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

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

8 years ago I had a dream to start a Subscription Box service full of goodies for women to treat themselves and nurture the importance of self care. It took me a full 18 months to make it happen! I was paralyzed by ‘all the things’ I had to figure out with no one to turn to for guidance. That is why I created Launch Your Box! Maybe you need some direction on how to begin, or you are ready to grow your subscriber base. Either way, it all starts with an idea that can turn into a constant reoccurring revenue, a raving fan base, and a business to love. I will help you... Take your first steps and know where to start. Figuring out the logistics: packing, shipping, boxes, oh my! Learn how to launch, from idea to sales. Scale that box to the next level, go big or go home!
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Episodes

Sarah’s Strategies to 100 Subscribers and Beyond

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...

Apr 30, 202521 min

188: Launching in 30 Days? Here’s Exactly What I Would Do

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 yo...

Apr 23, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 188

187: How Two Students Hit $1M in 12 Months by Doubling Down on Their Subscriptions

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 pande...

Apr 16, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 187

3 Email Automations Every Subscription Box Owner Needs

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 t...

Apr 09, 202523 min

186: Spring Sales: How to Generate Extra Revenue with One-Time Boxes

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...

Apr 02, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 186

185: “It’s Never About the Money.” Scaling past 1,000 subscribers with Jane’s Agenda

When Jane Wild of Jane’s Agenda first joined me on the podcast in Episode 92, we were celebrating a huge milestone: 500 subscribers to her planner subscription. That was a big deal—and one that meant Jane had to start doing things differently in her business. Now she’s back, and her numbers have more than doubled. With 1300 active subscribers and an 85% growth rate in 2024 , Jane is sharing exactly how she got here—and what she’s doing to scale intentionally in 2025. When the pandemic hit in 202...

Mar 26, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 185

Running a Giveaway to Build Your List

Audience building should always be on your to-do list. Whether you already have a subscription box or you’re just getting started, consistently work to reach and engage new people. One audience building strategy I teach inside Launch Your Box is to run a giveaway on social media. I use a free, easy-to-use software called Kingsumo to run my giveaways a couple of times a year. My last giveaway added 1500 people to my email list! When you run a giveaway, follow four simple steps Determine your goal...

Mar 19, 202521 min

184: Hiring a Digital Marketing Assistant for Your Subscription Box Business

As subscription box business owners, we wear all the hats—marketing, customer service, tech, fulfillment—you name it, we do it. But trying to do everything can hold you back from growing your business. That’s where hiring help–a Virtual Assistant (VA) or a Digital Marketing Assistant –comes in. If you've been thinking about hiring help but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is for you! I sat down with Emily Reagan , who specializes in training smart women to provide digital marketing servi...

Mar 12, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 184

Bounced Payments & Personal Follow-Up

Are you relying solely on automations to recover failed payments? If so, you are losing money and experiencing unnecessary churn in your subscription box business. Business is personal. Recovering failed payments needs more than just automation - it needs a personal touch. Your personal touch. Think about how much time, energy, and money you spend getting new subscribers. How much time and energy are you willing to spend to keep them? In my subscription business, we use a combination of automati...

Mar 05, 202518 min

183: Stu McLaren Reveals the Messaging Shift That Will Transform Your Sales

When I first started my subscription box, I thought I was selling cute products. I didn’t realize my audience wasn’t just buying things —they were buying transformation . They wanted to feel confident, stylish, and put-together, but my messaging wasn’t reflecting that. Making that shift—from selling products to selling a feeling—was one of the biggest game-changers in my business. And it can be the biggest game changer in your business, too. The person who helped me understand the need for this ...

Feb 26, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 183

5 Ways to Increase Perceived Value in Your Subscription Box without Blowing Your Budget

Is your subscription box missing something that would increase its value in the eyes of your subscribers? Maybe things are feeling a little monotonous or routine. Or maybe some months you feel like you need “a little something extra” to make your subscription box feel like the complete experience you want it to be. But, how can you add value without blowing your budget? Remember, you need to stay profitable to stay in business. In today’s episode, we’re talking about increasing the perceived val...

