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While I share money-making strategies, nothing is "typical", and outcomes are based on each individual. There are no guarantees.
You’ve got stories to tell. Ideas that won’t leave you alone. But the thought of setting up a website, an email list, and payment options feels like too much.
What if you could skip all of that?
What if there was one platform that gave you everything—a publication, an inbox connection, and a way to earn from your writing—all in one place?
That’s Substack.
It’s built for writers who want simplicity without losing control.
Why Substack Exists
Substack removes the technical wall that stops most creators from ever starting.
No plugins. No design stress. No marketing funnels.
You write.
It delivers.
It’s three tools in one:
Newsletter – Each post goes straight to your subscribers’ inboxes. No algorithms. Just attention that’s earned, not fought for.
Publication – Every post lives on a clean website automatically. You don’t touch code. You focus on the words.
Discovery – Through Notes and Recommendations, readers find you through other writers they already trust.
It’s not just publishing. It’s connection.
And here’s the biggest difference—ownership.
You own your list, your content, and your income. If you leave, you take it all with you. No middleman. No gatekeeper.
How to Start in 30 Minutes
Step 1: Create your publication
Go to Substack and click “Start Writing.”
Sign up with your email. Add your photo. Write a short bio that tells people exactly what they’ll get from you.
Then name your publication. Simple beats clever. “The Weekly Loaf” works. “Jane’s Thoughts” doesn’t.
Add a one-line promise—what readers can expect when they subscribe.
That’s it. You’ve created your home base online.
Step 2: Learn your dashboard
It’s simple on purpose.
Home gives you stats and insights.
Posts shows your drafts and published work.
Subscribers lists every reader—free and paid.
Stats shows what’s performing.
Settings lets you customize everything.
Every part of the system is designed to make writing the focus, not the tech.
Step 3: Customize the essentials
Start with your About page. Tell people who you are, what you write about, and what they’ll get.
Pick your colors and fonts. Keep it clean.
Then craft your Welcome Email. Thank new subscribers. Tell them what to expect. Link your best work.
Done.
Writing Your First Post
Click “New Post.”
You’ll see a blank editor that looks familiar—because it’s meant to.
Write your headline. Then your story. Keep your paragraphs short.
Add structure with headers and blockquotes.
Want to include images or videos? Paste the link. Substack handles it.
Add a “Subscribe” button in the post. It boosts conversions.
If you have paid subscriptions, add a paywall break to separate free and premium content.
Click “Continue.” Choose your audience. Publish now or schedule it.
You’re live.
Your words are in inboxes and online instantly.
How to Monetize
Substack includes payments. You connect a Stripe account and choose your price.
But timing matters.
Start free. Build trust. Earn loyalty. Then turn on paid subscriptions.
When readers know your voice and value, they’ll pay to support it.
Here’s what you can offer:
Monthly – Your baseline tier.
Annual – Discounted for loyal readers.
Founding Member – A higher tier for superfans.
Most writers charge between $5 and $20 a month.
Substack takes 10 percent. Stripe takes about 3 percent. You keep roughly 90 percent.
You earn directly from your audience.
Proven Monetization Models
Hybrid Model – Free posts attract, paid posts convert.
Paid-Only Model – Everything behind the paywall. Works if your content is niche or advanced.
Support Model – All free, readers can pay voluntarily to support you.
Choose one. Grow into it. Adjust as you go.
Growth Without Algorithms
Substack helps you grow from the inside out.
Notes – The built-in social feed where you share short posts and get discovered.
Recommendations – Partner with other writers to exchange audiences.
Live Video – Host events, Q&As, or workshops. Every subscriber gets a notification.
And beyond the platform, use social media as a funnel. Post short insights on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram that lead back to your Substack.
Define your niche clearly so the right people find you.
Growth is about rhythm. One great post a week and a few Notes a day build lasting momentum.
Advanced Features
Podcast and Video – Record, upload, and publish directly. Substack distributes to major platforms automatically.
Chat – Create private discussions with your subscribers inside the app.
Analytics – Track opens, clicks, and growth sources. Double down on what works.
Diversify – Use your Substack to sell digital products, coaching, or courses. The newsletter becomes your trust engine.
And remember, you can export everything anytime. Your list, your posts, your business—all yours.
The Takeaway
Substack removes the noise so you can focus on the work.
No setup stress. No middlemen. No barriers.
You write.
Readers subscribe.
Money flows directly to you.
You don’t need a website.
You don’t need a team.
You don’t need permission.
You just need to start.
Open Substack. Create your publication. Write your first post.
Your voice is ready.
Your readers are waiting.
