Join us for Substack Grow
A free crash course for writers eager to grow their readership and connect with peers.
Today we are excited to share that a new-and-improved Substack Grow will kick off this June.
The number one question we hear from writers is: how do I grow my publication?
Last summer, we hosted the first Substack Grow program to help more than 700 writers workshop strategies and explore growth tactics. Since the first program wrapped, writers have been asking us when we plan to host the next round of Substack Grow.
We’ve designed the second edition of Substack Grow to accommodate writers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—groups of writers for whom attending last summer meant staying up late into the night. As always, our programs and resources are completely free to attend.
Valorie Clark told us after participating in the six-week program, “one of the most valuable things, for me, was being able to bounce ideas for my publication, Unruly Figures, with other writers.” We’ve also made some adjustments to the programming to offer plenty of space for writers to connect and support one another.
Substack Grow helps writers who want to build a loyal audience of subscribers. Participating writers will get access to a community of peers and expert knowledge to grow their publications.
What to expect
Orientation
We know that growing your publication begins with planting the right seeds. When welcoming new writers to the Substack Grow community, we will start by carving out time to ask foundational questions.
During two orientation sessions on Zoom, we’ll help writers crystalize the strategy behind writers’ publications and map out a path forward.
Orientation, chapter 1
Clarify your goals for writing on Substack and develop a strong value proposition for subscribers.
Wednesday, June 22, 6–8 pm GMT / 2–4 pm ETOrientation, chapter 2
Differentiating you writing and communicating to readers with your About page and one-line description.
Wednesday, June 29, 6–8 pm GMT / 2–4 pm ET
Weekly workshops
Each week, an expert writer will share how they spread the word about their Substack: including sharing social media, cross-promotion, engaging in communities, and branding and designing their publication.
You will have the opportunity to connect directly with fellow writers in small groups and brainstorm how you might learn from the tactics discussed.
Cross-promotion: The making of meaningful collaborations
Wednesday, July 6, 6–7 pm GMT / 2–3 pm ETWhere to share: From social media to online communities
Wednesday, July 13, 6–7 pm GMT / 2–3 pm ETDesign to grow: Tools to make make your work more shareable
Wednesday, July 20, 6–7 pm GMT / 2–3 pm ETLooking ahead: Creating a plan to keep going and growing
Wednesday, July 27, 6–7 pm GMT / 2–3 pm ET
Ongoing support community
Participating writers will have access to an invite-only community where they can connect with one another, ask for advice about hurdles they’re facing, and trade insights on growth experiments. This space will stay open for writers to connect and access exclusive guidance after the live sessions conclude.
Who is Substack Grow for?
Substack Grow is designed for committed and experienced writers. We hope evening meeting times will make live sessions more accessible to writers in European, Middle Eastern, and African time zones. Applications will close on June 8, and writers will be notified of their application status by June 14.
You are eligible if:
Your publication has 500 subscribers or earns $1,000+ in gross annualized revenue.
You’ve published at least three posts in the past 30 days.
You can read and communicate in English.
You follow our Community Guidelines.
If you are an experienced writer and do not meet all of the criteria, we will be looking at past work and existing audiences on other platforms as part of your application.
Note: If you're hoping to set the foundation for paid subscriptions, please review our list of countries supported by Stripe, our payments provider.
What writers say about Substack Grow
"Hearing others’ strategies for growth helped me get a better handle on the Substack ecosystem as a whole. It's freely sharing that benefits everyone." - Erik Hoel of The Intrinsic Perspective
"Substack Grow encouraged me to take risks with my newsletter and helped me meet some very smart, very cool people. It's a fantastic course for any Substacker looking to strengthen their writing and grow their audience." - Elizabeth Held of What to Read If
"The Grow program showed me that I was not alone in my problems, concerns, or feelings of self-doubt. I connected with many wonderful writers, and I have learned many good things from them." - Nishant Jain of Sneaky Art
"Substack Grow was a turning point for our newsletter, from the tips and ideas we picked up to the connections we made." - Animation Obsessive
To grow, writers need a support structure.
If you’re looking to take the next step in pursuing independence, you don’t have to go at it alone.