365 Lessons We Learned in Our First Year on Substack
Actionable insights, hard-earned lessons, and growth strategies for writers building a business on Substack.
🎉 Celebrating 1 Year of Write • Build • Scale on Substack
We’re running our biggest promo ever on the paid tier—up to 99% off for fast action takers.
👉 Grab your discount before the best tier sells out
A year ago, we launched the Write • Build • Scale publication on Substack with a simple goal: to help writers grow their audience and turn their knowledge, expertise, and insights into a business.
Ever since, Substack has become a significant part of our own business.
We connected with incredible people.
We leveraged opportunities we never expected.
And we grew faster than we imagined:
To celebrate one year of lessons, wins, and missteps, we want to give back to the community that made it all possible.
So here they are:
365 lessons we’ve learned over 365 days on Substack.
We hope they help you grow just as much as they’ve helped us.
🧠 Substack Mindset
We are starting with the section on mindset because every successful Substack journey starts in the mind. It's the foundation for consistent publishing, long-term thinking, and resilience which are all much needed in order to grow your audience and income on the platform.
Collaboration > competition. Support others and you’ll grow faster together.
Substack isn’t just a writing platform. It’s a publishing, audience-building, and business-growth tool in one.
You only start from zero once. Every post, comment, and connection builds momentum from that point forward.
Show up even when no one’s watching. Momentum builds in silence, and only consistency will get you noticed.
Detach from the numbers. Focus on publishing quality work and be patient for the metrics to catch up later.
It’s not about going viral. It’s about going deep with the right readers.
Repetition builds recognition. Don’t fear repeating yourself. Your audience needs to hear the same message more than once. Think of your favorite singers: You want them to play your favorite songs when you’re at a concert, right?
You grow by publishing, not by planning. Clarity comes through action.
Treat your Substack like a long-term relationship. Nurture relationships with your readers instead of ghosting them when growth slows.
You don’t need permission to be a writer. You just need to write and hit publish.
Rejections are redirections. When people unsubscribe or don’t engage, they make space for your real readers.
Believe in your value before others do. If you wait for validation, you’ll wait forever. Lead with conviction.
Done is better than perfect. No one can engage with what you don’t publish.
Build trust before you pitch. People subscribe to people they believe in.
Start small, think long-term. A loyal 10 can become a thriving 1,000.
Your experience is your unfair advantage. The stories, skills, and struggles you've lived through are what make your writing valuable and unique.
Not everything will land, and that’s okay. Your best work often follows a few misses.
Substack rewards generosity. Give more than you expect to get and growth will follow.
Don’t compare your beginning to someone’s year three. Their numbers came with time, and yours will too.
Every reader matters. Treat 10 subscribers like 10,000 and watch what happens.
💬 Substack Notes
Notes are the simplest, lowest-barrier way to start showing up on Substack. They help you build consistency, visibility, and connection.
When we joined Substack a year ago, Notes were the first thing we focused on because we knew they had the biggest potential to reach new readers fast.
Publish at least one Note every single day. Visibility comes from showing up consistently.
Follow the 10-5-1 Rule for Substack. It’s a simple habit that turns every post into a chance to grow your network and visibility.
Write Notes that sound like you. People follow people, not brands.
Start with a hook in the first line. The opening sentence decides whether someone stops scrolling.
Notes are micro-content. Each Note should stand alone with a clear takeaway or feeling.
Mix personal stories with useful takeaways. It creates both connection and value.
Use Notes to test your ideas. Turn the ones that resonate into full-length articles.
Tag other creators when relevant. It boosts reach and builds relationships.
Turn post comments into new Notes. Your readers are already telling you what to write next.
Use Notes to share behind-the-scenes moments. People love the human side of your business.
Keep each Note focused on one idea. Clarity makes it easier to read, respond to, and share.
Republish your most successful Notes. Most people missed them the first time.
Restack your most successful Notes. It’s an easy way to resurface great content and reach new readers.
Create more of what’s working. Double down on the Notes that get replies, restacks, or subscribers.
Share unfinished thoughts. Raw ideas often spark better discussions than polished ones.
Don’t stress about perfection. The best Notes often come from low-pressure moments.
Follow people who write Notes you enjoy. Your feed shapes your inspiration and ideas.
Write short, punchy sentences. People scroll fast—make it easy to keep up.
Cut the fluff. Remove anything that doesn’t add meaning or feeling.
Avoid walls of text. White space is your friend.
Read it out loud before posting. If it feels clunky, it probably is.
Create your Notes in batches. It saves time and keeps you consistent, even on busy days.
Review your Notes weekly. Spot patterns in your well-performing Notes so you can repeat them.
Keep a running list of Note ideas. Good ideas disappear fast—capture them as they come. Our students inside Substack System use a Notion-based Operating System to document ideas and track their results.
Use Notes to stay top of mind. Consistent visibility builds trust—both with current subscribers and new readers.
Dive deeper into Substack Notes with these resources:
📝 Substack Posts
Once you’ve built visibility with Notes, longer-form posts are the next step.
They help you turn attention into trust through deeper, more valuable content.
At Write • Build • Scale, we publish two posts per week:
one free for all subscribers, and one exclusive for our paid members.
Publish at least one post per week. Consistency builds trust and momentum.
Write like you’re talking to one person. Connection drives engagement.
Follow a fixed publishing schedule. It conditions your readers to expect and anticipate your next post.
Start with a strong hook. The first few lines of your post determine whether someone keeps reading.
