Before we dive into today’s post, we’ve got exciting news for you:
On May 15th, we’ll host a live Substack Growth Masterclass where we share exactly how we grew our publication from zero to 10,000+ subscribers in 10 months.
This live masterclass is completely free to attend, so secure your seat now and set yourself up for success on Substack:
Yesterday, we hosted a value-packed livestream with David McIlroy, where we talked all about what actually helps you grow your Substack publication.
David has grown his Substack publications (like How To Write For A Living) to over 23,000 subscribers, so it’s safe to say he knows what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to growing on Substack.
If you missed the livestream, either watch the replay or read a summary of the seven most valuable lessons right here. 👇
#1: Consistency Is Everything
David admitted that when he first started, growth felt really slow. But he also noticed a clear turning point: when he made the decision to show up consistently, every day.
For him, that meant dedicating at least 30 minutes each day to Substack.
Whether that was posting a Note, commenting on someone else’s post, replying to DMs, or working on his next long-form piece.
That consistency compounded over time and led to bigger, faster growth.
So, even if you’re strapped for time, block out 20–30 minutes per day to do something on Substack.
Whether it's posting a Note, writing part of your next post, or engaging with other creators, small actions done consistently create serious momentum.
#2: Don’t Try To Do It All At Once
When you’re just getting started on Substack, it can really feel overwhelming. There are so many features now:
Notes
Posts
Chats
Livestreams
Podcasts
Paid Tiers
Recommendations
It’s a lot to learn when you’re just getting started.
One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen (and made ourselves!) is trying to do everything at once. Spoiler: that just leads to overwhelm.
A better approach is to master the basics first:
Long-form posts: Commit to a clear publishing schedule (once a week is great).
Notes: Post at least one per day to stay visible and engaged.
Engagement: Spend time commenting and connecting with other writers.
Once you’ve got those dialed in and it feels natural, then you can start layering on things like livestreams, chat, newsletter recommendations, or paid subscriptions.
#3: Notes Are A Game-Changer
If there was one thing David emphasized, it was how much Notes exploded his Substack growth.
Notes are amazing because they:
Keep you top-of-mind with your current readers
Get shown to new people thanks to Substack’s discovery feed
Can go viral much more easily than long-form posts
And the best part? They’re much quicker to write than a long-form post.
So, make Notes a core part of your Substack growth strategy.
Post at least one per day, and vary it up: mix educational tips, personal stories, quick questions, and inspirational thoughts.
Each one is a new touchpoint with your audience—and a new chance to get discovered by readers outside your circle.
#4: Newsletter Recommendations = Growth
David shared that about 50% of his subscriber growth came from newsletter recommendations.
Let that sink in for a second…
Half of his total growth came from other creators recommending his work.
We’ve seen the same thing. Newsletter recommendations have been one of the biggest levers for growth in our publication as well:
Here’s how to leverage newsletter recommendations:
Make a list of 10–15 newsletters with overlapping audiences
Start genuinely engaging with their content: comment, like, restack, DM them to build real connections
Once you’ve built some rapport, suggest a mutual recommendation swap
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just reach out with genuine interest and be clear about your request to exchange newsletter recommendations.
#5: Make Your Paid Tier a No-Brainer
We talked monetization too, and the message was clear: if you’re going to offer a paid tier, make sure it actually feels worth it.
David made a great point here: People are happy to pay for high-quality content, but they need to know exactly what they’re getting.
Vague promises of “extra content” aren’t enough anymore.
Some ways to make your paid tier irresistible:
Be specific: List out exactly what’s included and how often new content drops
Add value beyond articles: Think workbooks, templates, community access, monthly live calls—whatever makes sense for your audience
Use testimonials: If you’ve helped people get real results, showcase those stories to build trust
Don’t feel weird about charging for your work, but DO make sure the offer is crystal clear and packed with value.
#6: Community Keeps People Around
We all agreed that content might attract subscribers, but community is what keeps them.
If you can create a space where people feel seen, supported, and connected (whether it’s a subscriber chat, a monthly Zoom call, or a tight-knit comment section), you’ll not only retain more subscribers, you’ll create true fans.
David said that some of his longest-standing paid subscribers stick around because of the community vibe, not just for the content.
So, think about simple ways to foster community, even if you’re just starting out.
This could be a monthly live Q&A, a private chat, or simply replying thoughtfully to every comment from your readers.
#7: Forget the Algorithm—Focus on People
We got a lot of questions about the Substack algorithm during the livestream (Why do some Notes blow up? Why do others flop?).
Here’s the honest answer: no one really knows.
The algorithm is unpredictable. Sometimes a Note you dash off in 30 seconds blows up. Other times, something you know is brilliant just… flops.
Our advice is to stop worrying about it. Focus on people, not the algorithm.
Keep posting, keep engaging, and keep showing up.
The right people will find you over time, and growth will come from consistency + building genuine relationships.
Want To Grow Your Audience & Income On Substack?
On May 15th, we’ll host a live masterclass where we share exactly how we grew our Substack publication from zero to 10,000 subscribers in just 10 months.
(And we’ll share behind-the-scenes strategies of how we reached 330+ paid subscribers.)
This live masterclass is completely free to attend, so secure your seat now and set yourself up for success on Substack:
The Substack Growth Masterclass is for you if…
You want to learn the best ways to grow on Substack in 2025
You want to start writing online, but don’t know where or how to begin
You want to attract more paid subscribers and earn an income writing online
You feel frustrated with your lack of growth on Substack (and are worried if you should even continue writing)
You want to leverage Substack to build your audience, so you can sell more books, coaching programs, or digital products
If any of this resonates, the Substack Growth Masterclass is for you:
✅ Yes, I Want To Join The Live Substack Growth Masterclass [Free]
If you can’t attend the masterclass live, no problem. You’ll also get access to the replay, as long as you sign up.
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