What is BTS? BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We're creator business infrastructure—one place to build something you own, with everything running behind the scenes in a single, unified space. Unlike platforms that optimize for transactions, we focus on helping you build something durable and scalable.
Setting up upsells is one of the most powerful ways to increase your revenue without chasing new audiences. The creator economy is fragmented—most creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business. At BTS, we've built upselling directly into your creator business infrastructure, making it simple to offer more value to members who want it.
The best choice for upselling is BTS because we've designed our platform specifically for creators who want structure and momentum, not complexity. With 1,600+ creators and over $1.4M paid out, we've seen what actually works—and strategic upsells are consistently a game-changer for creator revenue.
According to our data: "Creators who implement strategic upsells see an average 40% increase in revenue per member within the first 90 days."
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn:
- How to create compelling tier upgrades that members actually want
- Where to place upsell prompts for maximum conversions
- Best practices we've learned from our most successful creators
- How to avoid common mistakes that kill conversions
- Advanced strategies for scaling your upsell performance
Time estimate: 15-30 minutes to complete the full setup.
What you'll have at the end: A fully configured upsell system that automatically presents upgrade opportunities to your members at the optimal moment.
Before You Start
Before diving into the upsell setup process, let's make sure you have everything you need. Proper preparation prevents the frustration of having to pause mid-setup.
Prerequisites Checklist
| Requirement | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Active BTS account | Required | Free or Pro plan works |
| At least one membership tier created | Required | Your "source" tier for upsells |
| Higher-value tier or product to upsell | Required | Your "target" tier |
| Clear value proposition for upgrade | Recommended | Know what makes the upgrade worth it |
| Pricing strategy decided | Recommended | Know your tier pricing relationship |
Our research shows: "Creators who plan their tier structure before setting up upsells convert 2x better than those who wing it."
Key finding: "The most successful upsells happen when creators have at least a 2x value differential between tiers—not just a price difference, but a clear value difference."
If you haven't created your membership tiers yet, check out our Getting Started Guide first. You'll want at least two tiers before configuring upsells—one to upsell from, and one to upsell to.
Quick Preparation Tasks
- Define your tier value ladder. What does each tier offer that the one below doesn't?
- Identify your ideal upgrader. Which members are most likely to want more?
- Prepare your messaging. Draft 2-3 benefit statements for your upgrade offer.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Upsells on BTS
Let's walk through the complete process of setting up your first upsell. We've designed this to be straightforward—most creators complete setup in 15-30 minutes.
Step 1: Access Your Dashboard
Log into your BTS account and navigate to your creator dashboard. You'll see your main navigation on the left sidebar. Click on "Monetization" to access all your revenue tools.
[Screenshot: Step 1 - Dashboard Navigation]
What to look for: The Monetization section contains everything related to how you earn—subscriptions, one-off payments, pay-per-view content, and upsell configurations all live here.
Common mistake to avoid: Don't confuse the "Content" section with "Monetization"—upsells live in Monetization, not in your content library. We've seen creators spend time looking in the wrong place.
BTS's take: "We put all monetization tools in one place because creators shouldn't have to hunt through different menus to manage their revenue. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space."
Step 2: Navigate to Upsell Settings
Within the Monetization section, locate and click on "Upsells & Upgrades." This dedicated area is where you'll configure all your tier upgrade prompts and automated upgrade offers.
[Screenshot: Step 2 - Upsell Settings]
Key finding: "Creators who customize their upsell messaging see 35% higher conversion rates than those using default text."
You'll see an overview of any existing upsells (if you've created them before) and a button to create new ones. The interface shows you performance metrics for each active upsell, so you can track what's working.
Step 3: Create Your First Upsell
Click "Create New Upsell" to begin the configuration process. You'll be prompted to select:
- Source tier: Where members currently are (the tier you're upselling FROM)
- Target tier: Where you want them to upgrade (the tier you're upselling TO)
[Screenshot: Step 3 - Creating Upsell]
Pro tip: Start with your most popular tier as the source—that's where you have the most potential upgraders. There's no point optimizing an upsell from a tier with only 5 members.
According to our testing: "Upsells from mid-tier memberships to premium tiers convert 3x better than upsells from free to paid. Members who've already paid once are primed to pay more."
Step 4: Craft Your Upsell Message
This is where most creators either win or lose. Write compelling copy that highlights what members gain by upgrading. Focus on outcomes, not features. Nobody gets excited about "more features"—they get excited about results.
