How I Hit 16,000 Subscribers on Substack and Make $2,500+/month

Summary

In this video, Jeric, also known as Jerry Lou, shares his journey of growing his Substack newsletter, 'The Introvert Entrepreneur,' which has garnered over 16,000 subscribers, including 300 paid ones. He emphasizes the importance of organic growth through platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, rather than relying on paid ads. Jeric discusses the significance of finding a unique voice and writing consistently about subjects you’re passionate about. By documenting his experiences in online business and sharing insights about investing in Legos, he illustrates how authenticity and persistence can lead to success in building an engaging newsletter.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building an audience takes time; Jeric amassed 16,000 subscribers organically over a few years.
• 💰 Revenue generation through a newsletter is feasible; Jeric earns around $2,500 monthly from 300 paid subscribers.
• ✂️ Pruning your subscriber list can enhance engagement; Jeric actively removes inactive subscribers to maintain a high open rate.
• 📝 Authenticity in writing matters; focus on your unique experiences and knowledge rather than trying to find a niche.
• 🐦 Twitter is an effective platform for growing a newsletter audience; it attracts readers who are genuinely interested in content.
• 📈 Consistency in publishing is key; write regularly to develop your style and keep your audience engaged.
• 🔗 Diversifying platforms helps; besides Twitter, consider using LinkedIn and other social media for promotion.
• 💡 Sharing your personal journey and insights can resonate with readers; Jeric combines his interests in online business and Legos in his content.
• 🔍 Find your topic by exploring what you enjoy and what you're good at; don't be afraid to experiment until you discover your passion.
• 🕒 Dedicate time to writing; making it a habit will lead to better content and increased subscriber interest.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Jerry Lou's writing?

Jerry Lou writes about one-person businesses, the idea of escaping the rat race, and creating income online.

How many subscribers does Jerry Lou currently have on Substack?

He has over 16,000 subscribers, with 300 of them being paid subscribers.

What is Jerry's monthly earnings from his paid subscribers?

Jerry earns roughly $2,500 a month from his paid subscribers.

Why does Jerry prune his email subscriber list?

He prunes his list to maintain a higher open rate and to ensure that he is only engaging with subscribers who are interested in his content.

What platforms does Jerry recommend for promoting newsletters?

Jerry recommends Twitter and LinkedIn as effective platforms for promoting newsletters, noting that they attract readers interested in written content.

What strategy does Jerry suggest for someone starting a newsletter?

He suggests starting by posting on social media to drive traffic to the newsletter and emphasizes the importance of having a unique topic to write about.

How did Jerry come up with the topics for his newsletter?

Jerry focused on subjects he is knowledgeable about and passionate about, such as online business and investing in Legos.

What advice does Jerry give about writing skills?

Jerry believes that you don't need to be a great writer; clarity of message is more important. Writing should be simple and direct.

What is Jerry's perspective on social media metrics?

He considers followers and likes to be vanity metrics that do not necessarily correlate with newsletter subscriptions or success.

What is the significance of teaching according to Jerry?

Jerry believes that teaching and writing about what you know is one of the best ways to learn and internalize knowledge.