How to Grow a Substack Gently (Subscribers, Free vs Paid) (Part 3)
Growth on Substack is slower than social media – and that’s not a flaw.
If you’ve been wondering “How do I grow my Substack?” or “Should I charge for my writing?”, this artile is about slow, sustainable growth that still honours your values as a writer.
What growth looks like on Substack
Growth on Substack happens through trust, not tricks.
It looks like:
Readers replying to your emails
People staying subscribed
Re-stacking when something hits a cord
Numbers matter less than resonance here.
Simple ways to grow your Substack
You don’t need a big launch or constant promotion.
Gentle growth options include:
Sharing posts with friends as well as your or email lists - be bold
Sharing your Substack posts in your social profiles
Commenting thoughtfully on other Substack writers’ work
Inviting readers to share posts they love
Connection grows audiences more reliably than noise.
When you have a but of a track record with posting articles you can consider interviews as a way of working with new audiences, see my article on interviews linked below.
I also share my experience and knowledge on conducting interviews in my Course Unlock the Power of Interviews and provide guidance via Coaching Calls.
Free vs paid Substack – a few thoughts
“Is this Substack worth paying for?”
Purchase comes with trust and trust is earned.
For this reason, many writers choose a mixed model:
Most posts are free
A few are reserved for paid subscribers
This allows readers to experience your work before committing.
Paid subscriptions work best when they feel like an invitation, not a gate.
When to introduce paid subscriptions
There’s no rush.
Good signs you may be ready:
You’re publishing consistently
Readers reply or thank you
Writing feels like a meaningful practice
You don’t need a huge audience. You need the right one.
As you grow
It’s easy to start measuring your worth by numbers.
When that thought comes to you, it is helpful to remember:
Why you started
Who you’re writing for
What the message is
What feels good to post for you
Your Substack will grow at your own unique pace, no two grow the same.
Starting a Substack is about creating a small, steady space for your words to land.
Begin simply. Grow gently. Let it be enough what ever it is but continue to learn along the way.
The Series at a Glance
Part 1 – How to Start a Substack (The Essentials)
Setting up your publication, choosing a name, and understanding the basic tools.
Part 2 – What to Write on Substack & How Often to Publish
Finding your voice, choosing a sustainable rhythm, and building confidence.
Part 3 – How to Grow a Substack Gently (Free vs Paid)
Subscriptions, paid options, and slow, intentional growth.
Part 4 - The SEO checklist I follow to help share my work and stay true to my voice
Writing with authenticity, and still getting seen.
Part 5 - How to use Substack Notes to grow your audience and still feel like yourself
Tips for using Substack Notes to build connection, share your writing, and reach new readers—without turning your work into marketing.
