#Blogging strategies to promote your Substack newsletter

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

SYNERGY (Newsletter Booster): Submission Guidelines 2024

Updated rules to publish your drafts in this specialized publication for writers, book authors, bloggers, and content marketers Dear Content Creators and Marketers,  To provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique publication, I have included an overview of its history, current landscape, and strategic direction. As a result, this piece is more extensive than typical submission…

[jamesh2025smith]

An Article a Day Keeps the 9–5 Away

For decades, the traditional 9–5 job has been the standard model for earning a living. The rhythm of waking early, commuting to the office, and working under someone else’s schedule has defined professional life for millions. However, in recent years, a quiet revolution has been taking place—one article at a time. More individuals are discovering that consistent content creation, particularly writing articles, can open doors to financial freedom, flexibility, and a life outside the rigid 9–5 construct.

The Rise of the Digital Creator Economy

The internet has democratized access to audiences. Today, anyone with a voice, perspective, or skill can reach a global readership. Whether you’re an expert in personal finance, a travel enthusiast, or a niche hobbyist, there’s an audience out there waiting to read what you have to say.

Platforms like Medium, Substack, LinkedIn, and even personal blogs have become powerful outlets for writers. What was once a hobby or side gig has now become a full-time career for many. Writers are monetizing their words through ad revenue, paid subscriptions, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and even by leveraging their writing to land freelance gigs and consulting opportunities.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Freedom

For many, writing begins as a passion project—an after-hours endeavor fueled by curiosity or a need for creative expression. However, the potential for growth is enormous. The secret lies in consistency. Writing one article a day might sound ambitious, but it’s a manageable and incredibly effective strategy for building a body of work, developing authority in your niche, and building a loyal audience.

Consider this: writing one article per day results in 30 articles per month—360 per year. Imagine the compounding impact of that much content. Even if only a fraction of those articles gain traction, they can continue generating passive income or lead readers to your paid offerings long after they’re published.

The Power of Compounding Content

Just like compound interest in investing, content compounds over time. Each article acts like a digital seed, capable of growing into an evergreen resource that brings in traffic, leads, and revenue.

Here's how compounding works in the content world:

SEO Benefits: With each new article, you increase your chances of ranking for more keywords in search engines. This means more organic traffic over time.

Interlinking Opportunities: More content allows you to reference and link between your own articles, keeping readers engaged on your site or platform.

Authority Building: Consistent publishing signals expertise. The more content you produce around a topic, the more readers—and even search engines—begin to see you as a trusted source.

Monetization Opportunities: As your traffic and readership grow, so do your options for monetization. You can incorporate ads, offer digital products, promote affiliate products, or even launch paid newsletters or memberships.

Real-Life Success Stories

Many creators have already proven the power of this strategy. Take, for example, Nicolas Cole, who started writing on Quora and Medium, publishing articles daily. His consistency and unique voice led to a massive online following and eventually a successful ghostwriting business.

Or consider Ali Abdaal, a former doctor who started blogging and creating content while working his 9–5. Today, he earns millions through digital products, courses, and sponsorships—all catalyzed by consistently publishing content.

These individuals didn’t wait for perfection. They simply committed to publishing regularly and refined their craft along the way.

Skills That Grow With You

Writing articles isn't just about publishing words—it's a skill that sharpens over time and feeds into multiple other domains. As you write consistently, you improve in:

Communication: Clear, persuasive writing translates to better sales copy, pitch emails, and marketing materials.

Critical Thinking: Articulating ideas forces you to analyze, synthesize, and structure thoughts clearly.

Research: Every article you write teaches you something new, broadening your expertise.

Self-Discipline: Writing daily builds consistency and focus, two essential traits for any successful entrepreneur or creator.

Monetization Pathways

You don’t need millions of followers to start making money from writing. Here are a few monetization methods that work even for smaller audiences:

Freelance Writing: Use your articles as a portfolio to land freelance gigs.

Affiliate Marketing: Recommend products or services in your articles and earn a commission on sales.

Email Newsletters: Build an email list and create exclusive content for subscribers, free or paid.

Online Courses & Digital Products: Package your expertise into eBooks, templates, or courses.

Consulting & Coaching: Position yourself as a thought leader and offer one-on-one services.

Overcoming the 9–5 Mentality

Transitioning from a 9–5 job to a more independent, creative path can be daunting. Many are conditioned to believe that security comes from a paycheck. But in truth, the digital world offers more stability than ever—when you own your platform, your audience, and your income streams, you’re not dependent on one employer or one paycheck.

Of course, this journey requires discipline. Writing one article a day isn’t always easy. Some days you’ll be uninspired, tired, or busy. But the discipline of showing up and publishing anyway is what separates hobbyists from professionals.

Practical Tips to Get Started

Choose a Niche: Focus on a subject you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in.

Set a Schedule: Dedicate time each day to write—whether it’s morning, lunch break, or evening.

Use Templates: Create article structures to speed up your writing process.

Batch Ideas: Maintain an idea bank so you’re never stuck wondering what to write about.

Repurpose Content: Turn blog posts into social media threads, email newsletters, or videos.

Track Progress: Measure traffic, engagement, and income over time to see what’s working.

Final Thoughts: A New Path to Freedom

The idea that “an article a day keeps the 9–5 away” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a blueprint for a new kind of professional freedom. One that’s powered by ideas, fueled by consistency, and made possible by the internet.

You don’t need to be a bestselling author to make a living from writing. All you need is a voice, a message, and the courage to hit publish—every single day. Over time, you’ll build not just an audience, but a career and life on your own terms.

So start today. Write that first article. And then do it again tomorrow. Your future self—free from the cubicle, the commute, and the calendar—will thank you.

[negiseogaurav]

Top Blog Submission Site List in 2025 to Boost Your SEO and Traffic

Blog submission is a powerful off-page SEO technique to gain backlinks, improve visibility, and drive traffic. Here's a direct list of the best blog submission sites for 2025:

What is Blog Submission?

