Zach Stevens - Year Two of Running a Subscription-Based Service Business
Sep 24, 2024
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Zach Stevens, co-founder of Conversion Factory, shares insights from two years of running a successful subscription-based service business. He dives into growth strategies and effective communication that drive retention and productivity. Zach emphasizes the importance of tiered pricing and managing client expectations. He also discusses the transition from traditional employment to entrepreneurship and the role of offshore resources in scaling operations. The appeal of subscription models over hourly billing shines through, encouraging a shift in how services are marketed.
Zach's subscription-based service business experienced a significant increase in Monthly Recurring Revenue, highlighting the power of effective client engagement strategies.
The structured sales process and clear communication foster quality work and strong client relationships, essential for maintaining a subscription model’s success.
Deep dives
Growth and Success After One Year
The company experienced significant growth within a year, increasing from $36K to $66K in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR). A crucial factor in this growth was the ability to showcase completed work to potential clients, which proved to be both engaging and shareable. The company leveraged a successful newsletter with over 20,000 subscribers and actively participated in industry events to network and secure clients. These strategies combined created a beneficial snowball effect, as their presence within the software as a service (SaaS) community increased their visibility and client base.
Sales Process and Client Engagement
The sales process includes a structured call that lasts about half an hour, supplemented by an automated video to inform potential clients about the workflow and pricing tiers. Clients typically have a clear understanding of what to expect based on promotional communication before they jump into discussions. The subscription model allows clients to select from different service tiers, with the middle tier being the most popular for its cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, client adjustments between tiers can be managed easily, either by the clients themselves or with assistance from the team.
Managing Client Expectations and Work Requests
The team maintains a clear communication strategy to manage client requests while ensuring the quality of work isn't compromised. By discussing the scope of each project upfront, the team determines how much creative freedom can be exercised, based on the client's needs and expectations. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing tasks effectively, often guiding clients to think about how different requests might affect their workflow. This strategy aids in creating a productive working relationship, reducing friction caused by misunderstandings or scope creep.
The Benefits and Challenges of the Subscription Model
While the subscription model offers steady income and flexibility for both the service provider and clients, it also demands consistent quality of work and strong client relationships. Clients expect high-value outputs, which requires the team to stay proactive in their communication and project management. Additionally, the subscription model allows clients to easily scale their engagements according to their needs, whether that means pausing or adjusting their service tiers based on fluctuating demands. The approach not only fosters long-term relationships but also allows for transformative work that the clients can visibly appreciate.
Zach Stevens, co-founder of Conversion Factory, came back on Ditching Hourly to give an update about how things are going with his “all-you-can-eat” subscription-based service business after two years in business.