The Boost Program: A New Perspective

Many Medium writers might recognize the original Boost program, which I once supported passionately during my time as a nominator. Initially, the program felt promising, and I was excited each time my nominations were approved. However, that initial enthusiasm waned, and by June 2024, the program no longer met my needs. While I believe it remains beneficial for others, I made the emotional decision to withdraw my top publication, ILLUMINATION-Curated, in August. This transition allowed me to rebrand it as Curated Newsletters, aligning with a more meaningful vision.

It's important to note that Substack’s Boost program operates differently than Medium’s. This system is designed to empower creators, being fully automated and objective. When managed ethically, it operates fairly and efficiently.

In this section, I will guide you through the advantages of Substack’s Boost feature, specifically crafted for newsletter creators and freelance writers. This tool enables you to enhance your visibility, grow your subscriber base, and, crucially, convert free readers into paying subscribers.

Navigating Boost Options on Substack

You can access the Boost features from your newsletter's settings page. Below, I will detail five key features, complete with relatable examples and best practices for freelance writers.

1. Enable Pre-Unsubscribe Discounts

   This feature offers eligible paid subscribers a complimentary month when they attempt to cancel. Imagine a subscriber on the verge of cancellation—before they leave, Substack provides them with a free month to entice them to stay. This creates an opportunity to engage them with your most valuable content.

2. Enable Teaser Posts

   This option allows free subscribers to preview a paywalled post, enticing them to subscribe. Select one of your most engaging posts that provide immense value, allowing free readers to get a taste of what they are missing.

3. Enable Automated Upsell Emails

   This feature sends automated emails to your most engaged free subscribers, offering them special deals, typically a 20% discount on annual subscriptions. Customize these emails to highlight the unique benefits of subscribing, such as exclusive insights or personal interactions.

4. Enable Multi-Subscriber Offers

   This feature provides discounted subscriptions to individuals who have just subscribed to similar Substack publications. By forming alliances with other writers covering related topics, you can effectively capture subscribers who are already inclined to pay for content in your niche.

5. Customize Automated Upsell Emails

   This option lets you personalize the automated upsell emails sent to engaged free subscribers. Rather than a standard message, craft a personalized approach that explains why your content is worth the investment.

By implementing these options, I have maximized the benefits each feature offers.

Best Practices for Freelancers to Enhance Boost Features

Based on insights from successful Substack writers, here are key strategies that may enhance your Boost approach:

• Focus on Value and Exclusivity: Emphasize the exclusive insights and resources that paid subscribers will receive.
• Create High-Converting Content: Use your best-performing content for teaser posts, providing a clear incentive for free subscribers to upgrade.
• Leverage Discounts at Key Moments: Timing is essential; the Boost feature can help you offer discounts at critical junctures.
• Personalize Your Upsell Approach: Tailor upsell emails to resonate with your audience's specific needs and interests.
• Collaborate with Other Writers: Utilize the multi-subscriber offer to create mutually beneficial partnerships with related writers.

Community-Centric Boost Program

As a community leader, I've designed a supplementary Boost program tailored for our Substack Mastery community. While Substack's automated features are impressive, this initiative enhances the value derived from our collective efforts.

With over 100K subscribers—primarily free—we proudly feature 112 founding members and numerous freelance subscribers. Together, we're cultivating a content ecosystem that supports writers and grows audiences.

The primary objectives of this Boost program include:

• Increased Visibility and Reach: Amplifying your content for broader exposure.
• Enhanced Credibility: Establishing trust as your work gains recognition.
• SEO and Social Media Boost: Improving discoverability through optimization.
• Personal Branding: Strengthening your voice as a thought leader.
• Paid Subscriber Conversions: Transforming free subscribers into loyal paying readers.

This program serves as a catalyst for growth, empowering writers to develop sustainable businesses.

Key Components of the Supplementary Boost Program

1. Curated Guest Post Monthly: Featuring guest posts to broaden your audience and enhance credibility while creating SEO value.
2. Interview Stories Highlighting Top Posts: Interviews can elevate writers' visibility, showcasing their expertise and attracting new followers.
3. Annotated Posts with Author Photos: Personal commentary and images create engaging experiences that deepen reader connections.
4. Weekly Social Media Posts: Highlighting top stories on various platforms boosts visibility and branding.
5. Monthly Special Blog Posts: Showcasing achievements and intellectual properties reinforces your authority and can lead to sales.

By effectively managing these Boost aspects, we can create a newsletter that not only attracts paying subscribers but also fosters meaningful connections with our audience. Emphasizing the unique value of our content and continuously refining our approach will help us stand out in a competitive market.

Thank you for engaging with these perspectives; your feedback is invaluable as we work together to build a thriving community.