, and the number of subscribers, creating a sense of social proof.
Use various platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X, adapting your content to suit each channel’s audience and format. Targeted social media advertising also helps reach specific demographics likely to be interested in your subscription service, maximizing the impact of your social media promotions.
9. Affiliate marketing
One of the best subscription business success tips is to collaborate with affiliates for marketing.
Affiliates often have an established audience and followers and have insights into the preferences and behaviors of their audience. When affiliates endorse a subscription service, it adds a layer of credibility and trust.
Affiliates also operate across various platforms, including blogs, social media, and email newsletters. This diverse reach allows businesses to expand their brand exposure to different demographics and niches.
Provide affiliates with promotional materials, unique tracking links, and commission incentives. As businesses grow, they can scale their affiliate marketing efforts to reach larger audiences. With a well-structured program, businesses can extend their reach without a proportional increase in marketing costs.
10. Run limited-time offers and deals
Limited-time offers capitalize on the fear of missing out. People are more likely to subscribe when they believe they’re getting a unique deal that won’t be available in the future.
For example, you could offer a special discount, like 15% off, for a 3-month subscription, but make it available for only 24 hours. This generates FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among your audience, encouraging them to take immediate action to secure the discounted subscription.
11. Post unboxing videos and content
Capitalize on the power of visual storytelling for Increasing subscribers on eCommerce site by creating and sharing unboxing videos and content that provide a firsthand look into the subscription box experience. Feature the curated items, highlight the value, and showcase the excitement of receiving your subscription.
Share these videos on your social media channels, website, and email newsletters. User-generated unboxing content can also be encouraged and shared, creating a community around your subscription service and offering potential customers an authentic glimpse into what they can expect.
12. Collaborate with Complementary Brands
Collaborate on cross-promotions that introduce your subscription box to new audiences who already have an interest in related products or services. This collaboration can take various forms, such as joint marketing campaigns, bundled offerings, or co-branded promotions.
Simplify subscription model setup with Appstle
Appstle is one of the trusted Shopify subscription apps for Increasing subscribers on eCommerce sites by providing powerful and customizable subscription features. Increasing subscribers on eCommerce site
With an easy-to-use admin dashboard, Appstle provides management features, automation, subscription widgets, and growth-focused subscription analytics to help grow your business
Appstle also offers subscription widgets for the quick creation of upsells, bundles, build-a-box features, and more. With Appstle’s APIs, businesses can create custom experiences and use subscription product checkout links to direct customers straight to checkout.
Want to learn more about Appstle?
Reach out to our experts or explore our Shopify apps today.
