Reginaldo Osnildo
Give subscribers a reason to pay. Learn how to create exclusive Substack content that builds loyalty and recurring revenue for your local news project.
Create Premium Local Content Subscribers Will Pay For
Hey, it’s Reginaldo Osnildo again!So, you’ve started building your audience on Substack. Maybe you’ve even added a paid subscription option (if not, check out my previous post).
But now comes the golden question:What should I actually give my paid subscribers that’s worth paying for?
That’s where exclusive content comes in.It’s the extra value—the VIP room of your newsletter. And done right, it becomes your secret weapon for:
- Retaining subscribers
- Growing monthly income
- Delivering deeper value to your most loyal readers
Let me show you exactly what kinds of exclusive content you can create, without burning yourself out.
1. Behind-the-Scenes Reporting
People love to see how the sausage is made.
Offer paid readers:
- How you researched a big story
- What you left out (and why)
- Notes or quotes that didn’t make the cut
- Reflections on the process or challenges
This builds a personal connection and shows them you’re not just a writer—you’re a working journalist who cares.
2. Early Access to Big Stories
Want to make subscribers feel like insiders?Let them read your most important content before everyone else.
For example:
- Publish your weekly feature to paid subs on Friday, then make it public on Monday
- Offer previews of event coverage
- Let them vote on or preview your next big project
It’s a small gesture that makes people feel special and appreciated.
3. Subscriber-Only Newsletters
These can be shorter, deeper, or more niche than your public content.
Here are some ideas:
- “Sunday Insider Brief” with your personal takes
- “What I’m Reading This Week” (link roundups with commentary)
- “Ask Me Anything” newsletters answering subscriber questions
- Hyperlocal analysis of city council votes or new policies
Remember: these don’t have to be long—they just have to feel exclusive.
4. In-Depth Guides and Explainers
Your paid readers want to understand their community, not just skim the headlines.
Offer them:
- Step-by-step explainers (e.g. “How City Budgets Work” or “Understanding Local Elections”)
- Visual breakdowns or charts
- Downloadable guides (PDFs, cheat sheets, calendars)
These are evergreen content assets people will refer back to—and that increase the perceived value of their subscription.
5. Audio & Video Extras
Even if you’re not a full-blown podcaster, you can use Substack’s audio tools to add value.
Try:
- Audio versions of key articles
- Behind-the-scenes voice notes
- Quick updates or reflections
- Interviews in audio or video format (use Zoom + phone = done)
Bonus: Paid content in different formats makes your offer more flexible and accessible.
6. Community Q&As or Feedback Rounds
People love to be heard—especially when they’re paying to support you.
Do this:
- Let paid subscribers submit questions for interviews
- Host a monthly “Ask Me Anything” column
- Share polls to let them vote on coverage priorities
- Invite paid readers to private comment threads or feedback forums
This turns your newsletter into a two-way relationship, not just a broadcast.
7. Exclusive Access to Events or Content Drops
Substack lets you offer extras beyond content too.
Here’s what you can try:
- Paid-only Zoom meetups or town halls
- Private Slack or Discord group
- Secret podcast feed
- Invite-only newsletter archives or themed content packs
These small privileges go a long way in making your subscribers feel seen and valued.
8. “Thank You” and Recognition Posts
Subscribers want to know they matter.
Every so often, publish a shout-out post:
- “Thanks to these amazing readers who support this work”
- “Meet a Founding Member” feature
- Personal thank-you notes in the footer of premium posts
This adds a human touch and encourages other readers to subscribe, too.
9. Weekly/Monthly Exclusive Roundups
Try sending a paid-only roundup that includes:
- Local news from other outlets (with your take)
- Reader-submitted tips or links
- A short editorial or opinion piece
- Quotes, charts, or headlines that didn’t fit in your regular newsletter
Think of it as a digest-style insider report.
10. Premium “Extras” to Complement Free Stories
Published a free article on a big topic?Offer extras for paid readers:
- Extended interviews
- Extra photos or stats
- A follow-up “insider breakdown”
- Poll results, source links, or full transcripts
It’s like buying a movie ticket and getting bonus scenes after the credits.
Make Subscribers Feel Like Partners, Not Customers
The key to successful exclusive content is trust.People aren’t just paying for “stuff”—they’re paying to support you.So always:
- Overdeliver on value
- Show your appreciation
- Keep the tone human and humble
- Remind them what their support makes possible
Want to Build a Paid Newsletter People Want to Pay For?
Everything we talked about here—and way more—is covered in my full guide:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll get:
- Templates for exclusive content
- Tools to launch a paid tier (the right way)
- Engagement strategies to reduce churn
- Real examples from local journalism pros
- A full 30-day plan to build, grow, and monetize your Substack
You don’t need a giant audience.You need loyal supporters who believe in your mission.
Let’s build something sustainable—and meaningful—together.