I’m with you but wonder what Substack will do. A lot of people are going to figure this out as the platform matures, which cuts into Substack’s revenue, and they’re already running a loss. The people who thrive on this model are people with huge audiences or those happy to write as a hobby and thrilled to have a few paid subscribers. I quickly realized selling a low-priced subscription was almost harder than selling high end and decided that it’s just not worth it. The discoverability on the platform also isn’t great until you’re spending a lot of time here, so I’m honestly wondering if Substack is where I want to be. If I’m going to spend a lot of time on a platform it may as well be Instagram, where I’m positive my target audience is. All that to say, I had really high hopes when I first started Substack but slowly realized everything I thought was a benefit isn’t as it appeared. Personally, I’m planning on investing my time in YouTube, writing blogs that are YT first, sharing the written version here, and using both platforms to drive traffic to CK, where I’ll sell courses and coaching. I bet a lot of people will do that, so then, where does Substack get its cut?
I would agree Suzanne, I think that as the platform grows it is going to be forced to evolve and release a lot of new features. I do think it is easier to grow here compared to Instagram but this may also be niche specific. IG for me requires to much time to play the game to get content that hits - requires images and videos and editing whereas here I can just write.
I agree that YT is a fantastic place. I don;t think any of these platforms will come close to YT anytime close. Even SS making a push with live video and video posts it's not going to touch YT anytime soon. Especially until SS figures out how to get content ranking better in SERPs.
My plan is also to start translating my newsletters into YT videos. Someone that does this well is Dan Koe.
I think that it would be wise for SS to fascilitate course sales like CK or Gumroad and just take a small %.
Interesting. I turned on monetization a couple of months ago and paywalled one in two posts. I’ve just decided to keep monetising but stop paywalling. That way my audience gets more value and I can create products to make money.
Hey Landon, what a fantastic and smart perspective you have about monetizing. I also do Books, courses, coaching, services, consulting, etc. but I am also going to turn on paid subscriptions here at a low enough price for anyone to afford... At the same time I am going to offer invaluable content but I will apply the 80/20 rule, of course. Some people here put almost all their content behing the paywall and that doesn't help free subscribers as they get little to no value that could persuade them to upgrade. Also, some creators increase their pricing regularly. I will remain on a fixed price for an indefinite time. I have got three publications in totally different niches, but they work in synergy together as a trilogy, a unit.
Thank you Hein :) I replied to the one shared as a note. It's kind of annoying how SS posts that both as a note and comment but my reply doesn't show in both.
As I get older, lifestyle design matters more to me than making money for the sake of making money. How I earn a living is more important than how much I get from a single source.
It will be interesting to see for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if it places some sort of emphasis on stuff it makes money from, whether or not that will become known and acknowledged? Time will tell.
It comes down to goals. There is no right or wrong way to do it. What I like to remind myself of is that if I have no audience, I am not likely to be able to monetize it.
I really resonate with much of what you wrote. Like you, I’ve never paid for a newsletter subscription myself, though I’d happily invest in a one-off purchase, like a course or coaching session, where the value is clear and direct.
That's because I often feel that everything worth writing has already been written—but I also recognize that each writer brings their own unique perspective and experiences to the table, which can make familiar topics feel fresh and relatable.
However, a paid monthly newsletter feels like a different kind of commitment—a deeper relationship between the creator and the reader. It demands consistent effort, delivering tangible, actionable advice and frameworks that truly justify the investment. It’s a higher bar, but one that can be incredibly rewarding when done right.
I totally agree with everything you said. I prefer to buy something once over paid subscriptions any day. There are other ways to monetize. Hopefully Substack will see this and begin offering other income streams.
I agree. Since they want to target "creators" I am hoping they listen to some of these requests we've been writing about. Tip jars, 1-time payments, etc. So many things I believe would increase user experience for all.
What a true words about monetization. I am really happy that I see people who are not following the same recommended path, turn on creativity, critical thinking and honesty to yourself and audience.