Blog submission involves sharing your blog posts on various third-party platforms, directories, or communities. The goal is to increase the visibility of your content, gain backlinks, and attract traffic from readers who browse these platforms for new and useful content.

Benefits of Blog Submission

Increases website traffic

Builds high-quality backlinks

Enhances search engine rankings

Boosts brand awareness and authority

Drives targeted niche audiences to your site

Top Blog Submission Sites List in 2025

Here are some of the best blog submission platforms you should consider in 2025:

Medium – DA 96 A popular blogging platform with a massive readership, ideal for long-form content and thought leadership.

Blogger (Blogspot) – DA 100 Google’s own platform. Easy to set up and beneficial for SEO as it's directly linked with Google indexing.

WordPress.com – DA 92 Offers free blogging options with built-in SEO tools and access to a large community.

Tumblr – DA 86 Great for visual and microblog content; supports easy re-sharing and social engagement.

LinkedIn Articles – DA 99 Professional platform for sharing blogs with industry experts, marketers, and business professionals.

Ghost – DA 82 Minimalistic and performance-oriented blogging platform ideal for serious writers and content publishers.

Substack – DA 81 Perfect for turning blogs into email newsletters and monetizing your content.

Blogarama – DA 61 A reliable directory where you can list your blog and reach niche-specific readers.

BlogEngage – DA 63 A blog submission community that allows content sharing, voting, and engagement with fellow bloggers.

AllTop – DA 70 Curates the best content from top blogs in every category, giving your content extra exposure.

Get 250+ Blog Submission Sites With High DA, PA

Tips to Maximize Blog Submission Results

Customize Titles & Descriptions: Avoid generic summaries; tailor them for each platform.

Include Keywords: Ensure your titles and descriptions include relevant keywords.

Add Images: Visuals can significantly improve click-through rates.

Be Consistent: Make blog submission a part of your monthly content promotion strategy.

Track Results: Use tools like Google Analytics or UTM tracking to see which platforms perform best.

Final Note

Use these top blog submission sites to maximize your blog’s reach in 2025. Submitting your blogs on high-authority platforms not only helps with SEO but also boosts credibility and traffic. Start now and build strong backlinks for long-term results.

[trendsnova]

How to Crush Side Hustles & Build Passive Income in 2025

Having a single income source in 2025 is playing financial roulette. As the cost of living continues to increase and job markets are changing rapidly, millions are opting for side hustles and passive income, not as a need but as a necessity.

Whether you're looking to break free from paycheck-to-paycheck living, save up for that dream vacation, or amass long-term riches, the great news is: there's never been a better time to begin.

What's the Difference?

Let's set things straight:

Side Hustle: Work you do outside of your main job to make additional money. Typically time-for-money.

Passive Income: Money that flows in with minimal everyday effort once the system is in place.

Top Trending Side Hustles in 2025

AI-Powered Freelancing

Use the likes of ChatGPT, Midjourney, or Notion AI to provide writing, design, or strategy services quicker and smarter.

Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Contra.

Digital Products

Sell Notion templates, eBooks, online courses, or Canva designs.

Platform: Gumroad, Etsy, Payhip, Teachable.

Print-on-Demand Stores

Create T-shirts, mugs, posters. No inventory required.

Tools: Printful + Shopify or Etsy.

Affiliate Marketing (With a Niche)

Create a blog, TikTok, or Instagram around one niche and suggest products.

Get paid for every referral sale.

Social Media Ghostwriting

Create posts for busy influencers or CEOs with AI and trend monitoring.

Paid by thread, post, or monthly package.

Passive Income Sources That Are Effective in 2025

YouTube Automation

Faceless videos using AI voiceovers, stock visuals, and scripts.

Monetize through ads, sponsors, and affiliate links.

Dividend Stocks & REITs

Invest in regular-dividend-paying companies or real estate trusts.

Passive but needs initial capital.

Niche Blogging (SEO + AI Content)

Create blogs with long-tail keywords.

Monetize through ads and affiliate links.

E-book Series on Kindle

Self-publish short guides, fiction, or specialty nonfiction.

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) remains a goldmine for creators.

Substack Newsletters

Grow an audience around a particular niche and sell paid subscriptions.

Tips Before You Dive In

Choose your niche: Don't attempt to do it all. Focus triumphs.

Begin with a time-abundant hustle (side hustle) → then create passive systems.

Don't neglect marketing: Even the best products perish without promotion.

Automate: Employ AI tools, schedulers, and platforms that minimize manual labor.

What Not to Do

"Get rich quick" crypto/Ponzi schemes.

Shelling out money for access to rudimentary platforms—most legitimate ones are free or cheap.

Relying on overnight success. Even passive income requires initial hustle.

Thoughts in Conclusion

The concept of making money in your sleep once seemed like a scam. But in 2025, with the right strategy, mindset, and tools, it's a pragmatic way to financial independence.

Start small. Stay consistent. And remember: every millionaire started with one hustle.

[xpressluna]

Why 95% of New Writers Can’t Build an Audience Even After “Trying Everything”

Every day, thousands of new writers publish blogs, launch newsletters, and post on social media in hopes of building an audience. They follow the advice: “Be consistent,” “Find your niche,” “Engage with your readers.” And yet, most of them — an estimated 95% — never grow beyond a handful of followers. Why?

It’s not because they aren’t talented. It’s not even because they’re lazy. It’s because building an audience is more strategic than most people realize. Let’s break down why so many writers struggle, even when they feel like they’ve “tried everything.”

They Confuse Activity with Strategy

Writing more doesn’t mean writing smarter. Many new writers pump out content without a plan. They blog weekly, post on Twitter or LinkedIn, and share personal stories — but it’s all scattered. Without a clear brand message, target reader, or long-term goal, all this effort just becomes noise.

