It might be counterintuitive, but it’s true: free content is crucial to successful paid newsletters. Many publishers we speak to believe it’s important to save their best work for their paying subscribers. In general, that’s a big mistake. The most successful publications on Substack make much of their best and most accessible content free.
👋Hello. I thought I would share a quick story about the value of publishing your best work for free. Hope it helps:)
Last week, I published an article that was picked up first by Abnormal returns (a popluar website in the investing/finance space). Then, it was picked up and featured by Bloomberg Opinion writer Barry Ritholtz in his 10 AM Thursday reads and on the main Bloomberg website.
If I would have put that article behind a paywall (I did originally), it would have received limited attention. I made it free because of this article☝ ("Why free post pay").
Last year, I submitted an article to Abnormal Returns. And it didn't get published😔 I submitted another one last Wednesday, and he published it that morning. He works with Barry Ritholtz, so I guess that's how it came into his orbit.
Amazing what can happen when you put yourself out there!
So don't be afraid to submit your work to people who matter in your category. You never know what might happen!
People coming to my page from FB are having trouble finding the "subscribe" button. Shouldn't it just be at the bottom of each post, or do I have to put it there somehow?
Great post. Super helpful in plotting out my first month of posts. Do y'all recommend a content calendar when starting out ... or is it better to just sort of wing it, wade out into the current, and adjust according to audience feedback? I'm used to content calendars, a reliable shackle to keep a publishing initiative on-time, but always up for trying something new...
Somewhat off topic question (but not really)--is there a way to save a post as a draft so I can write them in advance and then release them when I am ready? Or do I need to copy and paste on a daily basis (assuming daily posts)?
I’ve been wondering if I can make paying voluntary. Looking for info on doing that — I myself am a retired person and paying for EVERYTHING I really want to read is not a possibility. But from time to time, I do shoot some $$ to my favorite places. But I’m not finding that option on Substack. Maybe it doesn’t exist. I’d love to publish here, but if my only choices are free or not free … hmmmmmmm.
I've been publishing for years on another platform with NO "subscribe" buttons. So, though I provided STRIPE and thought I was linked to a SUBSCRIBE button that offers FREE, Monthly, or Annual. All my content is available, regardless. What would NOT be available for FREE is the "comment" section. Is this right? And, why is my current SUBSCRIBE only offering FREE?
Is there any way to get some HELP on putting a mailing list together?? Is there any assistance available? I'm super frustrated, and can't find any place on the site to get some HELP!!! Please!
👋Hello. I thought I would share a quick story about the value of publishing your best work for free. Hope it helps:)
Last week, I published an article that was picked up first by Abnormal returns (a popluar website in the investing/finance space). Then, it was picked up and featured by Bloomberg Opinion writer Barry Ritholtz in his 10 AM Thursday reads and on the main Bloomberg website.
If I would have put that article behind a paywall (I did originally), it would have received limited attention. I made it free because of this article☝ ("Why free post pay").
Last year, I submitted an article to Abnormal Returns. And it didn't get published😔 I submitted another one last Wednesday, and he published it that morning. He works with Barry Ritholtz, so I guess that's how it came into his orbit.
Amazing what can happen when you put yourself out there!
So don't be afraid to submit your work to people who matter in your category. You never know what might happen!
Just thought I'd share. Hope it helped somone...
Caleb
People coming to my page from FB are having trouble finding the "subscribe" button. Shouldn't it just be at the bottom of each post, or do I have to put it there somehow?
Great post. Super helpful in plotting out my first month of posts. Do y'all recommend a content calendar when starting out ... or is it better to just sort of wing it, wade out into the current, and adjust according to audience feedback? I'm used to content calendars, a reliable shackle to keep a publishing initiative on-time, but always up for trying something new...
Somewhat off topic question (but not really)--is there a way to save a post as a draft so I can write them in advance and then release them when I am ready? Or do I need to copy and paste on a daily basis (assuming daily posts)?
My newsletter is just a couple days old and stumbling across this post was most timely! Thank you for sharing!
This is so true.
I believe the idea of free content is so powerful since I come from the open source world in programming.
People pay once they understand you and value your insights.
Thank you for the valuable information
I’d like to make paid optional, but substack doesn’t have that choice, does it?
I’ve been wondering if I can make paying voluntary. Looking for info on doing that — I myself am a retired person and paying for EVERYTHING I really want to read is not a possibility. But from time to time, I do shoot some $$ to my favorite places. But I’m not finding that option on Substack. Maybe it doesn’t exist. I’d love to publish here, but if my only choices are free or not free … hmmmmmmm.
Hello fellow substackers, i love this platform it encourages me to share my wisdom in the diet and fitness industry realms.
Oh we have been lied to on oh so many levels and the more you stand in your truth, the more downloads and channels we get.
Enjoy your journey!
Awesome
I need to know specifically how to indicate that some posts are to go to paid subscribers, others are free. Where do I find these settings?
I've been publishing for years on another platform with NO "subscribe" buttons. So, though I provided STRIPE and thought I was linked to a SUBSCRIBE button that offers FREE, Monthly, or Annual. All my content is available, regardless. What would NOT be available for FREE is the "comment" section. Is this right? And, why is my current SUBSCRIBE only offering FREE?
how do you know if anyone is reading your posting?
Is there any way to get some HELP on putting a mailing list together?? Is there any assistance available? I'm super frustrated, and can't find any place on the site to get some HELP!!! Please!