100%! I only have 2 paid subscribers on Substack, but I've made over $10K writing for high-ticket clients off Substack. It's way easier and way less input than low-ticket offers like paid subs. It also doesn't tie you to the platform feeling like you HAVE to keep using it because you have people who paid for your content for an entire year etc.
I think there is a lot more than we expected. But remember, it's not only businesses. People hire coaches, consultants, etc. all the time. And every "business" is run by "someone"
Thank you for commenting Michelle. My strategy lends itself a bit more for people who have what I refer to as a monetizable skill or problem to solve. This is a bit of my background. Ex marketing, copywriting, graphic design, nutrition, etc. For art, this could be something where you begin helping others who wish to improve their painting, or tap into their creativity, art therapy, etc. These are just a couple of ideas. I think there COULD be opportunities if we get curious about it.
I loved your perspective about paid subs, I thought that’s one of the best ways to have a loyal audience but now it feels like there are multiple ways to make your audience happy but also sustain your writing and living. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing all this. I agree, this feels like a private consultation. I personally hate the paywalls. It always makes me feel like my favorite writers suddenly decided to put me behind a wall, literally. The paid subscription model in itself is not optimal and it doesn’t work for everyone.
I think the easiest way to check would be to see if there are other people doing it. People have success here from marketing, to politics, poetry, breeding horses, etc.
This is helpful! Ive been doing a few of these strategies but appreciate the details here. How do you link the content to the high ticket offers? Or are you saying the visibility from the content leads to the high value conversions? 😁
Great question. Most of the "selling" for high-ticket offers is done behind the scenes. Emails or DMs. Generally, if you see something it might be a Note that has a CTA to Dm me. Or if you end up on my email list you might see an offer. And as I grow I do have more inbound conversations coming in to. There are more outbound methods such as sending people cold dms but I try to avoid that.
Thanks for the answer. I'm quitting Medium, I don't have any reads anymore, and I feel lucky when I have 0.05Cts. That's just a waste of time now. I'm gonna try to start it again here on Substack starting from 0, maybe I'll be luckier
This was such a validating read. I’ve already been leaning into the “build trust first, earn later” model, and this gave me a clear reminder that I’m not mad for skipping the paywall. High-ticket aligned support, small digital offers, and diverse income have always felt more sustainable (and less soul-draining).
Thank you for laying it out so clearly. Substack doesn’t have to be a sprint to subscriptions. It can be the foundation for something bigger, and slower, and far more meaningful.
Thank you for this amazing post. You have changed my perception that monetizing content needs a huge subscribers list. So the top takeaway from this post is give all the products/articles for free and focus on high-ticket clients for a diversified services. I just have one doubt. I am writing for about 2.5 years with no prior writing experience. I write about basic writing lessons (like storytelling, headlines, copywriting, SEO,etc) for the beginner writers. I have created a few free mini ebooks and launch them every 3 weeks. So if I want to launch anything paid what should be my pricing?Maybe I can start with 1:1 coaching call. Once again a big thank you for this post. I have archived it for future reference.
Great piece and a lot of useful info in here. Decided to make my publications free yesterday then came across your article. Perfect timing and confirmation.
My god I feel like I’ve stumbled across something I should have paid for. This is bonkers. And I am incredibly grateful 🙏🏽🥹
I am happy you found it so valuable!
100%! I only have 2 paid subscribers on Substack, but I've made over $10K writing for high-ticket clients off Substack. It's way easier and way less input than low-ticket offers like paid subs. It also doesn't tie you to the platform feeling like you HAVE to keep using it because you have people who paid for your content for an entire year etc.
Love THIS. This is exactly why I love it. Nothing wrong with paid subs, it's just a different way to monetize.
Great article. I wasn't aware that there were many businesses here on substack. This is enlightening
I think there is a lot more than we expected. But remember, it's not only businesses. People hire coaches, consultants, etc. all the time. And every "business" is run by "someone"
Good point
Nail on the head with this one!
Thanks Eva!
Thank You for a refreshing approach!
You're welcome!