Fix: Create a content strategy. Identify your ideal reader, the problem you’re solving, and how your voice stands out. Every post should tie into that core identity.

They Don’t Understand the Audience They Want

New writers often write for themselves, not for a specific audience. They treat their platform like a journal instead of a service. While authenticity is important, writing online is ultimately about delivering value to others.

Fix: Ask, “Who is this for?” before hitting publish. Learn what your audience needs, struggles with, or is curious about — and write for them, not just about yourself.

They Spread Themselves Too Thin

Trying to be everywhere — Medium, Substack, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok — burns people out fast. Most writers don't have the time, energy, or skills to grow multiple platforms simultaneously.

Fix: Focus on one or two platforms where your target audience hangs out. Grow deep roots there before expanding.

They Don’t Leverage Distribution

��Build it and they will come” is a myth. Writing great content isn’t enough. You have to market it. Too many writers publish and pray, without learning how to distribute their work effectively.

Fix: Promote your work intentionally. Repost snippets on social media, collaborate with others, write guest posts, and learn basic SEO. Build a content funnel that brings readers to your site again and again.

They Quit Too Early

Writing is a long game. Many people give up after a few months of low engagement. They assume they’ve failed — when in reality, they simply haven’t been in the game long enough.

Fix: Commit to at least one year of consistent, high-quality content creation. Keep learning, improving, and showing up. Most audiences are built slowly, then suddenly.

They Don’t Evolve

Some writers plateau because they never adapt. They repeat the same style, structure, or message, even when it’s not resonating. Meanwhile, others improve by studying what works — hooks, headlines, structure, storytelling.

Fix: Study what successful writers in your space are doing. Take notes. Experiment with formats. Track what gets traction and refine your approach.

They Focus on Vanity Metrics

Chasing likes, followers, or viral posts can lead to burnout and creative confusion. What matters more is building trust and connection — even with a small audience.

Fix: Prioritize engagement over growth. Build relationships in the comments, reply to DMs, and write like you’re speaking directly to one person — not an audience of thousands.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a writer struggling to build an audience, don’t assume you're failing because you’re not good enough. Most writers don’t succeed because they treat audience-building like a guessing game instead of a learnable skill.

The ones who do grow their audience:

Write with intention

Serve a clear audience

Stick with it long enough to get good

You haven’t “tried everything” until you’ve tried those things well.

[kitauthor]

Authors, Let's Talk About Substack

Watching people celebrate a platform, and even remain on it, after it's been public for a while now that the platform sees nothing wrong in making money from hate speech (to put it mildly, more like fascism and naziism), is a lot like watching authors submit and sign contracts with publishers that have been screwing over authors for years, but they think it's not going to affect them. It doesn't matter what spots the leopard wears, in these cases, it is almost always going to eat your face. The question is how quickly do you realize it and how much it motivates you to move. "It won't happen to me" has got to be the most insidious phrase in whatever language you speak, because it contains an elitism that the reason why it happened to others is because they did something wrong. Something that you, of course, won't be doing. And yet, like a technological (and publishing) Cassandra, I know eventually it's going to bite them in the ass. Or eat their face. Or whatever. It isn't going to be happy either way. The current contender for this? Substack. In late 2023/early 2024 what had been percolating in tech and online circles finally became public: Substack has a nazi problem. Like it sees nothing wrong with making money from newsletters promoting hate, nazi rhetoric, and antisemitism. In a token gesture, they added a report button and removed five blogs, and for the most part the noise has died down. (Here's a Feb 2024 article from The Verge on the topic.) Except, if you know, you know, and I am not the only one who tries very hard not to subscribe to any Substack newsletters and looks askance at all of the big names flocking to substack. At this point, remaining on Substack is akin to remaining on Musk's X. You cannot be there and not be supporting right-wing, authoritarian, and fascist behavior because if you monetize your Substack newsletter, blog, whatever you want to call it, you're paying 10% of your sales to a company that just doesn't give a damn what you say so long as you pay. The ONE THING people with large audiences refuse to do to fight fascism is stop publishing on Substack. People are starting to publish on Substack—this month—because Substack keeps paying people to ignore their own moral center. You can’t fight fascism in a Nazi bar. You. Just. Fucking. Can’t. — Imani Gandy (@angryblacklady.bsky.social) April 21, 2025 at 5:58 AM Then there is this which was in response to an article talking about how group chats created an alliance between techbros and the far right. When I talk about how Substack was funded as part of a deliberate strategy to make a platform where they could mainstream their fascist ideas, this is the group I am talking about. The other suckers who put their newsletters on the platform are playing into this agenda.— Anil Dash (@anildash.com) April 27, 2025 at 10:58 PM The thing is, since Substack takes 10% of your subscriber revenue regardless of the number of subscribers at some point, you're losing money by staying there versus other platforms where you can make more. This article recently crossed my feed about Substackers who left actually making more money now that they are on a platform with a better pricing model. Originally, I was going to make this blog about how you can make more off of Substack (see that link above), but I've actually spent a few weeks thinking about this blog and here's the truth.

The system is broken. Giving in and paying the bad actors is exactly what they want you to do.

Instead, I am encouraging authors to be resourceful, be creative. And yes, I'm going to repeat the mantra I've been screaming since the early 2000s. You must build your own business on a platform you control as much as possible. Can you backup your data/export it to another provider if it turns out they suck/fold/go under/or become difficult to work with? Wordpress isn't perfect. Gods no, and I hate Automattic the company with the fiery burning passion of a million suns. But you know what? Wordpress is open source and distributed which means I don't have to do business directly with Automattic if I don't want to. And I'm happy to share with you how not to too.

But aren't all companies bad? Like we don't have a choice anymore.

