I reached 500 paid subscribers. Here's the exact playbook every new Substacker needs - the 5 part strategy how to grow on Substack and the things nobody tells you (but you need to know)
Yana, thank you for this insightful post. It is a complete eye-opener. The strategy frameworks you have shared are so comprehensive that this could easily be a paid course. I will be implementing all of them. Thank you once again.
The “from zero” reframe is so clarifying — it strips away the vanity metrics and sends you back to fundamentals. My instinct says lead with Notes to build trust fast, then let the essays do the deeper convincing. Would you sequence it that way, or start with the long-form first?
That reframe lands for me — leading with the offer means every Note and essay points somewhere instead of just building an audience you can’t monetize. Depth in the archive is the reason to upgrade; Notes are just the doorway. I’m stealing “make sure people have a reason to upgrade” as my filter for what goes free vs. paid. Thank you, Yana.
I'd actually start with the paid tier (or product or a service) - what I sell. Then any content should follow. I wouldn't start any Notes before I make sure I have enough paid posts in the archive so new people will have reason to upgrade.
What a milestone, congratulations on hitting 500 paid. Posts like this that share exactly what you would do from scratch are so helpful for the rest of us. Thank you.
This is amazing!
I wondered how I read to the ends..
Yeah it's one of the best.
Yana, you are my substack role model. love you so much
Amazing article... seriously goes above and beyond covers so many angles. Saving it so i can go through it with a fine toothed comb! Thank you 🫶✨️
Thank you so much, Sara! Curious how it works for you :)
👀
This was insightful thank you!
Thank you so much, Stephanie!
You welcome!
Thanks for sharing! You'll love my newsletter and learn a lot—I guarantee it. Looking forward to connecting!
Thank you so much!! Can't wait to see how it works for you :)
Well done, Yana. You’re an inspiration.
Thank you so much, Michael! I appreciate it!
This is a masterpiece 🙏😊😍
Thank you! I appreciate!
I started from zero 5 days ago…
and this is going to help me so much!
Thank you 💞
aww excited to see how it works for you, Mala!
So much appreciate your presence 💞
Thank you!!
Yana, thank you for this insightful post. It is a complete eye-opener. The strategy frameworks you have shared are so comprehensive that this could easily be a paid course. I will be implementing all of them. Thank you once again.
Aww thank you so much! Curious how it works for you, let me know :)
Great article - so many ideas here.
Thank you so much!
informative nicely written
Thank you!
Wow! Thanks
The “from zero” reframe is so clarifying — it strips away the vanity metrics and sends you back to fundamentals. My instinct says lead with Notes to build trust fast, then let the essays do the deeper convincing. Would you sequence it that way, or start with the long-form first?
That reframe lands for me — leading with the offer means every Note and essay points somewhere instead of just building an audience you can’t monetize. Depth in the archive is the reason to upgrade; Notes are just the doorway. I’m stealing “make sure people have a reason to upgrade” as my filter for what goes free vs. paid. Thank you, Yana.
You’re very welcome, Veronica! Curious how it works for you
I'd actually start with the paid tier (or product or a service) - what I sell. Then any content should follow. I wouldn't start any Notes before I make sure I have enough paid posts in the archive so new people will have reason to upgrade.
What a milestone, congratulations on hitting 500 paid. Posts like this that share exactly what you would do from scratch are so helpful for the rest of us. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Genesis!
Congratulations.
Thank you Lorene!