Why This Might Be Your Secret Substack Growth Hack

There’s a hot debate around LIVEs on Substack.

Some people hate them. Others love them.

But one thing is clear: Substack is pushing hard for more video content.

• LIVEs for everyone since early this year

• The introduction of REELS

• Their TikTok-style promotion when TikTok was shut down for 24 hours in the U.S.

Even if you’re not a fan, it’s hard to ignore: Substack loves video.

And they’re going to keep pushing content that integrates it.

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‼️ Want to be more seen on Substack? You can place your newsletter or products in front of 7,000+ writers and entrepreneurs: Reach out to me here.

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The Surprising Fact of LIVES for me

As an introvert, I’m not into being on big stages or giving talks.

Even going LIVE is something I need to push myself doing. I like doing them, but it’s more often than not still something where I need to step outside my comfort zone.

Having said that, what I absolutely find incredible is the amount of energy it actually gives me. People are SO supportive and kind. I would have never thought that this is what I would get out of doing LIVEs.

And here is the thing: other than being proud of myself of doing LIVEs, going out there and showing myself to the world, I recently looked at the data of what LIVES can do for me.

Check this out:

Can you see the trend?

My LIVE sessions on Substack consistently bring in a mix of both free and paid subscribers. Almost a 50/50 split.

That’s very different from my text-only newsletters, which tend to attract mostly free readers.

These LIVE sessions, though, have a strong track record of converting viewers into paying subscribers.

• I believe it's because going live builds trust.

• People hear my voice, get to know me, and feel more connected, which makes them more willing to sign up.

If you are the stage of your Substack journey, where you want to focus on increasing your conversion rate from free to paid subscribers, I would recommend you to go LIVE.

If it’s not your thing, no worries - you will be fine without it as well.

But in my case it really helps.

Let me share some tips on going LIVE below.

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🎉 April is my final month before completing one full year on Substack.

If you’ve followed my journey, you know I started from zero: no social media following, no email list, no other platform to post on.

I literally sat down, started writing on Substack every single day, and see where it took me:

• After 3 months, I had my first two paid subscribers (both triggered by one single Note).

• After 6 months, I started making a decent income.

• After 11 months, I had the highest-earning month of my entire life.

I think it’s fair to say: Substack has changed my life. As a writer. As a creator. As a solopreneur.

I made my dream come true: Switching from a traditional entrepreneur, dictated by investor calls and outside opinions, to a solopreneur working on my terms.

I reinvented myself in under a year, and I’m here to help you do the same.

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How To Prepare For Your First LIVE✨

#1 Use a phone stand.
LIVEs on Substack can only be done through your phone, so make sure you’re not holding it the whole time. A shaky video is distracting, and walking around makes it harder for people to focus. Keep it steady and clear.

#2 Keep it fun.
This isn’t a classroom lecture. Make it light, engaging, and enjoyable. Your energy sets the tone!

#3 Talk with your listeners.
Ask them questions. Check the chat. Let it be a two-way conversation not just a monologue. Interaction builds connection.

You can host a LIVE alone or with someone else. I actually enjoy both. When you're with someone, it feels more like an interview or a conversation. When you're solo, it naturally leads to more interaction with your audience, which can be super powerful.

💥 Special offer:
If you’re planning your very first LIVE session, I’ve got you. For my paid subscribers, I’m offering to co-host your first LIVE with you. Just subscribe, send me a DM, and we’ll make it happen.

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Ways to Work With Me 🧡

I would be so excited to help you grow on Substack.

I know that it takes to start from 0 and being paid for your words with your newsletter.

Here is how I can help:

• Subscribe to my publication for community and direct support

• Check out my 2 Substack courses (for beginners and to grow)

• Want to work 1:1 with me? Place an ad in this newsletter? Want to work with growth tech tools to make your life easier? Check it here.

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If this post was helpful, feel free to comment, like, restack. It really helps. 🧡

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