Let’s talk about something that nobody wants to talk about… until it’s suddenly on your to-do list: your order confirmation page.
Listen, I know it’s not the sexiest part of your funnel. It's not your high-converting checkout page or your juicy upsell. But hear me out — your confirmation page is still part of the customer experience. And for most people? It's the very first impression of what it's like to buy from you.
So if it’s giving “meh” or straight-up “confusing” — we’ve got a problem.
Why Your Order Confirmation Page Matters
When your confirmation page is unclear, unfinished, or missing key info, it leads to:
unnecessary support requests (we hate to see it)
missed steps (like someone not adding your live call to their calendar)
and worst of all — buyers feeling like maybe they shouldn’t have bought in the first place because they have no clue what happens next
Yikes.
Luckily, this is one of the easiest pages to improve. You don’t need to overhaul your whole funnel or become a copywriter overnight. Just make a few quick tweaks (literally could be a 3-minute fix), and you’ll instantly make your post-purchase experience smoother, more professional, and more “wow, I feel taken care of.”
6 Thrivecart Order Confirmation Page Tweaks
1. Double-check that it’s mobile-friendly
Do not skip this. I don’t care if it looks perfect on desktop — 70% of your customers are probably buying from their phone. (Especially if you're linking from Instagram, email, or stories.)
Open up your confirmation page in mobile view in Thrivecart (you may need to do a test purchase to really see it in action) and do a lil scroll. Is everything readable? Is the spacing decent? Can you actually click the links and buttons without zooming in?
If anything looks janky, fix it now. There’s no faster way to look DIY-in-a-bad-way than a broken mobile page.
2. Add a “New Buyer” Survey (yes, right on the page)
Want more feedback? Better testimonials? Juicier market research?
Put a short survey right on your confirmation page. You’ve got their full attention — it’s the moment they’re most engaged.
Just 2–3 questions is all you need. Think:
What made you decide to buy today?
What are you hoping to get out of this product/program/course?
Where did you hear about me?
I personally use Airtable for this (because… of course I do), but you can embed Typeform, Tally, or a basic Google Form if you’re feeling scrappy. I LOVE FillOut for forms, the free plan is incredible and they integrate with so many other softwares, like Notion and Airtable.
3. Give them a way to contact you (without stalking your Instagram)
Add a clear way to reach you. Period.
Even if your product delivers instantly, people will still have questions. So don’t make them go digging. Just pop your support email or your Support Ticket Hub link right there on the confirmation page.
Even better? Phrase it like:
“Need anything? Got questions? Submit a quick support ticket here and we’ll get you sorted.”
Boom. You look polished and you won’t wake up to 12 DMs asking where the login email is. Want my exact Airtable setup for a Support Ticket Hub?Grab it here!
4. Tell them exactly what happens next
I cannot say this louder: tell people what to expect next. Don't assume they'll figure it out.
A few examples:
Selling a course? Say: “You’ll get an email from Teachable in the next 5 minutes with your login details. If it doesn’t show up, check your spam.”
Selling a live workshop? Add a “Save to Calendar” button right on the page.
Offering a coaching package? Drop the onboarding instructions right there or let them know when to expect your welcome email.
The more specific and clear you are, the fewer support tickets you’ll get. Plus, your customers will feel like you have your sh*t together — because you do 😉
5. If you’re using a custom success page — check the expiration setting
This one bites people all the time.
If you’ve created a custom success page inside Thrivecart (which I love, btw), make sure the expiration is set to Never.
Otherwise? Your customer clicks back to the page 3 days later and it’s gone. No bueno.
Where to check this:
Go to the product > Fulfillment > and scroll down to the expiration setting. Change it to “Never.” Easy peasy.
6. Say thank you (like a human)
Don’t forget this part! Your confirmation page is the perfect place to add a warm, human “thank you.”
Not a robotic “Your payment has been received” message, but something that actually sounds like you.
Example:
“You did the dang thing 🎉 Your receipt’s in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or hit up support. Can’t wait for you to dig in.”
People remember that kind of experience. It builds trust and repeat buyers.
Final thoughts
Your Thrivecart confirmation page isn’t just a formality. It’s a real part of your funnel. And if you’re trying to give your customers a smooth, pro-level experience — this is a quick win.
To recap, here’s your mini to-do list:
✅ Test it on mobile
✅ Add a mini new buyer survey (optional but juicy)
✅ Drop in a support link or email
✅ Explain the “what happens next”
✅ Check the expiration setting if using a custom page
✅ Say thank you, and make it sound like you
These tweaks are quick, strategic, and make a big difference. Plus, they’re all stuff you can knock out in under 3 minutes.
If you’re still not sure where to start — or want a done-for-you Thrivecart template that has all this baked in? Come check out my Thrivecart Template Shop. Confirmation pages, checkout flows, bump offers — I’ve got you.
Guest blog post by Braden Drake Esq., LLM, owner at Not Avg Law firm
Remember that episode of Friends where Ross and Chandler try to cancel their gym memberships? After many failed attempts, they decide to close their bank accounts instead. Then, the bank has them jump through hoops to close their accounts.
We've all been there.
From meal kits to streaming services, it can be a nightmare. But you could be doing the same thing to your subscribers without even realizing it.
And Dama asked me to come here and talk to you about it. Braden here, Dama's bestie for legal, bookkeeping, and tax issues. The FTC is now cracking down on recurring payments. I read through the legalese so you don't have to. Let’s make sure your offers are compliant.
The Federal Trade Commission issued a final “click-to-cancel” rule. It's a big deal.
The FTC are the federal girlies in charge of making sure businesses are being fair to customers. Most of the time, they only talk to the troublemakers. But sometimes there’s so many troublemakers they add a new rule to the books and we all have to check ourselves. That's what just happened with this “click-to-cancel” rule, also known as the Negative Option rule.
The FTC is giving us 60 days after they publish the rule on some parts and 180 days after they publish on other stuff. But, the sooner you get yourself together legally, the better. The FTC enforces their rules through the courts and you could get fined or have your business activities restricted if you don't comply.
In short, these rules will apply to any type of recurring payments. The core takeaway is to make sure any offers with recurring payment are easy to cancel, and that the payment terms are crystal clear to the buyer.
