How to Get Paid Writing on Substack (Three Strategies and What Works Best for Me)
Here are three ways to make money on Substack
3 Ways To Make Money on Substack
#1 Fully Focusing on Paid Subscriptions
Focusing only on paid subscriptions is getting harder as people grow tired of subscription models.
That said, it still works well on Substack and may even give you an edge. There’s a rumor (not confirmed) that Substack’s algorithm favors writers with many paid subscribers, as that’s how the platform makes money.
As Substack grows, they’ll likely continue to prioritize paid content. For writers, this means focusing on paid subscribers could boost your reach and visibility.
It’s a strategy that takes consistent, high-quality content but helps build a professional presence and a loyal, paying audience.
#2 Only Getting Free Subscribers and Upselling Digital Products and Consulting
This approach can work well, especially if you’re not a fan of relying on subscriptions.
It’s best suited for those who already have an audience on other platforms and can use that to grow quickly. The idea is to build up a big free subscriber base and then sell digital products or consulting services to them.
It does take a lot of effort: you’ll need to create valuable offers, market them effectively, and keep putting out free, engaging content to keep people interested.
If you enjoy selling and have other skills or products to offer, this could be a great fit.
#3 A Mix of Both
Combining paid subscriptions with free content and selling digital products is a popular choice for many writers.
It’s a great way to boost your income, but it can be tricky. You’ll need to juggle different offers without overwhelming or annoying your audience.
When done right, this approach helps you keep a large free subscriber base while building a loyal group of paying readers.
Plus, if you reach 100 paid subscribers, Substack gives you a “bestseller” checkmark. It’s a little badge that shows you’re trusted and valued by your audience. It’s a great way to boost your credibility and take your writing seriously.
My Personal Way
I think a mix is the best way to go, especially if you’re focusing heavily on Substack.
There are two reasons for this:
a) I believe Substack will continue to prioritize and encourage paid subscriptions as the platform evolves, and
b) it allows you to focus on different value offers, which can make the process more enjoyable and creative.
By combining paid subscriptions with creating and offering new products, you can add value to your audience while keeping things fresh and exciting for yourself. For me, this approach makes it all feel more fun.
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