The hottest Subscription Models Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

The paywall dilemma

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Trends Creator Economy Subscription Models Digital Platforms Content Strategy
  1. Hiding articles behind a paywall can lower subscription rates. Many readers feel they've gotten enough info from just the headline and first few lines, so they don’t feel the need to pay.
  2. The creator economy is growing, with many people earning six-figure incomes from smaller audiences. This means that you don’t need a huge following to be successful anymore.
  3. Media companies, like BuzzFeed, are shifting to build their own social networks. This helps them keep audiences engaged on their own platforms and improves their chances of future success.

The newsletter platform wars heat up

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 548 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Streaming Content creation Subscription Models
  1. The newsletter market is competitive as platforms like Substack and Beehiiv fight for creators. Beehiiv aims to help creators monetize with ads better than Substack, which focuses on subscriptions.
  2. Big media companies see theatrical releases as a way to boost streaming views. They think that cinema buzz can lead to more interest in streaming the same content later.
  3. Forbes is moving away from freelance writers due to changes in Google's policies. They're focusing more on their internal content to adapt to new search engine challenges.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Blog regularly to grow your audience. Consistent posting keeps your readers engaged and helps you establish a routine.
  2. Make your content stand out with catchy headlines and good structure. A strong opening and good promotion can lead to more readers and subscribers.
  3. Think about your unique insights and be ready to share them when relevant news happens. Timeliness and originality can help your writing hit home runs.

The price of payments

Substack • 1191 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
💼 Business Creator Economy Digital Payments App Store Subscription Models
  1. Creators using platforms like Patreon are facing new costs because of Apple's requirement for in-app purchase systems and their associated fees. This change might lead creators to either raise prices for subscribers or absorb the costs themselves.
  2. Apple's in-app purchase system is very effective for making payments easy and safe, but it also puts a financial strain on creators who use these platforms for their work.
  3. The rise of the creator economy is shifting the dynamic between creators and platforms, as creators are seeking more control over their relationships and earnings. There's an opportunity for creators and platforms to innovate and work together for better solutions.
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From Zero to 3,600 Subscribers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Content creation Subscription Models
  1. Substack is great for starting and growing an email list without any upfront costs. You can begin your newsletter today and only pay a small fee if you earn money.
  2. You own your email list on Substack, meaning you can take it with you if you decide to leave. This gives you more control than relying on social media followers.
  3. Substack combines features of websites, blogs, and community platforms all in one place. It's designed to be user-friendly for beginners and offers a chance to monetize your writing easily.

The return of Office Hours

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Networking Content creation Subscription Models
  1. Office Hours were popular and let paid subscribers ask questions and share ideas with each other. Many enjoyed the experience of chatting, even more than hearing from guest speakers.
  2. The original format created a lot of pressure, making it hard to keep it going. The goal now is to make it more relaxed and simpler for everyone involved.
  3. The new plan is to hold Office Hours about twice a month, focusing on open discussions rather than just featured guests. This change aims to create a fun, networking-like atmosphere.

How publishers should respond to declining Google traffic

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 1097 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Media industry Content Strategy Revenue Generation Subscription Models Digital Publishing
  1. Google traffic may not be as valuable as perceived, as it often results in low engagement and conversion rates.
  2. High-quality publishers can leverage brand recognition as a powerful tool to compete in search results dominated by AI-generated content.
  3. Building a strong personal brand in the Creator Economy can lead to burnout and lack of exit options, prompting some creators to launch companies separate from their personal brands.

How podcasters are making money on Substack

Substack • 510 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Monetization Content creation Audience engagement Media platforms Subscription Models
  1. Podcasters are moving away from ads and focusing on building direct relationships with their audience. This change helps them become more financially stable and allows for better content creation.
  2. Substack provides tools that help podcasters manage their shows better, combining newsletters, payments, and community interactions in one place. This integration makes it easier for creators to connect with their fans.
  3. Using subscription models and customizable paywalls, podcasters can control their growth and offer flexible content to both free and paid listeners. This strategy leads to increased engagement and potentially higher subscriptions.

Come for the culture, stay for the conversation

Substack • 359 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🕹 Technology Social media User Experience Online Communities Subscription Models Digital Communication
  1. You can now paywall your chat to only allow paying subscribers, which helps keep discussions focused and friendly. This can also be a great incentive for people to subscribe to your content.
  2. The chat features have been upgraded to make it easier to navigate, search for old conversations, and manage notifications. This makes participating in chats smoother and more enjoyable.
  3. Substack chats provide a private space for subscribers to connect and discuss topics they love, creating a sense of community among readers and writers. It's like a special hangout just for fans.