I've heard that line as to why people are remaining on Substack and pretty much giving in on trying to have any sort of social conscience on their tech use. So let me put it to you this way? If you found out that your favorite beverage of choice was laced with enough lead and arsenic to cause permanent damage, would you still drink it? I sincerely hope not. Let's make this a little more realistic. If you found out that your favorite beverage or food was made with a chemical that could, over time, cause health issues you'd rather avoid. Wouldn't you start to make some adjustments in your drinking/eating habits? I'd like to think so. The bottom line is yes, corporate owned social media sucks and is most likely partnering with the same forces as Substack. There's also a reason why I, for example, don't by Amazon or Facebook ads and limit my use of Facebook. I'm starting to move my ebook and physical book purchases away from Amazon (This grad student loves Thriftbooks!) And personally I am loving spending my time on Bluesky or Mastodon, though neither platform is perfect either. Our goal isn't perfect. Our goal is to follow Maya Angelou's very poignant and powerful quote: "When we know better, we do better." That's all we can do. One step at a time. Let's all do better as a writing community. Epona Author Solutions offers website hosting and I am an author technologist. I LOVE to talk tech and websites. Our website hosting is designed for self-hosted wordpress. For $10/month you get website hosting with a real person, no AI. Ask me questions? Need website work done? I'm here for you (additional rates will apply). Need a website? I can get you started for as little as $100. Looking for a newsletter? Check out Epona Mail. I can help you move off of Substack and take control over your technical life and information. Read the full article

[jon-mcbrine-author]

So, you self-published a book and marketing is difficult. Sales are low, and some days there are no orders at all. This is to be expected as a brand new author promoting a novel in an already overcrowded market. Since no one has heard of you or your characters, why not add merchandise on top of everything?

This is pretty much me in my pursuit of selling my debut full-length YA sci-fi book Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One. Appearing out of the blue as a new writer can be surprising to readers or simply overlooked. After all, there are thousands of over authors pushing their stories, too. As an indie-creator, accepting this ambitious endeavor includes expecting long months of not much taking off. The book hasn’t set the world on fire - okay, this was a known possibility. It’s part of the journey; a prerequisite of non-traditional publishing. The process of developing a novel from the ground up is grueling and often goes unnoticed and lacking rewards. Not much of an indie writer’s life is glamorous. In fact, a self-published creator is more often than not toiling away in silence and working alone. If one book entails such a daunting workload, why add more?

For me, expanding my goals to include anything other than the actual writing itself, editing, cover art and any other illustrations (not to mention keeping up with the moving target that is social media), is well… crazy? Stacking up the items on my personal list is delusional? Whatever it may be, it is unequivocally enjoyable. That simple answer to adding more things for myself to do is I simply want to.

There is some marketing strategy at play so it isn’t purely a vanity project. As a graphic designer, I am gravitated toward the art aspect of fiction anyway. The overall creative aspect of making a novel come to life is such a pleasurable activity that the inherent headache that comes along with it is worth it. Loving the process is key because the destination or final achievement is a goalpost that tends to perpetually slide.

I’ve recently posted of my upcoming merch store, which I don’t have any preset notions of garnering excitement. Mainly these social media posts serve to inform anyone who happens to look that I intend to do a thing. Not quite the most buzzworthy news, but it is something that I’d feel strange about ignoring entirely. The merch store itself will essentially be links to online shops - in fact, I have a “shop” that is currently active on Teepublic but as of now, no book-specific items are listed. Not only will apparel based on the story be available, such as T-shirts, but I love the option of designing mugs, tote bags, decals, art prints, decor, device accessories, etc. Also, I’m very excited to eventually be able to sell bundles of signed paperback copies including bookmarks and stickers.

So, why would I produce merch for a novel that not very many people are aware of? The same reason readers will like the book - because it is fun. The adventurous spirit of taking on this challenge as an underdog encapsulates the core concept of Eric Icarus.

Stay in the loop for more details by following Jonfiction Blog on Substack and be sure to check out jonmcbrine.com for more info about this and all my books.

Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One is available now from the Amazon as a paperback and as an ebook.

https://a.co/2XAtxvH

New blog every Monday. Newsletter first Monday of each month.

[visual-sculptors]

Crafting the Perfect Newsletter Introduction: Essential Tips for Engaging Your Audience

1.What is a good newsletter introduction?

 A well-crafted newsletter introduction serves as a critical gateway to the engaging content that follows, effectively capturing the readers' attention right from the start. It acts as a vital first impression, setting the tone and establishing the purpose of the communication. Ideally, the introduction should be both concise and informative, striking a balance that provides a compelling overview of the topics to be discussed. A professional introduction often begins with a warm welcome, fostering a sense of familiarity and connection with the audience. This is followed by a brief outline of key highlights or themes that will be covered in the newsletter, ensuring that readers have a clear understanding of what to expect. By doing so, it not only piques their interest but also encourages them to engage with the material in a meaningful way. Moreover, a strong introduction includes a clear call to action that motivates readers to explore further. This could involve inviting them to click on links for more detailed articles, participate in discussions, or even provide feedback on the content presented. By addressing the audience directly and articulating the unique value proposition of the newsletter, the introduction fosters a sense of anticipation and excitement. It lays the groundwork for a deeper connection between the content and the reader, ultimately inspiring them to delve into the material with enthusiasm. In essence, a well-crafted introduction serves not only to inform but also to inspire, creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience that encourages ongoing interaction with the newsletter.

