Turn them on Mika! And start with putting nothing behind it, if you already have people asking to support you, you give them a chance that way. You can always start putting things behind paywall later. Don't put too much pressure on this, you are doing awesome, we love your style and openness 💚
I agree. The thing that got me stuck before was offering more for paid folks and I just didn’t have the time to put additional stuff together on top of the content I already worked so hard on. So I just say, hey, if you’d like to support me, you can go to paid!
It's hard to get your head around it sometimes when you see other folk offering a lot. I guess it's another one of those times when we have to step back and say, "how do I want to do it?" "what feels right for me?"
Congratulations 🎉 one wonderful year on Substack and the start of many.
I feel like everyone worries alot about paid Vs free ... I see it talked about alot and it is a very personal decision 🙏
I'm not turning on paid yet ... I want to be thoughtful about what a paid membership looks like for me and what I'm doing.
Truthfully I'm not a huge fan of paywalling and want to give the same level of content free for all... I've hated getting to know a writer to suddenly be slapped with a paywall. It feels like being turned away at the door.
I'm here because I want to write and build a community ... Going paid is a progression but one I'm not after yet !
I loveee writers who gift their writing. I also love gifting it too. I don't think I want to take anything away.
Do you think if, and when you go paid, would you add something extra? Your book reviews are pretty neat! You would do so well on videos. I can't imagine doing that and since a lot of paid subscriptions offered that, I was thinking what else one could offer outside of that.
I love exploring this together ! Yes, think that's the model I like the most ... Thinking of what else you could offer...
So this foundation we've built and the community we've created remains the same but you grow and open another door into a new room for anyone who wants to explore a new space ✨
I've had lots of ideas as to what this could look like (and I'm really excited about the potential!)... sometimes I feel compelled to run with it but I just (on brand!!!! 🐢🤣) want to take it slow and make sure it is right and done with intention.
Exactly! I have not wanted to turn it on because of what I see others do or any other icky feelings. I think it being my 1 year anniversary and 1 year since I quite my job, it feels like I might be ready for something monumental. To brave again. (as a fellow 🐢, I can totally relate!)
Oh for sure! And I think it is a totally personal choice ... Whenever you do it ... Today, next month whenever I know you will be successful and will enjoy it, because you are such a great writer and you care !!!! 🙏
I love this "So this foundation we've built and the community we've created remains the same but you grow and open another door into a new room for anyone who wants to explore a new space". And your first comment was validating for how I feel about going paid. Thank you.
Thank you! And I am so glad - there is a lot of narrative around paid vs unpaid and it is so hard to figure out what is right for you, because it is different for everyone - and that's the beauty of it!
Such a good topic and discussion. I’ve been here a year and haven’t turned on paid because I didn’t want the obligation/pressure to publish if for some reason I couldn’t. I just wasn’t sure what I could manage when I started, and also where I was going with my publication. I think it’s really important to be clear on your goal(s). Do you want to make money? Grow your readership? Just write? They all impact the paid option differently. In any case, I echo Emily’s “new room/new space” sentiment and approach. If and when I turn on paid, I won’t take anything away from my current subscribers; I will only add more options.
You have so many gifts, Mika. What would feel easy for you to offer? Maybe some kind of worksheets offering folks guided journal or workbook to dip their toe into Substack? Some fun "Substack permission slips"? A designed "quote card of the month" that fits the themes of your Substack? Let your imagination go wild!
I just started figuring out that I want to try to do this. Someone who has read what I write (mostly in a private Facebook group, and on my Facebook wall) told me I am worth being paid. She made a pledge.
It gave me:
1) courage to try to work and write strong content because she believes in me
2) the realization that if people want to pay me, I don’t want to stand in their way.
So I turned on paid subscriptions.
She is the only one who is paid at this point and I am okay with that.
But then people who want to pay me, are able to.
And also , I live on a very small fixed income that doesn’t make my ends meet. And it won’t change until the ex spouse retires, at which point my fixed income will go down.
So I really need the money. So if people want to pay me, every bit helps me make ends meet.
Thank you so much for this encouragement Jodi. "if people want to pay me, I don’t want to stand in their way." I am definitely standing in their way. So I will repeat "I am worth being paid". Thanks again!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Kate! I really wish I turned it on from the start and just forgot about it. However, I am learning that there is so much richness in the journey (like not really starting properly for 8 months). I hope I get to a point where I look back and smile.
