Yes, Substack is worth it if you want to build an audience you own, get paid by your readers and use Notes to be found. It is not worth it if you want full control over design, plan to run ads, or are not willing to publish regularly.
I started 9-To-Thrive in December 2024 with zero subscribers. It now has 12,500+ subscribers, and Notes drove about 60% of that growth. Here is the honest version of what that took.
What does Substack cost?
Nothing to start. Substack takes 10% of paid subscription revenue after you turn on paid subscriptions, and Stripe charges 2.9% plus $0.30 per payment. A custom domain is a one-time $50 and is optional. See Substack fees in 2027 for the math at different prices.
What do you get for the fee?
- Email and a web page in one place. Every post reaches your list and lives on a page Google can find.
- Notes. A short-form feed where strangers find your writing.
- Recommendations. Other writers can send their readers to you.
- Payments built in. You can charge readers without setting up a store.
- Your list is yours. You can export your subscribers at any time.
Who is Substack worth it for?
It fits you if you:
- Have expertise people already ask you about.
- Are willing to publish on a steady schedule.
- Want readers to pay you directly instead of relying on ads or sponsors.
- Will spend a little time every day on Notes and comments.
Who should skip Substack?
- You want a fully custom site. Substack's design options are limited.
- You plan to sell ads on a large list. A flat-fee platform may suit that better.
- You will not post regularly. A newsletter grows from showing up, and Substack will not do that part for you.
What does growth look like in practice?
It starts slowly. My first months had very few readers and no income. What changed was posting Notes every day, commenting on other writers' work and writing one clear promise for my newsletter. If you give Notes daily attention for a few months, you will have a very different list than if you only publish and wait.
If you want to try it, the free Substack Notes Crash Course is a good first step.
How do I know whether it is working?
Look at three signs. Are strangers subscribing without you asking? Do readers reply to your emails? Has anyone paid, or asked what paying would include? Replies and questions come before income.
Frequently asked questions
Is Substack worth it for beginners?
Yes. It costs nothing to start, and Notes and recommendations help new writers get found without an existing audience.
Can you make money on Substack?
Yes. Writers earn from paid subscriptions, and many add courses, coaching and digital products. You need a clear promise, a steady schedule and readers who trust you.
Is Substack better than a blog?
For most people building an audience, yes. You get email and a web page together, plus a built-in feed for discovery.
How long does it take to see results?
It varies. Expect months of steady posting before growth feels obvious.
Can I leave Substack later?
Yes. You can export your list and move it.
Ready to try it? Subscribe free to 9-To-Thrive and you will get the free 12-Day Substack Jumpstart, one lesson a day.
Written by Carrie Loranger, Substack coach and founder of 9-To-Thrive. Start here to read how it began.
