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Subscription websites enable creators to monetize exclusive content, offering tailored experiences that align with audience interests. Learning how to start a business in this way, enhances financial stability and audience engagement, while allowing creators to produce content without algorithm pressures.
Entrepreneurs often wonder, "How do I start?" or "What features will keep my website visitors engaged?" This guide walks you through how to make a website for your subscription business—from choosing the right platform and setting up payment gateways to implementing marketing strategies—to ensure your subscription website stands out and keeps visitors returning.
Start building your subscription website with our free AI website builder today.
What is a subscription website?
A subscription website is a type of website where visitors can pay for access to exclusive content or services. Instead of relying on traditional methods such as advertising, creators monetize their websites by offering subscriptions to users who are interested in their niche or content. These models allow for consistent income and stronger audience connections, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.
“A lot of our growth has to do with our subscriptions. We have 7,000 subscribers and every month people, all across the world, are getting our products. Our customers are the best—over 70% are returning customers." - Mai Dinh, Founder of House of Suppliez
Common forms of subscription websites
Subscription businesses offer convenience and low risk, making them appealing to both customers and business owners. Customers enjoy the ease of automatic deliveries and predictable costs, while businesses benefit from recurring revenue and increased customer loyalty.Below are some popular forms of subscription websites.
Membership sites
Membership sites are platforms that provide exclusive content, tools and resources to their members for a recurring fee. By joining a membership site, individuals can gain access to valuable knowledge and connections that might not be available elsewhere.
Examples of membership sites include: Online courses where users can access a variety of educational materials and interactive lessons, private communities that foster networking and collaboration among like-minded individuals or industry-specific resources that deliver the latest insights, trends and tools relevant to particular professional fields.
Subscription boxes
This model revolves around the delivery of physical products in subscription boxes on a monthly or quarterly basis for a set subscription price. These curated boxes often come with surprise items, making the experience similar to receiving a gift every month.
Examples of subscription boxes include: Meal kits, beauty and skincare boxes, book or hobby boxes or even pet subscription boxes.
Ready to create a steady cash flow and spark a loyal customer base? Start your own business and sell subscriptions with Wix today.
Paywalls
Websites that publish articles, videos or other multimedia content can restrict access after visitors reach a specific limit—encouraging them to subscribe for unlimited access. This type of subscription is common in journalism, but it can also be used by bloggers and other content creators.
Examples of paywall sites include: News outlets, online magazines and newspapers or video streaming services.
Digital downloads
Creators can sell digital files such as eBooks, music, software or templates through their business website with one-time payments or subscriptions. This method is often used by artists, writers and developers to monetize their work.
Examples of digital downloads include: eBooks on cooking, music tracks or sound effects for
videos, design templates for websites or graphics.
Software as a service (SaaS)
Popular among businesses, this model offers access to software or applications for a monthly fee. SaaS businesses offer convenience and flexibility, as customers can access the software from anywhere with an internet connection.
Examples of SaaS websites include: Project management tools, email marketing platforms or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
How to make a subscription website in 9 steps
01. Understand your purpose and audience
Before creating a subscription website, you'll need to define your purpose and target audience. Think about why you're starting this venture and what unique value you can offer to your audience. This will guide the rest of the steps in making your website from how you structure the website to content creation.
Here is a roadmap to help define your ideal subscriber:
Define your niche: Identify specific problems to solve or passions to cater to. Ask yourself, "What unique value can I bring to my audience?"
Research existing communities: Dive into forums and social media groups related to your niche. Note the language used, common problems and what content resonates with the community. This will help you align your message with their needs.
Analyze your audience: Look at who interacts with your blog, YouTube channel or social media. What content do they engage with the most? Use this information to tailor your approach.
Consider your expertise: Reflect on your unique skills. How can you use these to attract and help others? Position yourself as a valuable resource in your niche.
Craft your buyer persona: Develop a detailed profile of your ideal member, including age, location, income, interests, challenges, goals and online behavior. This persona will guide your content creation and marketing strategy.
02. Select a domain and host
A domain is the name of your website (e.g., www.yoursite.com), while a host is where all the files for your website are stored. Using a domain name generator can help you find the perfect name. This step is essential, as it affects your brand identity and website performance.
When choosing a domain name:
Keep it simple: Choose a name that's easy to remember and type. Avoid using hyphens, numbers or special characters.
Make it relevant: Your domain should reflect your brand or niche. It should give visitors an idea of what to expect when they visit your site.
Consider SEO: Including relevant keywords in your domain can improve search engine rankings.
Check availability: Use a domain name search to make sure that the domain you want isn't already taken by another website.
New to domains? Discover the basics of what is a domain and how it shapes your subscriptions website's look.
A hosting website refers to the service of providing storage space and access for websites or applications on the internet. It involves making a website or application accessible to users via the web. Hosting services manage the servers that store the data and files necessary for the website to function, ensuring that it is available and secure for visitors.
Consider the following when researching website hosts:
Choose a reputable provider: Research different hosting providers and read reviews to find one that best fits your needs.