Feb 19, 202533 min

182: From 118 to 1800 Subscribers: 2-Year Update From B. Goods Lettering

Betsy Goodman of B Goods Lettering is back on the podcast, and wow —what a difference two years makes! When I last interviewed Betsy in October 2022 on episode 93, she had 118 subscribers to her Lettering Box and was using Instagram brilliantly to grow her audience. Fast forward to today, and she’s running two thriving physical subscription boxes, a digital membership, and has grown her subscriber base to 1800! In this episode, Betsy shares the incredible journey of scaling her business, the les...

Feb 12, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 182

181: Scaling Your Subscription Box: The Path to True Growth

Scaling your subscription box business isn’t just about making more money—it’s about building a business that works for you, instead of you working for it. Are you stuck in the day-to-day grind, feeling like growth is just out of reach, or afraid that scaling will be overwhelming (or expensive!)? Then this episode is for you. When I first launched my subscription box, my goal was 100 subscribers. That felt HUGE. I never imagined I’d be where I am today—packing thousands of boxes every month. But...

Feb 05, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 181

7 Ways to Market Your Subscription Box Cost Effectively

Do you think growing your subscription means spending tons of money on ads? It doesn’t need to be that way! There are so many low and even no-cost ways to market and grow your subscription box business. The bottom line? You can’t rely on just one marketing channel or strategy. You need to build a multi-channel marketing plan, layering one type of marketing on top of another. Don’t worry - building this plan doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. I’m sharing seven cost-effective ways to mar...

Jan 29, 202518 min

180: 4 Productivity Hacks for Subscription Box Owners

In this episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, we’re diving into 4 productivity hacks that will help subscription box owners save time, reduce stress, and grow their businesses more efficiently. 1 - Avoid Task Switching Set boundaries to allow you to focus on one task at a time. 2 - Batch Your Work Focusing on a single task allows your brain to get into a flow. This improves concentration and efficiency. 3 - Use Time Blocking Time blocking is all about intentionally planning your day or week, d...

Jan 22, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 180

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

On this episode of the Launch Your Box podcast, meet Jenny Finke of Love Me Gluten Free. Jenny didn’t just pivot from blogging to launching her subscription box—she sold out her first 125 boxes in just two hours and now has over 1,200 subscribers in less than a year! Learning and Sharing All Things Gluten-Free Jenny launched a blog where she shared recipes, stories, products, advice, and more. She ran the blog for over 10 years and had several million readers. Jenny wrote a book and amassed a si...

Jan 15, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 179

10 Ways to Build Your List - Every Month

What one thing can you do in your business every single day that would help you be the most successful? Work to build and grow your email list! If you’re not replenishing the pool of people you’re selling to, you won’t be able to grow your business the way you want to. Growing your email list gets new, fresh eyes on your stuff. It allows you to present your offer to new people. And that allows you to grow. One of my main goals for my business in 2023 was to double the size of my email list. I ch...

Jan 08, 202529 min

178: $0-$100k in 10 Months with The Crafty DIYer

In this episode, we’re talking with Denise Parkes of The Crafty DIYer. Denise and I know each other well. She’s a member of Launch Your Box, Scale Your Box, and my Elevate Mastermind. As one of my Mastermind Ladies, I get to see Denise in person 3 times a year! Her strength and the story of the last year in her business inspire me and the other members of our Mastermind. It will inspire you, too. Denise is an artist and a crafter. She is passionate about teaching others to enjoy crafting. Denise...

Jan 01, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 178

Taking Your Side Hustle to a Full-time Gig

Have you thought about taking your subscription box business from a side hustle to a full-time gig? It’s absolutely possible. I did it and so have many members of Launch Your Box. But… Before you quit your full-time job or make any major changes to your business, you need to ask - and answer - some questions. And you need to get really comfortable with your financial details, business and personal. Take your time and get real about what your goals are. Are you currently working 40/50/60 hours a ...

Dec 25, 202427 min

177: Year-End Review of My Subscription Box Business

This past year in my business was filled with wins, challenges, and hard-earned lessons. And that’s okay. Because being an entrepreneur, and especially a subscription box owner, isn’t as glamorous as the internet sometimes makes it seem. It’s more like a rollercoaster – holding on tight through the highs, the lows, and all the in-betweens. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my business, sharing the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating moments. Why share all of this with...

