Quick Start Guide
Ready to launch your first subscription site? This step-by-step guide shows you how to sell paid content and build a membership business in just 10 minutes.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A valid email address
- A Stripe account (or willingness to create one)
- Basic understanding of subscription business models
Don't have a Stripe account? No worries! We'll guide you through the setup process.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit the signup page and create your account
Verify your email address
Complete the onboarding questionnaire
The onboarding process helps us understand your goals and recommend the best template for your needs.
Step 2: Choose Your Template
Select from our professionally designed templates:
Perfect for content creators, writers, and thought leaders who want to monetize their expertise through articles and insights.
Step 3: Customize Your Site
Once you've selected a template, customize it to match your brand:
Basic Settings
- Site Name: Choose a memorable name for your brand
- Description: Write a compelling description of what you offer
- Logo: Upload your logo or use our built-in logo generator
- Colors: Customize your brand colors
Content Setup
- About Page: Tell your story and build trust with visitors
- Pricing Plans: Set up your subscription tiers
- Social Links: Connect your social media profiles
Step 4: Connect Stripe
This step is crucial for accepting payments. Don't skip it!
For New Stripe Users
- Click "Connect Stripe" in your dashboard
- You'll be redirected to Stripe to create an account
- Complete Stripe's verification process
- Return to your dashboard to confirm the connection
For Existing Stripe Users
- Click "Connect Stripe" in your dashboard
- Log in to your existing Stripe account
- Authorize the connection
- Confirm the integration in your dashboard
Step 5: Create Subscription Plans
Set up your pricing strategy:
Recommended Plan Structure
- Free Tier: Limited access to build your audience
- Basic Plan: $9-19/month for core features
Plan Configuration
For each plan, define:
- Price: Monthly or annual pricing
- Features: What subscribers get access to
- Limits: Usage restrictions if applicable
- Benefits: Exclusive perks for subscribers
💡 Pricing Tip
Start with simple pricing and add complexity as you grow. Most successful creators begin with just 2-3 plans.
Step 6: Launch Your Site
Review all your settings and content
Test your subscription flow with Stripe's test mode
Switch to live mode when ready
Share your site URL with your audience
Step 7: Promote Your Launch
Pre-Launch (1-2 weeks before)
- Announce on social media
- Email your existing audience
- Create anticipation with sneak peeks
Launch Day
- Send launch announcement
- Offer limited-time discount
- Engage with early subscribers
Post-Launch (ongoing)
- Share valuable content regularly
- Collect and act on feedback
- Optimize based on analytics
Common Issues & Solutions
Stripe Connection Problems
If you're having trouble connecting Stripe:
- Clear your browser cache
- Disable ad blockers temporarily
- Try a different browser
- Contact support if issues persist
Template Not Loading
If your template isn't displaying correctly:
- Check your internet connection
- Refresh the page
- Try switching templates temporarily
- Contact support with error details
Congratulations! You now have a fully functional subscription site. Time to start growing your audience and revenue!
Need Help?
- Check our FAQ for common questions
- Join our Discard Community to connect with other creators
- Contact Support for personalized assistance