Focus most of your posts on one clear takeaway. Specific beats broad most of the time.
Use internal links across your posts. Keep readers on your publication longer.
Break up long blocks of text. Short paragraphs keep people scrolling.
Use subheadings to guide the reader. Structure turns skimming into reading.
Use personal stories to make lessons stick. People remember feelings, not facts.
Edit for clarity, not perfection. A clear message beats a perfect sentence.
Write when you’re inspired—edit when you’re not. Keep your creative and critical mind in separate lanes.
Turn popular Notes into full posts. If a short idea resonated with your audience, you can expand on it through a longer post.
Ask for replies or comments. Feedback fuels better content.
End with a question to invite your audience to share their thoughts or own experiences. This sparks responses and builds connection.
📓 Substack Publication
Your publication is more than just a collection of posts—it’s the home your readers return to.
A well-structured, easy-to-navigate Substack builds trust, boosts retention, and makes it easier for readers to explore your world and stick around longer.
Make your publication instantly clear. If a stranger can’t tell what it’s about in five seconds, revise it.
Create a “Start Here” section. It helps new readers find your best content fast.
Feature your most popular posts. Highlight the content your audience already loves.
At Write • Build • Scale, for instance, our most popular posts are featured prominently on our main page:
Use a consistent visual style. Cohesive colors, fonts, and formatting make your publication feel more professional.
At Write • Build • Scale, all our title images are following the same style:
Organize your posts into sections or categories. A clear structure helps new readers find what they’re looking for.
Use posts to seed product ideas. Your readers will tell you what they want more of.
Track what content performs best. Let data guide your decisions.
Feature reader comments in posts. It signals that you’re listening—and encourages more engagement.
Use a content calendar. Planning makes publishing smoother.
Create a dedicated page for your paid offer. Explain the value clearly and make upgrading easy.
Use consistent naming for your post series. Recurring formats train readers to return.
Add navigation links in your publication header. Guide readers to key areas like “Start Here” or “Resources.”
Create learning tracks for key topics. Bundle related posts to help readers go deep.
Create a dedicated section for live streams or videos. It helps readers discover and binge your visual content with ease.
Improve your publication with these resources:
7 Lessons To Grow Your Substack Publication [Ft. David McIlroy]
13 Quick Tips To Improve Your Substack Publication in Less Than 15 Minutes
The Ultimate Guide To Setting Your Substack Publication Up For Success
How To Design Your Publication For Increased Subscriber Growth
👤 Substack Profile
Your profile is often the first thing people see—and one of the easiest things to optimize for trust, connection, and growth.
A clear, warm, and strategic profile can turn casual browsers into loyal readers.
Use a friendly, recognizable headshot. Readers connect faster when they can put a face to your name.
Use the same photo across platforms. Consistency builds recognition and trust wherever your audience finds you.
Make your bio benefit-driven. Tell readers what they’ll get by following your work.
Keep it short and specific. One or two sharp lines beat a vague paragraph.
Use keywords your ideal reader would search for. Clarity helps the right people find and follow you.
Include one personal detail to spark connection. A touch of humanity builds trust fast.
Avoid buzzwords. Speak like a real person.
Link your socials and website in your profile. Make it effortless for readers to explore more of your world.
Control which of your subscriptions appear on your profile. Only show the ones that align with your brand.
Decide what activity appears on your profile. You can hide your likes—or highlight your Bestseller badge.
📄 About Page
Your About Page is one of the most visited parts of your publication—especially by new readers deciding whether to subscribe or stick around.
It’s not just a bio; it’s your pitch, your introduction, and your foundation of trust all rolled into one.
Once your content is flowing, take the time to make this page intentional and inviting.
Match the tone of your writing. Your About Page should feel like a seamless extension of your voice.
Start with a clear sentence about what your publication offers. Don’t make people scroll to figure it out.
Explain who your writing is for. The more specific, the more powerful.
Share your 'why' in one or two lines. People connect with purpose more than credentials.
Link to your best posts. Let new readers dive into your strongest work right away.
Mention your publishing schedule. Set expectations upfront for how often readers will hear from you.
Include a short personal bio. Let people connect with the person behind the words.
Add a personal photo. People connect faster when they can see who's behind the screen.
Show the value of going paid. Tell readers exactly what they’ll unlock when they upgrade.
End with a clear call-to-action. Guide readers toward subscribing, upgrading, or exploring your work further.
Highlight any media features, awards, or milestones. Credibility helps new readers trust and follow you faster.
Keep your About page updated. It’s your most-visited page—and one of the most overlooked.
📹 Substack Livestreaming
Livestreaming is one of the fastest ways to build trust, deepen engagement, and connect with your audience in real time.
It doesn’t need to be fancy—but it does need to feel intentional.
These tips will help you host high-quality streams that grow your audience and strengthen your brand:
Pick a focused topic before going live. Clarity upfront keeps viewers engaged.
Create a simple outline. It helps you stay on track without sounding scripted.
Use a good mic or headphones. Clear audio matters more than video quality.
Position your camera at eye level. It creates a natural and engaging perspective.
Light your space well. Natural light or a ring light makes a big difference.
Minimize distractions. Mute notifications and let others know you’re live.
Start your stream on time. Respect your audience’s attention.
Test your setup in Substack’s preview room. Check audio and video before going live.
Reintroduce your topic every few minutes. New viewers join at different times.
Repeat each question out loud. Chat won’t show on replay, but your answers will.
