How I Use Stripe to Accept Payments (No Website Needed!)

I recently had a client who wanted to set up a checkout link using Stripe. Here’s how I use it in my own business: In this example, I’m offering a website support membership. I recommend creating an offer that clearly lays out the scope of work and explains how customers can cancel—cover all your bases so there are no surprises. Don’t worry, though, creating your checkout link is the simplest part of the process! (By the way, Square offers a similar option—stay tuned for a future post on that.)

Do you currently use Stripe Checkout? Let me know in the comments below. Now, let’s dive in!

Why Payment Links?

• No Website Required: Share a link via email, text, or social media so customers can pay instantly.

• Flexible Billing: One-time charges, memberships, or even annual donations—Stripe lets you customize it all.

• Customer-Friendly: Add product images, descriptions, and custom fields to gather info (like a website URL if you’re offering site support).

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Open Your Stripe Dashboard

   • Log into Stripe and select Payment Links from the left-hand menu.

2. Create a New Product or Subscription

   • For a monthly Website Support plan at $99, click New (or pick an existing product), then enter the product name, price, and any relevant details.

3. Pick a Pricing Model

   • One-Time Payment: Great for single items like an eBook or a T-shirt.

   • Recurring Billing: Perfect for subscriptions, memberships, or ongoing service retainers.

4. Customize the Checkout

   • Add a short description and, if you like, an image.

   • Need extra details, like the customer’s website URL? Add a custom field—either optional or required.

5. Consider Additional Options

   • Collect Addresses or Phone Numbers: Toggle these on if you need them.

   • Trial Periods or Promo Codes: Offer a free week or a discount code.

   • Redirect After Payment: Send buyers to a thank-you page or an onboarding scheduler.

6. Generate & Share Your Link

   • Click Create Link, then copy and paste. You can email it, drop it in a group chat, or embed it on a simple webpage.

Here’s what your customers will see:

Real-World Examples

• Membership Dues: Charge recurring monthly fees for something like a local book club.

• Donations: Collect donations for a fundraiser without building a donation form from scratch.

• Single Product Sales: Let people buy that awesome T-shirt or digital guide with one click.

• Web Support Subscriptions: Like my example, offer monthly site maintenance or support at a flat fee.

Pro Tip: Redirect new subscribers to a scheduling tool (like Calendly) right after purchase so they can book an onboarding session—this levels up your customer experience!

That’s it! With Stripe Payment Links, you can handle almost any payment scenario in just a few clicks. Let me know in the comments how you’re using Stripe Checkout for your business!