Examples of recurring payments include standard month-to-month memberships and quarterly or annual memberships. Many SaaS companies do those free trials. You must include your card details when signing up for the free trial and then they auto-charge you one month later if you don’t cancel.
EXAMPLE: Britney has an online offer where she gives her take on the latest music trends. After a three month free trial, her subscribers' credit cards get charged $40 every month. Toxic? Maybe. Let's talk about what Britney could've done differently, cause the FTC will not take “Oops! I did it again” as an excuse.
Here are 5 easy steps to make sure your auto-renewing or subscription format offer is totally kosher with the FTC.
Each step is taken directly from the published rules, linked here.
Make it as easy to cancel as it is to consent to (join). If they signed up online, they can cancel online. Don't hide the fire exit here. We want a clear and conspicuous one click cancellation. (16 CFR 425.5)
Charge nothing to consumers asking to cancel their subscription. Don't charge a cancellation fee on a subscription or ongoing membership. (16 CFR 425.5)
Add a dedicated checkbox to your checkout process informing the consumer about the subscription. You need express affirmative consent separate from any other portion of the transaction. (16 CFR 425.6) Sidebar from Thrivecart Template Shop: you can absolutely add a mandatory checkbox with terms and conditions and also have a custom disclaimer – just add that to your checkout in Thrivecart. Need help setting up + customizing checkouts in Thrivecart? Grab CartStart and get it DONE.
Make it impossible to complete the transaction without getting consent. Technically, you can just get consent without structurally requiring it, but you'll have to keep the records of consumers' consents for three years. (16 CFR 425.6)
Disclose all of the following information before obtaining any billing information from the consumer. (16 CFR 425.4)
The consumer will be charged for good or service or that the charges will increase after any applicable trial period ends,
The charges will be on a recurring basis unless the consumer takes steps to prevent or stop such charges
Each deadline (by date or frequency) by which the consumer must act to prevent or stop the charges
The amount or range of costs the consumer will be charged, if applicable, that the charges will be on a recurring bases, unless the consumer timely takes steps to prevent or stop such charges, AND
The information necessary for the consumer to find the simple cancellation mechanism
EXAMPLE:
⚠️ You are signing up for an automatically renewing subscription. Your preferred payment method will be billed for $— on the –th of every month until you cancel by clicking the “Cancel My Subscription” button inside the Account information of your Client Portal.
I understand and agree
Best practices for handling cancellations as membership owners
Send a stand alone notice before renewal* that gives the customer instructions and time to cancel. We’d even recommend a few notices for annual renewal. Something like notices two months out, one month out, and one week out.
Make sure your cancellation process is easy to find and complete. For this, you need to check how it works with your payment process. Consider adding a “how to” or a hyperlink in a location your buyer might regularly check like their members area or monthly automated invoice emails.
Lastly, and most self-servingly, we recommend getting some legal experts on your side. It’s kind of meta, but we have our own recurring subscription. It’s a newsletter for $10 per month where we send out notices of legal updates like this one. You can check it out here.
How to handle cancellations for memberships hosted in Thrivecart
Hey there – Dama here, the founder of Thrivecart Template Shop. I wanted to chime in on Braden’s fabulous blog post with some Thrivecart-specific details, especially as pertains to the best practices section located above.
Thrivecart membership best practices for FTC compliance
Thrivecart Pro has advanced dunning features, but if you have Thrivecart regular, you can either send reminder notifications before their next rebill (recurring charge) via your email service provider or via your payment processor. We use Stripe for all payment plans and have a detailed tutorial on how to configure those notifications (and brand them so your customers can tell they’re legit notifications) inside our training, Thriving Memberships.
I recommend making your ‘cancel membership’ link as easy to find as possible inside your member area. This is super easy to do if you host your membership in Thrivecart Learn by adding a lesson strictly dedicated to cancelling, and/or linking to the cancellation in the footer of every lesson or on the main course dashboard. Need course design tips for Thrivecart Learn? I cover that in detail in both of these trainings: Thriving Memberships and Learn Beautifully. Thrivecart has a customer center where customers can access copies of invoices / purchases made from you and also manage (and cancel) their membership.
I wholeheartedly agree with Braden that it’s best to make sure you have your agreements, website terms, and documentation in order – for that, I have (and love) The Contract Club, a one-time purchase that has dozens of legal templates you can use, and also getting legal support on retainer. Specifically, Not Avg Law is my legal team on retainer and they help me interpret FTC rulings, make sure my website and product terms are compliant and water-tight, and also help me deal with copycats and thieves head-on. I highly recommend them – check that out here.
Setting up a recurring revenue business isn’t just a strategy — it’s a must for entrepreneurs and companies seeking financial stability and growth.
So, what’s recurring revenue? It’s the steady stream of income generated regularly through subscription-based businesses, productized services, and any model that ensures predictable (although not guaranteed) revenue flow.
This model not only locks in repeat business but also makes revenue forecasting a breeze, making it a tempting option for anyone aiming to build a sustainable business. As we dive into recurring revenues, we’ll uncover how this strategic approach can become your business’s backbone, ensuring consistent cash flow and fostering long-term customer relationships.
We’ll explore the different types of recurring revenue business models, spotlight the best examples, and delve into key strategies for managing recurring income. From subscription services and billing systems to the nitty-gritty of monthly recurring revenue (MRR) and the importance of nurturing loyal clients, we’ll break down the pros and cons of these models.
Types of Recurring Revenue Business Models
1) Subscription-Based Models
Subscription-based models are the heart and soul of recurring revenue businesses. Customers pay a regular fee to access a product or service, making this model a favorite across various industries — from digital streaming giants like Netflix to software powerhouses like Adobe Creative Cloud.
The charm lies in its simplicity and predictability: customers enjoy uninterrupted access, while businesses benefit from a steady income stream.
Subscription models support sustainable growth and let businesses zero in on customer retention, which is often more cost-effective than constantly hunting for new customers.
2) SaaS and Productized Services
Software as a Service (SaaS) has flipped the script on how companies use technology, offering software on a subscription basis. This model cuts out the need for hefty upfront investments in IT infrastructure, providing flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Platforms like Salesforce and Dropbox deliver ongoing value through their cloud-based solutions.
Alongside SaaS, productizing services — turning professional services into standardized, repeatable offerings — perfectly complements this model. It simplifies the buying process for customers and creates more predictable revenue streams for providers.
