A subscription business model lets you generate recurring revenue by offering your audience continuous access to content, services, or products for a regular fee.
The key to success is delivering consistent value. When your customers feel appreciated and engaged, they’ll remain loyal.
In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of a successful subscription business and the benefits of this model. We'll also share eleven subscription business ideas inspired by successful Checkout Page customers and beyond.
What is a subscription business model?
A subscription business model allows customers to pay a recurring fee to access products, services, and content over time. Commonly, subscribers pay monthly or yearly to benefit from reduced pricing to reward upfront commitment.
Subscriptions have long been familiar in sectors like the printing press, where readers paid for regular news or magazine deliveries.
More recently, this model has seen a boom in the digital product realm, becoming a prominent way to charge for software and mobile apps and gain financial support in return for exclusive content via platforms like Patreon.
Benefits of starting a subscription business
A major benefit of subscription models is their steady, predictable revenue, making financial planning easier and offering stability. They also help build stronger connections with customers by keeping them engaged over time, which boosts loyalty and satisfaction.
Let's take a closer look at these benefits:
1. Predictable revenue stream
A subscriber base generates recurring revenue, enabling businesses to forecast earnings over each period more accurately. This predictability supports sales projections, strategic planning, and investments.
2. Increased customer loyalty and connection
Subscriptions help to build a loyalty cycle, as customer data and interactions offer valuable insights into their preferences.
Smart businesses learn from this and tailor their products, services, and communication to build trust and rapport and provide value consistently.
In the current digital landscape, where numerous creators establish their presence on social media, subscription models enable you as a creator to build unique connections through special content like behind-the-scenes footage and members-only live streams.
3. Enhanced cash flow
Subscription businesses can require upfront payments for the entire subscription term or a number of months upfront, resulting in an immediate influx of cash.
Offering discounts for long-term subscriptions can also help convert hesitant customers.
4. Reduced marketing expenditure
Traditional pay-per-product models require continuous marketing efforts to attract new customers, which entails continuous marketing costs.
The Harvard Business Review states:
“Depending on which study you believe and what industry you’re in, acquiring a new customer is anywhere from five to 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing one. It makes sense: you don’t have to spend time and resources going out and finding a new client — you just have to keep the one you have happy.”
Because the subscription model keeps businesses on their toes to satisfy customers, they often extend customer lifetime value and lead to word of mouth recommendations.
5. Broader customer reach
By breaking down higher costs into manageable monthly payments, subscriptions make it easier for customers to commit to your offering, meaning you will appeal to a broader audience than when selling a higher-priced one-time payment product or service.
10 Subscription business ideas
1. Subscription membership communities
Online community membership allows individuals to connect, collaborate, and share resources within niche interests or professional fields.
Members gain exclusive access to forums, networking events, and specialized content through subscription-based models, often creating relationships and enhancing personal growth.
These memberships cultivate a supportive environment where members can exchange knowledge and experiences and provide ongoing personal or professional development opportunities.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Community management, content creation, networking, and communication.
- Desire & passion: A genuine enthusiasm for building relationships, listening skills, and nurturing community growth is essential.
Example: The Gathering of Men
Checkout Page customer The Gathering of Men is a proactive community dedicated to empowering men through courses and events designed to create sustainable and positive life changes.
They use a subscription model for their community membership and a co-working space.
2. Subscription coaching memberships
Subscription coaching memberships allow coaches to offer clients ongoing support and personalized guidance in various areas, such as personal development, health, business, or career advancement.
By adopting this model, you can engage clients through regular one-on-one sessions, group coaching calls, and access to interactive resources.
A subscription format allows you to generate consistent motivation and accountability in your clients as they work towards their goals..
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Coaching expertise, motivational skills, and the ability to tailor advice to individual needs.
- Desire & passion: A strong desire to help others achieve their goals and a commitment to ongoing support are crucial. You must be clear on whether you excel in delivering group coaching or 1:1.
Example: Headspace coaching
Meditation and mental health app Headspace offers 1:1 personalized coaching to support their users ’ journeys with meditation and mindfulness, in addition to enhancing the results they get from the app.
3. Subscription newsletters
Paid newsletters offer subscribers regular curated content delivered directly to their inboxes. These newsletters can cover various topics, from industry insights and market trends to personal finance tips or lifestyle advice.
Platforms like Substack have popularized this model, allowing writers and content creators to quickly set up and monetize their newsletters.
This format can position you as a trusted authority in your niche if your content is high quality and has a unique angle. In turn, this can open up opportunities for offerings such as courses, retreats, workshops, and community memberships.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Writing skills, content curation, and marketing knowledge.