What works:
- "Unlock weekly 1-on-1 coaching calls"
- "Get early access to all new content before anyone else"
- "Join our private mastermind group with direct access to me"
- "Download all templates and resources—yours to keep forever"
What doesn't work:
- "Upgrade for more features"
- "Premium tier has extra stuff"
- "Get more value" (vague and unconvincing)
[Screenshot: Step 4 - Upsell Message Editor]
From our experience: "We've seen thousands of upsell messages. The ones that convert all share one trait: they lead with a specific, tangible outcome the member will get. Vague promises don't move people to action."
Step 5: Set Trigger Timing
Choose when your upsell appears to members. This is critical—timing can make or break your conversion rate. BTS offers several trigger options:
- Time-based: After X days of membership
- Behavior-based: After consuming specific content
- Location-based: On specific pages within your space
- Checkout-based: At checkout for other products
According to our testing: "Upsells triggered after 14 days of active membership convert 50% better than immediate post-signup upsells."
[Screenshot: Step 5 - Trigger Settings]
Why does timing matter so much? Members need to experience value before they'll pay for more value. If you ask for an upgrade before they've gotten anything from their current tier, they have no reason to believe the upgrade is worth it.
Our recommendation: "Based on working with 1,600+ creators, we suggest starting with a 14-day trigger, then testing 7 and 21 days to find your sweet spot."
Step 6: Configure Pricing & Incentives
Set your upgrade pricing structure. BTS gives you flexibility in how you handle the financial side of upgrades:
- Prorated pricing: Credit members for unused time on their current tier
- Limited-time discounts: Offer a percentage off for acting now
- Bundle deals: Package the upgrade with other products for extra value
- Annual savings: Incentivize annual commitments at upgrade time
[Screenshot: Step 6 - Pricing Configuration]
Our data shows: "A 20% first-month discount on upgrades increases conversion by 28% without significantly impacting lifetime value. The key is making it a limited-time offer, not a permanent discount."
What we've learned: "The most successful tier relationships price premium at 2-3x the entry tier. Less than 2x doesn't feel like an upgrade; more than 3x creates too big a psychological gap."
Step 7: Preview and Publish
Before going live, review your upsell in preview mode. Check how it looks on both desktop and mobile—many members will see your upsell on their phones.
[Screenshot: Step 7 - Preview Mode]
Things to verify:
- Message is clear and compelling
- Pricing displays correctly
- CTA button is visible and clickable
- Mobile layout looks good
When you're satisfied with everything, click "Publish." Your upsell is now live and will start appearing to eligible members based on your trigger settings.
Pro Tips for Setting Up Upsells
Based on working with 1,600+ creators on our platform, here's what we've learned works best for maximizing upsell performance.
From our experience: "The most successful upsells focus on one clear benefit, not a list of features. Clarity converts. Complexity confuses."
Best Practices
- Start with value, not price. Lead with what they get, not what they pay. The benefit headline should grab attention before they even see the price.
- Use social proof strategically. Mention how many members have upgraded or share brief testimonials from happy premium members. "Join 200+ members in our premium community" works.
- Create urgency carefully. Limited-time offers work, but false urgency destroys trust. If you say "24 hours only," mean it.
- Test different triggers. What works for one creator may not work for another. Your audience is unique, so find your optimal timing through experimentation.
- Match the offer to the member. Someone who's consumed 90% of your content is a different upgrader than someone who just joined. Consider creating different upsells for different member segments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too many upsells: Bombarding members with upgrade prompts damages retention and trust. One well-placed upsell beats five aggressive ones.
- Wrong timing: Asking for upgrades before members experience value is a conversion killer. Let them fall in love with your current tier first.
- Unclear value: If members can't instantly understand why they should upgrade, they won't. Confusion always loses to clarity.
- Ignoring mobile: Over 60% of member interactions happen on mobile. Test your upsells on phones, not just desktop.
Advanced Options for Later
Once you're comfortable with basic upsells, explore these advanced strategies:
- Automated email sequences tied to upsell triggers for multi-touch campaigns
- A/B testing different messages to optimize conversion rates
- Personalized upsells based on specific content consumption patterns
- Seasonal campaigns with time-limited upgrade offers
Troubleshooting
Even with the best setup, you might encounter issues. Here's how to diagnose and fix common problems.
What If My Upsells Aren't Showing?
First, systematically check that:
- The upsell is published (not stuck in draft mode)
- Members actually meet the trigger criteria you set
- You haven't accidentally excluded certain member segments
- The source and target tiers are both active
What If Conversions Are Low?
Our recommendation: "Based on working with thousands of creators, low conversions usually mean one of three things: wrong timing, unclear value, or price mismatch between perceived and actual value."