Ask your audience questions during the stream. Interactive sessions hold attention longer.
Ask viewers to leave a comment. More comments = better retention.
Bring on co-hosts from your niche. Collaboration builds reach and trust.
Hype your guests before the stream. It builds excitement and encourages them to share it.
Cross-promote with your guests. Double the promotion, double the reach.
Use Notes to announce your stream in advance. Build anticipation early.
Post the replay to your publication. Let readers catch up on their own time.
Repurpose stream highlights as Notes or teasers.
Send thank-you messages to engaged viewers. Turn viewers into loyal fans.
Stream regularly. Consistency builds momentum and habit.
Create a livestream calendar. Sharing dates in advance helps more people show up live.
🎉 Celebrating 1 Year of Write • Build • Scale on Substack
We’re running our biggest promo ever on the paid tier—up to 99% off for fast action takers.
👉 Grab your discount before your tier sells out
💰 Substack Monetization
Making money on Substack doesn’t require a massive audience, but it requires clarity, value, and intentional strategy.
When you know exactly who your paid offer is for, and what transformation it delivers, monetization becomes a natural extension of your writing—not a hard sell.
Be specific about who your paid tier is for. If it feels generic, people won’t upgrade.
Offer a clear transformation. Sell outcomes, not access or features.
Keep your paid tier simple. Complexity creates hesitation.
Anchor your price with a bold comparison. “1 coffee a month for weekly strategies.”
Mention your paid tier often. If you don’t talk about it, people won’t know it’s there.
Include your paid tier in your welcome email. Set the tone from day one.
Use the free + paywall strategy. Give away the “what” and charge for the “how.”
Build a premium content library. People love exclusive, evergreen access.
Repurpose your best content into paid-only PDFs. Bonus formats increase perceived value.
Offer a “Become a Member” page. It’s your 24/7 premium subscription sales page.
Show testimonials from paid subscribers. Social proof drives conversions.
Host a paid-only live event. Experiences create urgency and belonging.
Send a VIP invite to your top 10 fans. A direct message often outperforms a CTA.
Plan a launch week with time-limited bonuses. Urgency boosts conversions.
Send reminders before bonuses end. Most conversions happen last-minute.
Tease your paid content in Notes. Create curiosity, not pressure.
DM your most engaged readers. A direct message feels like an invitation—not a pitch.
Add a PS about your paid tier to every email. Repetition works—especially when it’s subtle.
Encourage yearly plans. They reduce churn and boost lifetime value.
Welcome new paid subscribers personally. It deepens connection and reduces churn.
Create a “Start Here” guide for paid subs. Onboarding well reduces churn and increases satisfaction.
Check in with paid subs every 60 days. Ongoing care leads to long-term retention.
Keep improving your offer. The best retention strategy is to stay useful.
Offer a premium tier for superfans. A few high-ticket buyers can out-earn dozens of low-ticket ones.
Dive deeper into Monetization with these resources:
🔓 Substack Subscription Tiers
On Substack, subscription tiers aren’t just about pricing, they’re about perceived value.
When each tier feels intentional and distinct, subscribers are more likely to upgrade and stick around.
Clearly define the value of each tier. Every level should have a distinct benefit that justifies the upgrade.
Offer a clear progression from free to paid. Make upgrades easy by adding more value at each tier.
Keep your paid tiers simple. Too many options create confusion—make each tier easy to understand.
Include exclusive content in higher tiers. Premium content makes the top tier feel truly worth it.
Use pricing psychology to make your top tier irresistible. Anchor it with strong benefits and limited-time bonuses to create urgency.
Make the yearly plan a no-brainer. Offer a compelling discount to encourage long-term commitment.
Offer a trial period for paid tiers. Let people try before they buy—value sells itself.
Review and refine your tiers regularly. Use feedback and data to stay aligned with what your audience values.
Make your founding member tier irresistible to superfans. Offer perks, behind-the-scenes access, and VIP treatment that rewards their loyalty.
♻️ Paid Subscriber Retention
Keeping a subscriber is easier (and smarter) than constantly chasing new ones.
Retention isn’t about tricks. It’s about delivering consistent value and deepening the connection over time.
It's easier to keep a customer than to find a new one. Focusing on retaining your current paid subscribers through value and engagement is more cost-effective and sustainable than constantly seeking new ones.
Show appreciation often. Even a quick thank-you message goes a long way.
Offer exclusive content that delivers on promises. Paid content should be exclusive, useful, and worth every cent.
Share what’s coming next. A simple roadmap builds anticipation and trust.
Foster connection between paid subscribers. A members-only space or group chat builds loyalty faster than content alone.
Reward your most loyal subscribers. Surprise them with early access, bonuses, or behind-the-scenes content.
Check in personally. A quick message shows you care and opens the door to feedback.
Share subscriber success stories. Case studies and testimonials build trust and create FOMO.
Gamify the experience. Milestones, challenges, or rewards are great ways to boost engagement.
Keep things fresh. New formats or surprise content keep people excited to stay.
🌀 Subscriber Psychology
Subscribers don’t just buy information. They buy emotion, clarity, and connection.
Understanding what motivates them helps you create content that converts without feeling salesy.
Subscribers buy when they feel understood. When you speak directly to their pain points and desires, they begin to trust you as a solution.
Free subscribers upgrade when they see the transformation. The more you showcase your paid content’s transformation, the more likely they'll invest in it.
Use urgency and scarcity sparingly. Only add time pressure when there’s a real reason behind it.
