Updated June 2026
How to set up a subscription website
Short answer
To set up a subscription website in 2026, the fastest path is Squarespace Member Areas ($14/mo + 9% per subscriber), Memberstack with Webflow ($25/mo + 2% fees), or Stripe Billing on a custom site (2.9% + 30¢ per charge, no monthly fee). For content/community subscriptions, Substack and Patreon take 10% but require zero setup. Expect 10–25 hours to ship a paid wall, gated content, and a working cancel flow.
Key facts
- Squarespace Member Areas: built-in, easiest, takes ~9% per subscriber
- Memberstack: best for Webflow sites, ~2% fee + $25/mo
- Stripe Billing: cheapest at scale, requires a developer
- Substack/Patreon: zero setup, 10% fee, you don't own the customer
- Subscription churn is normal — expect 5–10%/month for consumer, 1–3% for B2B
Step-by-step
- 1
Decide what's gated
Content (articles, videos), software, community, or physical box. Each one needs different infrastructure.
- 2
Pick the platform
Squarespace Member Areas (fast), Memberstack + Webflow (flexible), or Stripe + custom (cheapest at scale).
- 3
Set tiers + pricing
Three tiers max. Monthly + annual (annual usually priced as 10 months for 12).
- 4
Build the paywall + member area
Block gated URLs, redirect to checkout, show 'logged-in' state in nav.
- 5
Build the cancel flow
Self-serve cancel is legally required (FTC click-to-cancel rule). Don't hide it.
- 6
Plan retention from day 1
Welcome email, day 7 check-in, day 25 'about to renew' note. Cuts churn by 30–50%.
Want a subscription site shipped in a week?
We build paywalled member sites on Squarespace, Webflow + Memberstack, or custom Stripe — flat fee, fully wired.
Get a free audit →Frequently asked
What's the cheapest way to add subscriptions?
Stripe Payment Links with recurring billing — zero setup, no monthly fee, just 2.9% + 30¢ per charge. No member area, but fine for digital downloads or a private newsletter.
Squarespace or Memberstack for subscriptions?
Squarespace Member Areas if you already use Squarespace. Memberstack if you're on Webflow and need design control. Both can ship in a weekend.
How much does a subscription website cost to run?
Software: $14–$50/month. Payment processing: 2.9–9% of revenue. Plan on 10–15% of subscription revenue going to platform + processing combined.
Is recurring billing legal everywhere?
Yes, but most regions require clear renewal disclosure, easy cancel, and pre-renewal email notices. The FTC click-to-cancel rule applies in the US.