6 Step Checklist To Build A $100,000+ Paid Newsletter On Substack

Introduction

This tutorial outlines a six-step framework for building a successful paid newsletter on Substack, aiming to generate $100,000 or more in revenue. Whether you are a writer, business owner, or just starting, these strategies will help you effectively structure, scale, and monetize your newsletter while maximizing reader engagement.

Step 1: Pick a Topic Attached to a Traffic Engine

• Choose a newsletter topic that has a built-in audience or demand.
• Research popular subjects within your niche that attract traffic, such as trending topics or evergreen content.
• Ensure your topic aligns with interests that can generate consistent reader engagement and subscriptions.

Step 2: Make Your Newsletter Tangible

• Offer concrete value through your newsletter by focusing on actionable insights or practical advice.
• Use examples, case studies, or real-life applications to make your content relatable and applicable.
• Clearly define what readers can expect to gain from your newsletter, emphasizing tangible outcomes.

Step 3: Implement the One Free, One Paid Strategy

• Provide one piece of content for free to attract subscribers and showcase your writing quality.
• Follow up with a paid offering that expands on the free content, enticing readers to subscribe for more in-depth information.
• Use this strategy to build trust and demonstrate the value of your paid content.

Step 4: Send Paid Snippets to Your Entire Free List

• Occasionally share snippets of your paid content with your free subscribers.
• This approach not only teases the value of paid content but also encourages free subscribers to consider upgrading.
• Make sure the snippets are engaging and provide enough value to spark interest.

Step 5: Put the Paywall Preview at a Cliffhanger

• When offering paid content, use cliffhangers to create intrigue and encourage subscriptions.
• Give readers a taste of the content, but leave them wanting more to drive conversions.
• Ensure the paywall preview is enticing enough that readers feel compelled to pay for full access.

Step 6: Leverage Substack Notes

• Utilize Substack's note feature to share quick updates, thoughts, or insights with your audience.
• This can serve as a way to engage with readers more frequently without overwhelming them with full newsletters.
• Notes can help maintain interest and keep your audience connected between major newsletter releases.

Conclusion

Building a successful paid newsletter on Substack involves careful planning and strategic execution. By choosing a lucrative topic, delivering tangible value, and employing effective marketing techniques, you can create a thriving newsletter that generates substantial revenue. Consider applying these steps to start your journey toward a profitable newsletter, and don’t hesitate to experiment and refine your approach based on reader feedback.