People buy when they feel included, not pressured. Create a sense of belonging by building community around your paid offers, making people feel part of something special.
Engaged free subscribers are your warmest leads. If they’re already replying or sharing, they’re close to buying.
Use open loops to spark curiosity. Tease what’s coming next to keep readers engaged.
Reassurance reduces hesitation. Many subscribers worry about missing out or getting burned—offer them a safety net with clear guarantees and easy returns.
Personal stories build loyalty. When you share your personal experiences or insights, your subscribers feel like they’re connecting with a real person, not just a brand.
People subscribe to solve problems, not just consume content. Focus on providing solutions in your content, showing how it directly addresses their needs and goals.
Subscribers are motivated by community-driven content. When your audience feels their input shapes your content, they’re more likely to stay engaged and recommend your publication.
People need clear outcomes to justify spending. When they see the transformation, upgrading becomes easier.
Make paid subscribers feel like insiders. Early access and exclusives make them feel special.
Inject personality into your writing. Relatable creators convert better than polished brands.
The "pain-pleasure" principle drives decisions. Frame your offerings as solutions to your audience's pain points and a way to enhance their pleasure or satisfaction.
Be transparent about wins and failures. Honesty builds loyalty and trust.
Use social proof to back up your value. Testimonials and stories reduce doubt.
Subscribers need clear next steps to take action. Always provide a simple, clear call-to-action so they know exactly what to do next.
FOMO works when it’s real. Use limited-time offers or exclusive content to make people feel they need to act now, but always tie it to real value.
🤝 Substack Collaboration
If done correctly, collaborations can be the fastest way to grow on Substack. They've been a major driver behind the success of the Write • Build • Scale publication.
Our core mantra for collaborations is that 1+1=3.
In a powerful collaboration, everyone including your audience wins.
Grow faster by growing together. Collaboration puts you in front of new, aligned readers.
Give before you pitch. Public support earns trust before you ever ask for a favor.
Start with newsletter recommendations. It’s the lowest-barrier way to collaborate. (We're always open to exchanging recommendations with publications that are a fit for our audience. So feel free to reach out to us if this is the case with your publication. )
Use interviews to feature others. It builds trust with both your guest and your readers.
Offer a win-win guest post swap. Double your reach with half the effort.
Build a simple collaboration tracking system. Know who you’ve pitched, followed up with, and published.
Keep a list of dream collaborators. Don’t wait until you're “ready” to reach out.
Follow up after every collaboration. Relationships grow in the follow-up.
Include past collabs in your media kit. Social proof builds trust for future partnerships.
Mention your collaborators by name in your post. It makes them more likely to share.
Bundle your product with another creator’s. Give readers more value without more work.
Don’t overcomplicate. Most collaborations begin with one simple idea.
Make your first ask easy to say yes to. Aim for low-effort, high-alignment.
Take initiative. Creators love working with someone who brings the plan.
Recommend other newsletters in your PS. It’s subtle, helpful, and feels like a friendly tip—not a pitch.
Write a “What I’m Reading” section regularly. People love curated links and creators love being included.
👥 Substack Creators
Since collaborations have been a major driver behind our growth at Write • Build • Scale, we want to highlight some of the writers who are doing a fantastic job on and off Substack. These are some lessons we learned from them:
from How to Write for a Living
Write when you’re emotional and edit when you’re not. Raw first drafts connect. Clean edits keep them coming back.
Keep showing up even if it feels slow. Growth compounds when you publish consistently over time.
Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Momentum builds when you embed positive emotion into the process.
Share Notes about your hobbies. Personal interests create connection points that help readers relate to you beyond your writing.
Run challenges to captivate your audience. They spark engagement, build momentum, and turn passive readers into active participants.
![Substack Growth Challenges [Ft. David McIlroy]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!s2_n!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa2cfe7f7-48bc-468f-ac3a-f1136cc015de_1456x1048.png)
![Free to Paid Subscribers [Ft. Claudia Faith & David McIlroy]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BvX2!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F034f8833-53a3-4a20-bdd2-ab19ee900291_1456x1048.png)
![7 Lessons To Grow Your Substack Publication [Ft. David McIlroy]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Lzug!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-video.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fvideo_upload%2Fpost%2F163212912%2F2f63c864-4176-4095-9a05-24fcc9ff97ef%2Ftranscoded-1746866283.png)
from The Author Stack
Outsource what drains you. Free up your energy to focus on creating, connecting, and growing your publication.
Offer a "pay what you can" option. It makes your work accessible while inviting generosity from loyal readers.
Spend time thinking about how to scale personal access to you. Create systems like group calls, premium tiers, or AI chatbots that offer connection without burning you out.
Break your year into quarters and test one thing per quarter. This gives you focus, clarity, and enough time to see what actually works.
A sustainable writing career means making peace with commerce. If you want your Substack to be more than a hobby, you have to be willing to do uncomfortable things to make money.
![How to Build a World Class Substack [Ft. Russell Nohelty]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!eV-_!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe81a5994-edbc-4a42-bb23-2b6e47f343c3_1456x1048.png)
We recently had the pleasure of meeting Russell in person in Vienna, and the final lesson we learned from him is that having multiple desserts a day is perfectly fine - don’t let anyone judge you! 🍦
from Landon’s Letters
You don’t need a paid tier to monetize your Substack. You can also build a business by serving premium customers through coaching, consulting, or digital products.
One Note can change everything. Keep publishing—you never know which idea will take off.