A great example of productizing services is WorkPlay Branding which has turned photography sessions into a subscription service.
3) Membership Models
Membership models build exclusive communities where members pay a recurring fee for access to specialized content, perks, or experiences. This model excels at boosting customer loyalty and retention by consistently delivering value that justifies the ongoing expense.
By leveraging these models, businesses can harness the power of recurring income to create more predictable, stable, and scalable operations. Whether through subscriptions, SaaS, or memberships, the key is maintaining a compelling value proposition that keeps customers coming back for more.
Advantages of Recurring Revenue Business Models
Steady Cash Flow
One of the biggest perks of recurring revenue models is the steady and predictable cash flow they provide. This stability allows businesses to confidently plan for operational expenses, strategic investments, and growth opportunities.
Having a reliable income stream enhances financial resilience, especially during tough economic times. It allows for smarter decision-making and reduces the stress of unpredictability.
Higher Business Valuation
Investors love recurring revenue models because they offer a clearer picture of future earnings, leading to a stronger business valuation. A company with predictable revenue is seen as lower risk, which is super attractive to potential investors and buyers.
For example, adding subscriptions to your offerings could boost your valuation by up to eight times compared to businesses with less predictable revenue streams. This is a game-changer for anyone who might be open to selling their business in the future or attracting investors.
Customer Retention and Upselling Opportunities
The recurring revenue model shines when building strong customer relationships, which are crucial for long-term business success. It’s much cheaper to retain existing customers than to acquire new ones, and these savings can be substantial.
By focusing on customer retention, you can save on marketing costs and boost customer lifetime value.
Plus, recurring income interactions open up plenty of opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. These can be super effective in not only retaining customers but also increasing their lifetime value.
In my training Thriving Memberships, I help digital product sellers and course creators manage their memberships effectively using Thrivecart. This enhances the benefits of recurring revenue models by simplifying customer retention and upselling processes. It streamlines operations and boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to the overall success of the business.
Challenges with Recurring Revenue Models
Navigating the ins and outs of recurring revenue models comes with its own set of unique challenges that can impact business stability and growth. From maintaining stellar customer service to handling sensitive pricing structures, understanding these hurdles is crucial for strategizing effectively and sustaining growth.
Managing Customer Expectations
One of the biggest challenges in recurring revenue models is meeting the high demand for continuous customer support. With ongoing customer relationships, the expectation for quick and effective service is through the roof. This means extra resources and a solid system are needed to promptly handle customer inquiries and issues.
Plus, businesses must constantly prove their value to keep customers around, which might involve regular updates or re-engagement strategies to ensure customers feel their investment is worth it.
Dealing with Churn Rates
Churn rate, or the rate at which customers cancel their subscriptions, is a major threat to businesses relying on recurring revenue. High churn rates can quickly erode the benefits of a steady cash flow and customer loyalty.
Managing churn effectively involves clear communication and transparent agreements to minimize misunderstandings and legal risks.
Additionally, structuring subscription or membership contracts carefully can help manage expectations and reduce potential disputes, aiding in long-term customer retention and contract renewals.
Balancing Customization and Standardization
In recurring revenue models, especially those involving software or service subscriptions, there’s a fine line between customization and standardization.
Customization can meet specific customer needs and boost satisfaction, but it can also be time-consuming and costly. On the flip side, standardization promotes efficiency and consistency but might not cover all customer-specific requirements. Finding the right balance is key to maintaining a competitive edge and adapting to market changes without compromising service quality or customer experience.
By tackling these challenges head-on, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to a more stable and profitable recurring revenue stream.
Strategies for Implementing Recurring Revenue Models
Identifying the Right Model
When thinking about transitioning to a recurring revenue model, it’s crucial to pick the one that aligns with your business goals and customer needs.
For example, offering tiered plans could be a smart move if you have a range of buyer personas with different budgets. This strategy caters to various customer segments and enhances the flexibility and scalability of our revenue streams.
By evaluating our current business model and understanding customer habits, we can tailor our offerings to ensure a smooth transition and sustained growth.
Productizing Services
Productizing services means turning our offerings into standardized, packaged solutions that clients can easily understand and purchase. This approach simplifies the buying process, reduces the complexity of service delivery, and allows us to scale without increasing the workload proportionally.
For instance, by defining clear deliverables and setting fixed prices for packaged services, we create a transparent and efficient customer experience. This not only helps streamline service delivery but also manages customer expectations effectively.
Effective Customer Relationship Management
Maintaining strong customer relationships is key to maximizing the benefits of a recurring revenue model. This means providing high-quality, responsive service and continuously proving our value to prevent churn. Implementing resources like Thriving Memberships can significantly help in this process by offering a platform for course creators and digital product sellers to manage their memberships effortlessly using Thrivecart.
By focusing on these strategies, we can effectively implement a recurring income model that stabilizes our income and fosters long-term customer loyalty and business growth.
Understanding MRR: Monthly Recurring Revenue vs. Master Resell Rights
When diving into the world of online business and education, you'll often come across the acronym MRR. However, it's important to understand that MRR can mean two very different things: Monthly Recurring Revenue and Master Resell Rights. Let's break down the differences and why one is highly recommended, while the other is best avoided.
Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
Monthly Recurring Revenue is a key metric for any subscription-based business model. This type of MRR refers to the predictable income generated from memberships, group programs, or any service offering a monthly payment option. This consistent cash flow allows businesses to forecast revenue more accurately and plan their finances with greater confidence. We love this kind of MRR because it provides stability and supports sustainable growth. By offering value on a recurring basis, businesses can foster long-term relationships with their customers, enhancing retention and ensuring a steady income stream.
Master Resell Rights (MRR)
Master Resell Rights allows you to purchase a course or digital product that you can then resell, and pass off as your own creation. While it might sound like an easy way to become a “course creator” overnight, it’s essentially a shortcut that lacks authenticity and originality. I do not recommend Master Resell Rights (MRR) courses because they’re often not particularly well done and basically amount to a pyramid scheme.
In my opinion, it's akin to a pyramid scheme because the seller didn't create anything themselves but are merely reselling someone else's work. This kind of MRR undermines the value of genuine, high-quality content and can lead to a saturated market filled with duplicate products.