I am nothing if not someone that goes against the grain! I tried for years. Felt aweful, never worked, and then I finally broke free and realized I can take my own path. Really happy that has resonated with people.
do you not think that the algo is favoring accounts with paywalls given thats their revenue model? Sorry if you already gave your perspective on this - I just scanned lol - gotta be honest, was short on time :)
I haven't so it's all good. I think it is a definite consideration. I am not sure if they do (or will) but it would not surprise me. Once anecdote some people have been noticing is that it seems as though newer writers have been favored of late. But, I think with everything there is give and take. There is not right / wrong / black / white. Because they fundamentally shift the business model as well. I believe we're at an interesting stage of the platform. As it grows, my belief is that it will be much harder to earn paid subscriptions (because of more people writing on the same topic) so I would anticipate people with a larger following (aka more trust) being better off. If you gate to early you may jeopardize growth. Just ideas I am toying with. Right now I am focused on growth so that I am in a leveraged position with opportunities. And my recommendations for "gating" are to focus on crafting offers not just paywalling content.
I’m doing something interesting right now would love to get your take on. I’m gating with parallel pricing to my “off platform shopping experience” to leverage paid backend and highlight that I have a paid community but I’m incentivizing purchase off platform (via a number of ways) and then comping the subscription to match on Substack. So far so good. A bit of a workaround but allowing me to create an interesting funnel
Interesting. I think the key is "Is it working?" and "Is it easy to understand" since you're not gating your content you're still tapping into the growth. I think we're going to see people get really creative with the paid subscriptions and a lot will happen off platform.
I have one paid thread of articles in my Substack but that's it - the rest is free and will always be. It's not my goal here to have a massive audience where $5-8/month is floating my business. That's not the type of lifestyle or business I want. I monetize in other ways and want my writing here to be accessible to everyone. Right, wrong, or indifferent, that's just the path I've chosen. If others chose differently, I'm happy for them!
All fair points, Landon. I agree with building a long-term brand and business rather than chasing fast bucks all the time. The key is to find a balance and the right strategy that suits you to support the lifestyle you want to have.
I respect this. I am not monetized right now because I’ve simply not optimized a system for content consistency and growth yet. Still wrapping my brain around what that will look like. But, when I have a firmer grasp, this does make me wonder whether paid subs are the way to go. Thanks for the food for thought.
We love to be right and fear being wrong. But there is no right or wrong in business. The sooner we can embrace that the faster we can find ease in what we're doing.
If I monetize here and it's possible to set it up this way... I'd charge $10-15/yr for the chat function or Discord to discuss things that are too sensitive to discuss openly (personal finance is indeed very personal for most). I also think SS should monetize by having certain links set up to give them a 10% affiliate commission for those who sell digital products in certain popular sites like Gumroad. I would find that fair all around.
It's interesting that you can't do that. I think the yearly must be at least 50/year? But I agree, I think additional monetization features will be required or their profits will be hurt as the platform grows. All theories but their is a reason almost every other social platform uses ads!
I subbed to one that was $37/yr maybe 3 months ago, so unless they've changed something since, it can be under $50. I just haven't poked around yet to see how low it can be. I just hope they don't have to ads.
I’m with you but wonder what Substack will do. A lot of people are going to figure this out as the platform matures, which cuts into Substack’s revenue, and they’re already running a loss. The people who thrive on this model are people with huge audiences or those happy to write as a hobby and thrilled to have a few paid subscribers. I quickly realized selling a low-priced subscription was almost harder than selling high end and decided that it’s just not worth it. The discoverability on the platform also isn’t great until you’re spending a lot of time here, so I’m honestly wondering if Substack is where I want to be. If I’m going to spend a lot of time on a platform it may as well be Instagram, where I’m positive my target audience is. All that to say, I had really high hopes when I first started Substack but slowly realized everything I thought was a benefit isn’t as it appeared. Personally, I’m planning on investing my time in YouTube, writing blogs that are YT first, sharing the written version here, and using both platforms to drive traffic to CK, where I’ll sell courses and coaching. I bet a lot of people will do that, so then, where does Substack get its cut?
That is a phenomenal approach, well done Suzanne! You could also cross it from here to YouTube.
Writing ++ YouTube I think is #1 in my opinion. It just may require small alterations to content / hooks to make them relevant and fitting for YT.