Wow!! What am I doing wrong 😕 Sounds great, but . . . How can I as an artist leverage what you're saying? I'm listening 🎶 😌
https://open.substack.com/pub/michellejoybrown/p/day-15-the-brush-became-my-voice?r=e8lo6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Thank you for commenting Michelle. My strategy lends itself a bit more for people who have what I refer to as a monetizable skill or problem to solve. This is a bit of my background. Ex marketing, copywriting, graphic design, nutrition, etc. For art, this could be something where you begin helping others who wish to improve their painting, or tap into their creativity, art therapy, etc. These are just a couple of ideas. I think there COULD be opportunities if we get curious about it.
Hey there 👋 how are you doing? Hope you have a beautiful weekend.
I loved your perspective about paid subs, I thought that’s one of the best ways to have a loyal audience but now it feels like there are multiple ways to make your audience happy but also sustain your writing and living. Thanks for sharing!
You nailed it. There are many ways. All I want to do is offer additional solutions so people have the freedom to choose what feels best.
Thanks for sharing all this. I agree, this feels like a private consultation. I personally hate the paywalls. It always makes me feel like my favorite writers suddenly decided to put me behind a wall, literally. The paid subscription model in itself is not optimal and it doesn’t work for everyone.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I love this. So insightful!
Quick question:
Do you think making content on UI/IX design would be worth it on substack? I'll probably try anyways
I think the easiest way to check would be to see if there are other people doing it. People have success here from marketing, to politics, poetry, breeding horses, etc.
This is helpful! Ive been doing a few of these strategies but appreciate the details here. How do you link the content to the high ticket offers? Or are you saying the visibility from the content leads to the high value conversions? 😁
Great question. Most of the "selling" for high-ticket offers is done behind the scenes. Emails or DMs. Generally, if you see something it might be a Note that has a CTA to Dm me. Or if you end up on my email list you might see an offer. And as I grow I do have more inbound conversations coming in to. There are more outbound methods such as sending people cold dms but I try to avoid that.
Got it, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this helpful post. I've got a question: do you really keep earning money from Medium?
Yes, but it diminishes. I haven't been as active, so I still make money but not as much.
Thanks for the answer. I'm quitting Medium, I don't have any reads anymore, and I feel lucky when I have 0.05Cts. That's just a waste of time now. I'm gonna try to start it again here on Substack starting from 0, maybe I'll be luckier
This was such a validating read. I’ve already been leaning into the “build trust first, earn later” model, and this gave me a clear reminder that I’m not mad for skipping the paywall. High-ticket aligned support, small digital offers, and diverse income have always felt more sustainable (and less soul-draining).
Thank you for laying it out so clearly. Substack doesn’t have to be a sprint to subscriptions. It can be the foundation for something bigger, and slower, and far more meaningful.
You're welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to read and leave such a thoughtful comment.
Thank-you, it was great advice and extremely validating, especially as i was unsure of what to do. I will take my time and do it properly.
Thanks for sharing this.
You're welcome!
Thank you for this amazing post. You have changed my perception that monetizing content needs a huge subscribers list. So the top takeaway from this post is give all the products/articles for free and focus on high-ticket clients for a diversified services. I just have one doubt. I am writing for about 2.5 years with no prior writing experience. I write about basic writing lessons (like storytelling, headlines, copywriting, SEO,etc) for the beginner writers. I have created a few free mini ebooks and launch them every 3 weeks. So if I want to launch anything paid what should be my pricing?Maybe I can start with 1:1 coaching call. Once again a big thank you for this post. I have archived it for future reference.
Hello, feel free to shoot me a dm if you're seeking additional clarification. Happy to help if I can.
I have been thinking along these lines…but you offer a step-by-step outline of options. Love it! Thx for posting this!
Sounds like you're on the right track! Keep up the great work Colleen.
Thx for the nice thought :) I try.
Great piece and a lot of useful info in here. Decided to make my publications free yesterday then came across your article. Perfect timing and confirmation.
Happy to drop in that confirmation Keith!