Exciting Announcement: New Paid Subscription for The Art of Doing Technical Program Management Newsletter

Building Rome(s) • 1 implied HN point • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Professional development Subscription Models Career growth Technical Skills
  1. There's a new paid subscription for a newsletter about Technical Program Management that costs $8 a month or $80 a year. This could help you grow in your career.
  2. Paid subscribers will get special content like focused guides, deep dives from experienced professionals, and tools to boost their skills.
  3. Even if you don't subscribe, free content will still be available, but you'll miss out on the deeper insights and exclusive resources that come with a paid subscription.

Consumption Pricing Models Are Here to Stay

Condensing the Cloud • 255 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💼 Business Finance Technology Startups Subscription Models Economic Trends
  1. Consumption pricing models are becoming more prevalent and are beneficial for software companies
  2. Consumption-based pricing aligns cost with value, promotes customer flexibility, and aids in quick scalability
  3. Monitoring key metrics like revenue, RPO, and gross margin is crucial for companies implementing consumption-based pricing models

The evolution of user onboarding at Databox

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 339 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Data Analytics Subscription Models
  1. Databox focused on improving activation, which led to a 10% increase from 30% to over 40%.
  2. Experimenting with the onboarding process, like allowing users to explore the product before connecting data, can significantly impact user engagement and activation rates.
  3. Implementing strategies like a reverse trial and a guided onboarding process can help not only improve activation rates but also showcase more value to users upfront.

Abstraction, Gentleman's Agreement, Buying Software Once

Austin's Analects • 59 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Software Podcasts Subscription Models Abstraction AI
  1. Abstraction makes complex tasks appear simple for users, like starting a car with a key despite the intricate workings behind the scenes.
  2. Utilizing a 'Gentleman's Agreement' can boost subscriptions, as seen in podcast strategies like MFM's approach.
  3. Exploring the concept of buying software once as a contrast to subscription-based models, promoting simplicity and cost-consciousness.

How much would you pay not to use Twitter? Or vice-versa?

Social Warming by Charles Arthur • 78 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media AI Apps Subscription Models Data Privacy
  1. Consider how much you would pay or what special features you would require to access social networks like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat.
  2. Offering the right features for paid subscriptions is crucial for social networks to succeed, as seen in the example of Twitter Blue.
  3. Understanding what users are willing to pay for on social networks is important, especially as the industry shifts towards freemium models.

The World of Consumer Subscription Benchmarks

Ben’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
💼 Business Subscription Models Consumer behavior Customer Retention Mobile Apps
  1. Free trials help customers decide if they want a subscription. Many businesses see high conversion rates from these trials, making them a smart strategy.
  2. It's really important for subscription businesses to keep their customers over time. High retention rates mean more stable revenue and a healthier business.
  3. Monitoring user engagement is key. Successful subscription services have a lot of active users, showing that people value what they offer.

Introducing Substack Creator Studio, a fellowship for the next wave of video stars

Substack • 1 HN point • 07 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Digital Media Content creation Subscription Models Marketing
  1. Substack Creator Studio offers a fellowship for video creators to develop their channels and build communities on Substack. It's a chance for creators to connect closely with their audience and earn money through subscriptions.
  2. The Substack model is seen as a stable alternative for creators who struggle with changing social media algorithms and uncertain ad revenue. It allows them to have ownership of their content and a more reliable income.
  3. Substack is expanding its features to support various creators, helping them grow their audience and improve their work experience. This includes better tools for video, audio, and direct engagement with subscribers.

2024 - Year in Review

trydeepwork • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Subscription Models User engagement Product Development Market Trends
  1. In 2024, many people did longer deep work sessions, with more users completing sessions over two hours. It's great to see progress in how much work people can handle in one sitting.
  2. The app made several improvements, like saving sessions better and adding dark mode, which users find useful for late-night work. These changes help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
  3. Starting in January 2025, the app will switch to a subscription model for better sustainability. This change means users can pay monthly or yearly, which will help keep the app updated and improving.

Paid Subscriber Slack Invite for November 2024

Handwaving Freakoutery • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media Online Communities Social Networks Content creation Subscription Models
  1. There is a special Slack invite for paid subscribers scheduled for November 2024. It's a chance to join conversations with other members.
  2. Subscribers are encouraged to act quickly and join while discussions are lively and engaging.
  3. The content is aimed at paid subscribers, suggesting that joining the Slack will offer exclusive insights or experiences.