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subscription business model

A new Subscription business model to make $80,000/m

Hey!

Do you like buffets?

I am talking about the food one but the service we will discuss today has nothing to do with foods.

But what If you can eat all graphics design like a buffet at a single price?

Yes, I am talking about the subscription business model.

That is what today’s story is all about. How did one man launch a Subscription business model for a complex service like graphics design?

We’re diving into the incredible story of DesignJoy, a company that did precisely that. By offering a unique “unlimited graphic design for a flat rate” model, they’ve disrupted the design industry and inspired countless others to rethink how services can be sold.

This story will blow your mind and might just give you the spark to start something similar in your own industry.

So, are you ready to explore how a simple idea turned into a $80,000 MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue) business? Let’s dive in.

The Crazy Idea That Started It All

A couple of years ago, one guy had a fantastic idea.

He didn’t know the idea was “amazing” though.

That came later. Like many great innovations, it started with a simple question. He thoughtwhat if, I build a website where people can order unlimited graphic design at one fixed cost?

Much like a buffet, where you pay a fixed amount and enjoy as much food as you want, the founder envisioned a service where clients could request unlimited designs for one set price.

Sounds weird, right?

Yes! you are right. It sounded crazy—but that’s where the magic often begins.

At first glance, the concept seems almost impossible. Graphic design is inherently complex, with each project varying in scope, style, and requirements. Traditionally, this complexity is reflected in the pricing structure, where agencies and freelancers quote prices based on the specific demands of each project. But this entrepreneur saw an opportunity to challenge that status quo.

So, how could this “buffet model” possibly work for something as complex as graphic design?

John took a gamble. He believed there was a way to make it work.

That’s how DesignJoy was born.

The Birth of a Subscription Business Model

 

DesignJoy

 

With DesignJoy, John offered unlimited graphic design services for a flat fee of $5,000 per month. And yes, clients could request as many designs as they wanted, one at a time.

The rules were simple:

  1. Pay the subscription fee.
  2. Submit your design requests.
  3. Get your designs—rinse and repeat.

At first glance, it seemed impossible. How could they keep up with so many requests? How would they ensure quality? Was this even sustainable?

Well, John had a few tricks up his sleeve that made this model work.

The Key to Making Unlimited Design Work: Facebook Groups

Once John had set up the website and pricing structure, he faced a new challenge: How do I sell this service?

Most entrepreneurs make a common mistake when trying to promote their services – they pitch to groups filled with other service providers. It’s like trying to sell sand in the Sahara.

Design Joy’s founder took a different approach. He turned to Facebook Groups—but not just any groups.

He found paid communities—groups where his potential clients were already hanging out. Think mastermind groups, exclusive access forums, and course groups where business owners were actively looking for solutions.

Here’s what John did:

  1. Identify the Right Groups: He looked for paid communities where his ideal clients (business owners, marketers, entrepreneurs) were active.
  2. Add Value Without Selling: Instead of directly pitching his service, John started by answering questions, offering Value, and establishing himself as a design expert. He never mentioned DesignJoy.
  3. Build Trust: Over time, people began to recognize him as a knowledgeable figure in the group. Eventually, they reached out to him for advice, and only then would he mention his service in a consultation call.

And guess what? It worked.

This strategy worked wonders not just on Facebook but also on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The key? Patience and genuine value-addition.

John used this strategy to scale DesignJoy from a small operation to a business generating $80,000 in monthly recurring revenue (MRR).

The Power of “Jabs” Before the “Right Hook”

Gary Vaynerchuk’s marketing philosophy of “jabs” and “right hooks” perfectly illustrates this strategy. In his book Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, Vaynerchuk explains that before asking for a sale (the right hook), you must first build trust by offering Value (the jabs). That’s precisely what DesignJoy did—they jabbed by providing Value in Facebook Groups and delivered the right hook only when it was the right time to sell.

This approach isn’t limited to Facebook either. The same formula has proven successful on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, where organic engagement often leads to meaningful business relationships. The lesson here is simple: people don’t want to be sold to; they want to be helped.

The Subscription Model: Rise of All-In-One Pricing

 

benefits of subscription model

 

Design Joy’s success didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, other companies like Design Pickle, Kimp, and Graphically jumped on the bandwagon, offering similar unlimited design services.

But the revolution didn’t stop at design. The “all-you-can-eat” model spread to other industries:

  • Content writing
  • Website development
  • Web design
  • Consultancy services

The common thread? One fixed payment for unlimited access to a specific service.

Other businesses quickly caught on, and today, the same model is being used across various industries.

Design Pickle

Design Pickle offers unlimited graphic design services for a monthly subscription. Their simple, scalable model allows businesses to request as many designs as they need, one at a time, without worrying about hourly rates or custom quotes.

Kimp

Kimp is another player in the unlimited graphic design space. They offer flat-rate graphic design services tailored to businesses of all sizes. By simplifying the design process, Kimp has attracted a loyal following of entrepreneurs and marketing agencies.

