[DAY 5] Set up your Substack for high conversion rates
Hey,
Let’s face it—Substack is a fantastic platform, but if you’re just leaving the defaults in place, you’re missing out on serious conversion opportunities.
Today, I want to walk you through the three most important places you need to optimize on your Substack to grow your audience and turn free subscribers into paying ones:
1. Your Personal Profile
Your profile is often the first thing people see when they discover you on Substack. Here’s how to make it shine:
Focus on you, not your newsletter: Use your bio to introduce yourself and explain why readers should care about your work on Substack. Only share what's relevant to your Substack.
Highlight the value you deliver: What do you do, and how does it connect to your writing? Don’t just describe—show the value you deliver for your paid subscribers.
Be memorable: Keep it short, impactful, and related to your Substack niche.
Here's my example: “Helping writers grow their paid newsletters and monetize their passion. Actionable advice with zero fluff.”
A clear and compelling bio tells people exactly what they’ll gain by subscribing to you.
Note: This is what makes people subscribe to you when they discover you on Notes. Make it work for your growth.
2. Your Publication Description
This is where you explain what your newsletter is about and why readers should subscribe, and especially why should they become paying subscribers. Here’s how to nail it:
Lead with the Outcome: Focus on what subscribers will achieve, not just what they’ll read.
Instead of: “Tips on writing and publishing.”
Try: “Grow your audience and convert readers into loyal subscribers.”
Don't say: "Learn how to", make it action-oriented.
Highlight Benefits: Be specific about what they’ll get from your content (e.g., tools, case studies, exclusive insights).
Keep It Concise: Space is limited, so use every word wisely.
Pro Tip: Include a credibility booster, like your bestseller badge, a notable achievement, or a reference from your fans. Example: "paid members say it's the best choice they ever made"
3. Your Subscribe Page
Your subscribe page is critical. Think of it like a landing page selling your course or book. It’s the moment when readers decide to become subscribers (or not). Here’s how to optimize it:
Craft an Irresistible Headline: Make it benefit-driven. Use promotions to be able to change the headline.
Instead of: “Subscribe to My Newsletter.” or "Get access to this and that"
Try: “Grow Your Audience and Monetize Your Passion.”
Detail the Benefits: Clearly outline what paid subscribers will receive as an outcome after paying you. Focus on benefits not features. Don't say what they get, say what they achieve after applying it.
Make It a No-Brainer: Use pricing strategies that feel irresistible, like emphasizing the value of an annual subscription (see the mail from yesterday about crafting your irresistible offer)
Bottom Line
Your Substack isn’t just about writing great content. It’s about positioning it in a way that converts.
You need to promote yourself anywhere you can.
That pays off.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, I’ll show you how to grow your first 1,000 subscribers in just 15 minutes a day using Substack Notes and other organic strategies.
See you then, Yana
P.S. If you still need help setting up your Substack for a high conversion rate, here's a one-hour mini-course that will walk you through every setting. It's part of my flagship Write2Sell column, where I talk about growing your Substack.
P.S.S. I still haven't announced this yet, so you're the first to know: I'm deep-diving into these (and some more topics) about Substack, compiling them into a flagship course, called Substack Quest - where you'll have everything in one place. All my strategies, case studies and tools I use to achieve these results. Once I complete it, I'll increase the price (currently just $5/month (paid annually)). Upgrade now and secure your spot at this low price forever!