2. How to start a newsletter?

 Starting a newsletter is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and execution to maximize its effectiveness and engagement potential. The first step is to clearly define your target audience, as understanding who you are writing for will guide the tone, content, and style of your newsletter. Additionally, it is essential to articulate the purpose of the newsletter—whether it aims to inform, educate, entertain, or a combination of these goals. This foundational understanding will help you curate relevant content that resonates with your readers. Once your audience and purpose are identified, selecting an appropriate distribution platform becomes vital. Platforms like Mailchimp or Substack offer user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to design visually appealing newsletters while also providing analytics to track reader engagement and performance metrics. After establishing your audience and platform, the next step is to develop a comprehensive content strategy. This strategy should encompass a diverse array of content types, such as informative articles, practical tips, and engaging visuals, to keep readers engaged and eager for each edition. Furthermore, consistency plays a crucial role in building a loyal readership; therefore, establishing a regular publication schedule—be it weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—will help set expectations for your subscribers. Lastly, promoting your newsletter through various channels, including social media, blogs, and even collaborations with other content creators, can significantly enhance your visibility and subscriber base. It is imperative to ensure that each newsletter edition delivers genuine value to your readers, fostering a relationship built on trust and reliability, which will ultimately contribute to the long-term success of your newsletter.

3. What has replaced newsletters?

In recent years, the evolution of digital communication has significantly transformed the landscape of information dissemination, leading to a notable decline in the popularity of traditional newsletters. The rise of social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn has revolutionized how organizations share updates and engage with their audiences. These platforms facilitate instantaneous information sharing and foster real-time interaction, enabling organizations to connect directly with their followers and promptly respond to inquiries or feedback. This immediacy not only enhances communication efficiency but also cultivates a more dynamic relationship between organizations and their stakeholders, allowing for greater transparency and engagement. Moreover, alternative content formats have emerged to meet diverse audience preferences and provide more nuanced analysis. Blogs, for instance, offer a deeper exploration of specific topics, allowing organizations to present comprehensive insights and establish thought leadership in their respective fields. Meanwhile, podcasts and video content have gained traction, appealing to audiences who prefer auditory or visual formats for information consumption. The evolution of email marketing has also played a pivotal role in this transformation, as organizations now leverage tailored campaigns that emphasize audience segmentation and personalization. By ensuring that content is relevant and resonates with specific demographics, email marketing has become more effective, further diminishing the relevance of conventional newsletters. Collectively, these innovative communication strategies have reshaped how information is shared and consumed, effectively rendering traditional newsletters less significant in the contemporary digital landscape.

4. How to write a great newsletter?

To create an effective newsletter, it is essential to start by thoroughly understanding your target audience and their specific interests. This foundational step allows you to tailor your content to resonate with your readers, ensuring that it is not only engaging but also relevant. A compelling subject line serves as the gateway to your newsletter, capturing attention and encouraging recipients to open and explore further. Once your audience is engaged, the content itself should be crafted with clarity and precision. Structuring the newsletter with headings and bullet points facilitates easy navigation and enhances readability, allowing readers to quickly glean the most important information. Incorporating visuals, such as images or infographics, can further elevate the engagement level by breaking up text-heavy sections and providing a more dynamic reading experience.

Equally important is the inclusion of actionable insights and tips that offer genuine value to your readers. This demonstrates a commitment to their needs and interests while establishing your authority in the subject matter. Consistency in maintaining your brand voice and style is crucial, as it fosters familiarity and trust among your audience. To promote interaction, consider including calls-to-action that encourage readers to provide feedback, share their thoughts on social media, or even participate in surveys. Lastly, analyzing key metrics such as open and click-through rates will help you refine future editions, ensuring that your newsletter evolves alongside your audience's preferences and continues to deliver impactful content that resonates with them. Emphasizing these elements will contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of your newsletter, making it a valuable resource for your subscribers.

5. How do you arrange a newsletter?

Arranging a newsletter is a multifaceted process that necessitates careful planning to achieve clarity and foster engagement among readers. The first critical step is to define the target audience and the primary purpose of the newsletter. By understanding who the readers are and what information will be most valuable to them, content can be tailored effectively, ensuring it resonates with their interests and needs. Following this, it is essential to create a structured layout that not only captures attention but also facilitates ease of navigation. A compelling headline serves as the initial hook, drawing readers in, while an introductory section sets the tone for the content that follows. Clearly delineated articles or sections allow for a logical flow of information, making it easier for readers to digest the material. Incorporating visuals, such as images, graphs, or infographics, can significantly enhance the newsletter's readability and visual appeal, breaking up text-heavy sections and providing illustrative support for the content. It is equally important to maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the newsletter to establish a cohesive identity that readers can easily recognize. Prioritizing key information ensures that the most critical messages are communicated effectively, while including a compelling call-to-action encourages reader interaction and engagement. Finally, a thorough proofreading process is vital to ensure grammatical accuracy and professionalism, and testing the formatting across various devices guarantees optimal delivery and presentation. These steps collectively contribute to creating a newsletter that is not only informative but also engaging and visually appealing to its audience.

[kristenbrady]

Converting Free Subscribers to Paid Subscribers on Substack: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a Substack writer looking to monetize your newsletter and convert your free subscribers into paid subscribers? This blog post is here to help you do just that! In this guide, I will explore effective strategies to engage and incentivize your audience, ultimately driving them to become paying subscribers.

1. Create Valuable Content

The key to converting free subscribers into paying subscribers is to consistently deliver high-quality content that adds value to their lives. Offer exclusive insights, expert advice, or in-depth analysis that they won’t find anywhere else. Make sure to stay true to your niche and provide a unique perspective that sets you apart from competitors.

Want To Experience Hypergrowth of Your Substack Newsletter? Try These Tactics.

Be the next Lenny Rachitsky!

medium.com

2. Showcase the Benefits of Paid Subscription

One of the best ways to convert free subscribers is to clearly communicate the benefits they will receive by becoming paid subscribers. Highlight premium features such as access to exclusive content or member-only perks. Use persuasive language to emphasize the value and advantages they gain by upgrading to a paid subscription.

3. Offer Limited-time Promotions

Running limited-time promotions can create a sense of urgency and motivate free subscribers to take the leap and become paid subscribers. Consider offering discounts, free trials, or special bonuses for those who upgrade within a certain time frame. These promotions can entice your audience and provide an extra push towards conversion.