I would agree Suzanne, I think that as the platform grows it is going to be forced to evolve and release a lot of new features. I do think it is easier to grow here compared to Instagram but this may also be niche specific. IG for me requires to much time to play the game to get content that hits - requires images and videos and editing whereas here I can just write.
I agree that YT is a fantastic place. I don;t think any of these platforms will come close to YT anytime close. Even SS making a push with live video and video posts it's not going to touch YT anytime soon. Especially until SS figures out how to get content ranking better in SERPs.
My plan is also to start translating my newsletters into YT videos. Someone that does this well is Dan Koe.
I think that it would be wise for SS to fascilitate course sales like CK or Gumroad and just take a small %.
isn't SS already offering one-time pledges?
Pledges are "pledging for future paid subscriptions" so the dynamic isn't quite the same.
Interesting. I turned on monetization a couple of months ago and paywalled one in two posts. I’ve just decided to keep monetising but stop paywalling. That way my audience gets more value and I can create products to make money.
that's the way to go
That's solid Wendy.
Hey Landon, what a fantastic and smart perspective you have about monetizing. I also do Books, courses, coaching, services, consulting, etc. but I am also going to turn on paid subscriptions here at a low enough price for anyone to afford... At the same time I am going to offer invaluable content but I will apply the 80/20 rule, of course. Some people here put almost all their content behing the paywall and that doesn't help free subscribers as they get little to no value that could persuade them to upgrade. Also, some creators increase their pricing regularly. I will remain on a fixed price for an indefinite time. I have got three publications in totally different niches, but they work in synergy together as a trilogy, a unit.
Thank you Hein :) I replied to the one shared as a note. It's kind of annoying how SS posts that both as a note and comment but my reply doesn't show in both.
No, I ticked the box to post the comment as a note to give you more exposure.
As I get older, lifestyle design matters more to me than making money for the sake of making money. How I earn a living is more important than how much I get from a single source.
Beautifully said Daniel. I agree, as I get older I feel exactly the same.
But, Will Substack prefer to boost paid newsletters?
It will be interesting to see for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if it places some sort of emphasis on stuff it makes money from, whether or not that will become known and acknowledged? Time will tell.
Yes, we will see…
100% agree with you.
Thank you for your kindness.
You have your own way to leverage substack.
Thank you Landon.
Thank you for taking the time to read :)
Because it's worth it :) To read.
I’ve been on substack for exactly one week with an article in draft that’s free, but requires paid sub to receive some assets (invoice & contracts)
still not really certain how to make this flow, but keeping it in the draft til it’s figured out.
I’d like to keep valuable content free, but valued assets paid.
It comes down to goals. There is no right or wrong way to do it. What I like to remind myself of is that if I have no audience, I am not likely to be able to monetize it.
Agreed, that’s why it’s staying in the drafts til I reach 50-100 😂
I really resonate with much of what you wrote. Like you, I’ve never paid for a newsletter subscription myself, though I’d happily invest in a one-off purchase, like a course or coaching session, where the value is clear and direct.
That's because I often feel that everything worth writing has already been written—but I also recognize that each writer brings their own unique perspective and experiences to the table, which can make familiar topics feel fresh and relatable.
However, a paid monthly newsletter feels like a different kind of commitment—a deeper relationship between the creator and the reader. It demands consistent effort, delivering tangible, actionable advice and frameworks that truly justify the investment. It’s a higher bar, but one that can be incredibly rewarding when done right.
Thank you for sharing. I agree. I believe it has a time and a place and can work. For certain people or businesses, it's a great option.
I totally agree with everything you said. I prefer to buy something once over paid subscriptions any day. There are other ways to monetize. Hopefully Substack will see this and begin offering other income streams.
I agree. Since they want to target "creators" I am hoping they listen to some of these requests we've been writing about. Tip jars, 1-time payments, etc. So many things I believe would increase user experience for all.
Just read your post man!
What a true words about monetization. I am really happy that I see people who are not following the same recommended path, turn on creativity, critical thinking and honesty to yourself and audience.
Amazing!