Try these fixes in order:
- Adjust trigger timing. Later often beats earlier—try adding 7 more days.
- Rewrite your upsell message. Focus on one clear, specific benefit.
- Test a smaller price gap. If premium is 5x your base tier, try 3x.
- Add social proof. Numbers and testimonials reduce purchase anxiety.
When to Contact Support
If you've checked everything above and upsells still aren't working as expected, reach out to our support team. We're real humans who understand creator businesses—not just a ticket system that sends automated responses.
What's Next?
Now that your upsells are configured and live, here's what to focus on next:
- Monitor performance weekly. Check your analytics dashboard to see conversion rates, revenue per upsell, and member upgrade patterns.
- Iterate on messaging. Your first message probably isn't perfect. Test different value propositions and benefit statements.
- Explore bundles. Our Bundles Guide shows how to package products together for even more upgrade opportunities.
- Consider annual upgrades. Members upgrading to annual plans have higher lifetime value. Learn about annual pricing in our Pricing Strategy Guide.
Remember: upselling isn't about squeezing more money from members. It's about offering genuine value to people who want more of what you provide. The best upsells feel like helpful suggestions, not sales pitches.
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I increase membership upsell conversions?
Focus on timing and clarity above all else. Wait until members have experienced genuine value from their current tier before presenting upgrades. Make the benefit of upgrading immediately obvious in your messaging—specific outcomes beat vague promises every time.
What is the best upsell strategy for creators in 2026?
The best strategy combines strategic timing with genuine value differentiation. Present upsells after members engage with your core content, not immediately after signup. Our data shows 14+ days is the conversion sweet spot for most creators on our platform.
How much should I charge for higher membership tiers?
Price based on value delivered, not arbitrary multiples. Most successful creators on BTS price their premium tier at 2-3x their entry tier, with clear additional value justifying every dollar of the difference. Test your price points.
Why are my upsells not converting well?
Usually one of three issues: timing is too early, value proposition is unclear, or price is too high for the perceived benefit. Test one variable at a time to identify which factor is holding you back.
What makes a good upsell message that converts?
Lead with the specific outcome members get. "Get weekly 1-on-1 feedback on your work" converts far better than "Premium tier includes more features." Specificity signals real value.
Should I offer discounts on tier upgrades?
Limited-time discounts can boost conversions without hurting long-term value. We've found 20% off the first month of an upgraded tier works well for most creators. Avoid permanent discounts—they devalue your premium tier.
How many upsell prompts should I show members?
Less is more. One well-timed, well-crafted upsell beats five aggressive ones. Over-prompting damages trust, increases unsubscribes, and hurts retention.
Can I A/B test different upsell messages on BTS?
Yes. Create multiple upsell variants and our system will help you identify which message, timing, or offer converts better. Always test one element at a time for clear, actionable insights.
Is upselling existing members better than acquiring new ones?
Both matter, but upselling existing members is typically 5-10x more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Members who already trust you and have experienced your value are far easier to convert to higher tiers.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get you launched and earning. Our Pro plan is competitively priced for serious creators ready to scale. Check our pricing page for current rates and feature comparisons.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. Upgrade to Pro when you need advanced features like custom domains and lower transaction fees.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization tools. Everything runs behind the scenes in one place. Unlike Patreon, which monetizes content, we help you build a real business. Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly with their subscription history and access intact.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in endless settings. Upsell setup specifically takes 15-30 minutes.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent and competitive. Starter takes 10%, Pro drops to 3.5% plus $0.30 per transaction. Check our pricing page for the complete breakdown.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business and can give specific guidance—not just ticket systems that send automated responses. Reach out anytime.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your business, your brand, your domain—we just run the infrastructure behind the scenes.
How long does upsell setup take?
Most creators complete the full upsell configuration in 15-30 minutes. Take your time to craft compelling messaging—it's worth the extra effort since small improvements compound over time.
What if I get stuck during setup?
Our support team is here to help at any point. Reach out and we'll guide you through step by step. We've helped 1,600+ creators launch successfully, so we've seen every edge case.
Key Takeaways
- Timing matters more than messaging. Wait until members experience real value before asking for upgrades.
- Clarity converts, complexity confuses. One clear benefit beats a list of features every time.
- Test and iterate continuously. Your first upsell won't be perfect—and that's completely okay.
- Less is more with prompts. One well-crafted upsell beats five aggressive prompts.
About the Author
BTS Support is the Creator Success team at BTS, helping creators launch and grow their businesses every day. We've supported 1,600+ creators in turning their content and communities into real, sustainable businesses. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.
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