From Zero to 100,000 Subscribers: The Power of Design, Compelling Content, and Growth Hacks to Skyrocket Your Subscriber Base
Strategies to grow from 0 to 100,000 Subscribers in 90 Days and earn 7 figure revenue
🔔 Heads up - this is a long form article (e-book) and it is periodically updated with new tips and ideas. Everything I’ve shared comes from 20+ years of experience and solely for guidance to help you with the basics of starting a Substack and subscriber growth. An updated & exclusive eBook version with ‘bonus’ content of LinkedIn growth hacks will be issued to Paid subscribers and founding members in April 2024.
You may be contemplating the seemingly impossible task of acquiring 100,000 subscribers within a mere 90-day timeframe. It is a difficult task but it isn’t impossible. I have done it on other platforms and i am yet to implement some of these strategies on my Substack. I am often asked the question “….you’ve been on Substack a while, have you got 100,000 subscribers?”
You can be on Substack for 10 years, but without consistently writing good content and promoting your Substack to drive engaging traffic, your subscriber count will remain the same, hovering around a couple of hundred and not crossing. It's not about how long you've been on a platform, but rather about 1) Content and 2) Marketing. When these two elements are combined, there's engagement and subsequent growth. Personally, I have yet to launch my campaign for Substack subscriber growth, but I'm in no hurry as I have bigger fish to fry.
It is understandable to harbor doubts regarding such an achievement. However, one undeniable certainty remains: unless you make an attempt, you will never ascertain the outcome. Even if you manage to attain a mere 1% of that goal, you can still consider yourself a triumphant individual.
Through my agency, RAISINI, we have been utilizing various growth hacks to assist our clients in expanding their businesses and enhancing their user base. Today, I will be sharing some of these methods with you. These invaluable insights and customized guidance can benefit businesses and writers across multiple platforms, with a specific focus on harnessing growth within the Substack community.
Whether you're an aspiring writer or an established content creator, these recommendations and hacks will help you cultivate and expand your loyal following. While the techniques I'm about to share are applicable to organically increasing your followers or subscribers on any platform, my primary focus will be on Substack due to the interest expressed by numerous writers in this regard. By implementing these methods, you can experience exponential growth in your subscriber base. It is important to remember that there are no shortcuts to success. Even Paris Hilton, who infamously released private videos on the internet for quick fame, had to put in significant effort to attain her current status. The growth hack she employed was to project an image of naivety, allowing the world to do the heavy lifting and catapult her to fame.
Disclosure: The methods shared below work for any social media platform, not just Substack. While i am new on Substack and have not entirely begun implementing all the strategies from this eBook, but i have already seen a steady subscriber growth. I have applied these methods on my Facebook page and have gained over 130k followers. Twitter i have gained 26k, Instagram 26K and Linkedin 10K and growing. Growth will be slow and then boom!
Be patient.
The Power of design, content, and growth hacks
To attain significant success on Substack (or any platform), it is crucial to focus on three essential elements: appearance, content, and growth hacks. Each of these components plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining subscribers. In the following sections, we will delve into the significance of an appealing design, captivating content, and effective growth hacks, enabling you to optimize your subscriber base.
Appearance (Design)
Content (Product)
Growth Hacks (Distribution)
These three elements are crucial not just for newsletters or blogs, but in every business or product. Lets take Apple as the best example where it exemplifies the significance of design, product, and distribution in achieving remarkable success. Consider the following:
Design: Apple's sleek and visually appealing product designs, such as the iconic iPhone and elegant MacBook, create a strong brand identity and set them apart from competitors.
Product: Apple's commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative devices with exceptional user experience and cutting-edge features has garnered a loyal customer base.
Distribution: Through strategic marketing campaigns, partnerships, and seamless integration of online and offline channels, Apple maximizes product exposure and ensures broad accessibility.
By focusing on these three elements, businesses can enhance their appeal, deliver exceptional products, and effectively reach their target audience, driving significant growth and success, just like Apple has demonstrated.
1. Design: The impact of personal appearance
The appearance and design of your Substack profile are crucial in making a lasting impression on potential subscribers. A visually appealing and professional-looking profile can significantly enhance your credibility and entice new readers to explore your content.
Every great endeavor begins with exceptional design. Consider your living room, the space where you spend most of your time and entertain guests. You always strive to impress visitors with beautiful interior décor, captivating art on the walls, a well-appointed kitchen island, exquisite lighting, a sleek plasma screen, and meticulous details like fresh flowers, a reed diffuser, and tasteful decorations. The combination of these elements breathes life into your living room, earning you compliments and cultivating a sense of satisfaction and joy.
In a similar vein, your Substack profile serves as your virtual living room, the first place where visitors and potential subscribers land to learn about you. Just as you dress to impress your guests, you should craft your Substack profile to make visitors feel welcome and intrigued by what you have to offer. When executed effectively, you can be confident that one out of every ten visitors will subscribe to your publication.
Consider the following design aspects:
Branding Consistency: Develop a cohesive brand identity by using consistent colors, fonts, and visual elements throughout your profile. This creates a memorable and recognizable experience for your audience. Use the same branding across all your online platforms and website.
Engaging Header and Profile Image: Craft an eye-catching header and select an appealing profile image that represents your brand or content. These visual elements are the first things visitors see and can pique their interest.
Clear and Intuitive Navigation: Ensure that your profile has clear and intuitive navigation, making it easy for visitors to find and access your articles, archives, or exclusive content. A clutter-free and organized layout enhances the user experience. Substack has great features on this.
