Subscription Based Websites

If you're considering selling digital files (such as music, images, or documents), intellectual property, expert advice, or other types of information on a subscription basis, it takes a truly qualified web development firm to plan, develop, and implement the site cost-effectively. With subscription-based websites in our portfolio from image and integrated resource delivery platforms to publication-based sites, eLink Design is ready to build your subscription-based website.

What goes into a Subscription Based Website?

Signup / Registration Forms
Members Module
Payment Processing
Private Area Requiring Login
Subscription Management & Renewal Options
Configuration of Pricing & Plans
Overall Design of Website
Buildout of Home Page & Secondary Pages
Content Management System (CMS) Implementation
Integration with CRM
Encryption & Security Considerations

Subscription based websites are a way to provide information to users without having to give away the farm, so to speak. These sites tend to consistently grow over time in terms of their functionality, content, and membership base. As more and more people begin to use the site, greater functionality is often needed to keep existing members engaged. No one wants to subscribe to an outdated website. We have built some remarkable subscription-based websites over the years and as we have done so, we've learned many insights about which ventures proved successful and which did not, and can share that valuable information with you. One common recurring them is the use (or lack) of a business plan; you could almost draw a line and put the successful companies on the side that writes a thorough business plan, and the unsuccessful ventures on the side which did not. We get the feedback regularly from clients that they appreciate how we provide honest evaluations and aren't afraid to tell them if we think something will not work or may not be the best idea.

Check out some of our subscription website designs

Phishing Box

Illumine Life

Audit Findings

Contractor Counsel

Tool Dealer Network

Wacky Watts

It seems as though the entire economy is switching to a subscription model. If you are considering building a membership website, you will want to plan for the following:

Business Model & Plan

If you want to sell information on a subscription basis, you need to understand your potential audience and the value they will assign to that information. A website with sophisticated market information that could be used to create profitable trades would potentially be very valuable, but the audience may be somewhat narrow. Likewise, a website with information or entertainment for the general public may have broad appeal, but it may not be worth as much to users who can gather plenty of free information and entertainment on their own. Make sure you begin by understanding your basic business model, and then follow it up with a written business plan.

Monthly Revenue = (# of Users) x (Price/User)

Potential Market & Market Share

Next, identify the size of your potential market. For example, if you are building a platform for all real estate agents in the United States, you would have upwards of 1.3 Million potential users. Its helpful to take that number and stress test it with various market share levels. For example, if you are able to get 1% of a potential market to sign up for your platform, you may still be very successful. We prefer projections against 1%, 2%, and 10% market share. If you are planning a subscription based website and think you will get 50% of your potential audience to sign up, chances are youre being overly optimistic and you should plan for lower numbers.

Potential Market Size x Market Share % = # of Users

Revenue Projections

Now, you can project the revenue for different scenarios. Make sure to document everything in your business plan, and be prepared to change. Its likely that the market is larger or smaller than you think, the platform may be worth more or less than you think, and your success in signing up users could be greater or lower than you expect. Thats why formulas are so helpful, because they give you a framework in which to think of the economics of your membership website.

Expenses

Once you have revenue projections in place, you need to project your expenses. In addition to the cost of developing your new subscription-based website, you need to plan for the following expenses:

Advertising & Marketing
Staffing & Payroll
Overhead & Office Expense
Legal & Regulatory
Promotions & Discounts

Cost to Produce Content
Accounting & CRM Software
Design a website that fits your exact needs and accomplishes your goals
Cost of Capital & Debt Servicing
Cost of Equity Investment Capital

Break-Even Membership Counts

With solid financial projections, you can determine your break-even number, the point at which you have enough members to cover the costs of developing and maintaining your subscription based website. For example, if your website and total expenses for year 1 are $24,000, and you intend to charge $25 per month, per user, 80 users would bring you $2,000 per month, and after one year, your $24,000 would be covered. In general, any membership number greater than 80 could yield profits.

Ready to Get Started?

Please call 859-422-9165 or submit the form below to get started. We will learn as much as possible about your planned membership site and put together a detailed and personalized proposal, with no cost or obligation to you whatsoever.

Have a question?

Interested in getting a quote?

If you are in need of a subscription based website, please give us a call so we can set up a meeting. It doesnt really matter what industry you are in, we can build a top notch subscription based website for your company. We are recognized nationally for our work in this area and would love the opportunity to learn about your vision.

eLink Design, Inc.
400 E. Vine Street, Suite 301
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
859-422-9165