COPYWRITER 080: How to use Substack to monetise your copywriting with Lizzie Mulherin
Nov 10, 2024
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Lizzie Mulherin, an experienced copywriter and brand strategist, shares her expertise on using Substack to boost a writing career. She explains the unique benefits of Substack versus traditional blogging, revealing how to monetize through subscription models and engaging content. Lizzie offers actionable tips for growing an audience and leveraging social media while balancing free and paid offerings. She also discusses transitioning to freelancing, emphasizing financial prep and ethical AI use in copywriting, making this a must-listen for aspiring writers.
Substack offers a unique platform for writers to monetize their content through subscription models, emphasizing the importance of audience building first.
Strategies for attracting readers on Substack include leveraging social media, utilizing internal promotion tools, and creating engaging, personalized content.
Deep dives
Lizzie Mulherin's Journey to Freelance Writing
Lizzie Mulherin shares her unconventional journey into freelance writing, highlighting a background that includes studying journalism and business before venturing into public relations. After stints working for major PR agencies and battling burnout, she transitioned to full-time freelance writing. Initially focusing on feature writing and blogging, she struggled to understand the business side of writing, which subsequently led her back to employment. However, her passion for writing ultimately led her to establish her own freelance business as a copywriter and brand strategist, where she now helps others build their writing careers.
Understanding Substack as a Platform
Substack is described as a unique platform combining aspects of blogging and email newsletters with a social media feel, allowing writers to self-publish their content. It supports both free and subscription-based models, providing writers the freedom to determine their pricing and content strategies. Lizzie emphasizes that Substack offers a place for any writer to share their work and gain access to an audience without the pressures commonly found on mainstream social media. With notable publications making substantial income, it's seen as an invaluable tool for writers looking to expand their reach and monetize their content.
Strategies for Growing a Substack Audience
To gain visibility on Substack, Lizzie discusses various strategies including leveraging existing social media platforms to promote content and engage with a broader audience. Utilizing Substack’s internal social features, such as sharing articles within the community, can also enhance discoverability. Other tactics involve creating lead magnets or advertising to build subscriber lists, as well as consistently posting quality content to attract and keep readers. Lizzie highlights that differentiating oneself through personalized content can make a significant impact, emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement to cultivate a loyal following.
Monetization and Personal Branding on Substack
Writers on Substack can monetize their content by setting subscription rates, with the platform taking a small percentage of the earnings. Lizzie advises newcomers to approach monetization as a long-term venture, not expecting immediate profits but rather focusing on building their audience first. She also underscores the need for writers to establish a personal brand that reflects their unique style and voice, which can attract potential clients and subscribers. Throughout the discussion, Lizzie encourages writers to embrace new tools like AI in their personal branding efforts, seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.
In this episode I talk with Lizzie Mulherin, an experienced copywriter, brand strategist, and founder of Create Your Living on Substack. Lizzie has worked with top brands like Red Bull, Afterpay, and David Jones, and she’s here to share how she leverages Substack to build an audience, earn recurring income, and offer unique content. If you’ve ever thought about using Substack to amplify your writing business, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
What Substack is and why it’s valuable:
Gain a clear understanding of how Substack works and why it can be an excellent platform for writers
Learn the differences between Substack and traditional blogging or newsletter platforms, and how to utilise its unique features
Monetising on Substack:
Discover strategies for building a subscription-based income on Substack, including how to structure payment tiers
Learn about setting up content behind a paywall, and balancing free and paid content to attract and retain subscribers
Attracting readers and growing your audience:
Explore actionable tips for building a loyal subscriber base, from leveraging social media to using Substack’s internal promotion tools like “Notes”
Learn how to use cross-promotions with other creators on Substack to expand your reach
Creating engaging, consistent content:
Understand how to choose compelling topics, structure posts, and find your unique voice to create content that resonates
Gain insights into creating a content schedule that fits your workload and keeps readers engaged
Personal branding and storytelling:
Learn how to build a personal brand that attracts your ideal audience, using storytelling and a consistent tone of voice
Discover Lizzie’s approach to sharing personal anecdotes to connect deeply with readers and build community