Consider the costs: Some providers offer affordable shared hosting plans, while others may have higher-priced options with more features.
Look for features: Consider factors like storage space, bandwidth limits and customer support when choosing a host.
Tip: Build your website with Wix and enjoy free website hosting.
03. Choose a website builder and template
A website builder is a platform that allows you to create and customize your website without needing coding or design skills. It's an essential tool for creating a subscription website as it makes the process easier, faster and more cost-effective. it should offer integration with a robust subscription management system.
When choosing a website builder, make sure the subscription management system includes these key features:
Manage your subscriptions effortlessly
Restrict access to specific web pages or products for registered users
Limit your entire store/website to members only
Offer multiple subscription tiers and pricing options
Easily create and manage user accounts for subscribers
Learn how to make a website for free and start reaching your audience with engaging content and exclusive offers.
Selecting the right website template for your subscription website is crucial for creating a professional and functional design. A template sets the overall layout and aesthetic of your site, affecting not only its appearance but also how users interact with your content.
Here are key considerations when selecting a template:
Relevance to your niche: Pick a template that aligns with the nature of your content. For instance, if you're launching a photography subscription site, opt for a template with a robust gallery feature.
Customization options: Ensure the template allows for a high degree of customization, enabling you to adjust colors and fonts to fit your brand's identity.
Mobile-friendly: Your template should be mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for users on all devices.
Built-in subscription features: Look for templates that support subscription functionalities, such as login areas for members, subscription tier displays and account management tools.
User experience design: Choose a template with a clean and intuitive website layout that makes it easy for subscribers to navigate and access content.
04. Design your subscription website
Once you have chosen your website builder and template, it's time to start customizing for your business. Bring your brand to life by adding your logo, website color scheme and other visuals to the web design.
Here are essential website design elements to consider:
Brand identity: Use consistent branding throughout your site, including colors, typography and logos. This helps create a professional and cohesive look for your brand.
Simple site navigation: Make it easy for subscribers to find what they're looking for by organizing content into logical categories and providing search options.
Clear call-to-action buttons: Use clear and visible buttons that encourage users to take action, such as subscribing or upgrading their membership.
High-quality visuals: Utilize engaging images and videos to highlight the value of your subscription offering.
Easy-to-read content: Use clear and concise language, break up text with headings and bullet points and ensure your font is easy to read.
05. Create compelling subscription plans
Your content is the foundation of your business, which is why an important part of your subscription website is the selection of subscription plans you offer. These plans should be appealing to potential subscribers while generating enough revenue to support your business. Consider offering a free trial period or introductory pricing to attract new subscribers so they can experience your content before committing to a plan.
Here are five ways you can price content on your subscription website:
Paid memberships: Offer a flat rate for all-access to premium content over a set period (monthly, yearly, etc.). This can be a high-value option, with the average online membership priced at $60/month.
Tiered membership: Create multiple levels with varying prices, offering more access at higher tiers. For example, a Basic plan for certain content and a Premium plan for expanded access.
Pay-per-view access: Allow viewers to buy or rent specific content individually, whether it's a single video or a collection.
Hybrid: Combine member-only content (tiered or all-access) with the option to buy or rent content separately.
“Freemium” plan: Offer a free membership with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for premium content, making it easy to attract new members.
06. Set up payment processing
To accept payments for subscriptions on your website, you'll need to set up a payment processor. This involves linking your website to a secure payment gateway that facilitates transactions between your customers' banks and your business bank account. Make sure to choose a secure and reliable payment processor with reasonable transaction fees.
With Wix, you can connect to a variety of payment methods including:
Stripe: A widely used and secure option that offers flexible payment options, such as one-time or recurring payments.
PayPal: An established platform that enables users to make purchases using their PayPal account or credit/debit card.
Square: A popular option for small businesses, offering a range of features like online invoicing and recurring payments.
Tip: See the full list of available payment providers in your country here.
07. Create exclusive content for subscribers
Your subscription website's value lies in its exclusive content, which is why it's essential to continuously create and publish quality content for your subscribers. This can include videos, articles, e-books, courses or any other type of content that aligns with your niche and appeals to your target audience.
Here are some examples of content typically offered by subscription websites:
Industry insights like white papers, surveys and newsletters
Educational resources such as courses and webinars
Private member directory for associations and business groups
Invitations to exclusive events and conferences
Discounts on industry-specific products or services
Forums for members to connect and communicate
This is the exciting content that attracts subscribers. Make sure what you're offering is engaging enough to inspire people to subscribe. Plan your strategy for regularly adding new videos and ensure your users can easily navigate all the videos in the library.
Use these tips to create exclusive content:
Plan ahead: Create a schedule or editorial calendar to ensure you have a consistent flow of new content.
Engage with subscribers: Ask for feedback and suggestions from your subscribers to understand their interests better and tailor your content accordingly.
Collaborate with others: Invite guest contributors or partner with other businesses/creators to diversify your content and reach a wider audience.
Offer bonuses: Provide exclusive offers or bonuses to subscribers, such as discounts on merchandise or free downloads, to keep them engaged and satisfied.