While Monthly Recurring Revenue is a powerful and beneficial model for ensuring financial stability and growth, Master Resell Rights should be approached with caution, if not avoided altogether. Always prioritize originality and quality in your business endeavors to build a trusted and reputable brand.
Final Thoughts
In our deep dive into recurring revenue businesses, we’ve explored the many benefits and challenges of adopting these models. We've highlighted their ability to provide stability, build customer loyalty, and boost business valuation. By examining subscription-based models, SaaS, productized services, and membership frameworks, we aimed to give entrepreneurs and business owners a solid grasp of how recurring revenue can be the backbone of sustainable business growth.
These strategies not only promise predictable, steady income but also underscore the importance of ongoing customer engagement and careful management of service expectations to reduce churn and increase profitability.
As businesses navigate the complexities of recurring revenue models, the quest for effective strategies and tools that streamline operations, like Thriving Memberships, becomes essential. Embracing such innovations helps businesses refine their service delivery, ensuring they stay adaptable and customer-focused in an ever-changing market.
For those ready to build a robust recurring revenue ecosystem, Thrivecart is an invaluable resource. It acts as an all-in-one billing, funnel, checkout, and hosting provider.
By strategically leveraging these insights and tools, businesses can secure their financial foundation, enhance customer relationships, and pave the way for sustained success and growth in today’s crowded marketplace.
Let’s talk about website engagement, my friend. If you’re here, you’re probably already in the “let’s make this website work for me” phase. And if not, well, buckle up. We’re diving into some ConvertBox features that will have your site buzzing with engaged users.
In case you haven’t heard, ConvertBox is my go-to tool when it comes to capturing leads and boosting user engagement. It’s versatile, intuitive, and if I’m honest, it’s kinda bananas how simple it is to get results without needing a degree in tech wizardry.
Ready to level up your website engagement metrics? Let’s get into five interactive elements you can add to your ConvertBox setup today.
Website Engagement with ConvertBox
1. Capture More Email Leads with ConvertBox Pop-ups
First up: email leads. If you aren’t already capturing email leads with ConvertBox, lemme just say: you’re missing out.
ConvertBox makes it super easy to create pop-ups (slide-ins, I use the terms interchangeably) that convert without being all spammy and annoying. You can design sleek, well-timed pop-ups that trigger right away, after a user scrolls down the page, after they’ve been on the page a while, etc. Time it to make sure you grab their attention without scaring them away.
And here’s the kicker — personalization! You can add personalized touches, like using a visitor’s first name to create that friendly “Oh, hey there, buddy!” vibe. These small touches go a long way toward increasing your engagement metrics.
Quizzes aren’t just fun — they’re engagement gold. People love taking quizzes, and guess what? You can use ConvertBox to deliver a personalized quiz that not only entertains but helps you collect leads and data.
Imagine offering a quiz like “Which Funnel Strategy Matches Your Personality?” or something that fits your brand.
Quizzes also improve time-on-site and website metrics because users are interacting longer. And more interaction = higher engagement. Plus, you can direct quiz-takers to specific products or services based on their answers, and even tag them in your email service provider based on their answers. #WinWin
3. Show a One-Time Offer (OTO) for First-Time Visitors
New visitor to your site?Why not offer them something special?ConvertBox lets you create a one-time offer (OTO) for first-time visitors — think of it like rolling out the red carpet.
You can offer a discount, freebie, or special deal when a new visitor lands on your sales page. A quick “Hey, welcome! Here’s 10% off” could be just what they need to say yes. This is a great way to increase engagement metrics while converting fresh traffic into sales.
But please… no shady “fake scarcity” tactics here. Keep it legit and ethical. People aren’t stupid — they’ll catch on if you’re pulling a fast one, and you’ll lose their trust. Just be cool, be real, and watch those conversions rise.
4. Add First Name Personalization for a Personal Touch
We all like to feel special, right? Adding a visitor's first name to your slide-ins might seem like a tiny thing, but trust me, it packs a punch when it comes to user engagement. ConvertBox lets you dynamically add a visitor's name to your message, and if you don’t have their name, you can have it default to “there” or “friend.”
So instead of “Hey, you!” it’s “Hey, Sarah!” — and suddenly, your site feels way more personal.
Personalization makes users feel seen and understood, which means they're more likely to engage with your offers. This is one of those ConvertBox features that’s simple to implement but delivers massive results.
5. Use Countdown Timers Strategically (and Ethically)
Ah, countdown timers — my favorite tool for ramping up urgency without crossing into sleazy territory. ConvertBox lets you add countdown timers to your pop-ups for flash sales, limited-time offers, or even to highlight deadlines for course signups.
Here’s the deal, though: timers work when they’re real. None of that fake “this sale ends in 2 hours” nonsense if the sale is still running three days later. Use them sparingly and with integrity, and they’ll increase your website metrics by driving more timely actions without alienating your audience.
Wrapping it All Up
These interactive elements will not only boost your website engagement but also improve your conversion rates without overwhelming your visitors. From quizzes to personalized pop-ins, ConvertBox gives you everything you need to engage your audience in a meaningful way—and yeah, make those sales, too. Want more? Check out my free ConvertBox training for all the tips and tricks you need to turn these strategies into results. Oh, and if you’re ready to dive into ConvertBox yourself, grab it through my affiliate link + get my bonus — I promise you won’t regret it.
I’ll be blunt: upsells are one of the easiest ways to make more digital product sales without spending more time and effort on marketing, but only if you’re doing it right. Slap a random offer on your checkout page, and you might as well be chucking confetti into the wind — it’s just not going to land. 🙈
So, to save you from that facepalm moment, let’s chat about the top 5 mistakes people make when creating upsell offers — and, of course, how to avoid them like the plague. If you’ve ever wondered how to upsell customers the right way, these tips will keep you on track.
Upsell Offer Mistakes
1. Offering Something That Isn’t Aligned with the Original Purchase
You know how it feels when you go in to buy groceries and then the store tries to sell you a lawnmower on your way to the checkout lanes? That’s exactly what happens when your upsell offer isn’t aligned with what your customer just bought – it’s a huge disconnect and they’re going to walk on past your offer.
If someone’s grabbing your course on content creation, offering them an upsell for… bookkeeping? Nope. 🚫 If it doesn’t make sense, they won’t bite.
How to fix it: The upsell should feel like a natural next step in their journey.