The anti-hustle angle outperformed traditional growth advice by 7x. Sometimes slowing down, being honest, and sharing your struggles is what actually makes people pay attention.
Monetizing doesn’t require funnels or guesswork. Pay attention to what your readers ask, solve one clear problem, and make the offer. Content → Signal → Offer.
Don’t spread yourself thin across empty platforms. If you don’t have an audience elsewhere, focus your energy where people are already paying attention.
from Monetize Your Mind
Upgrade your inputs to improve your outputs. Read timeless books, study long-form content, write for real offers, and start your day with outreach—not posting.
High-quality clients aren’t where everyone’s looking. They’re in premium spaces, quietly observing—not spam commenting on your posts.
The opposite of success is mediocrity. Failure means you tried but inaction is what haunts you.
See problems as interesting challenges. Each failure removes what's not working and brings you closer to what will.
People don’t just buy information. They buy permission to act on what they already know.
from Unplugged by Yana G.Y.
Focus on building a world-class onboarding series. A strong welcome sequence can turn curious readers into loyal paid subscribers.
Give a strong name to your programs. Clear, memorable names build credibility and make your offers easier to share.
Leverage the power of training your own custom GPT. A personalized AI can save time, boost creativity, and help you scale your writing business.
Run public experiments and share your numbers. Transparency builds trust—and turns your journey into valuable content.
Create a daily newsletter with bite-sized insights. Short, consistent posts keep you top of mind and build trust over time.
![Scale Your Income With (Mini) Courses [Ft. Yana G.Y.]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!wUdf!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6b8682b9-4f73-49bb-855f-9b41f8cee7e9_1456x1048.png)
![From Competition to Collaboration [Ft. Yana G.Y.]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mE5m!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6b64d7fb-f4af-47f9-8d27-168ed3598050_1456x1048.png)
Yana is also one of the amazing people we got to meet in person, which always leads to thought-provoking conversations and amazing time:
from The Lemon Tree Mindset
Translate your Substack content into a second language. It’s a simple way to unlock a whole new audience.
Share photos from every public event you attend. It builds trust, shows momentum, and signals that you're active in your niche.
Humans procrastinate by nature. But taking action is always a choice.
Community isn’t about size—it’s about depth. Step back from the spotlight and focus on lifting others up.
People crave connection more than information. Build the community first, and the business will follow.
![How To Unlock the Value of High-Ticket and Earn More as a Creator [Ft. Veronica Llorca-Smith]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!P7fF!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-video.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fvideo_upload%2Fpost%2F161862720%2F1dd00071-9d71-446a-9361-896ad472a48e%2Ftranscoded-1745413078.png)
![Personal Branding Tips For Writers & Creators [Ft. Veronica Llorca-Smith]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!iM-B!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F87b5d63c-2372-4252-b880-b1cccfe40217_1456x1048.png)
from How We Grow
Figure out what works and repeat it. Consistency with proven actions beats chasing shiny tactics.
You’re not too late. You’re just too quiet.
Substack growth isn’t about going viral. It’s about going deep with your audience.
Don’t dream of hustle. Dream of deep work, slow days, and a business that gives you your life back.
You don’t need a big win every day. Repeat what works, celebrate the small, and let momentum build.
![Growth & Retention [Ft. Ana Calin]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0-9M!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0d9bde3-d39f-4e0c-8d6a-33b65c77546a_1456x1048.png)
![Substack Growth [Ft. Ana Calin]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2Eeb!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb7a7748c-2c63-4591-b23f-c7108c552c9c_1456x1048.png)
![Questions & Answers [Ft. Ana Calin & David McIlroy]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aNe4!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbbe00167-80fa-4255-8b24-a52e2db195f2_1456x1048.png)
![How To Grow Your Substack [Ft. Ana Calin]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!dzsl!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4f8c0bb3-d59d-4578-b556-ef7741320931_1456x1048.png)
from Solopreneur Launch
Talk about your “durian” often. That one weird thing makes you memorable—and draws in your kind of people.
Target a niche that can afford your premium services. You can’t build a thriving business selling to people who can’t pay.
Use a Notion offer doc for your premium services. It’s clean, flexible, and easy to update as your offer evolves.
In the online world, brand, network, and distribution are your only true assets. Everything else can be copied, but no one can replicate your presence and relationships.
Treat your mornings like prime real estate. Use your best hours for focused, high-impact work.
![Scaling Solopreneurship with Writing [Ft. Michael Lim]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!b5h4!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfffb300-b770-40bd-8700-3a10a3759ac4_1456x1048.png)
from PubStack Success
Don’t just talk about trends—test them. Run your own experiment and share what actually works.
Separate your Substacks by purpose. Use one to grow your main business and another to attract coaching clients.
Stay focused on your reader. Successful creators prioritize their readers’ needs, focusing each newsletter on delivering value their audience truly wants.
Build trust by removing hidden agendas. No ads, no promos means readers know your content is for them and not your sponsors.
Paid conversions require ongoing iteration. After your biggest fans subscribe, growth stalls unless you evolve. Test new formats, benefits, and CTAs to appeal to a wider range of readers.
from The Irresistible Writer
One tweak can change everything. Writers don’t always need more advice. Instead, they need the right fix at the right time.
Great writing doesn’t try to sound smart. It aims to sound human.
Most people publish and wonder why no one buys. The top 1% solve real problems and earn trust with every post.
Theory is everywhere and easy to ignore. Real stories stick because they show, not tell.
