By Michael Evans, August 22nd, 2023.
As professional fiction authors, our journey to success is a winding path, filled with highs and lows. One unique avenue that has captured the attention of many authors is the subscription model. While it offers the promise of a steady income stream and deeper reader engagement, navigating the realm of subscriptions can be trickier than it seems.
In this article, we’ll explore five valuable lessons that authors can glean from the experience of a failed subscription, helping you craft a more successful and engaging subscription for readers.
Lesson 1: Define Your Own Success
Before diving into the world of subscriptions, it’s crucial to define your goals. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.
Your journey might involve aiming for a hundred paid subscribers, while another author’s triumph might be securing their very first paid reader. Your unique journey should be guided by your aspirations, not others’ expectations.
So, lesson number one: Define your own benchmarks for success.
Lesson 2: Emphasize Value in Your Pitch
The essence of any subscription lies in its value proposition. But sometimes, even if your tier structure and branding seem impeccable, they might not be resonating with potential subscribers.
The key here is to focus on what readers will gain from subscribing to your content.
Consider highlighting specific benefits, such as a certain number of chapters per week or access to exclusive content.
Simplify and quantify the value you offer to captivate your audience. Remember, perceived value can be the key to turning curious readers into dedicated subscribers.
Lesson 3: Simplify Benefits and Marketing Channels
Less is often more, especially when it comes to benefit offerings.
Don’t overwhelm your potential subscribers with a laundry list of perks. Instead, focus on one or two benefits that align most closely with your readers’ desires.
In a world filled with information overload, a clear and simple value proposition can do wonders.
Additionally, if your current marketing channels aren’t yielding the desired results, don’t be afraid to switch things up.
Experiment with different platforms, tones, and strategies to find the sweet spot that resonates with your audience. Sometimes, a minor shift in approach can yield significant improvements.
Lesson 4: Nurture Your Readers
Conversion rates from free to paid subscribers can be tricky to optimize.
Readers might love your work but might not be ready to commit financially. Instead of viewing them as missed opportunities, consider nurturing them as followers.
Allow them a taste of your subscription content, building their trust and anticipation over time.
When they’re ready to take the plunge, they’ll remember the experience you provided and be more likely to become paying subscribers.
Lesson 5: Prioritize Sustainability
A successful subscription model isn’t just about revenue; it’s about sustainability.
As authors, time is a precious resource.
Tailor your subscription offerings to align with your schedule, ensuring that your commitment to subscribers remains consistent and feasible.
Remember, the initial investment doesn’t have to be extravagant.
It’s more important to focus on delivering value promptly and refining your offerings as you gather insights from your reader community.
In Conclusion…
Failed subscriptions are not the end of the road; they’re valuable learning experiences. By heeding these five lessons, you can pivot from setbacks to successes in the realm of subscriptions. Define success on your terms, emphasize value, simplify benefits, explore different marketing channels, nurture your audience, and prioritize sustainability.
As you navigate the dynamic world of subscriptions, these lessons will help you craft a subscription model that resonates with readers and paves the way to authorial prosperity.
Happy writing on your subscription journey!