- Desire & passion: A passion for sharing knowledge and insights with an audience will enhance engagement and connection. Writing authentically and having a unique take will help you stand out in a sea of competition.
Subscription newsletter example: What to cook
Substack creator Caroline Chamers has over 31K subscribers to her newsletter “What to cook when you don’t feel like cooking,” which offers recipes directly to subscribers’ inboxes each Saturday and helps them prepare great meals in under an hour, with minimal clear-up!
4. Digital magazines & publication subscriptions
Do you have deep knowledge of a particular topic or find yourself geeking out on a niche interest? Whether it's music tech, gourmet cooking, sustainable living, or fashion trends, you can turn your passion into a thriving subscription-based journal or magazine.
If you are a writer or want to develop your skills, launching a digital magazine or journal lets you share your expertise and build rapport with an audience.
Here’s why a subscription-based approach could be your ideal path:
- Value for readers: Regular, exclusive content keeps your audience returning for more. Offering deep dives into niche subjects provides readers with information they can't easily find elsewhere.
- Community building: Foster a sense of community around your publication. Subscribers often feel a personal connection to niche publications, which can lead to higher engagement and feedback.
- Demand: A growing appetite exists for specialized, longer-form content that speaks to specific interests. A subscription model allows you to cater to this demand with curated, consistent content delivery.
- Monetization opportunities: Beyond subscriptions, your publication can open doors to sponsorships, advertising, and even premium events or workshops.
Start by identifying your unique angle, understanding your target audience, and developing a content strategy that adds genuine value for your readers by informing, entertaining, and enlightening them via their inbox!
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Editorial skills, writing, graphic design, and knowledge of digital publishing.
- Desire & passion: A keen interest in your chosen niche and a commitment to research and delivering high-quality content consistently is important. An eye for interesting or novel stories or viewpoints will help you stand out.
Magazine subscription example: Front Porch Republic
Checkout Page customer Front Porch Republic sells yearly subscriptions to their semi-annual journal, Local Culture: A Journal of the Front Porch Republic, which focuses on various themes relating to the locality, including art, politics, and sustainability.
5. Subscription-based learning
Subscription-based learning programs have revolutionized how individuals can access and acquire skills and knowledge across various fields.
From sports training and languages to music and creative writing, these programs offer a flexible and accessible way of learning, allowing learners to engage with content at their own pace while enjoying the benefits of a structured learning journey with guidance.
Here are some key elements commonly found in successful programs:
- Video lessons: High-quality instructional videos that break complex concepts into digestible segments. These can range from pre-recorded tutorials to live-streaming sessions.
- Interactive drills and exercises: Engaging activities allowing learners to practice real-life skills. This could include quizzes, challenges, or practical assignments tied to the subject matter.
- Personalized coaching: Access to one-on-one mentorship or instructor feedback sessions, enabling learners to receive tailored guidance and support.
- Community forums: Dedicated spaces for subscribers to interact with each other, ask questions, share experiences, and create a sense of community among learners.
- Resource libraries: Collections of supplementary materials, such as reading lists, templates, or reference guides that support the primary curriculum.
- Progress tracking: Tools that allow learners to monitor their development and milestones, providing motivation and accountability throughout their learning journey.
- Regular updates: Consistent introductions of new content, courses, or features to keep subscribers engaged and returning for more.
- Collaborative projects: Opportunities for learners to work together on assignments or projects, promoting peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Instructional design, communication, expertise in the subject matter being taught, or the ability to recruit those who do.
- Desire & passion: A love for education and helping others learn is fundamental to success in this model. A program people recommend to their friends, family, or colleagues has had plenty of thought and dedication in the planning process.
Example: Street to Stadium
Checkout Page customer Street to Stadium offers football training through their subscription-based platform, led by Jack Downer, 2x Superball World Champion.
6. Live class and workshop subscriptions
Offering subscription-based access to live classes and workshops is becoming increasingly popular among educators, trainers, and creators.
This model presents several advantages over pre-recorded content, such as:
Real-time interaction
Participants can ask questions, ask for clarification, and engage in discussions. This instant feedback can enhance understanding and retention of the material.
Accountability and commitment
Participating in scheduled live classes can help maintain motivation and accountability among learners.
Community building
Live classes create a sense of community among participants as they collaborate in real-time. This community can lead to stronger relationships, networking opportunities, and ongoing support as participants connect.
Fresh and relevant content
With subscription-based access, instructors can regularly update their content to reflect current trends, techniques, and industry practices.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Presentation skills, engagement strategies, and adaptability to participant needs as questions arise.
- Desire & passion: A passion for teaching and connecting with learners in real-time is key to creating a supportive environment.
