By Michael Evans, January 12, 2024.
Recently we have seen an uptick in reader support requests being very confused about author tiers.
In these situations, we always reach out to authors individually to share about reader confusion and offer advice on helping.
However, typically for every one person who reaches out about an issue there at least 10 and more likely 20+ experiencing it.
This means that confusion around tiers is growing.
Our goal is to help you grow your subscription, which means making it easy for readers to subscribe!
The most common issues we see readers have are:
- Confusion about which tier to sign up for to get specific benefits. This usually comes when an author is offering access to multiple series inside one tier along with tons of other benefits (I see many pages that list 10 benefits for one tier). Solution: keep your tiers simple. One core benefit per tier is what I typically recommend with extra tiers for readers who want both benefits as “combo tiers”.
- Confusion about which content is available on which platform. Many times authors treat their platforms as “distinct” entities. This is a huge mistake. Readers who read on let’s say your Radish, Wattpad, or retailers, often get confused when a story that has 50 chapters on one platform only has 5 on another. There are very good reasons to do this, such as offering early access and having them pay for extra chapters in your subscription. This is an AMAZING model. However, we have seen the opposite take place. An author serializes on a platform and then starts serializing in their subscription and has both on different cadences. Solution: Have a coherent early access/serial release strategy. Readers should have clear benefits to paying for early access (more chapters that aren’t available anywhere else) and know easily how to get there (links to your sub platform on all the places you serialize your work… and if you serialize for free on Ream with our recently launched discovery, this process is very easy for you!).
- Readers don’t know *which subscription platform to sign-up for. This we have seen a particularly large uptick in with authors with Patreons launching subscriptions on Ream, but using both platforms in tandem. Typically, readers get confused and are unsure if they need to subscribe to both or what’s different between the platforms (i.e. is their content available on one place not available on another). Solution: This is why we recommend focusing on a single platform and having one place to bring your biggest fans together. If you are planning to do both, make sure you make it clear to your readers why (once again communication is always key). And if you are transitioning between platforms, make it clear that you are switching and want your readers to move with you. P.S. We have a free Concierge Migration Service that can help handle this work of moving between subscription platforms completely for free.
The big takeaways?
Takeaway #1: Clear, concise tier benefits that make it easy for readers to decide which tier to sign-up for are key.
Takeaway #2: Communicate early and often. Whether it’s switching platforms or exclusive early access on Ream, let your readers know why they should sign up somewhere and stick true to your promises.
Takeaway #3: Your readers don’t view each platform as a distinct world. In the age of the creator economy, Storytellers Rule the World. Build your world, and view each tier and each experience you create for your readers as a new ride in your amusement park.
I hope this is helpful! I’d love to hear any questions on this since I know it’s not always easy translating our awesome creative visions to simple ideas for readers.
At the end of the day, your readers want access to your stories and to know they are getting the best possible experience. If you are ever stuck or having trouble, adopt the Readers First mindset.
Ask yourself, if I was a reader of mine, how would I feel about this decision or tier copy?
Even better — consider having a “beta” team for your marketing, branding, and other decisions you make.
Beta readers for our stories can be amazing. But why not have a group of readers who can give you feedback on the clarity of tier copy, platforms you use, etc. before you make any changes?
Just some food for thought.
With discovery now launched on Ream we are seeing so many new faces around here which is very exciting. Yay to see you all! We are just beginning the new adventures in helping you all grow your subscriptions. It’s gonna be awesome!