Use a Newsletter Referral Program on Substack to Increase Subscriber Growth

Slow subscriber growth on Substack? Try these tips.

medium.com

4. Engage with Your Subscribers

Building a genuine connection with your subscribers is essential. Make an effort to interact with them regularly, whether it’s through responding to comments, hosting live Q&A sessions, or sending personalized emails. Show them that you value their support and appreciate their engagement. This personal touch can significantly increase the likelihood of converting free subscribers to paid subscribers.

5. Leverage Social Proof and Testimonials

Human psychology naturally gravitates toward social proof. Utilize this to your advantage by showcasing positive testimonials and reviews from satisfied paid subscribers. This social validation can build trust and credibility, convincing your free subscribers of the value they will receive by upgrading their subscriptions.

6. Create Exclusive Content for Paid Subscribers

To incentivize free subscribers to upgrade, provide exclusive content that is only accessible to paid subscribers. This could include bonus articles, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, or special offers. By creating a premium experience, you give them a compelling reason to become paying subscribers.

7. Engage in Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for converting free subscribers into paid subscribers. Regularly send out newsletters or updates that provide a taste of your premium content. Include compelling calls to action that encourage them to upgrade their subscription. Remember to segment your email list to personalize your messages and target specific demographics.

8. Offer Multiple Subscription Tiers

Not all free subscribers may be ready or willing to commit to the highest-tier subscription. By offering multiple subscription tiers, you provide options that cater to different budget levels and preferences. This flexibility can increase conversion rates as it allows your audience to choose the plan that suits them best.

Converting free subscribers to paid subscribers on Substack requires a combination of valuable content, effective communication, and strategic incentives. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and consistently engaging with your audience, you can maximize your conversion rates and build a loyal base of paying subscribers. Remember, the key is to continuously provide value and create a sense of exclusivity that will entice your readers to invest in your premium content.

🍉Sign up here to catch every story when Kristen publishes.

Originally posted on Medium

[tlbodine]

Things That Do (And Don’t) Sell Books (in my experience)

I’ve just finished reading this book:

I am both amused and a bit disheartened to have read the whole thing and discovered that I knew pretty much everything in it. Amused, because I guess I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge over the years. Disheartened, because it clearly has not led to me becoming the break-away success I always dreamed of. Ah well. Live and learn. 

I’m all about transparency in this business, so I wanted to talk honestly for a while about book marketing and what I’ve experienced in terms of what does and does not seem to work. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so chime in with your own experiences! 

Branding and Audience 

The first third of Burke’s book is dedicated to this aspect, and it’s an important marketing step that’s easy to overlook. The idea is basically that you can’t market a product unless it has a brand identity. To create your brand, you need to do the following: 

Identify the audience who you are trying to reach with your work, or who would be most receptive to what you’re writing

Identify your dreams and goals so you have a clear picture in mind of what you want to accomplish 

Figure out how to position yourself in such a way that you a.) stand out from the competition but b.) people can still relate to and understand at a glance

Find a way to communicate your brand consistently in terms of the language used, your aesthetic, the way you act online, and so forth. 

When it comes to brand-building as an author, I think I’ve got a bit of a corner nailed down. I at least hope to be perceived as someone level-headed, thoughtful, generally positive/empathetic and humanist, but also critical and looking deeper into the meanings of things -- all of which are traits I personally possess and which are baked in to the work I do. In support of that branding, I curate my activity online as best I can: I post things that are of a certain horror aesthetic that I feel overlaps with my own interests/style; I give writing advice and boost people in the community where I can; I wade into discourse selectively and thoughtfully; I give media reviews and analysis that I think would be interesting to like-minded people. 

The “identify the audience” part is much harder for me. I’m still honestly not sure who my ideal reader is, or where exactly to go to find my audience. At this point I’m kind of scattering crumbs of myself out into the wind and hoping it will attract people who will, in turn, be interested in the work that I do (and both willing and able to support it financially). 

Things I’ve Done With Varying Degrees of Success: 

Aforementioned blogging activities. I have slowly but steadily grown my following her on tumblr and other social media sites as well as my author newsletter on substack, but it’s not clear to what extent that following translates into book sales. My writing advice posts vastly out-perform all of my other content, but I haven’t seen compelling evidence that the people interested in my writing advice are especially interested in my fiction -- it seems to be two separate groups, with maybe a sliver of overlap. 

Content marketing with more short fiction. This seems like it should be the safest, surest way to find more readers, but it’s time-consuming and discouraging because of the discoverability cycle. My horror flash fiction posts don’t get nearly as many notes as my advice posts. My attempts to get into the big anthologies that pop up have so far amounted to little, although I do need to write more. It’s just that coming up with new ideas and writing them all the time is a lot of work, and if it’s not paying off maybe I’m still better off dedicating that work to my novels. 

Sending ARCs to book bloggers/reviewers/booktube etc. I sent out dozens, if not hundreds, of these and got next to no response. I do think part of the problem is that, at the time, I had no Twitter presence, and -- like it or not -- there seems to be a bit of cliqueishness to this aspect of the book world. Now that I’ve spent more time on Twitter ingratiating myself with the horror community, I suspect I’ll have a somewhat easier job securing blurbs and reviews at least from the people in my extended social circle. But I won’t know until I try it again. *I also know I would have greater success with this if I’d been sending paperback ARCs instead of digital. I didn’t, because the cost of buying more author copies + shipping was prohibitive. 

Author Newsletter. I maintain mine in conjunction with my Patreon account. I send a monthly news round-up, making a point of shouting out both industry news and the milestones/achievements of others in the community as well as providing what I hope to be value-added or interesting content (in the form of blog posts my patrons vote on). It does OK. I average a couple of new sign-ups per month this way and tend to hover around a 25% open rate, which isn’t terrible. But it’s not great, either, and I won’t know for sure whether any of those opens will actually yield sales at any point. 

