This is part two of the replay of Thursday’s Substack Growth Masterclass, in which Sinem shares an essential mindset shift to grow your publication—and practical strategies on how to successfully launch your paid tier.
Here are six key lessons from this segment.
1. Growth Happens One Conversation at a Time
We’re wired to chase big numbers. But in reality? You build an audience one person at a time. One real conversation at a time.
Instead of asking, “How do I get 1,000 new subscribers this month?”
Ask: “What conversations am I leading today?”
Start with one reader. One DM. One comment. One response. One shared story.
Because conversations are what lead to connection. And connection is what leads to trust. And trust is what leads to growth.
2. Your Substack Is a Billboard—What’s Your Message?
Imagine your Substack is a massive billboard in the middle of your city.
What would it say?
What do you want to say?
That message—your core idea, belief, or transformation—is what your publication should revolve around.
When we started writing online in 2018, we wrote for our younger selves. That made it easy to deliver value, because we knew exactly what that version of us needed to hear.
So ask yourself:
What pain have you gone through?
What challenge have you overcome?
What do you wish someone had told you back then?
That’s your message. That’s what you’re meant to share.
3. Use The 10-5-1 Rule
Here’s a system you can use to grow through real relationships—especially when you’re starting out.
Every time you post a Note, also:
Like 10 Notes from other Substack creators each day
Leave 5 thoughtful comments (not “great post!” but something meaningful)
Send 1 private message to a creator you genuinely admire or want to collaborate with
It takes 15–20 minutes a day. It builds goodwill, connection, and visibility.
And it works.
We still use this exact system today, even with over 10,000 subscribers. Because the relationships it creates are that valuable.
4. Don’t Just Publish—Productize
If you want to monetize your Substack, treat it like a product.
That means:
Defining the value proposition (what do people get from your publication?)
Building a system (frameworks, content pillars, workflows)
Creating a clear offer (something people actually want to pay for)
When your publication is just a bunch of random thoughts, it’s hard to sell. But when it’s positioned like a product—with a clear purpose, structure, and transformation—it becomes something people want to invest in.
Start thinking like a product creator, not just a writer.
5. Align Free and Paid Content
If you want to convert readers into paying subscribers, the key is alignment.
That means:
Your free content should naturally lead into your paid content
Your posts should reference other posts (free or paid) to create a value loop
You can highlight “next steps” for readers who want to go deeper
Instead of thinking “What should I write today?” start thinking “What journey am I taking my readers on?”
This keeps people engaged and increases the chance they’ll eventually say, “This is so good—I need more.”
6. Monetization Requires a System (Not Just a Paywall)
Putting up a paid tier isn’t enough. You need a reason for people to upgrade.
Think about your launch strategy:
Are you teasing the paid tier ahead of time?
Are you offering limited-time bonuses?
Are you running campaigns 2–3 times a year?
Are you consistently mentioning what paid subscribers get?
You don’t need to constantly sell. You just need to sell intentionally.
And remember—people want to support creators they trust. Give them a clear reason to do it.
The Step-By-Step System To Grow Your Audience & Income On Substack
Substack System is a step-by-step program designed to help you grow your audience and income on Substack—without the guesswork, overwhelm, or burnout.
In the 70+ actionable videos of this course, you’ll learn how to:
Grow An Engaged Audience: Attract readers who truly appreciate your work
Create A Thriving Publication: Set your publication up for success
Write Viral Notes: Capture attention and drive subscriber growth
Build Your Paid Substack: Turn readers into paying subscribers every month
Boost Subscriber Growth: Use effective growth strategies to reach more readers with less effort
And much, much more…
But Substack System includes a lot more than just video lessons…
We've created all the resources you need so you can easily take action on what you learn - and succeed as quickly as possible.
Here’s what’s included when you join Substack System:
Weekly Group Coaching Sessions: Join us for three months of live coaching sessions, where all your questions will be answered
The Substack Bestseller Case Study: Learn how we've built a Bestselling Substack publication with 100+ paid subscribers in less than 60 days
Substack Expert Interview Series: We interviewed 10+ top Substack writers to uncover their best strategies for growth, writing, and monetization
Substack Operation System: Your personalized toolbox full of plug-and-play frameworks and templates to succeed on Substack
3-Months Of Private Community Access: You'll be supported by your coaches and an active community of like-minded creators
Keep in mind, enrollment to Substack System closes on Thursday, May 22nd. So if you want to join, take action before the doors close.
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