Reginaldo Osnildo
Want to grow your Substack without spending a dime? Here are 10 proven, no-cost strategies to build your local newsletter audience fast.
Hey there, Reginaldo Osnildo here again!
If you’ve launched your local Substack newsletter—first of all, congrats. That’s a big step.
But now comes the next question:
“How do I actually get more people to read this?”
You don’t need to buy Facebook ads. You don’t need to be an SEO wizard.
You just need a simple, smart strategy to get in front of the people who need what you’re writing.
So today, I’m sharing 10 totally free ways to grow your Substack newsletter—fast.
Let’s go!
1. Start With Your Inner Circle
Before strangers care about your newsletter, your people should know it exists.
- Send a personal message to 10–20 friends, family, and coworkers
- Let them know why you started it and ask them to subscribe
- Make it easy: include the direct Substack link and a sample post
You’re not asking for a favor. You’re sharing something valuable.
2. Post on Local Facebook & WhatsApp Groups
This is one of the most powerful and overlooked growth tactics.
Find 3–5 local community groups and post:
- A short, friendly intro about who you are
- What your newsletter covers
- A link to subscribe (and a teaser post title)
Example:
“Hey neighbors! I just launched a free weekly newsletter covering local news, events, and small business updates in [City Name]. If you want to stay in the loop, check it out here!”
People love supporting local efforts—especially when it’s free.
3. Use Substack’s “Recommendations” Feature
Did you know Substack lets you recommend other newsletters—and be recommended back?
- Reach out to 3–5 newsletters with overlapping audiences (local, regional, civic)
- Send a short message:
“Hey, love your work! I publish a local newsletter focused on [topic]. Would you be open to a mutual recommendation on Substack?”
Boom. Cross-promotion done right.
4. Pin a Welcome Tweet or Instagram Post
Create a social media post that:
- Tells people what your newsletter is about
- Shares who it’s for
- Links directly to your Substack
Then pin that post to the top of your profile so every new follower sees it.
This is your always-on pitch.
5. Turn One Newsletter Into Three Social Posts
You don’t need to create more content—just repackage what you’ve already written.
For example:
- Pull a quote and post it with a photo
- Record a short video explaining part of the story
- Turn your newsletter into a quick bullet-point thread
Always end with:
“Want more like this? Subscribe here: [link]”
6. Add a “Subscribe” Link to Your Email Signature
You send emails every day—why not let them promote your work?
Example signature:
—Reginaldo OsnildoLocal news via Substack | [Newsletter Name]Subscribe free: [Link]
Subtle. Easy. Effective.
7. Attend Local Events and Talk About Your Work
Nothing beats face-to-face connections.
- Go to local meetups, markets, or forums
- Mention your newsletter when you meet someone new
- Create a simple QR code linking to your Substack on your phone
- Print a few flyers or business cards if you’re feeling fancy
People remember real people more than links.
8. Ask Current Subscribers to Share
Your readers are your best promoters.
Add a call-to-action like this to your newsletter footer:
“Enjoying this? Forward it to a friend who loves [City Name] as much as you do!”
You can even run a referral challenge:
“Share with 3 people and I’ll feature your name in next week’s edition!”
9. Republish to Medium or LinkedIn
Take one of your most popular newsletters and lightly edit it for:
- Medium
- LinkedIn articles
- Local forums or blogs
Add a strong CTA at the top and bottom:
“Originally published via [Newsletter Name] on Substack. Subscribe for more here: [link].”
This expands your reach beyond your current circle.
10. Just Keep Publishing Consistently
Growth isn’t just about hacks—it’s about showing up every week.
- Publish what your community cares about
- Share it consistently
- Improve a little each time
- Ask for feedback and tweak your strategy
Over time, people will notice.
And when they trust that you’re reliable? They’ll tell others.
Want the Full Growth Blueprint?
If you’re serious about growing your Substack into a trusted, monetizable local news platform, I’ve got the full roadmap for you:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll find:
- Organic growth strategies for local creators
- Email templates to ask for shares and recommendations
- Social media repurposing checklists
- Launch timelines and 30-day growth sprints
- Tips to turn readers into subscribers and subscribers into superfans
You don’t need paid ads. You need a plan—and a mission that matters.