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Brenda Grate's avatar

I’ve read quite a few of these stories, and I don’t mean to be a cynic, but almost all of the courses that have made people money are how to make money on … courses. Did you find success with other courses or IPs? I’ve been ghostwriting and freelancing for the last year and I’m looking to transition to my own content, which is actually going pretty well so far. Thanks, and congrats on your success 😊

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Claudia Faith's avatar

sure, thanks for the question :) the course is more about how to set up Substack, what's important like publication, section, tags etc, how to write (the essentials) and then also how to monetize it. but mainly how to get started with Substack.

Sounds great that it's going well for you - and how exciting that you're now making your own content 🤩

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Brenda Grate's avatar

Thanks Claudia. Actually, that sounds like a much-needed course. This platform is pretty large and there's a lot to learn.

Thanks! I'm super happy about seeing my words out there. I started out on Medium, but I didn't like the limitations, though I still really like the platform. For now I'm focusing here, but will probably continue there as well over time, like you suggest. I'm still pretty busy with clients, so my time is limited.

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Michelle J's avatar

My thought exactly. I see this across the board on every platform. Where are the ones who earn writing on an unrelated to making money on that platform topics? Are the rest of us doomed?

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Claudia Faith's avatar

they exist for sure - actually if you look at the top earning newsletters on here, non of them is about how to earn with writing :)

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Michelle J's avatar

I mean, good point but this is also me not looking and assuming of course. I've ran into too many other Substacks who say "I've banked on this platform. Buy my course to do the same" kinda stuff. It just seems to be the way to making money more quickly than if you write on some other topic. No digs because here I am checkin' it too

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Claudia Faith's avatar

makes sense to me! Substack is simply right now imo the best platform for writers looking to monetize it.. and that includes everyone writing about different things :)

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Rajni's avatar

I am a career coach and teach people data analytics skills on Instagram. I have an audience of 110k+ and a newsletter with 20k+ subs. So, yes it's possible to earn in other niches as well. But you have to strategic to see the demand.

I was in same boat as you a year ago, working my 9-5 at American Express. I was a data analyst, so i started with those skills and quit in July last year to go full time. Happy to help if you have any questions.

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Claudia Faith's avatar

very cool! thanks for sharing this!

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Elisabeth Worth's avatar

I started Substack as a personal outlet to write about calm and organic marketing—methods that helped me build two 7-figure businesses. For me, being on a platform just to learn how to "hack" it personally feels overwhelming. I believe the key to success is always your own content, especially if you’re playing the long and fulfilling game.

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Claudia Faith's avatar

totally agree! and the community you build

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Rajni's avatar

I am a career coach and teach people data analytics skills on Instagram. I have a newsletter as well with 20k+ subs. So, yes it's possible to earn in other niches as well. But you have to strategic to see the demand.

I was in same boat as you a year ago, working my 9-5 at American Express. I was a data analyst, so i started with those skills and quit in July last year to go full time. Happy to help if you have any questions.

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Oct 19
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Brenda Grate's avatar

I'm working on my own novels and non-fiction books on herbalism. I'm also an artist, so I'm developing my illustration skills so I can do my own books from cover to cover. I already design book covers for others. I want to eventually do courses in art and book design and formatting. The biggest issue is of course time since I am busy freelancing to make money. :)

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Oct 19
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Brenda Grate's avatar

Yes I have for sure. I have been teaching art for quite a few years and have taught courses in other subjects, so that comes easy to me. I've also done quite a bit of curriculum writing and tutorials. Once I have a chance to sit down and work at it, it just comes to me. I'm working on one about Scrivener, the writing program, which I've used for many years.

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Oct 19
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Brenda Grate's avatar

Yes, its a great program and many people who use it have no idea how powerful it is.

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Janet Ridsdale's avatar

Thanks Claudia :-)

You are so inspiring! This is where ai am now. My community is growing and I want to add value for them and monetize.

I am writing an EBook which is the Prequel to my Gratitude Challenge. Where I will show people how an Attitude of Gratitude can transform their lives.

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Claudia Faith's avatar

sounds absolutely lovely Janet 🧡

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Janet Ridsdale's avatar

Thanks Claudia 🧡

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Oct 19
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Janet Ridsdale's avatar

Thanks Robert

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Soothfy's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing your experience Claudia! Maybe one day I’ll be writing something similar for others 🫶🏽

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Claudia Faith's avatar

sounds great 🤩

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Wes Pearce's avatar

You’re an inspiration to many 👏🏼

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Claudia Faith's avatar

thank you so much, Wes 🤩

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Investing Lawyer's avatar

You’ve earned it.

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Claudia Faith's avatar

oh thank you!

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Faith Knecht's avatar

Thanks for the deep dive and inspiration!

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Claudia Faith's avatar

for sure!

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Newsletter Observer's avatar

ain't that the truth "passive income is anything but passive."

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Claudia Faith's avatar

totally!

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Nikola's avatar

Ok I need to save this one!

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Claudia Faith's avatar

🙌

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Investing Lawyer's avatar

Please tell us more! ❤️

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Claudia Faith's avatar

thanks for your interest! I write about it quite a bit :) but if there is anything you wanna know in particular, let me know!

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Cameron Rowe's avatar

As a newish writer on this platform - this thread has some great insights.thanks everyone.

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Claudia Faith's avatar

thanks for taking your time and writing this comment! :)

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boring business's avatar

congrat❤

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Claudia Faith's avatar

thank you!!

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Christiana Nikolopoulou's avatar

For anyone feeling stuck or unsure about starting, your journey is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t happen overnight. Small steps!

If someone just getting started, here’s a piece of advice I’ve learned along the way: Consistency beats perfection!!

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Claudia Faith's avatar

totally! small steps it is!

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Laszlo Csomor's avatar

Really appreciate the honesty in this post.

It's rare to see someone talk about both successes and setbacks, like that first digital product experience.

Your practical breakdown of income streams and realistic take on "passive" income is exactly what I needed to read.

Thanks for sharing your journey so transparently. 🙏

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Claudia Faith's avatar

very welcome! and thank you for taking time to write this feedback :)

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Michael M. Baker, PhD's avatar

Are you a paying member on Medium, or do you just post content there and use it to drive traffic to Substack, post affiliate links, and sell digital products?

My Substack articles have gotten more views in one month than my Medium articles have in nine months, so I was thinking about not renewing my Medium membership. I think I could still post there, if I want to, but not get paid for member reads.

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Claudia Faith's avatar

honestly, I think I will let Medium fade out.. at least for me it's not worth the effort anymore..

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Irem Yildirim's avatar

Hello Claudia, I write about self growth, reflections on life, relationships and psychology. Would love to connect!

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Alex's avatar

Awesome read

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Claudia Faith's avatar

thank you so much!

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Sejal J's avatar

I'm so glad things worked out beautifully for you! :)

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