How to Get Your First Paid Subscribers on Substack
Simple tips to start earning from your content.
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I got my first paid subscriber just two weeks after launching my newsletter.
Like everyone, I was excited.
Even though I’d been writing on Medium for a few years and earning through their Partner Program, Substack felt different.
Here’s why:
Medium pays you based on the algorithm. Substack pays you based on trust.
Someone literally pulls out their card to pay you, not a platform, for your content.
That’s validation.
It’s also when I knew this newsletter thing could become a real business.
Now, after 9 months of writing on Substack, I’ve learned a lot about what gets people to pay for your newsletter.
In this post, I’ll break it down so you can start turning readers into paying supporters.
Focus on Growing Free Subscribers First
Before you get paid subscribers, you need free ones.
A general rule of thumb: for every 100 free subscribers, you can expect to convert around 3 into paying members (a 3% conversion rate).
That may not sound like a lot, but it adds up.
So, your first job? Build that free list.
Here’s how to do it:
Publish at least once a week.
Post Notes 2–3 times a day.
Engage with other creators. Comment, reply, and be part of the community.
In the beginning, growth will feel slow.
That’s normal. Nobody knows who you are yet.
But if you keep showing up, people will start to notice.
If you stay consistent, you’ll find those who resonate with your voice, message, and content in about 6 weeks.
Create a Tangible Reason to Upgrade
People don’t pay just because they like you.
They pay because they get something valuable in return.
Subscribers usually upgrade for one of three reasons:
Inspiration – your content motivates them.
Education – your content teaches them something useful.
Entertainment – your content makes them feel good or smile.
Your job is to make your paid offer feel worth it.
Think about the subscriptions you already pay for— Netflix, Spotify, gym memberships, etc.
You pay because you get perceived value from them.
Your newsletter is no different.
Don’t treat your newsletter like a personal journal. Most people won’t pay to read your inner thoughts unless you’re already famous. People pay for content that helps them solve a problem, feel better, or grow.
Give your paid offer some weight.
You can include:
Bonus articles or deep dives
A private podcast feed
Exclusive workshops or AMAs
Early access to new content
Templates, tools, or mini-courses
You want readers to feel like they’re missing out if they don’t become paid subscribers.
Promote Your Paid Offer Consistently
Creating a great offer isn’t enough. You have to promote it.
Here’s how to do it without being annoying:
Mention your paid offer in every newsletter. But don’t just throw in a sentence. Give context. Tell readers what they’ll get and why it matters.
Run promotions or limited-time discounts. Try this once or twice a month. It creates urgency and gives people a reason to act.
Use testimonials. Even free subscriber feedback can help. Share screenshots of positive comments or DMs to show people are getting real value.
Personally reach out. DM or email your most engaged readers. Start a conversation. Let them know about your paid offer and how it can help them. This one-on-one approach works surprisingly well.
Build Trust and Show Up
This might be the most important part.
When someone pays for your newsletter, they’re not just buying content, they’re investing in you.
They’re saying, “I trust you enough to give you my money.”
Don’t take that lightly.
If you want people to keep paying and tell their friends, then show up.
Provide real value. Make your content worth it.
If someone’s paying $5 or $10 a month, they’re already one of your biggest fans.
That kind of trust is hard to earn and easy to lose.
Respect it.
To wrap up
There are 4 steps to getting your first paid subscriber;
Get your first 100 free subscribers first.
Create an offer that will get your subscribers to pay for more.
Promote this offer with every new post.
Show up daily and deliver.
It’s that simple.
Do these, and you will get your first paid subscriber.
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Define Your Niche and Value Proposition: Understand precisely who your ideal reader is and what unique insights or benefits you offer. When you carve out a specific niche whether it's industry insights, personal growth tips, or a blend of your unique experiences you create a compelling reason for people to invest in your content. Answering, “What problem am I solving?” will position your newsletter as a valuable resource. them more likely to invest in your continued growth.
Can I still access the class? Thanks! And this post and info was just what I needed. 💙