How to set up and grow an eCommerce subscriptions business with Web.com

The eCommerce industry has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. With the convenience of online shopping, more and more consumers are turning to the internet to fulfill their shopping needs. The appeal of browsing, selecting, and purchasing products from the comfort of one’s home has transformed the retail landscape. This shift has not only reshaped the way we shop but has also opened vast opportunities for businesses to thrive online.

Within the past year, 54% of online shoppers have subscribed to an eCommerce subscription box service. This surge can be attributed to the convenience and personalized shopping experiences these subscriptions offer. As eCommerce continues to evolve, these statistics show the importance of catering to the changing preferences of modern consumers. 

What is an eCommerce subscription?

An eCommerce subscription is a business model where customers sign up to receive products or services on a recurring basis, typically weekly, monthly, or annually. It transforms the traditional shopping experience into an ongoing relationship between the consumer and the business. These subscriptions can cover a wide range of products, from everyday essentials to niche items, and are designed to provide convenience and value to customers. 

Different types of eCommerce subscription models

There are various eCommerce subscription models tailored to meet diverse customer needs. This includes:  

• Subscription boxes, where customers receive a curated selection of products regularly, and 
• Replenishment subscriptions for products like toiletries.  

Membership-based models offer exclusive perks and discounts, which enhances customer loyalty.

eCommerce subscriptions have gained popularity due to their ability to provide convenience, cost savings, and a personalized shopping experience. Consumers appreciate the convenience of products delivered to their doorstep regularly, while businesses benefit from recurring revenue streams and increased customer retention. As more businesses embrace this model, it’s clear that eCommerce subscriptions are here to stay. 

5 key benefits of setting up a subscription service for your eCommerce store

Businesses nowadays are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance revenue streams and build lasting customer relationships. A popular approach is setting up subscription services.  

Here are five key benefits that come with incorporating subscription models into your eCommerce store’s strategy:

• Recurring revenue. Subscription models provide a consistent and predictable stream of income. This stable cash flow can help your business plan and grow more effectively. 
• Customer retention. Subscribers are more likely to remain loyal customers, reducing churn and the need to constantly acquire new customers.
• Improved customer relationships. Regular interactions with subscribers allow you to build stronger relationships. You can personalize recommendations and provide better customer support. 
• Upsell and cross-sell opportunities. Subscription services offer excellent platforms for upselling or cross-selling additional products or premium subscription tiers, which increases the average transaction value.
• Cost savings. With more predictable demand, you can optimize inventory management and reduce marketing costs, as you already have a dedicated customer base. 

What products are best for eCommerce subscription?

Selecting the right products is a crucial step in ensuring your business’s success. The product you choose can significantly impact your ability to attract and retain subscribers.  

Let’s dive into what types of products work best for eCommerce subscription models:

• Consumables. These are products that customers use up over time, such as food, beverages, personal care items, and more. They’re an excellent fit for subscriptions because they offer a consistent need for replenishment, which makes subscription renewal a natural choice. 
• Customizable products. Products that customers can personalize to their preferences, like custom clothing, accessories, or personalized vitamins, thrive in subscription models. Subscribers appreciate the ability to receive tailored products regularly.
• Digital goods. Digital products like streaming services, software, online courses, and exclusive content are well-suited for subscription plans. They offer immediate access to content or services, making them an attractive option for subscribers seeking ongoing value. 

How to set up your Web.com online store with a subscription plan

Web.com is an online solutions provider that helps businesses of all sizes get their presence online. We helped businesses succeed online through our DIY and professional website solutions, online marketing services, domain registration, security services, and reliable support.  

For over 20 years, we have offered award-winning products and services that provide our customers with consistent convenience and quality. This makes us a suitable choice for eCommerce subscriptions. 

Here are the steps on how to set up an eCommerce subscription on your account: 

1. Select the best eCommerce plan: Choose the suitable eCommerce plan before you can start selling. These plans have different inclusions that make setting up a website easy and frictionless. 
2. Customize online store: Once you have access to your dashboard, begin customizing your website with the website builder along with its professionally designed website templates. You can also set up appointments, create content with AI Content Writer, set up marketing tools, add products, and more.
3. Set up payment methods: First and foremost, you should activate Stripe because it powers the subscriptions. Through Strip, shoppers can also modify their subscriptions when they receive a confirmation email.  
    
   To activate, head to Store > Settings > Payment provider. Click Activate.  You’ll be asked to connect your account. After you’ve connected your account, you can set up payment methods on the Payment Providers list such as PayPal and Cash on Delivery.
4. Sort out shipping: In Store > Settings, click Connect Carriers. You’ll see different carriers as your partner for shipping. Choose one that’s convenient for you. Aside from carriers, you can also manage your default package info, online store (store shipping options and address options), packing slips, and pick lists.
5. Create a subscription: To set up a subscription, you need to use a product that already exists in your store. If you wish to establish a new subscription product, first create the product, publish the listing, and then proceed with the steps below:
   1. On your dashboard, click Store > Products.  
   2. Select a product you wish to make a subscription of then scroll to the bottom until you see Create New Subscription. 
   3. Once a subscription has been made, indicate the name of your plan, description, how frequently your customers will be able to receive their order, how much you charge for shipping, and the lead time to ship. 
   4. Click Save. You’ll see the subscription on the Subscriptions tab under Products
   5. You’ll be able to see how your subscription looks like when you go to the Store section of your website. Click Website > Manage your website.  
6. Customize subscription model: You can only add one product for every subscription. If you want multiple products in a single subscription, you can do that by creating a kit first. Additionally, you must publish the products you wish to add to your kit in the store first. To do this, go to Store > Products > Create Product > Kit. Then, provide the essential information. From there, you can create a subscription for your new bundle of products.

To learn more, please visit this support article for what you need to know before enabling subscriptions.

Build and optimize subscription services for your online store

Subscription models are changing the game in the digital marketplace. They come with many benefits, making them a strategy worth considering for online entrepreneurs. 

For businesses, eCommerce subscriptions mean a reliable and steady income. Customers, on the other hand, get the convenience of regularly receiving the products or services they want. It’s not just about money; subscriptions also help in building customer loyalty, making customers feel more connected to the brand, and providing valuable data that can help the business grow.

When done right, a subscription model can be your business’s way toward growth and success. Start your subscription journey today with Web.com.