I started Substack because I didn’t want to pay for my previous Newsletter services.
When I moved, I was able to import the number of subscribers I have grown through the years. In a way, I didn’t start from zero.
But what if you’re just starting on Substack from scratch? How do you begin growing the number of your subscribers on this platform?
As someone who started also with no followers from my previous Newsletter, I would like to recommend the following:
1. Create at least 10 posts for your readers
Aside from your latest post, the first thing that your new readers will see is your homepage. It’s so important to make a good impression by presenting your best articles there!
Remember that these posts will be a preview of the article they will be receiving in the future if they ever decide to subscribe. Entice them with the very best you’ve got. Don’t be content on creating just one post and say that you will be writing more.
2. Optimize your posts to rank well on search engines
Based on experience, I was able to get some subscribers from search engines like Google. So the more articles that you have that have high-ranking keywords, the more chances for you to increase the number of your subscribers.
3. Give a free e-book
Aside from reading your future posts, give your subscribers a free item like an e-book to encourage them to subscribe to you.
This need not be long. But this should be in alignment with your niche and should show your readers how they can benefit from their Newsletter subscription.
4. Collaborate with other Substack writers
You can make a guest post on other Substack Newsletters to gain a wider audience for your posts. You can also recommend chosen publications that can recommend you back in return.
Use Substack features when it comes to recommending other Substack Newsletters. I have gained many subscribers through the recommendation of other publications on this platform.
5. Promote your Substack on your social media accounts
While you may be starting on Substack at zero, you may have some followers on other platforms. Promote your Newsletter on your Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest account. If you have a YouTube channel, you can also recommend it there.
6. Make an appealing “About page”
This page is like an introduction of your Newsletter to your readers. Make it as appealing as possible by describing your niche, and your purpose for your publication.
You can also include a brief profile so that people can get to know you more.
Don’t forget to include a subscription button so that people can easily subscribe to you after knowing what your Substack is all about.
7. Promote your Substack on other writing platforms
If you have an account on Medium, you can mention your Newsletter there so that they can also subscribe to you on Substack. If you have other blogs, you can invite your readers also to your new account.
8. Follow people and subscribe to other Substack accounts
There are two ways to connect to other people on Substack. The easiest one is to follow other people. By following them, you will see their posts on your feeds page.
On the other hand, if you subscribe to other accounts, you will receive corresponding emails from their Newsletters.
9. Use Substack Notes
Use the power of Substack notes! Aside from writing articles for your Newsletter, you can post notes to increase your visibility on the platform.
Final thoughts
You need not be disheartened even if you’re starting at zero on Substack. The truth is that you’re never starting from scratch.
You may have more connections than you think you do. You just have to revive these connections and promote your work on your new platform.
Further, there are many tools and features that you can use to help you grow the number of your subscribers.
Make the most of what you have, devise a good plan and do what you can each day. The most important thing is that you start today!
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This was an encouraging read! Thank you for shining some hope for those of us just starting out.
Thank you for this super helpful post, Jocelyn! Love & Blessings to you 💖