10 Lessons I Learned About Growing Substack Subscribers as a Newbie"

From Zero to Substack Hero

Growing your subscriber base on Substack as a newbie requires strategy, consistency, and a focus on delivering value. Here’s a roadmap to help you get started……

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

1. Find Your Niche and Define Your Value

Why should people subscribe?

Focus on a niche you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in. The narrower your niche, the easier it is to attract a loyal audience. For example:

• Instead of "travel writing," focus on "solo budget travel for women."

• Instead of "tech trends," dive into "AI tools for small business owners."

2. Create Stellar Content

Consistency is key. Publish regularly and make each post engaging, informative, or entertaining. For example:

• Offer unique insights, actionable advice, or compelling storytelling.

• Keep posts concise and visually appealing (use subheadings, images, or charts).

• Tease upcoming posts to build anticipation.

3. Leverage Your Existing Network

Start with the people who already know you.

• Share your Substack link on personal social media profiles and platforms like LinkedIn.

• Ask friends and family to share your newsletter if they find it valuable.

• Include the link in your email signature and any other platforms you frequent.

4. Use Social Media to Attract Readers

Tailor your outreach to the platform:

• Twitter/X: Share sharp insights, excerpts, or key takeaways from your posts. Join relevant conversations or trending topics.

• Instagram: Create graphics or share personal stories related to your newsletter.

• TikTok: If your niche is visual or storytelling-heavy, use short videos to highlight your expertise.

5. Offer Free Value Before Monetizing

Start with free content to build trust. You can eventually create premium content for paying subscribers but focus on delivering value upfront to hook your audience. Consider offering:

• A free downloadable resource (e.g., a guide, checklist, or mini eBook).

• A special series of posts or insights only for early subscribers.

6. Engage With Your Audience

Be responsive and build relationships:

• Reply to comments and emails from subscribers.

• Mention readers who’ve engaged with you in posts (with permission).

• Invite feedback or topic suggestions to create a two-way conversation.

7. Collaborate and Cross-Promote

Tap into established audiences:

• Partner with creators in complementary niches. Write guest posts or feature each other’s work.

• Cross-promote newsletters with other Substack writers through shoutouts or bundles.

8. Optimize for Growth

• Include a clear call to action in every post: “Enjoyed this? Subscribe for more!”

• Make it easy to share. Add a “forward this email” or “share on social media” button.

• Monitor analytics to see what content resonates most. Double down on what works.

9. Experiment With Growth Hacks

• Write about trending topics or current events in your niche.

• Run giveaways or exclusive events for new subscribers.

• Offer incentives, like a bonus post, for readers who refer friends.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Building an audience takes time, especially when starting from scratch. Stay consistent, learn from feedback, and refine your approach as you go.

Would you like to explore any of these strategies in more detail or brainstorm ideas for your specific niche?