Think: offering templates, coaching calls, or done-for-you services that help them take what they just bought to the next level. This is one of the upselling techniques that turns a meh moment into a win-win. 🙌
Psst — If you want to know exactly how to craft the perfect upsell, check out my freebie Upsell Offer Locker for all the juicy details on picking the right offers and 40+ upsell ideas, categorized by type.
2. Not Including Enough Info on the Upsell Page
You ever get to an upsell page and feel like you’re left hanging? You’re not alone. Not giving enough info about your upsell is a huge reason people bounce.
Your customer needs to know: what is this? How does it help them? And why should they care rightnow?
If the page doesn’t answer those questions, they’re likely clicking away faster than you can say “wait, come back!”
How to fix it: Be crystal clear about what they’re getting. Use short, snappy bullet points to highlight the features, benefits, and the transformation this offer will deliver. The easier you make it to understand, the more likely they’ll whip out that credit card. 💳
Thrivecart makes it super easy to create informative upsell pages — another reason I’m gaga for it!
3. Not Following Up with People Who Didn’t Take the Upsell Right Away
Look, some people are just indecisive, and that’s okay. But what’s not okay? Forgetting to follow up with them in your email sequence. You might be leaving on the table, fam.
Just because they didn’t take the upsell at checkout doesn’t mean they won’t take it later (at a slightly higher price cause the upsell really is a one time offer).
Sometimes, they need a nudge (or two), and without that reminder in their inbox, you could be missing out on serious cash.
How to fix it: Add the upsell to your email sequence. You don’t have to spam them, but a few friendly nudges can do wonders. Show them why it’s still a great offer, maybe sweeten the deal with a bonus, and keep it simple with a clear CTA like “grab it before it’s gone.”
4. Not Making It Clear They Won’t See This Price Again
Let’s talk about scarcity, baby. If you don’t make it clear that this upsell price is only available at checkout, you’re going to lose a lot of potential buyers.
Why? Because they’ll think, “Eh, I’ll grab it later.” Except… they never will. Trust me on this.
How to fix it: Be bold, be clear—let them know this is a one-time deal. “Only available at this price during checkout!” or “You won’t see this offer again!” — whatever works, but make sure they understand the urgency. Nothing drives action like knowing you won’t get a second chance.
Thrivecart is perfect for creating these kinds of offers, making the whole process easier than pie (and let’s be real, pie isn’t that easy to make… or maybe that’s just me?).
5. Unclear Messaging and Weak CTAs on the Upsell Page
Alright, you’ve got a great offer, you’ve got the urgency — but your messaging is all over the place? Not great.
If you’re confusing people with unclear messaging or your CTA isn’t obvious, they won’t take action. Period. You’ve gotta make the offer irresistible, and the action they need to take ridiculously clear.
How to fix it: Keep it simple. What’s the benefit? Why do they need it right now? And, for the love of all things good, make the call to action super obvious. Big buttons, clear language — “Yes, I want this!” does the trick.
This is where Thrivecart shines again (surprise, surprise). With its clean layout and customizable buttons, it’s a total lifesaver when it comes to creating high-converting upsell pages.
The Takeaway: Upsells Are Easy When You Know What to Avoid
Upsells don’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, when you avoid these common mistakes, they can be a seamless, money-making machine in your funnel. It’s all about alignment, clarity, and timing. And if you’re ready to dial in your upsell strategy, you know where to find me. 😉
Want more tips and templates to get those upsell offers working for you? Snag my Unleashing Upsells course today and start making more from every sale, with less faff.
We all know Zoom has been the go-to video conferencing tool for ages, but let's face it, sometimes we need a change. Whether it’s the clunky UI, the cost, or the desire for something fresh, exploring other options can be a game-changer for recording your course lesson videos. Today, I’m exploring the best alternatives to Zoom that can make your course creation process smoother and more enjoyable. Let's get to it!
Why Look for Zoom Alternatives?
Zoom is great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not perfect. The right video conferencing tool can make a huge difference in your workflow, from recording quality to ease of use. As a course creator, you need a tool that not only gets the job done but also enhances your recording experience.
So, if you’re tired of dealing with Zoom’s quirks or just curious about other options, keep reading!
What to Look for in a Video Conferencing Tool
When choosing a video conferencing tool, especially for recording course lessons, you want to consider a few key factors:
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX): It should be intuitive and easy to navigate.
Recording Quality and Storage Options: High-quality recordings are a must, and having flexible storage options is a bonus.
Integration with Other Tools: Seamless integration with your LMS or other tools can save you loads of time.
Cost-Effectiveness: We all love a good deal, right?
Customer Support and Reliability: Because who wants to be left hanging when things go wrong?
While I personally love Zoom, Butter is a fantastic tool that’s perfect for course creators. It’s designed to be super user-friendly, making it easy to set up and start recording. The interface is sleek and intuitive, which means you spend less time figuring things out and more time creating awesome content.
Why Butter Rocks for Course Creators:
Interactive Features: Butter comes with built-in polls, timers, and breakout rooms to make your sessions engaging.
High-Quality Recordings: Your videos will look and sound top-notch.
Easy Integration: It plays well with other tools you’re probably already using.
It also has a desktop app, which is a big must for me as I don’t love when my video conference call is trapped in a browser or tab. If you haven’t tried Butter yet, you’re missing out! It’s my top pick for a Zoom alternative.
Whereby – A Solid Competitor
Next up, we have Whereby. Now, while I’m not head-over-heels in love with it, it’s definitely a step up from Google Meet (which, let’s be honest, has a UI that’s kinda meh). Whereby is simple and straightforward, which can be a blessing when you’re knee-deep in course creation.
Why Consider Whereby:
No Downloads Needed: It’s entirely browser-based, so no more “Download this app” prompts.
Good for Small Groups: Ideal if you’re working with a small team or recording solo.
Decent Integration: Works with various tools, though not as seamlessly as Butter.
Whereby might not be perfect, but it’s a reliable choice if you’re looking for something different.
Zoom Alternatives to Avoid
Alright, time for some real talk.
Google Meet?Not a fan. The UI just doesn’t cut it for me, especially when I’m trying to focus on delivering quality content. It’s clunky and not the most intuitive. Whereby is a slightly better option, but it still doesn’t top Butter or Zoom in my book.