Interpersonal relationships/community building. Hands down the most successful “marketing” thing I’ve ever done is make friends with people. My writing discord group is small but very close-knit and interacting with them is one of the genuine highlights of my day. I didn’t really make it with mercenary intentions of selling books, but it has directly resulted in sales. Similarly, there are a handful of authors from Twitter and Wattpad that I’ve developed genuine friendships with, and we buy each other’s books and support one another. This whole community aspect is extremely rewarding and I’d do it whether or not it sold books, but it’s also not exactly easy to scale. I can only maintain genuine friendships with so many people. 

Posting in reading groups. The books that allow self-promo are so saturated with it that nobody pays any attention. The good groups do not allow self-promo, unless it’s in the form of getting down in the comments and recommending a book on a per-person basis to people looking for a specific thing, and only then if you’re not being spammy. Again, this is time-consuming. You could spend your entire life in these groups, hand-selling books to these people, and maybe picking up a few sales. They do seem like a good place to identify trends, though, so they’re good for market research if not direct selling. 

Things I Have Not Done, But Which I Suspect Would Sell Books 

Paid promotions. The golden ticket for book sales still seems to be landing a BookBub promo. If you’re unfamiliar, this is where you price your book at 99 cents or free and then pay bookbub to include it in their deals newsletter. Bookbub is very popular and moves a lot of copies. Ideally, you want to set it up so that your cheap book is the first in a series, and people snap that up and then come back to read the rest. This requires you to have written a series. Also bookbub is expensive because these are premium ads. We’re talking hundreds of dollars for one ad. There are other book promos that are cheaper but don’t have the same buy-through rate. 

Ads on facebook/amazon. I’m only dimly familiar with the ins and outs of these ads. They can be relatively cheap, but the amount of visibility they have is tied to your budget -- so the more you can spend on a campaign, the better your performance will be. 

Calling bookstores/libraries and asking them to order. I should do this. I have not done this purely because I am a coward. 

I am not certain what more I can do to promote my books without spending money. 

I understand the “spend money to make money” concept, but I also understand the “I have a limited budget and cannot spend it willy nilly on things that still might not actually pay off, especially considering how expensive self-publishing is when you want to do it right.” 

...This post ended up in a much more bitter place than I meant for it to. Sorry. I’ll check in if I remember additional points that could be successful strategies. 

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

Substack Mastery Book: Chapter 11

Supercharge Your Substack Newsletters with Blogging on WordPress, Medium, or Other Platforms: Here’s What You Need to Know and How to Get Started Right Now I wrote this chapter because I gained significant benefits from blogging, especially within the last 12 months when I started intensifying my efforts on Substack. Until I deliberately blogged my content published on Substack or sent it…

[jamesh2025smith]

 If I Had to Build an Audience from Zero Today, Here’s What I Would Do

In today’s digital landscape, building an audience from scratch may feel overwhelming—but it’s far from impossible. The tools, platforms, and strategies available in 2025 offer more opportunity than ever before. Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, coach, or aspiring influencer, a loyal audience is your most valuable asset.

If I had to start from zero today, here’s exactly what I’d do.

Choose a Clear Niche (But Leave Room to Evolve) Clarity wins. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, I’d pick a specific niche that aligns with my passions, skills, and market demand. This could be productivity for remote workers, storytelling for small business owners, or minimalist design for content creators.

Why this matters: Specificity helps you stand out. It also attracts people who care deeply about what you’re offering, not just casual scrollers.

Tip: Validate the niche by searching on platforms like Reddit, YouTube, or TikTok to ensure people are actively engaging in that space.

Choose One Core Platform (Then Repurpose) Trying to master five platforms at once is a trap. I’d choose one primary channel based on my strengths:

If I love writing: Twitter (X), LinkedIn, or Substack.

If I enjoy talking: Podcasting or YouTube.

If I prefer short, visual content: TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Once I build momentum, I’d repurpose that content across other platforms to increase reach without burning out.

Example: A YouTube video becomes a podcast, multiple tweets, a blog post, and 2–3 Instagram Reels.

Create “Magnet Content” with a Clear POV Not all content is created equal. I’d focus on creating “magnet content”—posts or videos that express a clear point of view, solve real problems, or challenge the status quo.

This includes:

Hot takes or unpopular opinions

Step-by-step guides and playbooks

Personal stories with transformation

“What I wish I knew” posts

People don’t follow content—they follow perspective.

Engage Proactively, Not Just Passively Most beginners hit “publish” and wait. I’d do the opposite. Every day, I’d:

Leave thoughtful comments on popular creators in my niche

Respond to every comment on my posts

DM new followers with a thank-you or value-add message

Audience growth is 50% content, 50% community. If you show up in conversations, you’ll get noticed.

Offer a Simple Lead Magnet Early On Even with 100 followers, I’d offer a lead magnet—something like a short PDF guide, checklist, or template—and build an email list right away.

This way, I’m not at the mercy of platform algorithms. I’d also start sending regular emails to build deeper trust.

Collaborate with Other Creators One of the fastest ways to grow from zero is to borrow audiences through collaboration. This could be:

Guest posts or podcast appearances

Co-hosted live sessions or webinars

Cross-promotions via newsletters or Reels

When starting from scratch, your network becomes your best amplifier.

Show Up Consistently for 90 Days Most people quit too early. If I were starting over, I’d commit to 90 days of consistent output, measuring progress not by followers, but by:

Quality of conversations

Skill improvement

Content performance (engagement, shares)

Momentum doesn’t come overnight—but 90 days is enough to see real traction.

Share the Journey, Not Just the Destination People don’t relate to perfect—they relate to progress. I’d document the journey of building my audience from scratch. Every week, I’d share:

Lessons I’m learning

Wins and struggles

Behind-the-scenes process

This makes content feel authentic and brings people along for the ride.

