Your point about reader exhaustion from AI-generated content hints at something bigger than a marketing opportunity. As content production costs approach zero, the subscription itself becomes the scarce asset. Readers aren't paying for information. They're paying for a filter they trust. Same pattern playing out in open-source AI right now: when the tool is free, value migrates to whoever can prove judgment and provenance. Substack's 10% cut starts looking cheap if what they're really selling is a verified human-to-human channel.
Sinem, I'm wondering if there is any avenue available to reach Followers? Or is posting a good Note the only way these folks might see more of my publication?
This is the part most writers need to hear: monetization is not a switch you flip after writing enough posts. It is an offer, a relationship, and a trust system. The paid tier only works when readers understand what transformation, access, or clarity they are buying — not just that the writer “deserves support.”
My question: I plan to launch my paid tier in June. I currently have 50 subscribers, and some engage regularly.
But I’m not sure yet whether people will want to pay, especially since there isn’t a library of premium content yet.
I’m thinking of creating a pilot group with comped subscriptions during the first month so I can gather feedback, improve, get testimonials, and kick-start the community I want to build.
Thank you so much for your insight! This opportunity to start, launch and build on Substack is not a win/lose situation but an opportunity to connect and build the right relationships.
Hi Sinem, thanks for this! My question is do subscribers also get you notes in their feed or just the emails? Would someone have to follow and subscribe to get both?
I love this. Trust comes first. When people feel connected to your work and know it genuinely helps them, they’re much more likely to want the deeper layer too.
Your point about reader exhaustion from AI-generated content hints at something bigger than a marketing opportunity. As content production costs approach zero, the subscription itself becomes the scarce asset. Readers aren't paying for information. They're paying for a filter they trust. Same pattern playing out in open-source AI right now: when the tool is free, value migrates to whoever can prove judgment and provenance. Substack's 10% cut starts looking cheap if what they're really selling is a verified human-to-human channel.
Love this. Substack works when you build trust first and treat content like a long-term asset.
Very good analysis for earning money by substack in 2026 .👍
Sinem, I'm wondering if there is any avenue available to reach Followers? Or is posting a good Note the only way these folks might see more of my publication?
This is the part most writers need to hear: monetization is not a switch you flip after writing enough posts. It is an offer, a relationship, and a trust system. The paid tier only works when readers understand what transformation, access, or clarity they are buying — not just that the writer “deserves support.”
This makes perfect sense.
My question: I plan to launch my paid tier in June. I currently have 50 subscribers, and some engage regularly.
But I’m not sure yet whether people will want to pay, especially since there isn’t a library of premium content yet.
I’m thinking of creating a pilot group with comped subscriptions during the first month so I can gather feedback, improve, get testimonials, and kick-start the community I want to build.
Thank you so much for your insight! This opportunity to start, launch and build on Substack is not a win/lose situation but an opportunity to connect and build the right relationships.
Hi Sinem, thanks for this! My question is do subscribers also get you notes in their feed or just the emails? Would someone have to follow and subscribe to get both?
Looking forward to reading this thanks!
I love this. Trust comes first. When people feel connected to your work and know it genuinely helps them, they’re much more likely to want the deeper layer too.
Is this free or paid?