7. Subscriptions to digital resource libraries
Digital resource library subscriptions offer users access to collections of creative assets like music loops, design templates, and digital stickers. This model caters to creative professionals and hobbyists seeking quality resources.
By regularly updating content, these subscriptions ensure users have fresh materials for their projects, making it a solid business idea for those with a rich library of digital assets to share or the ability to source and curate selections of assets that will appeal to their audience.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Content curation, digital asset management, and a keen understanding of the latest audience needs.
- Desire & passion: An enthusiasm for creativity, the ability to create something unique rather than simply emulate what's already out there, and a commitment to providing valuable resources.
Example: Loopcloud
Loopcloud is a cloud-based platform offering music producers subscription-based access to a vast library of royalty-free loops, samples, and sounds for music creation.
8. Hybrid online & in-person program subscriptions
Subscription-based hybrid programs offer a flexible and engaging learning experience, which combines the convenience of digital access with the personal interaction and accountability that face-to-face gatherings offer.
Typically, subscribers can access various educational materials, including video lessons, live online sessions, resource libraries, and online discussions, while periodically participating in in-person workshops or classes that enhance their experience through hands-on practice and direct engagement with instructors and peers.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Organizational skills, information flow and curation, teaching abilities, and community-building expertise.
- Desire & passion: A dedication to creating enriching learning environments and engaging with participants both online and offline is essential. Being able to 'zoom out' and view your offering as a holistic journey with an arc is key to creating an engaging experience.
Example: The Brilliant Rebellion
Checkout Page customer The Brilliant Rebellion is an online community dedicated to self-development for “movers and shakers, rebels and renegades.”
Their subscriber members get access to online gatherings, masterminds, expert sessions, and in-person community gatherings.
9. Health and wellness subscriptions
As consumers increasingly prioritize health and well-being, subscription services that cater to their needs and goals are emerging and growing exponentially.
These models provide ongoing access to products and services tailored to individual wellness needs, from meal kits and fitness programs to mindfulness resources.
Businesses and creators that know how to engage and deliver high-quality offerings have a good chance of succeeding in this landscape, especially if they carve a niche and offer something unique from the competition.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Knowledge in a health and wellness niche, coaching and motivational skills, and marketing.
- Desire & passion: A sincere commitment to promoting well-being and personal growth among subscribers, as well as an intricate knowledge of your niche.
Example: Kinstretch with Beard
Kinstretch with Beard is a platform dedicated to helping its subscribers keep their joints and mobility in tip-top condition with a form of strengthening called Kinstretch.
The platform offers over 200 videos and 100 pre-made programs for his audience to work through.
10. Software as a Service (SaaS) subscriptions
Software as a Service (SaaS) subscriptions have revolutionized how businesses and individuals access software applications by offering cloud-based solutions on a subscription model.
As a SaaS provider, you can enable customers to use your software without needing extensive installations or maintenance—delivering features and updates seamlessly over the internet.
If you can provide continuous access to innovative tools while offering exceptional customer support, SaaS subscriptions have the potential to win you long-term relationships with users.
Can a non-technical person start a SaaS business?
Yes, a non-technical person can start a SaaS business using one of two approaches:
- Hire developers: If you have a complex project in mind and sufficient investment resources, hiring developers can be a great choice.
- Use no-code: For those looking to quickly test ideas or address specific problems without significant investment, no-code platforms are an excellent alternative. They empower you to develop functional app and platform prototypes efficiently, helping you validate concepts before committing to larger-scale bespoke development.
Who would this work for?
- Skills required: Software development (code or no-code), user experience design, and customer support capabilities.
- Desire & passion: A passion for innovation and a commitment to improving users’ lives by helping them solve a problem you have solved yourself will be key.
Example: Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, and collaboration tools, allowing users to organize their personal and professional lives.
Since its launch, Notion has experienced significant growth—its annual revenue is estimated at $300 million, up from $3 million in 2019!
11. Subscription-based professional services
Subscription-based professional services offer businesses and individuals ongoing access to essential support, such as administrative assistance and financial management, through a predictable, recurring payment model.
These services are designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and provide expert help without needing full-time hires.
Why this model works:
- Cost efficiency: Subscribers pay a fixed monthly or annual fee, eliminating unexpected costs and simplifying budgeting.
- Ongoing support: Regular access to experts ensures continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Scalability: Services can be tailored to fit the needs of freelancers, small businesses, or large enterprises.
Examples of professional services subscription businesses
1. Virtual PA (Personal Assistant) services
Virtual PAs provide remote administrative support, helping clients manage their schedules, communications, and day-to-day tasks efficiently.
- Calendar management: Scheduling meetings, appointments, and reminders.
- Email and communication handling: Managing inboxes, drafting responses, and filtering important messages.