The Role of a Good Video Conferencing Tool in Course Creation
Using the right tool can make or break your course creation process. A good video conferencing tool helps you:
Create High-Quality Content: Clear video and audio are essential.
Engage Your Students: Interactive features can make your lessons more engaging.
Save Time: Tools that integrate well with your existing setup can streamline your workflow.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it all up, while Zoom is a solid choice, exploring alternatives like Butter and Whereby can elevate your course creation game. Butter stands out as my top recommendation as a Zoom alternative, thanks to its user-friendly interface and fantastic features tailored for educators like you.
Ready to take your course creation to the next level? Check out my training, Ready, Set: Course, for more tips and strategies on creating, editing, and publishing, course lessons. And don’t forget to look into Replay Ready Recordings to ensure your course videos from Zoom are top-notch.
Let's make your course creation journey as smooth as butter (oof, bad pun)!
Ready to make more affiliate commissions and passive income? Let's dive into the power of email marketing and how it can have a huge impact your affiliate sales. Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about email marketing for affiliate marketers, with a special shoutout to my Four by For Footers strategy.
Understanding Email Marketing for Affiliate Marketers
Email marketing is your secret weapon in the affiliate marketing game. It’s all about engaging with your audience, building trust, sharing insights and recommendations, and ultimately making sales.
Why? Because emails land directly in your audience’s inboxes, making it a prime spot to share your affiliate products.
The benefits are huge:
Increased engagement: You’re talking directly to your audience.
Direct communication: Share your stories, tips, and product recommendations.
Higher conversion rates: Targeted emails mean more sales.
Is Affiliate Marketing Legal?
Short answer: Yes. Affiliate marketing is totally legit, but it comes with rules. The FTC requires transparency. Always disclose your affiliate relationships. It’s about trust, and being honest builds it. Plus, it keeps you out of trouble.
Building an Email List for Affiliate Marketing
A robust email list is the foundation of successful affiliate marketing. Here’s how to build one:
Offer Valuable Freebies: Create irresistible lead magnets like eBooks, checklists, or mini-courses.
Leverage Social Media: Use your platforms to promote your freebies and capture emails.
Collaborate: Partner with other marketers for list swaps or joint ventures.
Choosing the Right Email Service Provider
Your email service provider can make or break your strategy. Here’s a rundown of the top picks:
1. ConvertKit: Perfect for creators and bloggers. Easy to use and powerful automation.
2. Drip: Ideal for eCommerce businesses or those with more advanced needs. Excellent for segmenting and targeting.
3. ActiveCampaign: Best for advanced marketing automation. Tons of features to explore.
Note: Avoid MailerLite for affiliate marketing — their terms are vague on what is and isn’t allowed, and friends have lost access to their accounts in the past for sharing affiliate links.
Still trying to decide which email service provider to choose? My Email Service Matchmaker training breaks down all the options, pros, and cons. This will help you pick the best tool for your affiliate marketing needs.
Promoting Affiliate Products through Email Marketing
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of email marketing for affiliate marketers. Here are some best practices:
Compelling Subject Lines: Grab attention right away.
Value-Driven Content: Offer tips, stories, and useful info. Don’t just sell.
Clear Calls to Action: Make it easy for them to buy through your links.
Timing and Frequency: Don’t spam! Regular, consistent emails work best.
The Four by For Footers Strategy
I’m super excited about this one! My Four by For Footers strategy has had a massive positive impact ($$$) on my affiliate sales revenue. It’s all about adding a powerful footer to your emails that features four links — each serving a unique purpose.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
Boosts clicks and conversions with every email you send.
Easy to implement and takes just a few minutes to set up.
Makes selling feel less salesy.
Ready to try it and learn the strategy? Check out my Four by For Footers training and see how it can improve your email marketing & boost affiliate sales.
Make Money with Email Marketing
The goal is simple: make money by sending emails.
Here are some tips:
Consistency is key: Regular emails keep your audience engaged.
Test and Optimize: Experiment with different strategies and see what works best.
Build Trust: Be genuine and provide value.
If writing emails feels like a chore, check out Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership. She’s got tons of templates and tips to make email writing a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing is a powerful tool for affiliate marketers. By building a strong email list, choosing the right service provider, and using strategies like Four by For Footers, you can boost your affiliate commissions and grow your passive income.
Don’t wait — start building your email marketing foundation today. And don’t forget to check out my Four by For Footers strategy and Email Service Matchmaker training for more insights.
Happy emailing, and may your affiliate sales soar!
The digital product market is booming, and there's a huge demand for high-quality spreadsheets. Whether you're helping businesses track their finances or giving busy entrepreneurs a way to manage their projects, creating beautiful and functional spreadsheets can be your next big hit.
Today, we'll dive into how you can craft these gems in Google Sheets and turn them into profitable digital products.
And guess what?Spot-On Spreadsheets is here to make the whole process a breeze. Let’s get into it!
1. Identify Your Niche and Audience
First things first: who’s going to use your spreadsheet? Is it for financial planning, project management, or maybe marketing analytics? Knowing your niche and understanding your audience's needs is crucial.
Are they course creators looking for a sales tracker? Digital product sellers needing an inventory manager? Pinpoint your market and cater to their specific pain points.
2. Plan and Design with Purpose
Now that you know who you're designing for, let's talk layout. A clear, well-thought-out structure is key. Your spreadsheet should be as intuitive as it is pretty.
Think about the flow of information: where does it start, and where does it lead the user?
Map out your sections and decide on a layout that makes sense for the task at hand.
What math can your spreadsheet do for them? Plan your spreadsheet around the inputs they’ll need to enter so your spreadsheet can do the math for them.
3. Organize Your Data Effectively
A pretty spreadsheet is useless if it’s not organized. Categorize your data logically. Use headers, labels, and group related information together.
For instance, if you’re creating a business spreadsheet, separate your income, expenses, and projections. This way, your users can easily navigate and find what they need without faffing around.
4. Leverage Google Sheets Features
Google Sheets is packed with features that can make your spreadsheet both functional and fabulous. Start with the basics: sorting, filtering, and data validation to keep things tidy.
Then, get fancy with conditional formatting to highlight key info and pivot tables for dynamic data summaries. Automate tasks with formulas like SUM, AVERAGE, and VLOOKUP to add serious value to your product.
