3 Fastest Ways to Make Your First $1K on Substack (And It's Not What Most People Think)
What I discovered after creating 5 different income streams on Substack
Hey, wise adventurer,
Most people think paid subscriptions are the only way to monetize on Substack.
But here’s what nobody tells you: paid subscriptions are the slowest path to your first $1,000.
Let me show you the math that changed how I think about monetization:
At $5/month, you need 200 paid subscribers to hit $1K/month
Average free-to-paid conversion rate: 1-3%
To get 200 paid subscribers at 2% conversion = 10,000 free subscribers
That takes most people 12-24 months ( or much longer)
Here’s what I discovered after creating 5 different income streams on Substack: your newsletter isn’t the product. It’s the trust-building engine that attracts people to your real offers.
And there are faster paths to your first $1K—paths that leverage what you already have.
Let me show you the three that actually work for experienced professionals—without needing a massive audience.
Why Paid Subscriptions Are the Long Game
Paid subscriptions are great. I have them. I’m grateful for every single paid subscriber.
When I started my newsletter, I already knew there were multiple ways to monetize. That's one of the reasons I chose this path. But most people don't see it that way. They focus on paid subscriptions as the only goal—and get stuck waiting.
Here’s the problem: the math doesn’t work in your favor—at least not in the beginning.
That’s why I started testing different methods to see what actually works.
And for people over 50, this matters even more. We have decades of experience. We shouldn’t have to wait two years to monetize it. Early wins build momentum. They prove your expertise has value. They keep you going when the growth feels slow.
The mindset shift that makes the difference:
Stop thinking like a “content creator”
Start thinking like a “trusted advisor”
Your newsletter builds trust. Your offers deliver transformation.
Subscriptions will come. But your first $1K? That comes from helping real people solve real problems—and getting paid for the implementation, not just the information.
Path #1 — Consulting and Coaching Calls (Sell Your Expertise Directly)
I started with free calls.
Not because someone told me to—but because I needed to build confidence. I followed a simple script from an experienced creator, and it removed the guesswork. After a few calls, I understood what people actually needed. I collected testimonials. I learned the ropes.
Then I started charging $100 for a 60-minute call. After 5-10 clients, I raised my prices.
One of my clients told me that in the first 20 minutes, she already learned more than she expected. That’s when I knew my decades of experience were worth something.
Why is this the fastest path?
You need only a handful of clients to hit $1K
No product to create
You already have the knowledge
Direct conversations help you understand what people actually need
The key insight:
People don’t pay for information anymore—it’s everywhere for free. AI can give information. It can’t give experience, judgment, or personalized guidance.
They pay for implementation, guidance, and accountability. They pay for access to someone who’s been there.
What could you offer?
Think about what you’ve already figured out the hard way:
You survived a difficult divorce and rebuilt your life? Help others navigate the emotional and practical chaos of separation.
You downsized from a big house to a simpler life? Guide people through decluttering decisions and the emotional weight of letting go.
You reinvented yourself at 50 after a layoff? Help others find clarity when their career path disappears.
You turned a neglected backyard into a thriving vegetable garden? Show beginners how to start growing food without overwhelm.
You helped your aging parents navigate healthcare decisions? Guide adult children through the confusing world of eldercare.
Here is how you get started, step by step (with examples).