Mika, your writing is beautiful and supportive and caring and connecting. By turning on your paid subscriptions folk will then be able to support you in a different kind of way. Some folk will be able to afford a subscription, some will not be, however by turning it on you are providing them with a choice.
I had a tricky time with turning on paid initially as my pricing structure was not clear in my mind. That hindered my writing and growth.
Also, I thought that I had to do something different for paid and non paid subscribers. YOU DON"T. Everyone gets the same privileges in my publication whether you are a paid subscriber or not. I do this for two reasons - firstly I believe in equality, secondly its helps my nervous system by only offering what I can.
So when I do offer something I do so with joy and love and enthusiasm and it's the same if you subscribe or not.
I've had it at this price for about 6 months. I only turned Founding member on within the last couple of months. As yet no one has offered that, however it is on, just incase someone wishes to be a super patron. This was the pricing structure that I was stumped with the most. In the beginning I had it turned off.
Your growth is awesome and I'm so incredibly impressed by the number of publications recommending you!! So amazing. Over the past few months you've always been so consistent in terms of sharing thoughtful comments on my posts too, and it's clear that showing up on here in a very generous and giving way is paying off for you. Very inspiring!
And in relation to paid, I guess my question is...what do you have to lose?
I think I somehow think there needs to be some big gesture or offering. I guess I'm learning that it isn't the case on Substack. It seems too simple. Doesn't there have to be some sort of sacrifice to be paid? - That's what goes through my brain.
You’re spending your time to write good content for your readers. Not everyone can afford to pay you. But some people can and want to show their appreciation with money. And their help keeps you going so everyone can read your work.
You put a lot of time and effort into comments too and notes and things. It’s okay to realize that YOUR WORK HAS VALUE.
Oh yes! Please share any wisdom you receive on this. I'm stuck on it too...
I'm afraid if I burden my newsletter with the task of trying to make money, I'll strangle the joy, spontaneity and freedom out of it (and in doing so, kill my creativity). Turning it from a hobby I love to a job that demands something from me. At the same time, I want to give something back to Substack for the amazing hosting platform. I've been toying with this dilemma for a while....
I wonder if it's an option to turn paid on every once in awhile for certain opt-ins you create? Like a twice a year kind of deal? I agree with Mika, you're in charge of your joy!! Experiment!
Mika, I notice you use a 'Recommendation' button at the bottom of your posts, how do you add that in? I can't see that option in any of the Draft post button menus?
I used to be puzzled as well, I was trying to look for a button etc etc, turns out Substack just add it automatically! I have no control over it! I don’t even know if they’ve added it.
Thanks for coming back to me on this, the Substack chatbot informed me that it was an automatic thing if you had the right settings turned on, which hopefully I have... maybe it will kick in for me soon as it looks like a fab button! 👍
Such an interesting conversation and I can see why there’s a bit of push back to turn off the paywall.
I just turned off mine because I had a two month break from Substack and I have a small list. But if someone would reach out and ask how to they could pay — I would take that as a sign to offer the payment option.
I plan to go paywall, but when my list grows, so it’s worth offering weekly creative gatherings over Zoom.
I say turn them on! Especially for your chats - accountability, find your tribe, and I think you have another. Maybe keep the newsletter complimentary.
I had paid turned on from the beginning. I was Pat walking comments until I realized that I want the engagement and conversation. I want to cultivate some community there.
I currently paywall my monthly FIR update. It’s my update on financial independence retirement.
I May flip it and open up that post while paywalling my weekly letter.
It's at times like these that I realise what an awesome community I have around me.
I will have to feel into which parts to paywall. At this stage, it might be an interesting opportunity to write a few vulnerable pieces for the paid subscribers. I have more to say about worthiness, money, success. Not sure. Maybe some of my art. It feels kind of exciting. 🥰
Hi Mika, congratulations on your first year Substacking! I started a month ago and am still getting to grips with what I’m doing so I haven’t turned on paid subscription yet either. Like you I feel weird about asking for money - however - I will need to make a living as my daughter is about to finish college and I will lose a couple of benefits. So I am also trying to figure out what I can offer as extra to put behind a paywall. It’s not very British! (Yes I’m afraid I’m a Brit - sorry about that ;) )
What I’m trying to say is yes, it’s a bit weird and scary to ask for money in return for our writing - but also if you want writing to be your career or side hustle, you need to earn from it so - I say go for it - even if the extras are not all that often to start with. And once I’ve had a bit more time to work out my stuff - I’ll be brave and switch mine on too - with no expectations :)
I write for free but give people the option to support my work if they want. I have 3 paid subscribers (only 1 is my dad), and all I did was offer the option. It never hurts to just put it out there.
