"You already have customers — why not try to convert them into subscribers?"
If you're a Shopify merchant looking for ways to gain more subscribers, don't hesitate to look to your own customers. It's often the simplest and most cost-effective way to build your subscription list — and if you do it right, you'll be surprised at how easy it is.
Focus on Existing Customers
Shopify stores have seen an increase of more than 50% in their subscriber base after focusing on their existing customers.
You may have customers who have already purchased a one-time product, and they may be willing to subscribe to that product if they like it. This can save you money in advertising and allow you to build relationships with your existing customers.
Target your one-time purchase customers with Email
Email marketing is a highly effective tool for Shopify stores to convert existing customers into subscribers. According to a survey by Shopify, 87% of Shopify merchants rely on email marketing as their primary customer acquisition channel. Research by Klaviyo found that Shopify store email campaigns have a 32.4% open rate and 3.43% click-through rate. By highlighting the benefits of subscribing through email campaigns, Shopify stores can drive more customers to sign up for recurring payments and increase revenue from subscription sales.
How to design your emails
Use a compelling and concise email to encourage customers to take the plunge. When writing a conversion email, be sure to:
State the Benefits:
Make sure to highlight any added value for customers. This may include discounts, exclusive offers for subscribers, and other ways to incentivize customers to join and continue the subscription. A clear listing of all the benefits you are offering will help get customers excited to join your program.
Simplify the Subscribing Process:
Be sure to present any subscription plans available clearly, how customers will get charged, and how they can manage their subscriptions in the future. Customers want to easily understand what they are signing up for, so make sure the information is clear and easy to understand.
Keep it to the Point:
Make sure to include a clear call to action in your subscription email. This could be a link to the product page, a landing page for the subscription, or even a single-use URL that adds the product to the customer’s cart and goes straight to the checkout page. Making it easy for customers to go through with the purchase will help to boost your conversion rate.
Offer Limited-Time Incentives to Create Urgency:
Adding limited-time incentives to subscribe is a great way to incentivize customers and create a sense of urgency. Offering limited discounts, rewards for those who quickly subscribe, or other perks can encourage customers to join before they miss out.
Make it personalized
Keep your message personalized. This can be very effective and make customers feel more acknowledged by you.
Customer loyalty is key to a successful business, and converting existing customers into subscribers is a great way to reinforce that loyalty. Following these steps will help you create a converting email that your customers won’t be able to resist.
Segment and email one-time customers to subscribe
Create a subscription plan for your best-selling products in Subify.
Create separate segments of the one-time purchase customers who have purchased these products at least once.
Send your emails to these segments by Shopify email or email marketing apps like Klaviyo.
Analyze the result and enhance your emails.
Here's a sample email you can use:
Subject line: Never Run Out of {Product} Again – Save X% Now!
Preview text: Are you tired of running out of your favorite {Product}?
Are you tired of running out of your favorite {Product}?
We've got you covered!
Hi {{customer.first_name}},
At {Brand}, we've launched a subscription program that makes your life easier.
You can now subscribe to receive {Product} as often as you need it with easy skips and hassle-free cancellations. The best part? You'll save X% on every purchase!
Don't wait any longer, subscribe now and never run out of {Product} again!
{product section with a call to action}
Plus, as a thank you for being a {Brand} customer, we're offering you an additional $Y off your first subscription purchase with discount code "SUBSCRIPTION".
If you have any questions, check out our subscription FAQs.
Hope to see you soon,
{BRAND]
Guides:
Shopify:
Klaviyo:
Target your one-time purchase customers with SMS
SMS marketing is also highly effective for Shopify stores. Shopify research found that SMS messages have an up to 98% open rate, making them a powerful channel for reaching customers. By communicating the benefits of subscribing to your products, you can drive more customers to sign up for recurring payments and increase revenue from subscription sales.
How to design your SMS
When writing a converting SMS, make sure to:
Keep it short and simple:
Even you, do not like to read long messages!Speak to their pain points:
Showcase the value of subscribing; letting them know how your subscription plan can make their life easier while helping them save more on their purchases.Give a clear and compelling call to action:
Such as a link to your product page or your subscription landing page.Include a sense of urgency:
Like offering a promotion for a limited time.Personalize your message:
Mention the customer's name, or offer something tailored to their interests.Let them know it's from you!
Don't forget to mention your brand's name in the message.Measure your success:
Use SMS analytics to measure the success of your SMS campaigns, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Using these tips, your SMS conversion rate should rise as customers see the value of your offer and become more engaged. After all, customers are more likely to purchase if they see the value, urgency, and a personalized message.
How to send SMS to one-time customers to subscribe
Create a subscription plan for your best-selling products in Subify.
Create separate segments of the one-time purchase customers who have purchased these products at least once.
Send your SMS to these segments by Klaviyo or any other SMS marketing app.
Analyze the result and enhance your SMS.
Use Data To Estimate Subscriber Conversion Rates
You can track the number of customers who convert to subscribers and use that data to estimate how much of your customer base is likely to be interested in subscribing. This can help you create more effective marketing campaigns and help you test different incentives that can encourage your customers to become subscribers. A/B testing can be helpful to enhance your subscription strategy.
Conclusion
As a Shopify merchant, you have a lot to gain from growing your subscriber base — and the best place to start is with your existing customers. Give them incentives and provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision, and you may be surprised at what you can achieve.