The Real Reason Your Paid Newsletter Isn't Selling (It's Not Promotions)
You're not bad at selling. You're just not solving the problem they care about right now.
Let me guess.
You launched your newsletter, lit a candle, hit publish — and nothing happened.
No subs. No sales. No clamor in the comments begging for more.
So, what gives?
It’s not because your writing sucks.
It’s not even because you’re “bad at selling.”
You’re just solving the wrong damn problem.
Most newsletters flop for one simple reason…
They’re selling a product no one asked for.
Not in a “no one cares about this topic” kind of way. But in a this doesn’t solve anything I’m trying to fix right now kind of way. Where “RIGHT NOW” is the key.
Imagine launching a newsletter about journaling techniques for stress relief…
…while your audience is over here drowning in rent, side hustle chaos, and a toddler who thinks sleep is a conspiracy theory.
That’s not a product problem. That’s a positioning problem.
Most people I talk to don’t even know what “positioning” means.
It’s not about how you define your offer.
It’s about how you position it in the minds of your readers.
You’re offering something meaningful, but misaligned with what your readers are actively searching for.
So What Do You Do Instead?
You flip the script.
Instead of building your offer and then looking for people to buy it, do this:
Start with your audience.
What are they Googling at 2AM?
What frustrations do they share in the chat threads?
What problems are they venting about in then comments?
That’s your in.
That’s the painkiller problem you build for. Not the vitamin you hope they’ll one day remember to take.
The Shift That Changes Everything
When you start by solving a problem people already know they have, a few magical things happen:
They pay attention (because it’s relevant).
They trust you (because you “know what you’re talking about”).
They convert (because you’re the shortcut to what they want).
No persuasion gymnastics required.
You’re not selling anymore. You’re helping.
Still Wondering Why No One’s Buying?
Here’s the checklist:
Did you ask your audience what they need help with?
Are you offering a shortcut to something they’re actively trying to solve?
Can they immediately tell how your content helps them get what they want?
If the answer is no, it’s not about writing better emails or pitching harder.
It’s about building the right offer for the right person at the right time.
You’re Not “Bad at Selling.” You’re Just Solving the Wrong Problem.
You don’t need to become better at selling.
You need to become a better listener.
Growth happens when you stop pushing offers and start solving obvious problems.
So, go on.
Find your people. Learn what they’re struggling with. Then make the answer so good, they’d feel stupid not to say yes.
Stay Unplugged!
Yana
👉 P.S. Find more about Positioning in the Susbtack Quest.
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