Sometimes the fastest way to build trust is by saying no. Short-term honesty often leads to long-term loyalty.
![Building A $60k Online Writing Business [Ft. Derek Hughes]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!S-mq!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3c0387c-9126-46b7-9ed0-77f235269315_1456x1048.png)
![Building & Selling Digital Products [Ft. Derek Hughes]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UIEj!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbe410169-80c7-4a9f-a5dc-f79a2d4a95ca_1456x1048.png)
from Blockbuster Blueprint
Speak openly about your ideas with others. Clarity and momentum often come through conversation, not isolation.
If you're planning to use AI often, invest time to master it.
The better you understand it, the more leverage you unlock.Most people stop at prompt engineering, but that’s only the first stage. The real leverage comes when you learn to manage and lead multiple thinking AIs like a team.
Use AI to find kindred spirits, not just content ideas. Connection is a growth strategy too. Let tech help you meet the people you’re meant to build with.
Too many AI answers can make you dull. Use AI to challenge your thinking, not just speed up your work.
Interview your way to the top. Sharing the spotlight with respected guests boosts your credibility and expands your reach.
Feature insights from multiple experts in one post. It builds credibility fast and taps into multiple audiences at once.
Use a standardized format for your newsletter. Familiarity builds trust.
Create a report-style growth tool. Make it so valuable your audience wants to share it.
Add a bright background to your profile picture to instantly stand out. Visibility matters when people scroll fast.
![How to Keep Your Paid Members [Ft. Ciler Demiralp]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KrKZ!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7b8d996e-c9ba-4ef4-bf7e-d150f65d7910_1456x1048.png)
![From Zero to 100 Paid Subscribers In 2 Months [Ft. Ciler Demiralp]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!m_gv!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e2ab4f5-9c6c-4664-a704-0fd55a91072a_1456x1048.png)
🤝 Community Building
Substack isn’t just a publishing platform. It’s a people platform.
What makes it special is the sense of connection between writers and readers. The real growth happens when you stop chasing followers and start building community.
That’s when people go from passive subscribers to loyal advocates.
Substack is all about community building, not just getting followers. It’s about creating meaningful connections with your audience and fostering a space where they feel valued and heard, rather than simply chasing numbers.
Define your community’s purpose. A clear purpose helps attract the right members and guides your content direction.
Tell people exactly why your community is worth joining. Communicate the unique benefits your community offers to solve your members' needs.
Invite your email list and social followers to join. Use your current networks, like social media and email lists, to promote your community and build initial momentum.
Show up consistently with useful content. Regularly sharing valuable resources and content keeps your community engaged and excited.
Encourage member interaction. Initiate discussions and encourage members to share their experiences to foster a sense of belonging.
Collaborate with influencers and experts. Partnering with influencers and experts adds credibility and attracts new members to your community.
Offer incentives for active participation. Reward members for their engagement with perks like badges or exclusive access to keep them motivated.
Create a welcoming onboarding process. Make new members feel included with a clear and friendly onboarding experience.
Host regular community events. Organize live events to allow direct interaction and create a personal connection with your audience.
Gamify community engagement. Introduce challenges or rewards to make participation fun and incentivize ongoing involvement.
Reward most active members. Recognize and reward your most engaged members with exclusive perks or public shoutouts to encourage ongoing participation.
Use personalized communication. Send personalized messages to recognize and appreciate members’ engagement.
Encourage feedback and iteration. Regularly ask for feedback and act on it to show members that their input matters.
Share your journey and vulnerability. Be open about your challenges to help members connect with you on a personal level.
Establish a strong visual identity. Create a consistent visual style, including colors, logos, and fonts, to make your community instantly recognizable.
Develop a unique voice and tone. Define a distinct voice for your community that reflects its personality and resonates with your target audience.
Align your messaging with values. Communicate your community’s core values consistently across all platforms to build trust and attract like-minded members.
Give a name to your community members. Create a unique and memorable name for your community members, like “Swifties” or “Marketeers,” to foster a sense of belonging and identity.
Create a community manifesto. Draft a clear, inspiring manifesto that outlines your community’s core beliefs and purpose, setting the tone for new and existing members to rally around.
Host "member-led" events. Encourage members to host their own events, discussions, or workshops, which empowers them and strengthens the sense of ownership within the community.
Build a community ritual. Establish a unique ritual or tradition, like a weekly check-in or an annual event, that fosters connection and becomes a defining part of your community's culture.
Establish a mentorship or “big brother” program. Pair experienced members with newcomers to provide guidance, support, and foster stronger relationships within the community.
Use reverse mentorship. Allow newer or less experienced members to mentor or collaborate with veterans, offering a fresh perspective and encouraging inclusive leadership dynamics.
Create a community currency. Introduce a point system or virtual currency that members can earn and exchange for rewards, creating fun, interactive engagement.
Host failure celebrations. Instead of focusing solely on wins, celebrate members’ failures or challenges as learning moments, fostering a culture of growth and resilience.
🛠️ Substack Tools
The right tools make consistency easier and creativity smoother.
We’ve tested dozens of apps and resources while growing our publication. These are the tools that actually made a difference—by saving time, organizing our ideas, and helping us collaborate with other creators.
Use Wispr Flow to write with your voice. Dictate your ideas and turn them into Substack-ready drafts.
Use WriteStack to study what works. Analyze top-performing Substack posts and headlines to sharpen your strategy.
Use Substack Globe to find creators from your country. Local connections make collaboration and cross-promotion easier to start.
