I would also add - if you are focused on a topic that is relevant and popular, make sure you have something that differentiates it from the other people also writing on that topic. What’s your flavor/POV that will make people choose and pay over others.
You make a lot of sense Karen. Thank you for making this point so clearly. I think I am doing what you suggest. I will find out when I launch on Jan 7. In the meantime I will keep working to make my new newsletter exciting and valuable for my TA.
I have two stacks. One has my own name and is a collection of things that interest me, including politics, aging gracefully, philosophy, and some good true stories. The other is The Frugal Goddess, and yep, it's about living well on less, but it is not about coupon clipping or being cheap. The first one is up to 642, 54 paid. The Frugal Goddess is about to hit 100 quite soon, 4 paid. I have not put as much energy into it until recently, but I think it will grow now that I am writing regularly and marketing it.
BUT--I already had a sizable FB following based on writing, so I am sure that helped.
That you for sharing! So, which of your newsletters do you think is doing / will do better? I write about happiness for Asian-American women, most of my work is free /unpaywalled and i have very few paid subscribers. debating whether to paywall more, but i love the conversations with my readers. i'm almost at 300 subscribers on that (total, not paid.)
Will people pay for happiness? ;) That's my niche, but I also feel like there's a lot of free info about happiness out there... I think people will pay for true pain points (i.e. making more $ is really high up there... I keep debating whether to start a paywalled series on how I make $...) Thanks for this great post!
Hi Alice. I don't think people will pay for happiness (😥) as I think those who really struggle to get it don't truly believe it's within reach - at least not within reach through reading posts on the internet.
On the other hand people will pay for things they think will make them happy like losing weight, getting a partner or getting a better job.
I love your paywalled series idea. Readers love knowing exactly how creators make $$ as so many writers are very cagey about what they earn and how they earn it. I think that could do quite well if you are writing for other creators.
ooh very good point. i don't make $ as a creator - I make $ in other ways which I do believe are very available to everyone. Women would especially benefit from making more $ as it gives us more power ;) let me think about how to run that series!
Better work-life balance? I’be started a newsletter for this from the perspective of a trauma-trained clinical psychologist- I never know how much to mention my credentials. Do you think that’s important on here please?
Claire, it’s great to show off your expertise, as it differentiates you from others who write about the same topic. You can do that subtly in your posts e.g. “In my career as a clinical psychologist I would often see…” and I don’t think you can overdo that sort of subtle mention. It’s a good way to gain the trust of your readers.
As for listing university credentials, PhD topics, accreditations, etc., you can list them on your About page. Definitely say you’re a clinical psychologist in your writer bio. There’s no need to mention your credentials in every post though:, your expertise will shine through on its own.
Another great post. I find you Substack points the most useful of anyones. I have a related issue that I struggle with is posting articles about topics that should be of interest to my target audience but aren’t. I am targeting entrepreneurs starting new businesses , particularly in IT and creative services. Their google searches are for picking the best lawyer and accountant and doing a quick business plan. None of those are important to the success or most likely failure of their business
That's a tough one David. They should be thinking about long-term strategy but they are stuck in the weeds of the every day battles of small business. I've seen a lot of articles about overwhelm and mental health for freelancers - they seem to do well, maybe that would work for you? In my early days of entrepreneurship, I loved articles about automation and systemisation too, because I knew I was doing too much busy work and not enough value add. Good automation articles are worth their weight in gold to new entrepreneurs.
My focus isn’t on freelancers or solopreneurs, though I will likely address a subset. One of my biggest pieces of insights is to start right not just start (thousands say to just do that but in my considered opinion they are wrong). For instance no one full entrepreneurs or freelancers should start their business without a considered business model. Mental health and feeling overwhelmed are greatly reduced if you get your business model Et al
I'm battling exactly this issue. My topic is 'About Older Dogs," and I'm struggling to get subscribers (only started a few weeks ago). I also publish a newsletter on LinkedIn called 'All About Dogs," which is getting subscribers but no further interest or clients.
Obviously, I'm passionate about dogs, but dog owners don't seem to be interested in information about dogs.
