Reginaldo Osnildo
Hitting a wall with your Substack? Here’s how to push through slow growth, stay motivated, and keep building your local newsletter with purpose.
Hey, Reginaldo Osnildo here.
Can we be real for a minute?
There will be days (maybe weeks) when you wonder:
“Why am I doing this?”“Is anyone even reading?”“Maybe this isn’t working…”
If you’ve hit a stretch where your local Substack newsletter feels like it’s stalling, you’re not alone.
Every creator feels this way. Especially in the early months.
The good news? There’s a path forward—and it’s not just about working harder. It’s about realigning your mindset, systems, and strategy so you can keep showing up without burning out.
Here’s how to stay motivated and keep growing when things feel stuck.
1. Zoom Out and Celebrate Small Wins
When you’re too focused on subscriber count, it’s easy to overlook the amazing stuff that is happening.
Ask yourself:
- Did someone reply with gratitude or encouragement?
- Did a local business share your post?
- Did you publish consistently this month?
- Did your content improve in quality or voice?
Every win counts. Track them somewhere visible. They’ll remind you this is working, even if growth feels slow.
2. Revisit Your “Why”
Go back to the heart of it.
- Why did you start this newsletter?
- Who are you trying to serve?
- What do you want to change in your community?
Write that “why” down and keep it near your workspace.
Because numbers are noisy—but purpose is powerful.
3. Talk to 3 Readers (Even If They’re Friends)
Human connection is the antidote to apathy.
Reach out to a few readers and ask:
“What do you like about the newsletter?”“What would you love to see more of?”“How has it helped you stay informed?”
Those conversations will recharge your mission—and often spark fresh ideas too.
4. Publish a Light Post Instead of Skipping a Week
Consistency matters more than perfection.
If you’re feeling stuck, publish something simple:
- A quote that inspires you
- A personal reflection
- A roundup of past posts
- A short thank-you to your readers
Momentum builds confidence. Even a tiny post keeps you in motion.
5. Change the Metric You’re Focusing On
Instead of tracking total subscribers, focus on:
- Open rates
- Click-through rates
- Replies
- Referrals
- Content quality
Growth isn’t just a number—it’s how well you’re connecting. And that matters way more in the long run.
6. Create a “Just Show Up” Content Calendar
Feeling unmotivated? Build a minimalist calendar.
Plan 2–4 posts in advance using these prompts:
- “3 things you should know in [Your City] this week”
- “What I’m noticing around town”
- “Local business spotlight”
- “1 photo + 1 quote + 1 update”
Stick to simple formats. The habit matters more than the polish.
7. Look Back at How Far You’ve Come
Open your first post. Read it out loud.
Now compare it to what you’re publishing today.
- Better flow?
- Better voice?
- Better structure?
Progress happens quietly—but consistently. You’ve already improved more than you realize.
8. Remind Yourself: Small Audiences Are Powerful
Don’t underestimate 50, 100, or even 300 loyal readers.
Those are:
- Parents voting in school board elections
- Small business owners making decisions
- Community members spreading your work by word-of-mouth
Big doesn’t mean better. Engaged means better.
9. Take a Rest—But Not a Quit
If you truly need a break, take one.
Announce it clearly and return with fresh energy.
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. But quitting too early?
That’s how great ideas never get to grow.
Your newsletter can evolve—and you get to define the pace.
10. Remember: Slow Growth Builds Strong Roots
Fast growth can be flaky.
But slow, steady growth builds:
- Trust
- Reputation
- Sustainability
It’s like planting a tree. Some days you won’t see much change—but underground, the roots are digging deep.
You’re building something real.
Want the Full Strategy to Build a Newsletter That Lasts?
If you’re committed to your newsletter—even when it’s hard—but want a clear, structured plan to grow with purpose, grab my complete guide:
👉 Local Journalism on Substack: How to Create a Low-Cost, Monetizable News Site and Newsletter Network
Inside, you’ll get:
- Growth tools that don’t rely on ads or hacks
- Motivation checklists and burnout-proof planning
- Templates for staying consistent (even when you’re tired)