The Straightforward (But Profitable) Way I Make Money On Substack

And how to avoid the most common mistakes I see writers make

Let’s not kid ourselves.

Most of us are on Substack not just because we love writing and connecting with surprisingly kind people in this little corner of the internet.

That’s a big part of it, for sure. But just as important is the desire to earn money and get something back for all the time, energy, and resources you pour into your Substack.

While many people struggle to make money online, quite a few of my Substack writing students manage to hit $1,000/month within six months.

There are a few key things you can adjust to make that happen.

Here’s how I earn on Substack, structure my offers, and avoid the common mistakes that waste time and stop writers from getting paid.

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Here’s what most writers on Substack get wrong

I see it all the time. People show up, they write, and even if they’re consistent and try to connect with others, they still struggle to make real money from it.

It usually comes down to the same three mistakes:

1. They launch their paid offer so quietly that no one even notices.

2. They create digital products no one’s actually asking for.

3. They don’t put thought into how their offers are structured.

If you focus on these things, you'll start to see the money come in.

It takes work, time, and attention, but once it's done right, it’s more than worth it.

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How To Make Sure You’ll Be Paid on Substack

Here is how I structure and think about my paid offer and how you can learn to set-up yours as well.

1. Build a Paid Offer That Feels Like a No-Brainer
Don’t stop at “one paid post per week.” That might not be enough to get someone to pull out their wallet, especially early on.

Instead, think about what would genuinely feel valuable to your readers.

• Can you include a digital product that solves a specific problem?

• Can you offer access to a private community, behind-the-scenes content, voice notes, or live calls?

• Maybe even 1:1 access via chat or email?

Think in terms of bundles. What extras could you layer in to make your offer feel too good to pass up?

And when you launch it, make it a moment. Announce it clearly. Create excitement. Offer a bonus or a limited-time discount for early supporters. Make them feel special, because they are. These are the people who believe in you first and they deserve to be treated like VIPs.

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2. Create Products People Actually Want
So many writers spend time creating things that no one ends up buying. Not because the product is bad, but because there was no demand for it to begin with. Don’t make that mistake.

Instead, validate first. Look at what’s already working.

• Your highest-performing posts,

• the topics people engage with,

• the DMs you get,

• the questions you hear again and again.

These are signals. Use them.

You can also just ask. A quick poll in your chat or Notes thread, a short Google Form, or even a simple “reply to this email” can help you figure out what people actually want from you.
And once you know that, your job is to create the thing and promote it. Launching well matters just as much as making something great.

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3. Structure Your Offers Around What They Value Most
Not all readers are looking for the same thing. Some want quick wins and ready-to-use templates. Others want deeper learning through courses or calls. Some are here for connection and community.

The solution: Tier your offers.

• 1) Core subscription: Weekly paid content, community access, or behind-the-scenes insights.

• 2) Digital products: Guides, toolkits, templates, mini-courses, things they can buy once and use forever.

• 3) Services or coaching: Live group calls, AMAs, 1:1 support, or done-with-you sessions.

Give people different ways to go deeper with you, at different levels of price and access.

When you structure your offers intentionally, you make it easier for the right people to say yes to the value you bring.

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Summing It Up

Most writers on Substack struggle to make money, not because they’re not showing up, but because their offer isn’t clear, compelling, or aligned with what their audience wants.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Build a no-brainer paid offer: Go beyond one paid post. Add real value with extras like digital products, community access, or live calls and launch it like it matters.

2. Create what people actually want: Don’t guess. Use your best posts, DMs, and direct questions to find demand before you build.

3. Structure your offers smartly: Use tiers, paid subs, digital products, coaching, to meet different needs and budgets.

Want help?

If you want help with your Substack, you know where to find me.

I’m just one message away 🧡

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