I am nothing if not someone that goes against the grain! I tried for years. Felt aweful, never worked, and then I finally broke free and realized I can take my own path. Really happy that has resonated with people.
do you not think that the algo is favoring accounts with paywalls given thats their revenue model? Sorry if you already gave your perspective on this - I just scanned lol - gotta be honest, was short on time :)
I haven't so it's all good. I think it is a definite consideration. I am not sure if they do (or will) but it would not surprise me. Once anecdote some people have been noticing is that it seems as though newer writers have been favored of late. But, I think with everything there is give and take. There is not right / wrong / black / white. Because they fundamentally shift the business model as well. I believe we're at an interesting stage of the platform. As it grows, my belief is that it will be much harder to earn paid subscriptions (because of more people writing on the same topic) so I would anticipate people with a larger following (aka more trust) being better off. If you gate to early you may jeopardize growth. Just ideas I am toying with. Right now I am focused on growth so that I am in a leveraged position with opportunities. And my recommendations for "gating" are to focus on crafting offers not just paywalling content.
I’m doing something interesting right now would love to get your take on. I’m gating with parallel pricing to my “off platform shopping experience” to leverage paid backend and highlight that I have a paid community but I’m incentivizing purchase off platform (via a number of ways) and then comping the subscription to match on Substack. So far so good. A bit of a workaround but allowing me to create an interesting funnel
Interesting. I think the key is "Is it working?" and "Is it easy to understand" since you're not gating your content you're still tapping into the growth. I think we're going to see people get really creative with the paid subscriptions and a lot will happen off platform.
Too early to be honest re: is it working … definitely in experimental mode with all of this but that’s most of the fun for me 🤩
Test and learn is all we can do! And the fact that it is enjoyable is not to be overlooked. Sacred if you will ;-)
It’s def not the “paid content” approach that most Substackers are going for lol
I have one paid thread of articles in my Substack but that's it - the rest is free and will always be. It's not my goal here to have a massive audience where $5-8/month is floating my business. That's not the type of lifestyle or business I want. I monetize in other ways and want my writing here to be accessible to everyone. Right, wrong, or indifferent, that's just the path I've chosen. If others chose differently, I'm happy for them!
"Right, wrong, or indifferent, that's just the path I've chosen."
Love that ^^
Thank you!
All fair points, Landon. I agree with building a long-term brand and business rather than chasing fast bucks all the time. The key is to find a balance and the right strategy that suits you to support the lifestyle you want to have.
That's exactly it Victoria.
I respect this. I am not monetized right now because I’ve simply not optimized a system for content consistency and growth yet. Still wrapping my brain around what that will look like. But, when I have a firmer grasp, this does make me wonder whether paid subs are the way to go. Thanks for the food for thought.
Great point -- Once you wrap your head around it, it might be, it might not. Happy to give you something to think about ;-)
This stands out to me:
"The thing I LOVE about business is that it can change at any time, we’re not bound to anything or any ‘way’ of doing it. Nothing is permanent."
There are no hard-written rules.
You can always pivot & change your mind.
That's the beauty of it.
PS: Thx for the mention!
We love to be right and fear being wrong. But there is no right or wrong in business. The sooner we can embrace that the faster we can find ease in what we're doing.
Gotta put the overinflated ego aside!
If I monetize here and it's possible to set it up this way... I'd charge $10-15/yr for the chat function or Discord to discuss things that are too sensitive to discuss openly (personal finance is indeed very personal for most). I also think SS should monetize by having certain links set up to give them a 10% affiliate commission for those who sell digital products in certain popular sites like Gumroad. I would find that fair all around.
It's interesting that you can't do that. I think the yearly must be at least 50/year? But I agree, I think additional monetization features will be required or their profits will be hurt as the platform grows. All theories but their is a reason almost every other social platform uses ads!
perhaps they'll come up with a $8/subscription themselves who knows haha
I subbed to one that was $37/yr maybe 3 months ago, so unless they've changed something since, it can be under $50. I just haven't poked around yet to see how low it can be. I just hope they don't have to ads.
Ohh, interesting. I could have sworn I was playing around trying to do $5/year it wouldn't let me know. I could be spacing out too.