I turn on paid from the beginning because it was advice as so? But I wrote there as only if people want to support, all my writings are currently free. In this way there is no pressure on all sides? In a way when someone pays for a free publication, the idea is on what they get is - supporting the publication to remain free for everyone!
I've been on social media for work for a long time and in the end it became stressful, so I decided to make Substack a fun experience only. No expectations, no numbers, no stats etc. So my take on paid subscription is, I will only turn it on if and when I truly feel like it. My advice would be if for whatever reason turning on paid gives you stress (even just a bit) then don't do it, not yet :)
Turn them on Mika! And start with putting nothing behind it, if you already have people asking to support you, you give them a chance that way. You can always start putting things behind paywall later. Don't put too much pressure on this, you are doing awesome, we love your style and openness 💚
What a full circle moment, me encouraging you to switch it on, and now you're encouraging me to switch it on. 😆 Love it!
I agree. The thing that got me stuck before was offering more for paid folks and I just didn’t have the time to put additional stuff together on top of the content I already worked so hard on. So I just say, hey, if you’d like to support me, you can go to paid!
It's hard to get your head around it sometimes when you see other folk offering a lot. I guess it's another one of those times when we have to step back and say, "how do I want to do it?" "what feels right for me?"
Congratulations 🎉 one wonderful year on Substack and the start of many.
I feel like everyone worries alot about paid Vs free ... I see it talked about alot and it is a very personal decision 🙏
I'm not turning on paid yet ... I want to be thoughtful about what a paid membership looks like for me and what I'm doing.
Truthfully I'm not a huge fan of paywalling and want to give the same level of content free for all... I've hated getting to know a writer to suddenly be slapped with a paywall. It feels like being turned away at the door.
I'm here because I want to write and build a community ... Going paid is a progression but one I'm not after yet !
Thank you for your input Emily!
I loveee writers who gift their writing. I also love gifting it too. I don't think I want to take anything away.
Do you think if, and when you go paid, would you add something extra? Your book reviews are pretty neat! You would do so well on videos. I can't imagine doing that and since a lot of paid subscriptions offered that, I was thinking what else one could offer outside of that.
I love exploring this together ! Yes, think that's the model I like the most ... Thinking of what else you could offer...
So this foundation we've built and the community we've created remains the same but you grow and open another door into a new room for anyone who wants to explore a new space ✨
I've had lots of ideas as to what this could look like (and I'm really excited about the potential!)... sometimes I feel compelled to run with it but I just (on brand!!!! 🐢🤣) want to take it slow and make sure it is right and done with intention.
Exactly! I have not wanted to turn it on because of what I see others do or any other icky feelings. I think it being my 1 year anniversary and 1 year since I quite my job, it feels like I might be ready for something monumental. To brave again. (as a fellow 🐢, I can totally relate!)
Oh for sure! And I think it is a totally personal choice ... Whenever you do it ... Today, next month whenever I know you will be successful and will enjoy it, because you are such a great writer and you care !!!! 🙏
I love this "So this foundation we've built and the community we've created remains the same but you grow and open another door into a new room for anyone who wants to explore a new space". And your first comment was validating for how I feel about going paid. Thank you.
Thank you! And I am so glad - there is a lot of narrative around paid vs unpaid and it is so hard to figure out what is right for you, because it is different for everyone - and that's the beauty of it!
Such a good topic and discussion. I’ve been here a year and haven’t turned on paid because I didn’t want the obligation/pressure to publish if for some reason I couldn’t. I just wasn’t sure what I could manage when I started, and also where I was going with my publication. I think it’s really important to be clear on your goal(s). Do you want to make money? Grow your readership? Just write? They all impact the paid option differently. In any case, I echo Emily’s “new room/new space” sentiment and approach. If and when I turn on paid, I won’t take anything away from my current subscribers; I will only add more options.
You have so many gifts, Mika. What would feel easy for you to offer? Maybe some kind of worksheets offering folks guided journal or workbook to dip their toe into Substack? Some fun "Substack permission slips"? A designed "quote card of the month" that fits the themes of your Substack? Let your imagination go wild!
I kind of like the idea of co-creating it with my subscribers. I wonder if that's possible? 🤔
Omg that is the most Mika thing ever! Yes, crowdsource your offer!! 💃🏼
Same Emily! 🙌
Turn them on. Then anyone who wants to support you this way can. No need to offer more than your thanks for their kindness.