Graphically

Graphically provides the same “unlimited” model but focuses on custom illustrations and design projects. Their model offers flexibility and scalability for businesses that require high-quality visuals without the traditional pricing headaches.

Unlimited Web Design Services

Companies like Webflow Experts and Figma Agencies have jumped on the bandwagon, offering unlimited web design and development for flat rates.

This trend continues to gain traction, and it’s not hard to see why: businesses prefer predictable, all-in-one pricing over the uncertainty of custom quotes.

Now, you might be wondering, “How can these companies afford to offer unlimited services?” The answer lies in a delicate balance of cost and benefit.

The Secret Sauce: Cost-Benefit Equation

For the model to work, companies need to complete projects at a lower cost than what they charge clients. This is where countries like Bangladesh come into play, offering a pool of skilled, cost-effective talent.

According to a report by Oxford Business Group, Bangladesh’s IT services export earnings grew by 44.99% year-on-year in the 2020-21 fiscal year, reaching $1.06 billion. This growth underscores the country’s potential as a hub for outsourcing creative and technical work.

Lessons from DesignJoy’s Success: The Power of Positioning

What can we learn from John’s success with DesignJoy?

Position Your Product Where Your Clients Hang Out

Rather than competing in oversaturated spaces like freelancing platforms, John went where his potential clients were already gathering—in paid communities, masterminds, and groups where business owners were looking for solutions.

By positioning yourself as an expert in these niche environments, you gain the trust of people who are willing to pay for premium services.

Add Value First—Sell Later

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is pitching their product too soon. John’s strategy was different: he didn’t pitch his service in the first interaction. Instead, he built relationships and trust before ever mentioning DesignJoy.

By focusing on adding Value first, he was able to cultivate a loyal audience who naturally gravitated toward his service.

Be the Buffet in a World of A la Carte Options

Most design agencies offer their services on a project-by-project basis, making clients think twice before committing. DesignJoy flipped this model by offering unlimited access for a flat fee. It’s the same psychology behind buffet dining—people love the idea of “unlimited” and the perceived Value it brings.

How You Can Build Your Own Subscription-Based Business Model

 

innovate & build your own subscription business

If you’re inspired by DesignJoy’s story, the good news is that this model can be replicated in various industries. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Unlimited Social Media Management: Offer businesses unlimited social media content creation, scheduling, and posting for a flat fee.
  • Unlimited Copywriting Services: Provide unlimited blog posts, newsletters, or product descriptions for a fixed monthly rate.
  • Unlimited Content Creation: Help businesses by offering all-in-one content creation packages that include video editing, blog writing, and social media posts.

Ask Yourself:

  • Is there a service that’s typically billed on a per-project basis in your industry?
  • Could you offer an “unlimited” version of this service for a flat fee?
  • How can you ensure that your costs are lower than the price you charge?

If you can answer these questions, you’ve got the foundation for your own subscription-based business model.

Unlocking Opportunities: Your Turn to Innovate

So, what does this mean for aspiring entrepreneurs? It’s time to think outside the box!

Ask yourself:

  1. Is there a service in your industry currently offered on a per-project basis that could be transformed into an all-in-one pricing model?
  2. Can you leverage global talent to create a cost-effective, high-quality service?
  3. How can you build a community and provide Value before selling your service?

Remember, innovation often comes from reimagining existing models. As Steve Jobs once said, “Creativity is just connecting things.”

The Future of Unlimited Services

As we look to the future, the unlimited service model shows no signs of slowing down. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global business process outsourcing market size was valued at USD 232.32 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2021 to 2028.

This growth suggests a continuing trend towards streamlined, cost-effective service models – exactly what unlimited service packages offer.

Your Roadmap to Unlimited Success

Ready to dive into the world of unlimited services? Here’s a roadmap to get you started:

  1. Identify Your Niche: What service can you offer on an unlimited basis?
  2. Research Your Market: Where do your potential clients hang out online?
  3. Build Your Team: Look for skilled, cost-effective talent to support your operations.
  4. Develop Your Systems: Create efficient processes to handle a high volume of work.
  5. Start Small: Begin with a pilot program to test and refine your model.
  6. Provide Value First: Engage with your target community without selling.
  7. Launch and Iterate: Start your service and continuously improve based on feedback.

Conclusion: The Buffet is Open

It’s Time to Take Action

The success of DesignJoy and other companies like it proves one thing. Unlimited, subscription-based models are here to stay. Whether you’re in design, content creation, web development, or any other service industry, there’s an opportunity to disrupt the market with a unique pricing model.

The rise of unlimited design services is more than just a trend – it’s a paradigm shift in how we think about service offerings. It challenges the traditional project-based model and opens up new possibilities for both service providers and clients.

So, what’s stopping you from creating your own “buffet” service? Take a page out of DesignJoy’s book, find a niche, offer an irresistible value proposition, and start turning your idea into a scalable business.

Start today. The world is waiting for your all-in-one, unlimited service offering.

Want to learn more about innovative business models and entrepreneurial success stories? Check out our other articles on marketing strategies, business growth, and startup insights. Your next big idea could be just a click away!

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