Pay attention to the details
Many writers become so engrossed in their craft that they overlook the finer details. From pricing and offerings for paid subscribers to categorizing your publication for easier discovery, welcome emails to your subscribers, logos, word marks, cover photos, site design, tags, mailing addresses, opt-out messages on the welcome page, header and footer design—each of these elements deserves careful consideration and should be set up before sending out your first newsletter. By prioritizing these aspects, you convey a sense of professionalism and dedication, signaling to others that your publication should be taken seriously.
Unleash your inner rockstar
Mediocrity is not for the ambitious. Strive to be a rockstar among your peers. What sets your publication apart from others is how you present yourself. Your "About" page should tell your story, highlighting your successes and articulating the unique value you offer to readers. Amidst a sea of competing voices, position yourself as the shark rather than the sardine, for sardines are easily devoured by larger fish.
Just as important as your "About" page is your short description. This concise snippet plays a critical role in capturing visitors' attention, acting as a gateway to your full profile and potentially leading to a subscription. Consider incorporating relevant keywords about your publication, as this will enhance its visibility within Substack's search algorithm. Here’s mine.
2. Product: Crafting compelling content, the key to subscriber engagement and growth
Compelling and valuable content is the backbone of your Substack success. It is what keeps readers engaged, encourages them to subscribe, and compels them to share your newsletter with others. Before you write, ask yourself, what value is your content offering to your readers?
Consider the following content strategies:
Niche Expertise: Establish yourself as an expert in your chosen niche. Deliver in-depth insights, analysis, or unique perspectives that offer genuine value to your readers. Position your content as a reliable source of information and inspiration.
Engaging Writing Style: Develop a writing style that captivates your audience from the start. Use storytelling techniques, vivid imagery, and a conversational tone to connect with readers on a personal level.
Varied Content Formats: Experiment with diverse content formats to cater to different preferences and engage a broader audience. Consider incorporating articles, interviews, podcasts, videos, or interactive elements to keep your content fresh and exciting.
Consistency and Frequency: Maintain a consistent publishing schedule to nurture your existing subscribers and attract new ones. Whether you publish weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, set expectations and deliver content regularly.
The way i think, "It is better to be a king in your own niche than to try to be a sheep in someone else's domain."
3. Distribution/Growth Hacks: Strategies to promote your newsletter and expand your subscriber base
While creating exceptional content is crucial, effective growth hacks are essential to reach a wider audience and attract new subscribers.
Consider the following strategies:
Leverage Social Media: Harness the power of social media platforms to promote your Substack newsletter. Share excerpts, teasers, or snippets of your content with compelling headlines and visuals. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and use relevant hashtags to expand your reach.
Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other Substack writers or newsletters in your niche. Cross-promote each other's content through recommendations, guest contributions, or co-created projects. This mutually beneficial approach can introduce your newsletter to new audiences.
Content Syndication: Explore opportunities to syndicate your content on established platforms or partner with relevant websites to reach a broader audience. Repurpose your articles, podcasts, or videos in different formats to expand your content's visibility.
Collaborate with Influencers: Identify influencers or thought leaders in your niche and seek collaborations. Guest appearances on podcasts, joint interviews, or cross-promotion can expose your newsletter to their audience and attract new subscribers.
Bonus:
4. Believe in the process: Trusting the journey to newsletter growth
When it comes to growing your newsletter subscribers, it's essential to believe in the process and trust the journey ahead. While the growth hacks and strategies discussed earlier - appearance, content, and growth hacks - are valuable, it's important to understand that results may not happen overnight. Patience and perseverance are key to achieving long-term success. Let's delve into why believing in the process is crucial and how it can contribute to your newsletter growth:
Consistency is Key: Consistency in applying the growth hacks and strategies is vital. Rome wasn't built in a day, and similarly, building a substantial subscriber base takes time. Consistently implementing the steps outlined, such as optimizing your profile design, delivering quality content, and utilizing various growth hacks, will yield incremental results over time.
Building Trust and Credibility: Trust is earned through consistent delivery of value. As you consistently provide high-quality content and engage with your audience, you build trust and credibility among your readers. Trust is the foundation of a loyal subscriber base. Remember, it may take time for readers to discover your newsletter, but as they see your commitment and expertise shine through, they will be more likely to subscribe and recommend your newsletter to others.
Data-Driven Iteration: Tracking and analyzing data is an integral part of the growth process. Monitor metrics such as subscriber growth, open rates, click-through rates, and engagement levels to understand what is working and what needs improvement. Use this data to iterate on your strategies, fine-tuning your content, design, and distribution methods for optimal results. Embrace the journey of constant learning and improvement.
Embrace the Learning Curve: As with any endeavor, there will be a learning curve. Embrace it with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Experiment with different approaches, learn from both successes and failures, and adjust your strategies accordingly. The journey to growing your newsletter subscribers is a continuous process of refinement and adaptation.
Long-Term Vision: Maintain a long-term perspective throughout your growth journey. Understand that success doesn't always come in the form of rapid subscriber explosions. Focus on building a sustainable and engaged audience that appreciates your content and finds value in your newsletter. Remember that a loyal and dedicated subscriber base is more valuable than a large but disengaged one.
Celebrate Milestones: While it's crucial to have a long-term vision, it's also essential to celebrate your milestones along the way. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate the progress you've made, whether it's reaching your first 100 subscribers, hitting a specific engagement target, or achieving any other significant milestone. Recognize that each milestone represents a step forward in your growth journey.
Believing in the process requires patience, persistence, and a positive mindset. Stay committed to consistently delivering value, optimizing your design and content, and leveraging growth hacks to promote your newsletter. Keep learning, adjusting your strategies, and embracing the lessons that come with each step. Trust that your efforts will yield results, and stay motivated even during challenging times.
Ultimately, success in growing your newsletter subscribers is a culmination of all the efforts you put into each aspect - appearance, content, growth hacks - while staying dedicated to the journey. Believe in the process, embrace the challenges, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your subscriber base grow steadily over time.
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