Thanks Ros. I love the simplicity. I will be repeating this mantra to myself, for sure!
I just started figuring out that I want to try to do this. Someone who has read what I write (mostly in a private Facebook group, and on my Facebook wall) told me I am worth being paid. She made a pledge.
It gave me:
1) courage to try to work and write strong content because she believes in me
2) the realization that if people want to pay me, I don’t want to stand in their way.
So I turned on paid subscriptions.
She is the only one who is paid at this point and I am okay with that.
But then people who want to pay me, are able to.
And also , I live on a very small fixed income that doesn’t make my ends meet. And it won’t change until the ex spouse retires, at which point my fixed income will go down.
So I really need the money. So if people want to pay me, every bit helps me make ends meet.
Thank you so much for this encouragement Jodi. "if people want to pay me, I don’t want to stand in their way." I am definitely standing in their way. So I will repeat "I am worth being paid". Thanks again!
You are definitely worth being paid! You can do this! Go, Mika !!
🥰🥰🥹🥹
I turned on Paid straight away, and surprisingly received some Paid subs straight away, mainly from friends wanting to support my new project.
It is a strange feeling when you get your first Annual paid Sub as you do then have an extra pressure to continue, for at least another year!
Or you would need to refund them! 😮
But that pressure also keeps you going!
Most of my stuff is free, but I do like being able to use the Paywall to put parts of a post behind it as the detail gets very personal.
I’d say ‘go for it!’. 😘
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Kate! I really wish I turned it on from the start and just forgot about it. However, I am learning that there is so much richness in the journey (like not really starting properly for 8 months). I hope I get to a point where I look back and smile.
I think you will look back and smile, not least at all your recommendations! 👏👏👏
Mika, your writing is beautiful and supportive and caring and connecting. By turning on your paid subscriptions folk will then be able to support you in a different kind of way. Some folk will be able to afford a subscription, some will not be, however by turning it on you are providing them with a choice.
I had a tricky time with turning on paid initially as my pricing structure was not clear in my mind. That hindered my writing and growth.
Also, I thought that I had to do something different for paid and non paid subscribers. YOU DON"T. Everyone gets the same privileges in my publication whether you are a paid subscriber or not. I do this for two reasons - firstly I believe in equality, secondly its helps my nervous system by only offering what I can.
So when I do offer something I do so with joy and love and enthusiasm and it's the same if you subscribe or not.
Thank you for sharing all you do...
In honuor of the beautiful work you share. 🙏
This is so so helpful!! What pricing structure did you end up choosing? And have you changed it since then?
AU $7 a month
$70 pa
$250 Extra love (which is the founding price) - which will include a free 1-1 healing with me every year someone gives me "extra love"
Here is the link so you can see what I wrote ....https://samanthacorrie.substack.com/subscribe
I've had it at this price for about 6 months. I only turned Founding member on within the last couple of months. As yet no one has offered that, however it is on, just incase someone wishes to be a super patron. This was the pricing structure that I was stumped with the most. In the beginning I had it turned off.
This is more helpful than you know! I haven't really been looking at what people have been doing. Thank you!!
Your growth is awesome and I'm so incredibly impressed by the number of publications recommending you!! So amazing. Over the past few months you've always been so consistent in terms of sharing thoughtful comments on my posts too, and it's clear that showing up on here in a very generous and giving way is paying off for you. Very inspiring!
And in relation to paid, I guess my question is...what do you have to lose?
I think I somehow think there needs to be some big gesture or offering. I guess I'm learning that it isn't the case on Substack. It seems too simple. Doesn't there have to be some sort of sacrifice to be paid? - That's what goes through my brain.
You’re spending your time to write good content for your readers. Not everyone can afford to pay you. But some people can and want to show their appreciation with money. And their help keeps you going so everyone can read your work.
You put a lot of time and effort into comments too and notes and things. It’s okay to realize that YOUR WORK HAS VALUE.
Thank you Jodi! This is helping me a lot!
Thank you for you lovely words. xx
Oh yes! Please share any wisdom you receive on this. I'm stuck on it too...
I'm afraid if I burden my newsletter with the task of trying to make money, I'll strangle the joy, spontaneity and freedom out of it (and in doing so, kill my creativity). Turning it from a hobby I love to a job that demands something from me. At the same time, I want to give something back to Substack for the amazing hosting platform. I've been toying with this dilemma for a while....