5. Aesthetic Enhancements
Let’s talk aesthetics. Your spreadsheet should be a feast for the eyes. Choose color schemes that are easy on the eyes but still vibrant. Consistent fonts and styles go a long way. Borders, shading, and merging cells can help distinguish sections and guide the user’s eye.
Remember, you’re not just making a spreadsheet — you’re creating a helpful resource.
6. Adding Visual Elements
Visuals are unexpected and yet can have a huge impact on the visual appeal and perceived value of your spreadsheet, in addition to making it extra easy for your customers to see the trends and takeaways from their data. Charts, graphs, and images can transform raw data into insights fast. Google Sheets makes it easy to create these visual elements.
Whether it’s a pie chart showing expense breakdowns or a line graph tracking sales trends, choose visuals that best represent your data. This not only makes your spreadsheet pretty but also more useful.
7. Testing and Feedback
Before you hit the market, test your spreadsheet. Ensure it’s user-friendly and error-free. Get feedback from a small group of beta testers. Their insights can be invaluable for tweaks and improvements. This step is crucial to ensure your product is top-notch and ready for sale.
8. Packaging and Presentation
Your spreadsheet is ready! Now, let’s package it for sale. Consider creating a PDF guide or an instructional video to accompany it. This adds value and helps your customers get the most out of your product.
Don’t forget to create stunning mockups and preview images to showcase your spreadsheet online — first impressions matter!
9. Marketing and Selling Your Spreadsheet
Time to get your spreadsheet out there! Use SEO, social media, and email marketing to promote your product. When you’re just getting started, platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website are great places to sell, just be mindful of how much the platform keeps from every sale. Highlight how your beautiful and useful spreadsheet can solve your audience’s problems.
Not Tech Savvy? Get Spot-On Spreadsheets
Let me give a quick shout-out to Spot-On Spreadsheets. It’s designed to help creators like you produce and sell gorgeous, functional spreadsheets effortlessly. Don’t just take my word for it — check out what other creators have to say and see how it’s changed their spreadsheet game.
Creating and selling beautiful, functional spreadsheets isn’t just about making something that looks good—it’s about providing a valuable tool that meets your audience’s needs. With a bit of planning, some Google Sheets magic, and a sprinkle of aesthetic flair, you can turn your spreadsheets into a sought-after digital product. And for a seamless creation process, Spot-On Spreadsheets is your best friend.
If you're getting into affiliate marketing and want to keep your links organized while taking steps to grow your affiliate revenue, you’ve landed in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my top strategies for tracking affiliate links, keeping them organized, and ensuring you never miss out on potential earnings. So, let’s get started and make your affiliate marketing journey a whole lot smoother.
Why Tracking Affiliate Links is Crucial
First things first, let’s talk about why tracking affiliate links is so important. If you’re serious about affiliate marketing, you need to know which links are performing well and which ones need some love. Tracking your links helps you understand what’s working, where to focus your efforts, and how to optimize your strategies to boost your earnings.
Plus, it saves you from the chaos of unorganized links and missed opportunities when you need to grab an affiliate link fast.
So, how do you track affiliate links effectively? Let’s talk tools and techniques that make this easy-peasy.
Using Airtable for Affiliate Link Tracking
Airtable is my go-to tool for tracking and organizing affiliate links. It’s like a supercharged spreadsheet that’s easy to use and incredibly powerful.
Here’s how you can set up Airtable to keep your affiliate links in check:
1. Creating a Base: Start by setting up a base in Airtable specifically for your affiliate links. This will be your hub for all things affiliate.
2. Customizing Fields: Add fields for the affiliate link URLs, descriptions, performance metrics, and tags. You can customize it to track clicks, conversions, and any other data you find useful, if you wanna get super advanced.
3. Automating Updates: Use Airtable’s automation features to keep your data up-to-date. This could be setting reminders for link checks or automating data import from other sources.
I personally use Airtable for a lot of things, and using it to manage my affiliate links has been super helpful for me. It helps me stay organized and provides a clear overview of my affiliate marketing performance.
Pretty Links for WordPress Users
For my WordPress users, Pretty Links is a fantastic resource. It’s perfect for creating branded affiliate links and keeping them all in one place. While I use Airtable to keep my links organized, I still also use Pretty Links for the custom URLs, too.
1. Installation and Setup: Install the Pretty Links plugin on your WordPress site and set it up. It’s straightforward and quick.
2. Creating Branded Links: With Pretty Links, you can create easy-to-remember, branded affiliate links that look professional.
3. Organizing Links: Keep all your links organized within Pretty Links, making it simple to manage and track their performance.
Pretty Links serves as excellent affiliate tracking software, providing you with the tools you need to manage and monitor your affiliate links effectively. This is a paid tool, but I used the free version for YEARS. It may not seem terribly obvious when you sign up and install the plugin, but you don’t need to upgrade to paid. Free worked well for a long time for me.
Bookmark Affiliate Login Pages
While Thrivecart and Samcart are my favorite affiliate platforms to use, if you’re like me, you probably have a dozen different affiliate portals you log into, like GetRewardful, PartnertStack, Impact, GoAffPro, and so many more. I often forget who uses which program and how to access it. This is especially annoying when you need to know a specific url that contains the program’s name, like is true for programs hosted in GoAffPro.
Make it easy for yourself with this tip: create a folder in your bookmarks (or in your bookmark toolbar) just for affiliate program logins. I’m usually careful to rename the link with the brand AND platform, like:
Aff Portal – Tara Reid | Thrivecart
Tagging Affiliate Updates and Links in Gmail
Here’s a nifty trick for you: tag any email that has your affiliate link in Gmail so you can easily find it later. I also like to use that tag when an affiliate program manager/owner sends out updates about upcoming affiliate promotions, prizes, campaigns, or program changes.
Here’s how:
Tagging Links: Create tags in Gmail for different sellers or products.
Organizing Tags: Use a consistent tagging structure to keep everything neat and tidy.
This method helps you quickly access your affiliate links whenever you need them, without sifting through a cluttered inbox.
Tips for Effective Affiliate Link Management
Staying organized is key to successful affiliate marketing. Here are some additional tips to help you manage your links:
Consistent Naming Conventions: Use consistent names for your links to easily identify them.