I'm seriously considering choosing another topic. I have a business and financial background and have started a second career (don't mention the word retirement!!) Both these could be alternative topics?
Hi Salomi, it's great that you're recognising the challenges with your topic early on before you've invested too much energy.
Perhaps your topic "Information about dogs" is too broad? Owners of older dogs think they know everything already (!)
You're probably already posting with specific strategies for problem dogs or rescue dogs, or special information for dogs with mobility issues - maybe a publication that focusses on helping dog workers (groomers, walkers, doggie day care assistants) do their jobs better and easier would work? Not sure, but worth a think?
Since it's a topic you are super-passionate about it would be a shame to ditch it without trying a few tweaks first.
Karen. I’ve held my tongue. Read. Reread and then again. Deciding if your opinion is valid for many writers. Including me. I can be charming, disarming, funny and at times mean. Perhaps comes with my territory, childhood and a host of unique experiences. My stories are non fiction. I’ve attempted otherwise . Failing miserably . I’ve taken umbrage with your post . no question you’re a fine writer with a large following . I’m left with the adage. Those who can do. Those who can’t. Teach.
I love to hear this, Jennifer, thanks for commenting. When someone feels strongly enough to write a comment like yours I know I have done my job. It was a tough post to write because I usually prefer to be uplifting rather than negative, but your response shows me I was right to attempt it because it obviously got people thinking.
I don't always get things right but I love that this made a big impression on you. Good luck with your newsletter.
Just reading. Yes . You made an impression. My response wasn’t meant to dig or insult. I’m a writer who doesn’t take instructions . I’m pretty defiant ! Just ask my husband and children . Isn’t the purpose of art to intrigue people to explore their own dimension.
I would also add - if you are focused on a topic that is relevant and popular, make sure you have something that differentiates it from the other people also writing on that topic. What’s your flavor/POV that will make people choose and pay over others.
So true, Jessica. I wrote about this on Medium (Friend link: https://karen-cherry.medium.com/5-reasonsyour-newsletter-is-doomed-f8501a34eff7?sk=b06b878d0876959f0f35302a1ac53a6d) but until now didn't realise I haven't addressed this here in Pubstack Success. Thanks for the nudge!
Thanks for this useful addition to Karen’s article, Jessica.
You make a lot of sense Karen. Thank you for making this point so clearly. I think I am doing what you suggest. I will find out when I launch on Jan 7. In the meantime I will keep working to make my new newsletter exciting and valuable for my TA.
I like this post a lot!
I have two stacks. One has my own name and is a collection of things that interest me, including politics, aging gracefully, philosophy, and some good true stories. The other is The Frugal Goddess, and yep, it's about living well on less, but it is not about coupon clipping or being cheap. The first one is up to 642, 54 paid. The Frugal Goddess is about to hit 100 quite soon, 4 paid. I have not put as much energy into it until recently, but I think it will grow now that I am writing regularly and marketing it.
BUT--I already had a sizable FB following based on writing, so I am sure that helped.
That you for sharing! So, which of your newsletters do you think is doing / will do better? I write about happiness for Asian-American women, most of my work is free /unpaywalled and i have very few paid subscribers. debating whether to paywall more, but i love the conversations with my readers. i'm almost at 300 subscribers on that (total, not paid.)
Will people pay for happiness? ;) That's my niche, but I also feel like there's a lot of free info about happiness out there... I think people will pay for true pain points (i.e. making more $ is really high up there... I keep debating whether to start a paywalled series on how I make $...) Thanks for this great post!
Hi Alice. I don't think people will pay for happiness (😥) as I think those who really struggle to get it don't truly believe it's within reach - at least not within reach through reading posts on the internet.
On the other hand people will pay for things they think will make them happy like losing weight, getting a partner or getting a better job.
I love your paywalled series idea. Readers love knowing exactly how creators make $$ as so many writers are very cagey about what they earn and how they earn it. I think that could do quite well if you are writing for other creators.
ooh very good point. i don't make $ as a creator - I make $ in other ways which I do believe are very available to everyone. Women would especially benefit from making more $ as it gives us more power ;) let me think about how to run that series!
