Are you a book coach struggling to grow your audience or feeling overwhelmed by traditional social media platforms? Substack might just be the solution you’re looking for. In this post, we dive into how Substack can help you build authentic connections, share your best work, and even monetize your efforts—all without the pressure of constantly churning out content.
Why Substack?
Substack is different from other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. It’s built around the idea of authentic engagement. Instead of chasing followers or algorithms, Substack allows you to connect directly with your audience through email newsletters, fostering deeper relationships with your readers.Sarah Fay, founder of Writers at Work and an award-winning author, shares her experience with Substack: after two years of struggling to grow on the platform, she made a few strategic changes and saw her subscriber count jump by 2,000 in just six months. This growth didn’t come from frequent posting or chasing viral trends—it came from focusing on what truly mattered: valuable content, engagement, and consistency.
1. Build Connections through Authentic Engagement
One of the main benefits of Substack is its emphasis on real, meaningful interactions. Rather than the superficial engagement seen on social media, Substack encourages genuine connections with your audience. Readers are not just scrolling past your content—they’re reading, engaging, and even replying directly to your emails.
Sarah’s tip: Engage authentically. Respond to comments, initiate conversations, and make your readers feel seen. Substack is a two-way street, and that’s where its power lies.
2. Create Valuable Content
You don’t need to post every day to grow on Substack. In fact, quality over quantity is key. Sarah emphasizes that what helped her the most was producing high-quality, insightful posts that resonated with her audience. Substack readers expect substance, and they appreciate the opportunity to engage with content that matters.
Sarah’s tip: Write what you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. This is where you can connect on a deeper level with your audience.
Prefer to watch?: https://youtu.be/szIEojuETgo
3. Consistency Over Quantity
Unlike many social platforms where algorithms push frequent posters, Substack rewards consistency and authenticity. Sarah’s journey showed that even posting once a month can work, as long as the content is valuable. Regularity builds trust, and readers appreciate knowing when they’ll hear from you next.
Sarah’s tip: Stick to a schedule that works for you—whether it’s once a week or once a month—and focus on delivering content that reflects your unique voice.
4. Monetize through Engagement
Many book coaches shy away from paid newsletters, thinking that their audience won’t subscribe. However, Substack’s model is built to help you monetize through engagement. Whether through paid subscriptions or using Substack as a funnel to drive readers to your one-on-one coaching services, you can create a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Sarah’s tip: Focus on building relationships first, then introduce paid options. Trust is key, and Substack allows you to build it organically over time.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes
A common mistake on Substack is treating it like a traditional social media platform. Substack is about creating long-term value. Spamming your audience or paywalling content too soon can turn readers away. Instead, focus on creating a free community, building trust, and only paywalling content that delivers exceptional value.
Sarah’s tip: Be strategic about what you offer for free and what you paywall. The goal is to create lasting relationships, not quick wins.
Final Thoughts
Substack offers book coaches a unique opportunity to build authentic connections, share their best work, and create a sustainable income stream. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a new platform to grow your coaching business, Substack provides a space where quality, engagement, and consistency lead to real results.
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