08. Promote your subscription website
To attract and retain subscribers, you'll need to promote your subscription website effectively. This can include various marketing strategies such as social media campaigns, email marketing, collaborations with influencers or other businesses and SEO optimization of your website.
Here are some tips for promoting your subscription website:
Social media marketing: Use popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to showcase content previews, subscriber testimonials and promotions. If you already have YouTube subscribers or Instagram/TikTok followers, tell them about your shiny new membership—and most importantly, why they should join.
Email marketing: Utilize email marketing tools to target potential subscribers and keep current subscribers engaged with exclusive content updates and offers.
Partner up: Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your niche to gain exposure to their audience.
SEO optimization: Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, creating backlinks and regularly updating your content.
Encourage word of mouth: Offer incentives for current subscribers to refer their friends and family to your subscription website.
“Most people find us through social media or word of mouth. Being able to link our website to these social media platforms just makes our job easier and it makes the shopping experience for our customers much simpler." - Mai Dinh, Founder of House of Suppliez
09. Keep track of subscriber engagement
Ensure the success of your subscription website by regularly monitoring and analyzing subscriber engagement. This can help you understand what content is resonating with your audience and make necessary adjustments to improve retention rates.
Here are some metrics you should keep track of:
Subscriber churn rate: The percentage of subscribers who cancel their membership within a given time period.
Engagement levels: How often subscribers access exclusive content or participate in member-only events/forums.
Feedback/surveys: Ask for feedback from subscribers through surveys or polls to gather insights and improve your service.
Conversion rates: The percentage of visitors who sign up for a subscription after viewing your website. This can help you understand the effectiveness of your marketing strategies.
Boost your subscription website revenue by focusing on upselling and recovering abandoned carts. Offer current subscribers higher-tier plans or extras to increase revenue per user. Keep offers relevant to enhance user experience and loyalty. For abandoned carts, send automated reminders and targeted promotions, like discounts or exclusive content, to re-engage potential subscribers. Understand why carts are abandoned to refine your strategies and improve conversion rates.
Tip: Wix Analytics is available on your Wix site to monitor these metrics and improve the success of your subscription website.
Subscription website examples
Discover inspiration for your site by exploring subscription websites built on Wix. Check out successful examples to gain insights into effective website ideas, design, user experiences and content that resonate with your audience.
House of Suppliez
House of Suppliez exemplifies a blend of convenience and education as a subscription website, specifically designed for nail and lash artists. The platform's dual offerings of subscription boxes and subscription courses, provide professionals with the latest beauty supplies and comprehensive learning resources delivered regularly. This ensures that artists remain at the cutting edge of their craft without the stress of sourcing materials or education independently. Through these multifaceted offerings, House of Suppliez not only enhances the professional development of its community but also establishes itself as a go-to resource for beauty enthusiasts seeking both products and knowledge.
Perigee
Perigee Software is a SaaS subscription platform for high-performance integration software toolkits designed for serious developers. The company's commitment to empowering developers is evident through its user-friendly website, which is easy to navigate and provides an enriching experience. A comprehensive blog offers insights and updates, while detailed documentation ensures subscribers have all the support they need to create efficient integration applications.
Time Thief Labs
Time Thief Labs provides cutting-edge AI solutions that streamline business operations and empower users to reclaim their time. The platform's engaging homepage sets the stage for an intuitive user experience, complemented by strategically placed calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide visitors towards exploring its innovative offerings. With a well-structured categorization of services, Time Thief Labs offers tailored solutions in content creation, social media management and course creation, ensuring businesses can effortlessly enhance their efficiency. The availability of a free trial invites potential subscribers to experience firsthand the transformative impact of AI on their daily tasks.
What are the benefits of a subscription website?
The benefits of having a subscription website are numerous, including:
Recurring revenue: With a steady stream of subscribers paying monthly or yearly fees, you can have predictable and consistent income.
Higher profit margins: Since most subscription websites offer digital content, the costs associated with producing and delivering it are relatively low, resulting in higher profit margins.
Increased customer loyalty: Providing exclusive content and member benefits can help cultivate a strong relationship with subscribers, leading to increased loyalty and longer-term customers.
Better data tracking: Subscription websites often have access to valuable user data such as engagement levels, preferences and demographic information, which can be used for targeted marketing and to improve website user experience.
Scalability: As your subscriber base grows, so does your revenue potential without significant increases in operating costs.
Flexibility: Subscription models allow for flexibility in pricing and subscription plans, making it easier to cater to different audiences and their varying needs.
Diversification of income streams: Having a subscription website can diversify your income streams and provide a stable source of revenue alongside other business ventures.
How to make a subscription website FAQ
What’s the difference between a subscription and membership website?
While "subscription" and "membership" might seem similar, they have distinct roles. A subscription site gives you access to exclusive content or services for a recurring fee. On the other hand, a membership site adds benefits like discounts and community forums alongside exclusive content. Sometimes, businesses combine both models. Read more about what is a membership website to learn how the two models can work together.