Sounds like you might need these comments as much as I do, because I feel the same!
Sounds like we have to feel the fear and do it anyway! Knowing that we are still in control of our joy!
I feel exactly the same way as you!
I wonder if it's an option to turn paid on every once in awhile for certain opt-ins you create? Like a twice a year kind of deal? I agree with Mika, you're in charge of your joy!! Experiment!
I like this idea! Buy me a coffee once in a while kinda thing 😀
Mika, I notice you use a 'Recommendation' button at the bottom of your posts, how do you add that in? I can't see that option in any of the Draft post button menus?
Very puzzling! 🤓
I used to be puzzled as well, I was trying to look for a button etc etc, turns out Substack just add it automatically! I have no control over it! I don’t even know if they’ve added it.
Thanks for coming back to me on this, the Substack chatbot informed me that it was an automatic thing if you had the right settings turned on, which hopefully I have... maybe it will kick in for me soon as it looks like a fab button! 👍
Such an interesting conversation and I can see why there’s a bit of push back to turn off the paywall.
I just turned off mine because I had a two month break from Substack and I have a small list. But if someone would reach out and ask how to they could pay — I would take that as a sign to offer the payment option.
I plan to go paywall, but when my list grows, so it’s worth offering weekly creative gatherings over Zoom.
Congrats, on your first year on Substack 🥂🌸
Thank you so much Susan. There is a kind of freedom that comes from having it off, but then it became a huge decision to then turn it back on again.
I don't know what the right answer is, but it is really lovely to hear people's genuine opinion on it all. You all are so so wise!
I say turn them on! Especially for your chats - accountability, find your tribe, and I think you have another. Maybe keep the newsletter complimentary.
I had paid turned on from the beginning. I was Pat walking comments until I realized that I want the engagement and conversation. I want to cultivate some community there.
I currently paywall my monthly FIR update. It’s my update on financial independence retirement.
I May flip it and open up that post while paywalling my weekly letter.
It's at times like these that I realise what an awesome community I have around me.
I will have to feel into which parts to paywall. At this stage, it might be an interesting opportunity to write a few vulnerable pieces for the paid subscribers. I have more to say about worthiness, money, success. Not sure. Maybe some of my art. It feels kind of exciting. 🥰
I can’t wait to see what you share where.
Hi Mika, congratulations on your first year Substacking! I started a month ago and am still getting to grips with what I’m doing so I haven’t turned on paid subscription yet either. Like you I feel weird about asking for money - however - I will need to make a living as my daughter is about to finish college and I will lose a couple of benefits. So I am also trying to figure out what I can offer as extra to put behind a paywall. It’s not very British! (Yes I’m afraid I’m a Brit - sorry about that ;) )
What I’m trying to say is yes, it’s a bit weird and scary to ask for money in return for our writing - but also if you want writing to be your career or side hustle, you need to earn from it so - I say go for it - even if the extras are not all that often to start with. And once I’ve had a bit more time to work out my stuff - I’ll be brave and switch mine on too - with no expectations :)
Please share with me when you do so I can cheer you on.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels uncomfortable about it. But, I guess growth feels like that. 🥰
Mika. Your energy is enough. You don’t have to offer extras. People will be so excited to pay you!
Manifesting that energy Kelsey!! ✨
Thank you!
I write for free but give people the option to support my work if they want. I have 3 paid subscribers (only 1 is my dad), and all I did was offer the option. It never hurts to just put it out there.
That’s really encouraging. Thank you Janine. PS what a cool dad!
For sure!
I turn on paid from the beginning because it was advice as so? But I wrote there as only if people want to support, all my writings are currently free. In this way there is no pressure on all sides? In a way when someone pays for a free publication, the idea is on what they get is - supporting the publication to remain free for everyone!
That’s so good that you did that. It’s on and you get to move on, whether they opt in or not, does not affect your writing. Xx
I've been on social media for work for a long time and in the end it became stressful, so I decided to make Substack a fun experience only. No expectations, no numbers, no stats etc. So my take on paid subscription is, I will only turn it on if and when I truly feel like it. My advice would be if for whatever reason turning on paid gives you stress (even just a bit) then don't do it, not yet :)
Thank you! I feel exactly the same way. It's been such a breath of fresh air!! I didn't want that to change.
I think I've been reflecting how it's been a year since I was brave enough to leave my job, I am feeling like I could be brave again!
It's always good to follow your instinct :)