Use SideStack to find collaboration partners. It’s a growing directory of Substack writers open to cross-promotion and guest posts.
Use Raindrop to save great Substack posts. Organize inspiring content and ideas in one place for easy reference later.
Use Notion to manage your Substack content. Plan posts, track ideas, and organize your entire publishing workflow in one place.
⚙ Substack Systems
Successful creators don’t rely on motivation—they rely on systems.
Substack success becomes sustainable when you implement repeatable workflows that reduce decision fatigue, support consistency, and help you scale.
Implement a system that gives you structure and support. Substack System does exactly that, so you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Use a content calendar. Planning reduces stress and boosts consistency.
Use a repeatable Notes system. Daily engagement leads to visibility, replies, and restacks.
Track your growth weekly. What gets measured gets improved.
Use a guest post outreach system. A proven pitch makes getting featured easier.
Create a Notion dashboard to manage ideas. Capture sparks before they fade.
Build a simple content funnel. Lead readers from free to paid content naturally.
Store headline ideas in one place. Great titles often come before great drafts.
Set up keyboard shortcuts for common links. Save time and promote more often.
Use Canva for branded visuals. Visuals make your work look more professional.
Keep a folder of favorite CTAs. Use proven ones to improve conversion.
Build a premium offer with a clear promise. People pay for transformation, not access.
Use DMs for thoughtful follow-ups. Personal invites often outperform sales pages.
Use a publishing checklist. Consistency reduces stress and prevents mistakes.
👩💻 Substack Productivity
Productivity on Substack isn’t just about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, more efficiently. The most consistent and successful writers build smart systems, batch their work, and eliminate decision fatigue.
Create a backlog of drafts and ideas. It keeps you ready—even when you’re short on time or inspiration.
Use time blocks for writing. Focused sessions reduce distractions and boost consistency.
Use a content calendar to plan ahead. It keeps you organized and aligned with your publishing schedule.
Create posts and Notes in batches. Set aside dedicated time to write multiple pieces of content in one sitting, making the process more efficient and less stressful.
Focus on high-value content. Identify what resonates most with your audience and prioritize creating that type of content to maximize your impact and productivity.
Keep content drafts short and to the point. Instead of overthinking, write concise drafts quickly and refine them later, preventing perfectionism from slowing down your workflow.
Repurpose existing content. Transform your most popular posts into other formats like videos, newsletters, or social media posts to save time and increase reach.
Set realistic weekly writing goals. Create achievable writing targets to stay motivated and productive without overwhelming yourself, ensuring consistent progress.
Use templates to streamline your workflow and keep your content consistent. Create templates for different types of posts or notes to streamline your writing process and maintain consistency across your Substack.
Take breaks between writing sessions. Schedule short breaks during writing sessions to refresh your mind, maintain focus, and keep your productivity levels high.
Keep a running list of content ideas. Capture inspiration so you’re never stuck when it’s time to write.
Write one piece at a time. Multitasking kills quality and slows you down.
Use Substack’s analytics to prioritize. Let your analytics guide your content strategy by identifying which topics or formats yield the best results, helping you focus on what works.
Use Substack's scheduling features. Schedule your posts in advance to ensure your content goes live without needing constant oversight.
Batch your promotional tasks. Schedule and plan your content promotion ahead of time, batching tasks like social media posts, emails, and outreach for maximum efficiency.
✍️ Online Writing Advice
Online writing isn’t just about putting words on a screen, it’s about crafting ideas that connect and editing them until they stick.
The most successful writers know the difference between simply writing and writing that moves people.
Great writing = strong ideas + sharp editing. Articulate clearly and edit relentlessly—this is your foundation for building an audience.
Follow mentors who match your goals. Learning from the wrong people leads to frustration and misalignment. Choose mentors who share the same writing goals and strategies that align with your personality.
Use sentence structure strategically. Start or end with key words—they get the most attention, especially in headlines.
Create emotional value through storytelling. While creating value with information is important, connecting with your audience emotionally through personal stories is just as essential for growth and engagement.
Connect with peers to combat the loneliness of writing. Surround yourself with peers who support and challenge you.
Read your writing out loud. It’s the fastest way to catch awkward phrasing or choppy flow.
Use editing tools—but don’t rely on them. Trust your voice more than their suggestions.
Cut clutter. Every word should earn its place in your reader’s mind.
Make every sentence earn the next one. Keep momentum and make it hard to stop reading.
Writing is about engagement, not just persuasion. As Malcolm Gladwell said, good writing succeeds when it engages the reader and sparks thought, rather than relying solely on persuasive techniques.
Match your first and last paragraphs in long-form content. Ensure your opening and closing paragraphs align, delivering on your promises and wrapping up the story logically, so readers feel satisfied by the conclusion.
Balance substance with lightness. Your writing should offer substantial value like a meal, but include elements of fun or lightness, like candy, to make the content more enjoyable and easy to digest.
Be specific when giving advice. Don’t be vague; give clear, actionable steps that make it easy for your readers to follow. Your specificity will be appreciated, even if it feels too simple to you.
Embrace imperfection in your writing. Don’t obsess over perfection; even the best authors receive criticism. Focus on progress, not flawless writing, as it will ultimately help you grow and connect with your readers.
Accept that not everyone will like your work. As Dita Von Teese says, "You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches." Don’t let negative feedback derail your progress.