Personal stories non-fiction are good too. But yes I believe people want what they want
Better work-life balance? I’be started a newsletter for this from the perspective of a trauma-trained clinical psychologist- I never know how much to mention my credentials. Do you think that’s important on here please?
Claire, it’s great to show off your expertise, as it differentiates you from others who write about the same topic. You can do that subtly in your posts e.g. “In my career as a clinical psychologist I would often see…” and I don’t think you can overdo that sort of subtle mention. It’s a good way to gain the trust of your readers.
As for listing university credentials, PhD topics, accreditations, etc., you can list them on your About page. Definitely say you’re a clinical psychologist in your writer bio. There’s no need to mention your credentials in every post though:, your expertise will shine through on its own.
Another great post. I find you Substack points the most useful of anyones. I have a related issue that I struggle with is posting articles about topics that should be of interest to my target audience but aren’t. I am targeting entrepreneurs starting new businesses , particularly in IT and creative services. Their google searches are for picking the best lawyer and accountant and doing a quick business plan. None of those are important to the success or most likely failure of their business
That's a tough one David. They should be thinking about long-term strategy but they are stuck in the weeds of the every day battles of small business. I've seen a lot of articles about overwhelm and mental health for freelancers - they seem to do well, maybe that would work for you? In my early days of entrepreneurship, I loved articles about automation and systemisation too, because I knew I was doing too much busy work and not enough value add. Good automation articles are worth their weight in gold to new entrepreneurs.
My focus isn’t on freelancers or solopreneurs, though I will likely address a subset. One of my biggest pieces of insights is to start right not just start (thousands say to just do that but in my considered opinion they are wrong). For instance no one full entrepreneurs or freelancers should start their business without a considered business model. Mental health and feeling overwhelmed are greatly reduced if you get your business model Et al
Thanks for these wise words Karen.
I'm battling exactly this issue. My topic is 'About Older Dogs," and I'm struggling to get subscribers (only started a few weeks ago). I also publish a newsletter on LinkedIn called 'All About Dogs," which is getting subscribers but no further interest or clients.
Obviously, I'm passionate about dogs, but dog owners don't seem to be interested in information about dogs.
I'm seriously considering choosing another topic. I have a business and financial background and have started a second career (don't mention the word retirement!!) Both these could be alternative topics?
Hi Salomi, it's great that you're recognising the challenges with your topic early on before you've invested too much energy.
Perhaps your topic "Information about dogs" is too broad? Owners of older dogs think they know everything already (!)
You're probably already posting with specific strategies for problem dogs or rescue dogs, or special information for dogs with mobility issues - maybe a publication that focusses on helping dog workers (groomers, walkers, doggie day care assistants) do their jobs better and easier would work? Not sure, but worth a think?
Since it's a topic you are super-passionate about it would be a shame to ditch it without trying a few tweaks first.
Thanks Karen, I'll give it some more thought over the holidays.
It's summer time here so things are pretty relaxed!
Karen. I’ve held my tongue. Read. Reread and then again. Deciding if your opinion is valid for many writers. Including me. I can be charming, disarming, funny and at times mean. Perhaps comes with my territory, childhood and a host of unique experiences. My stories are non fiction. I’ve attempted otherwise . Failing miserably . I’ve taken umbrage with your post . no question you’re a fine writer with a large following . I’m left with the adage. Those who can do. Those who can’t. Teach.
I love to hear this, Jennifer, thanks for commenting. When someone feels strongly enough to write a comment like yours I know I have done my job. It was a tough post to write because I usually prefer to be uplifting rather than negative, but your response shows me I was right to attempt it because it obviously got people thinking.
I don't always get things right but I love that this made a big impression on you. Good luck with your newsletter.
Just reading. Yes . You made an impression. My response wasn’t meant to dig or insult. I’m a writer who doesn’t take instructions . I’m pretty defiant ! Just ask my husband and children . Isn’t the purpose of art to intrigue people to explore their own dimension.