Regular Updates and Checks: Regularly check your links to ensure they are working and up-to-date.
Using Analytics: Don’t skip checking your link performance data to optimize your affiliate marketing strategy. Tools like an affiliate link checker can help monitor your links and ensure they remain active.
Bonus Strategies for Boosting Affiliate Sales
While we’re on the topic of affiliate marketing, let me share a couple of bonus strategies to boost your sales:
Four by For Footers:
This is my secret weapon for making extra affiliate sales from every email I send. By adding strategic links to the footer of each email, you can drive traffic to your affiliate offers consistently. Learn more about this strategy inside Four by For Footers.
Pay Your Pals:
If you’re looking to create and set up your own affiliate program in Thrivecart, check out my Pay Your Pals program. It’s designed to make the process smooth and efficient, helping you get your affiliate program up and running in no time. Get all the details here!
Income Booster Workshop Bundle for Service Providers:
If you’re a service provider looking to add extra income streams, my Income Booster Workshop Bundle is for you. It’s packed with strategies and tips to help you boost your income without taking on more clients. Check it out here!
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, tracking and organizing your affiliate links doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With tools like Airtable and Pretty Links, and strategies like tagging in Gmail, you can stay on top of your affiliate marketing game.
Implement these strategies to streamline your affiliate link management and boost your earnings. Start organizing your affiliate links today and maximize your affiliate marketing success!
Today, I'm sharing everything I know about the Marketing Magic App and why it’s the go-to tool for personal brands, digital product sellers, and course creators. If you’ve been on the hunt for an AI marketing tool that’s intuitive, powerful, and tailor-made for your unique needs, you’re in the right place.
We all love a bit of AI magic, but let’s be real — navigating ChatGPT can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Or being read a technical manual, when all you really wanted was a rough draft of a casual email. The Marketing Magic App, on the other hand, is like having a tech-savvy bestie who just gets you, understands your content and copy needs, and makes everything easier.
In this review, I’ll break down why the Marketing Magic App outshines ChatGPT in every way that matters to us. From its user-friendly interface to its specialized features for different types of online entrepreneurs, this app is designed to make your life easier and your business more successful.
Plus, I’ve recorded a demo video showing how I created the copy for and designed a sales page in just 30 minutes using this app — trust me, you’ll want to check that out.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover how the Marketing Magic App can transform your marketing game and help you achieve your goals with less hassle and more success.
What is the Marketing Magic App?
First off, let's get acquainted with this gem. The Marketing Magic App is an all-in-one AI platform designed to simplify and supercharge your marketing efforts. Whether you're building a personal brand, selling digital products, or creating courses, this app has got you covered with its powerful features and intuitive design.
So, what sets the Marketing Magic App apart from other AI tools? It’s designed with you in mind, offering features that cater to the unique needs of different types of online entrepreneurs. From seamless content creation and repurposing to robust sales funnels, this app is your new best friend in the world of digital marketing.
Why It’s Better Than ChatGPT
I love ChatGPT and all, but let’s be real — ChatGPT can be a bit of a beast to tame and it never, never sounds like me. The Marketing Magic App, on the other hand, is like having a smart marketer friend who just gets you and they write. Here’s why:
User Interface:
The app is ridiculously user-friendly. No tech degree required. Everything’s laid out in a way that makes sense, so you can get straight to the good stuff without faffing around.
Imagine logging in and immediately knowing where to go and what to do. That’s the kind of intuitive design we’re talking about. The dashboard is clean, with all the essential tools accessible from the main menu. No more digging through endless options to find what you need.
Setup and Onboarding:
Quick and painless. The app walks you through everything step-by-step, so you’re not left scratching your head.
When you first sign up, you’re greeted with a friendly onboarding wizard that helps you set up your account, connect your existing tools, and start creating right away. It’s like having a personal guide that ensures you hit the ground running.
Features Tailored for You:
Unlike ChatGPT, which can feel like a one-size-fits-all solution (without a ton of customization), the Marketing Magic App has features specifically designed for personal brands, digital product sellers, and course creators. It's like it can read our minds.
The app understands the nuances of different types of businesses and offers specialized tools for each.
Features Tailored for Personal Brands
For my personal brand builders out there, this app is a dream. It lets you easily customize (and align) your brand messaging. Need to whip up some personal bios for an upcoming speaking gig? The app’s got templates that make it a breeze.
And oh, did I mention? I recorded a demo video showing how I created copy and designed a sales page in just 30 minutes using the Marketing Magic App.
Plus, if you purchase the app through my affiliate link, you get access to a Thrivecart template I designed just for you. #Winning
The Marketing Magic App provides you with a suite of tools to make your brand shine online.
Benefits for Digital Product Sellers
Digital product sellers, this one's for you. The app's copy capabilities are top-notch.
The efficiency you’ll gain? Off the charts. Unlike ChatGPT, which might leave you piecing things together, the Marketing Magic App is like having your own personal marketing assistant or AI copywriter.
Creating a sales funnel can often feel like trying to navigate a maze. With the Marketing Magic App, you get pre-designed AI templates that make setting up your funnel a walk in the park. You can easily create sales page copy, email sequence copy, and promo posts in one place.
Cost and Value
Now, let’s talk dollars and sense. The Marketing Magic App offers various pricing plans that won’t break the bank. Given the range of features and ease of use, it’s a solid investment. The value it brings far surpasses the cost, especially when you consider the potential ROI.
For the price of a couple of fancy coffees a month, you get a powerful marketing tool that can significantly boost your productivity and profits. The app’s ROI is evident in the time saved and the increase in sales and engagement it brings. And remember, you get a Thrivecart template if you purchase through my affiliate link, adding even more value to your investment.
Free Resources and Goodies
Speaking of value, don’t miss out on my free Overused Words in AI Workbook. It's packed with tips to help you avoid those repetitive AI-generated phrases and keep your content fresh.
This workbook is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their content game. It provides actionable tips and strategies to ensure your writing stands out and remains engaging for your audience.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, the Marketing Magic App is hands-down the better choice for personal brands, digital product sellers, and course creators. Its user-friendly design, targeted features, and overall efficiency make it a standout in the crowded market of AI marketing tools.
Ready to make some magic? Try the Marketing Magic App today with a free trial and see the difference for yourself. Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow, create stunning content, or boost your sales, this app has got your back.