Dec 18, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 177

Build an Audience with a Niche Specific Podcast

“If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast, now is the perfect time.” - Sarah Heeter. My podcast producer, Sarah Heeter, joined me for today’s episode to talk about all things podcast. We talked about the benefits of podcasting and why starting a niche-specific podcast could be a valuable part of your audience-building strategy. Sarah knows a LOT about podcasts. After all, she helped me start this podcast and grow it to more than 200,000 downloads in 18 months and a ranking in the top 1.5...

Dec 11, 202448 min

176: 4 Ways to Liquidate Inventory before Year-End

Are you sitting on extra inventory as we near the end of the year? For most of you, sales are strong right now. You're filling holiday orders and managing all that comes with this busy season. But as the end of the year draws near, it’s time to liquidate leftover stock. Why is liquidating inventory important? Liquidating inventory frees up your cash flow, opens up room on your shelves, reduces taxable assets, and prepares you for a fresh start. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 strategies to liquid...

Dec 04, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 176

Using Mystery Boxes to Reduce Inventory Before Year End

“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...

Nov 27, 202423 min

175: 10 Tips for Managing Overwhelm in Q4 and Year Round

Entrepreneurial overwhelm is part being a small business owner, especially during the 4th quarter. But that doesn’t mean feeling overwhelmed is a fact of entrepreneurial life you can’t do anything about. Overwhelm leads to two things: burnout and bad decisions. Burnout is bad for your health – physically, mentally, and emotionally. And bad decisions can cost your business a LOT of money. I have 10 practical strategies you can use to reduce overwhelm and stay focused not only during Q4, but all y...

Nov 20, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 175

Sourcing Tips on Alibaba with Marissa Sayers

“Stand tall and own your buying power.” Is this going to be the year you find new sources for products? Have you been curious about how to order products from overseas manufacturers? Are you wondering what Alibaba is and why so many subscription box owners use it to order products at great prices? If any of those sound like you, this episode is for you. Marissa Sayers joined me to take us through the process of ordering products through Alibaba. Marissa has a lot of experience sourcing products ...

Nov 13, 202437 min

174: Holiday Shipping Hacks: Surviving the 4th Quarter

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...

Nov 06, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 174

Leveraging Email Marketing to Make the Most out of Q4

“More emails equals more sales!” - Sarah Williams We’re more than halfway through the 4th quarter. For product sellers, it’s the busiest time of the year. It’s also our best chance to make some serious revenue. You’re probably feeling tired and maybe even overwhelmed. I’m tired, too. Rest when you can and then get to work. There are some things you can do now that will give your 4th quarter sales a major boost. We create different types of email content during the first three quarters of the yea...

Oct 30, 202419 min

Maximize Your 4th Quarter Sales

The 4th Quarter is here! It’s the busiest shopping season of the year and a can’t-miss opportunity to bring more revenue into your subscription box business. If you haven’t started preparing for your 4th quarter promotions, it’s time to start. This episode is all about maximizing your 4th quarter sales by tapping into your existing audience and subscriber base. I’m sharing five promotions you can run this season. You’ll serve your audience by making gift-giving easy and bring more revenue into y...

Oct 23, 202428 min

173: Is It Time for a Commercial Space?

“If it doesn’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough.” - Sarah Williams Most of us launch our subscription box businesses from a spare bedroom, the garage, or even the kitchen table. But when do you make the decision to move out of the house and into your own commercial space? In this episode, we’re talking with Cheryl Ham of Hypnotic Yarn. She’s been on the show in the past talking about challenges she faced at different stages of growth in her subscription box business. While still managin...

Oct 16, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 173

How I Generated $20k in Extra Revenue with a Holiday Gift Box

Every year for the last five years I’ve sold a Holiday Gift Box. This year was no different. What was different was that my Holiday Gift Box sold out in only four days! And it brought $20,000 in extra revenue into my business. Should you offer a Holiday Gift Box to your audience? Yes! If you already have a subscription box, you should absolutely offer a Holiday Gift Box. And if you have an audience but haven’t launched your subscription box yet, you should also offer a Holiday Gift Box. Many mem...

Oct 09, 202429 min
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