One Smart Idea to Make Your Paid Offer Way More Exciting

Yesterday, I posted a note that shocked a lot of people.

These numbers how rapidly Substack is growing and evolving.

But with more writers joining every day, standing out is getting harder.

That’s why now is the time to get creative.

Luckily, I’ve got some ideas for you.

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Wanting to grow on Substack or earn from your writing?

You don’t need to guess. For $8/month (annually), get direct support from me and join a community of writers who are growing and earning every week. ⬇️

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How to Stand Out With Creative Offers

Before you get fancy, you’ve got to nail the basics.

• Sell the dream, not the product. Focus on the transformation your reader gets when they subscribe.

• Make your offer crystal clear. Confusion kills conversions.

• Know exactly who you’re talking to. Speak directly to them, not everyone.

Once you’ve got these locked in, it’s time to get creative.

And there are countless ways to do that.

But today, I want to share just one idea that can take your offer from a 10 to a 100.

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A Creative Way to Shine as a Creator

It all comes down to knowing your audience deeply and creating something tailored just for them.

For example, if your audience is full of writers who dream of publishing a book, why not create a curated list of:

• Small and mid-sized publishers active on Substack

• Contact info and submission guidelines

• Bonus: a short guide on how to pitch them successfully

This kind of curated asset positions you as a connector, and your subscribers will love you for it.

Here are more ways to apply this strategy:

• Audience: Aspiring Copywriters
  Create: A list of businesses and creators actively looking for copywriting help, plus a file of winning cold emails.

• Audience: Health-focused readers
  Create: A curated library of nutrition newsletters, broken down by topic (gut health, hormones, autoimmune, plant-based) with expert recommendations.

• Audience: Freelancers or Coaches
  Create: A tracker of free directories, job boards, and marketplaces to help them find clients, gigs, and speaking opportunities.

• Audience: People with a story to tell
  Create: A list of memoir-friendly publications or contests, plus a few prompts to help them get started writing their story.

I promise you, your audience will love these.

Wondering what is mine? Check this out.

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The Product & Service Shelf for My Paid Subscribers

Your work deserves to be seen.

I created a shared space to showcase the digital products, offers, and creations from my paid members of my community. It's here to help us support one another and maybe even spark some fresh ideas for what you might create next.

What you can add:

• Digital products (eBooks, guides, templates)

• Coaching or consulting offers

• Workshops, courses, or cohorts

• Substack-specific tools or bonuses

• Anything you’ve created to help others and earn with your words

What you’ll find:

• A categorized, living directory organized by:

  • Topic (e.g. Writing, Mindset, Audience Growth, Business)

  • Format (Course, Coaching, PDF, Tool)

  • Price

  • Link to Offer

  • Made by (with link to their Substack)

Whether you’re looking for support, inspiration, or ways to cross-promote, this is your go-to library.

Plus, there’s a second shelf—for services people are actively looking for.

I already know paid members who are ready to hire for things like:

• Content creation on Substack

• Instagram carousel design

If you offer something like this, you can add it to the shelf and get promoted and discovered by others in the community.

Not a paid subscriber yet? Now’s the time to join and get listed.