Treat writing like a job, not a hobby. To write for a living, you must commit to writing regularly, train your mind to find ideas, and sit down to write, even when you’re not feeling inspired.
Don’t wait for ideal conditions to start writing. As E.B. White said, "A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper," so start writing now, even when things aren’t perfect.
Your voice and experiences make your writing unique. Even if you write about popular topics, your personal style and experiences will make your work stand out, as Cormac McCarthy put it, “Books are made out of books.”
Do what works and repeat it. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Stick to what resonates with your audience, and don’t hesitate to repurpose content to drive traffic to older work that might have been missed.
💸 Selling Digital Offers
Your Substack subscribers already trust you. That makes them the perfect audience for your digital offers.
Whether you’re selling ebooks, mini-courses, or coaching programs—your writing has already done the heavy lifting.
Next, it’s time to turn attention into income by making irresistible, scalable offers that align with your audience’s needs.
Selling digital offers to your Substack audience is incredibly powerful. Since they are already engaged and trust your content, they’re the perfect group to offer products that complement their needs and enhance their experience.
Digital products scale beautifully. You can sell to an unlimited number of subscribers without extra effort, making it easy to grow your income as your audience grows.
Sync your Substack subscriber list with Kit (or any other email service provider) to segment and automate marketing. By integrating Substack with Kit, you can automatically segment your audience based on their behavior and interests, allowing you to send targeted marketing messages at scale.
Know your subscriber's needs. Understand the pain points and desires of your subscribers to create digital offers that truly resonate and solve their problems.
Start with small offers. Introduce lower-cost digital products to your subscribers first, then gradually upsell higher-value offers as trust and engagement grow.
Turn your best Substack posts into an ebook. It’s a fast way to create a new offer from content you’ve already written.
Convert your ebook into an audiobook. You’ll reach audio-first learners and unlock a whole new revenue stream.
Turn your book into a mini-course. Mini-courses offer a structured, step-by-step learning experience that helps your subscribers achieve specific outcomes, making them more likely to convert into loyal, paying members.
Develop a $300-$500 flagship program based on your unique system. Offer a structured, high-value program that includes video lessons, live calls, and additional resources to deliver transformative results for your clients.
Group coaching is an excellent way to introduce your services and build trust with a larger audience. After establishing value, you can upsell engaged participants into personalized 1-on-1 coaching for deeper, customized support.
Offer exclusive discounts to subscribers. Provide special discounts or early access to your digital products for your paid subscribers. It’s a simple way to drive purchases and make them feel valued.
Use your content to sell. Leverage your Substack posts and Notes to subtly promote your digital products, weaving them into your content in a natural and valuable way.
Build anticipation for your offers. Tease upcoming products or services in your content and emails to create excitement and curiosity, leading to higher conversion when the offer launches.
Offer value before selling. Ensure you consistently provide value through free content before pitching any paid offers, ensuring your subscribers feel they’re getting their money’s worth.
Create a sales funnel for subscribers. Guide your subscribers through a sales funnel by offering a free lead magnet, followed by low-cost products, then upselling to your higher-ticket offers.
Provide clear, easy CTAs. Ensure that your call-to-action for digital offers is clear, simple, and easy to follow, leading your subscribers directly to the purchase page.
Use scarcity wisely. Create limited-time offers for your digital products or exclusive content to encourage urgency without overwhelming your audience with constant pressure.
Use personal stories as sales tools. Share authentic, relatable stories about your own journey and struggles to build deeper connections with your audience and subtly guide them toward your paid offers.
❌ Dealing with Setbacks
Setbacks are part of every creator’s journey. Whether it's a dip in engagement or a post that falls flat, they aren’t signs to stop—they’re signals to adapt.
What matters most isn’t avoiding setbacks, but how you respond to them. Build resilience, stay visible, and trust that progress compounds over time.
Setbacks aren't signs to stop. They're signals to simplify and refocus.
You're not failing. You're gathering data that success is built on.
A slow day doesn’t erase your momentum. Keep showing up and the results will compound.
Growth is rarely linear. Expect dips and keep publishing anyway.
Not every post will land. But every post will take you closer to achieving your long-term goals.
Your job isn’t to go viral. Your job is to stay visible.
If you can write through discouragement, you’ll outlast 90%. Consistency is a moat.
Don’t judge your Substack by daily stats. Zoom out to see the real progress.
One post can change everything. But you don’t get there without the hundred before it.
Every quiet day is building your audience. Readers may be watching even when they’re not engaging.
A bad writing day is still a step forward. You’re building the habit, not chasing perfection.
You can fix a draft. You can’t fix something you didn’t write.
Readers remember your voice, not your stats. Keep speaking even when it feels like no one’s listening.
Setbacks feel personal but they’re not. Algorithms don’t care—so don’t take it personally.
The days you want to quit are often the days right before a breakthrough. Stick with it.
We hope you enjoyed this list as much as we loved writing it!
Which lessons stood out to you most?
Drop the numbers of your favorites in the comments—we’d love to know which ones hit home! 💬
This here is an encyclopedia of insight, a resource to return to again and again. So much depth and generosity poured into these 365 lessons. I’ve personally gained a lot from being part of this community, and this piece is yet another testament to the immense value the WBS team bring. Thank you for continuing to light the way for so many of us on this journey.
Hey Guys, My favorite line item is the last one #365: "The days you want to quit are often the days right before a breakthrough. Stick with it." Navy Seals are taught during training to quit tomorrow, not today. Every new morning brings a refresh button. Great stuff!! Many thanks, David