Final Thoughts Starting from zero can be your greatest advantage—you have nothing to lose and everything to experiment with. Focus on clarity, consistency, and community. Build real relationships. Share real value. Be relentlessly helpful, and your audience will come.

Remember: your first 100 followers matter more than your first 10,000. Treat them like gold.

Would you like this article formatted for LinkedIn, Substack, or turned into a video script?

[jamesh2025smith]

You Can Make Money With AI Without Quitting Your Job

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for tech giants and computer scientists. Today, it's a powerful, accessible tool that individuals from all backgrounds can leverage—even if you work a 9-to-5 job. The good news? You don't have to quit your job to tap into AI’s money-making potential.

This article explores how everyday professionals can earn extra income using AI, covering practical strategies, tools, and real-life examples to help you take your first step toward financial growth with AI—without sacrificing the security of your full-time job.

Why AI Is a Great Side Hustle Companion

Scalable and Low-Cost Tools AI tools have become extremely user-friendly and affordable. Platforms like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Canva AI, and others offer freemium models or low-cost subscriptions, allowing you to explore various side hustles without major financial investments.

Automation = Time Savings Since your time is limited while working full-time, the automation capabilities of AI make side hustling feasible. Whether it’s generating blog posts, creating designs, writing code, or analyzing data, AI can significantly reduce the manual workload and accelerate project completion.

Skill Amplification AI doesn’t just replace work—it enhances your existing skills. If you're good at writing, AI can speed up your content creation. If you're a marketer, it can optimize your campaigns. If you’re into design, AI tools can refine your visual content.

Ways to Make Money With AI While Keeping Your Day Job Let’s look at realistic, low-risk ways you can make money using AI tools without quitting your full-time job.

Content Creation and Freelance Writing AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Copy.ai help you generate content quickly. You can offer blog writing, email copywriting, and social media caption services to businesses and entrepreneurs who need help with content marketing.

How to Start: Create a Fiverr or Upwork profile.

Use AI to draft content faster and more efficiently.

Optimize and proofread the AI-generated output for quality.

Deliver to clients, freeing up more time to take on additional work.

Time Commitment: 5–10 hours a week

Earnings Potential: $100–$1,000/month depending on volume and niche

Start a Niche Blog or Newsletter Use AI to launch your own content platform. Pick a niche—like personal finance, productivity, or parenting—and use AI to generate blog posts, manage email newsletters, or even create eBooks.

Tools to Use: ChatGPT for articles

Notion or Substack for newsletters

Canva for visuals and lead magnets

Monetize through:

Affiliate marketing

Sponsored content

Selling digital products (like guides or templates)

Time Commitment: 5–8 hours a week

Earnings Potential: $50–$2,000+/month (scales with audience size)

Create and Sell AI-Generated Art and Products AI image generators like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion can help you create unique art, which you can print on merchandise (T-shirts, mugs, posters) or sell as digital downloads on platforms like Etsy.

Example Ideas: AI-generated art prints

Custom portraits

Greeting cards

T-shirt designs

How to Start: Learn the basics of image prompt engineering

Use Printful, Redbubble, or Teespring to print and ship merchandise on demand

Use Canva AI or Midjourney for product designs

Time Commitment: 5–10 hours/week (mainly front-loaded for setup)

Earnings Potential: $100–$3,000+/month depending on niche and promotion

Offer AI Consulting to Small Businesses Many small business owners want to leverage AI but don’t know where to start. If you understand how AI tools work—even at a basic level—you can offer guidance and implementation services.

What You Can Help With: Integrating AI chatbots for customer service

Automating email marketing campaigns

Setting up AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation

How to Start: Use LinkedIn or local networking events to find clients

Create a basic website or landing page explaining your services

Offer a free 30-minute consultation to generate interest

Time Commitment: Varies—often project-based

Earnings Potential: $500–$5,000+/project

Create and Sell Online Courses or Tutorials If you’re knowledgeable in your field—say, marketing, design, finance, or tech—you can use AI to speed up the course creation process and sell educational content on platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, or Udemy.

What AI Can Do for You: Outline course modules

Generate scripts

Create quizzes or assignments

Summarize complex topics

Example Topics: “How to Use ChatGPT for Marketing”

“AI Tools for Freelancers”

“AI-Powered Productivity Hacks”

Time Commitment: 10–20 hours for setup, then passive

Earnings Potential: $200–$10,000+ depending on niche and marketing

YouTube Channel or TikTok Using AI Tools Creating content on YouTube or TikTok doesn’t require expensive equipment or long production hours anymore. AI can help you script, edit, and even voiceover your content using tools like Pictory, Lumen5, and Descript.

Content Ideas: “AI Tools Explained”

“Day in the Life with AI”

“Best AI Tools for Students/Marketers/Writers”

Monetization Options: Ad revenue

Sponsorships

Affiliate links

Time Commitment: 5–8 hours/week

Earnings Potential: $0–$5,000/month (scales with views and subscribers)

AI-Powered Resume and LinkedIn Optimization Services Use ChatGPT to optimize resumes and LinkedIn profiles for job seekers. Combine it with tools like Resume Worded or Rezi to deliver high-quality outputs fast.

What to Offer: Resume reformatting

Keyword optimization

Cover letter generation

LinkedIn headline rewrites

How to Start: Promote services on LinkedIn or freelance sites

Offer a free mini audit to attract clients

Time Commitment: 2–5 hours/week

Earnings Potential: $30–$150 per resume; $500+ per month possible

Tips for Balancing AI Side Hustles With a Full-Time Job

Start Small and Validate Pick just one method to test before spreading yourself too thin. Validate the idea, see if you enjoy it, and only then consider expanding or diversifying.

Automate Where Possible Use tools like Zapier or Notion AI to automate repetitive tasks. Time-block your calendar to stay productive and focused.