- Travel arrangements: Booking flights, accommodations, and itineraries.
- Task automation: Handling repetitive tasks like data entry, research, and document preparation.
2. Accountancy Services
Accountancy subscriptions deliver comprehensive financial support, ensuring businesses stay compliant and financially healthy.
- Bookkeeping and payroll management: Automated tools and expert oversight to maintain accurate records.
- Tax compliance: Regular updates on tax laws, filing assistance, and tax optimization strategies.
- Financial reporting: Customized dashboards and reports for real-time insights into cash flow and profitability.
- Advisory services: Access to financial experts for strategic advice on investments, cost-saving, and growth opportunities.
Who would this work for?
We've focused on two examples here, but a whole range of professions could offer their services on a subscription basis, such as tutors, solicitors, dietitians and more.
- Desire & passion:
- A genuine commitment to helping clients achieve their goals, whether it’s financial stability, legal compliance, language fluency, or productivity.
- A passion for building long-term relationships and providing ongoing support.
- The ability to adapt to clients’ evolving needs and deliver personalized solutions.
Examples of subscription-based professional services
Time Etc is a virtual assistant service offering subscription plans for individuals and businesses, with tasks ranging from admin support to social media management.
Is a subscription business model the right thing for me?
Considering a subscription business model can be exciting, but it’s important to reflect on whether it’s the right fit for you. Here are some pointers to help you reflect:
💭 Value proposition: Do you offer something that people will want regularly? Think about what you can provide consistently that keeps subscribers returning for more.
💭 Target audience: Do you already have an established audience, or is there a group that would benefit from your offering? Take some time to research and understand your potential subscribers.
💭 Engagement: Are you ready to connect with your subscribers? A subscription model thrives on relationship-building, so you need to be sure that the level of engagement is within your capacity.
💭 Operational ease: Do you have the means to manage a subscription service without it being overwhelming? Implementing a simple solution like an email newsletter or an online course can be a good place to start out if you feel unsure.
💭 Financial outlook: Are you ready for a different revenue approach? Subscriptions can provide a steady income stream, but they also come with their own financial considerations. Be prepared to plan for how you’ll handle recurring payments and what pricing structure makes sense for your audience.
💭 Long-term commitment: Can you see yourself putting in the effort over time? Subscriptions require ongoing dedication and responsiveness to keep subscribers happy. It could be a rewarding journey if you’ve genuinely got the drive to nurture and grow it.
If these points resonate with you, a subscription business model could be worth exploring!
How Checkout Page supports subscription businesses
Checkout Page is the ultimate no-code platform for businesses and creators who want to sell subscriptions and memberships online.
Whether launching a new subscription service or scaling an existing one, Checkout Page makes it simple to create seamless, branded checkout experiences that drive conversions and revenue.
Here’s where Checkout Page stands out:
✅ No-code simplicity: Build and customize checkout pages in minutes—no technical skills required.
✅ Flexible subscription options: Offer free trials, tiered pricing, one-time fees, and future start dates to attract and retain customers.
✅ Seamless Stripe integration: Manage subscriptions and payments effortlessly with Stripe, without migrating existing plans.
✅ Branded customer portal: Let subscribers manage their payments, update details, and access files through a self-service portal.
✅ Automated recurring billing: Set up automated billing cycles to ensure consistent revenue without manual effort.
✅ Customizable checkout pages: Design checkout pages that match your brand, creating a seamless, professional, and trustworthy experience.
✅ Boost sales with upsells: Increase revenue with one-click upsells and order bumps during the checkout process.
✅ Multiple payment methods: Accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more for a smooth checkout experience.
✅ Track everything in one place: Use the intuitive dashboard to monitor subscriptions, payments, and customer activity.
✅ Embed anywhere: Share or embed checkout pages on your website, sales funnels, or social media to maximize reach.
✅ Pay-what-you-want pricing: Offer flexible pricing options for donation-based or community-supported models.
✅ Outstanding customer support: As a subscription business, we pride ourselves on being attuned to our customers, so our customer support is top-notch. We’ll be on hand to help you get the best from the platform.
Start your 7-day free trial with Checkout Page today—no credit card is required, and setup time is minimal. Just connect your Stripe account, and away you go.
Final thoughts
Entering the world of subscription-based business models requires dedication and a commitment to delivering ongoing value to your subscribers. If you are willing to go the distance, the rewards are clear to see, both financially and in terms of personal and professional development.
Success will require commitment; however, starting small allows you to test your concept and gather invaluable feedback without significant risk.
Checkout Page’s flexibility and ease of use make it an ideal solution to support you as you experiment and evolve into a thriving subscription business.
