Reginaldo Osnildo
Launching your local Substack? Here's a step-by-step guide to getting noticed, attracting readers, and building momentum from day one.
Hey there, Reginaldo Osnildo here!
Starting your newsletter on Substack is exciting… until you realize:
“Wait… how do I actually get people to read this thing?”
Don’t worry—I’ve got you.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, no-stress launch plan to get your first 100 readers and build real momentum from day one.
Let’s go!
1. Start With One Powerful “Launch Post”
Your very first newsletter should:
- Explain who you are
- Share why you're starting this
- Clarify what readers will get
- Be short, clear, and personal
Here’s a sample structure:
Subject Line: “Introducing [Newsletter Name] – Local News That Actually Cares”Opening: A short story about what inspired youMiddle: What your newsletter will include (topics, frequency)End: A simple call to action: “Subscribe to follow along, and share if you care!”
This one post sets the tone for everything that follows.
2. Use Your Personal Network (Even If It’s Small)
Your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and former classmates are your first wave.
Send a personal message like:
“Hey! I’m launching a newsletter about [your community/topic]. I’d love for you to be one of the first to check it out.”
Send it:
- Through text or WhatsApp
- As a personal email (not a group blast)
- With a direct link to subscribe
Trust me—people want to support you. But they need a nudge.
3. Post About It (A Few Times!) on Social Media
You don’t need a huge following. You just need to show up.
Post on:
- Instagram or Facebook Stories
- Twitter/X with a pinned tweet
- LinkedIn (especially if your newsletter is civic or professional)
Repeat the message a few times over 2 weeks. Most people don’t see your first post—and they often need to see it twice to act.
4. Join Local Community Groups
This is your hidden gem.
Join Facebook or WhatsApp groups where your readers already are:
- Local parenting groups
- Neighborhood watch chats
- Small business communities
- Buy/sell/exchange boards
Introduce yourself with zero spam. Just say:
“Hi neighbors! I’m starting a local newsletter to keep folks updated on [topics]. It’s free and community-first. Would love for you to check it out!”
Always add value, not just a link.
5. Create a Simple Freebie or Hook
Give people a reason to subscribe today.
Some examples:
- “Subscribe and get our free weekly event guide”
- “Be the first to read our upcoming interview with [community figure]”
- “Only subscribers get the behind-the-scenes version of this story”
Exclusivity builds curiosity.
6. Make Your Substack Page Shine
Before launching, double-check:
- Your bio is clear and friendly
- Your About page explains your mission
- Your logo or header image is simple but personal
- Your subscribe button is visible and functional
First impressions matter!
7. Publish 2–3 Posts Before Your Big Push
Don’t launch with an empty page.
Have at least:
- Your intro post
- A piece of real content (e.g. local news brief, Q&A, or listicle)
- One upcoming post planned (and teased!)
This shows new readers you’re serious and consistent.
8. Ask for Referrals (The Right Way)
Once you’ve got 20–30 people subscribed, ask them to help.
Example:
“Loving the newsletter so far? Forward this to 3 people who care about [topic/city]. Let’s grow this community together!”
You’d be surprised how far one small request can go.
9. Track What Works—Then Do More of It
Pay attention to:
- What subject lines get the most opens
- What types of posts get replies or shares
- Which social posts drive traffic
You’re not just launching—you’re learning.
Let the data shape your next steps.
10. Celebrate and Thank Your First Readers
When you hit 50… then 100… let your readers know!
Post something like:
“We hit 100 subscribers in our first month! Thanks for supporting local journalism. Here’s what’s next…”
This builds loyalty, momentum—and a sense of community.
Want the Full Launch System (and More)?
If you're serious about starting your Substack strong and building a sustainable, reader-supported newsletter, I’ve packed everything into my complete guide:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll get:
- A complete 30-day launch plan
- Ready-to-use email and post templates
- Audience growth playbooks
- Monetization models for solo creators