Dreaming about making money online but feeling overwhelmed by YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram? I get it. Everyone’s talking about being a content creator, but nobody mentions how tough it is to stand out in those crowded spaces.
But what if I told you there’s a way to make money creating content that doesn’t require showing your face, dancing on TikTok, or fighting with social media algorithms?
Enter Substack – the platform that’s helping regular people make real money just by writing newsletters. And the best part? You don’t need millions of followers or fancy equipment to get started.
Think about it: people are making $500, $1,000, even $3,000 a month writing about topics they love. Whether you’re into cooking, tech, personal finance, or even collecting vintage stamps – there’s a way to turn your knowledge into a steady income stream on Substack.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how complete beginners are making their first dollars on Substack, and how you can too – even if you’ve never created content before.
What Makes Substack So Special?
Let’s break this down in a way that actually makes sense (because honestly, who needs more complicated tech jargon in their life?).
Think of Substack as that cool friend who somehow manages to do everything well. It’s not just an email platform – it’s your blog, your newsletter, your social media hub, and your money-making machine all rolled into one neat package.
Here’s what makes it different from your regular email platforms:
First off, when you write a newsletter on Substack, it doesn’t just land in people’s inboxes and disappear into the void. Nope! It gets its own special spot on the web, complete with a link people can share and find later. It’s like having a blog post and an email had a baby – and this baby is really good at getting attention.
And get this – people can read your stuff in THREE different ways:
- Through their regular old email
- On the Substack website (hello, SEO benefits!)
- Through the Substack app (which is getting more popular by the day)
Let’s Talk Money (Because Who Doesn’t Love That Topic?)
Here’s where things get really interesting. Substack isn’t just another platform where you have to dance for the algorithm and hope for views. Instead, it lets you build something way more valuable – a community that’s actually willing to pay for your content.
Think about it this way: You can offer some of your amazing content for free (like the appetizers at a fancy restaurant), but keep your premium stuff for paying subscribers (the main course). And the best part? YOU get to decide how much to charge.
Want to know what’s really cool? Brands are starting to notice Substack creators in a big way. While everyone else is fighting for attention on Instagram and TikTok, Substack is like this hidden gem where serious brands are actively looking for creators to work with.
Look at this creator she’s earning $96K/Yr:
@sutoscience Another monthly update on building my paid newsletter — month 7! #longervideos #newsletter #writer
♬ original sound – Amy Suto | Writer ✨
The Content Mix: Making It Work
Let’s talk about what you can actually do on Substack (spoiler alert: it’s a lot):
Newsletters
This is your bread and butter. You can write about literally anything – industry insights, behind-the-scenes stuff, your hot takes on current trends. The key is making it feel like a friend writing to another friend.
Podcasts
Yep, Substack does podcasts too! And here’s the clever part – you can make some episodes free and others exclusive to your paid subscribers. It’s like having a VIP section at your own radio station.
Video Content
Recently jumped on the video bandwagon? Substack has got you covered. You can share video content directly on the platform, making it a great place to repurpose your YouTube or TikTok content.
Notes
Think Twitter, but without the drama. You can share quick thoughts, updates, or interesting finds with your community. It’s casual, it’s fun, and it helps keep your audience engaged between your main content drops.
Why Right Now is THE Time to Jump In
Let’s be real for a second – we’ve all had that moment where we thought, “I should have started on Instagram or Twitter sooner.” Well, this is your chance to be early to the party with Substack.
Here’s why the timing is perfect:
- The platform is established enough to be stable
- It’s growing fast, but not overcrowded
- Brands are actively looking for Substack creators
- The audience is there and they’re willing to pay for good content
- You can still carve out your unique niche
Building Your Substack Strategy
Now, let’s talk about how to make this work for you. The key is finding the right balance between free and paid content. Here’s a suggestion for how to split it up:
Free Content:
- Weekly newsletter with industry insights
- Monthly roundups
- Quick tips and tricks
- Some podcast episodes
Paid Content:
- Deep-dive analyses
- Exclusive interviews
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Premium podcast episodes
- Early access to new content
The magic number seems to be around 60% free content and 40% paid content. This gives your free subscribers enough value to stick around while giving your paid subscribers that extra special treatment they deserve.
Making It Work Long-Term
Here’s the thing about Substack – it’s not just another platform to cross-post your content. It’s about building real relationships with your audience. Think of it as creating your own little corner of the internet where you can really connect with people who care about what you have to say.
Some tips for making it sustainable:
- Pick a consistent posting schedule (once a week is a great start)
- Mix up your content types to keep things interesting
- Engage with your community through notes and comments
- Keep some content free to attract new subscribers
- Offer real value in your paid content to keep subscribers happy
The Future of Substack (And Why It Matters)
The really exciting thing about Substack is where it’s heading. While other platforms are trying to figure out how to squeeze more ads into your feed, Substack is focused on helping creators build sustainable businesses through direct relationships with their audiences.
And here’s a little secret – the newsletter space is nowhere near saturated. There’s still plenty of room for new voices, new perspectives, and new communities. Whether you’re writing about tech, cooking or personal development, there’s an audience waiting for you on Substack.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Starting on Substack isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being present. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Start with what you know, share what you’re passionate about, and let your audience grow organically.
Remember:
- Your first posts don’t have to be masterpieces
- You can start with just free content and add paid subscriptions later
- Building a community takes time, but it’s worth it
- The best time to start was yesterday, the second best time is today
The Bottom Line
Substack isn’t just another platform – it’s a whole new way of thinking about content creation and audience building. It’s about creating real value, building genuine connections, and yes, making money doing what you love.
The opportunity is here, right now. While everyone else is chasing viral moments on other platforms, you could be building something much more valuable – a sustainable, profitable newsletter that you actually own.
So, what do you say? Ready to give it a shot?