It is a little bit hard to believe it but April marks just over six months on Substack. I know that I rave and rave about how much I love this platform, but it’s the truth. It reminds me SO much of old school blogging, which brings me a lot of joy. Thoughtful conversations, a robust comments section, making new “friends” via the platform… it all makes me a little nostalgic and very happy.
I am always going to be more of a long form content person, both in the types of content I create and what I like to consume as a follower. I love starting the day with a big mug of coffee and my favorite newsletters; I love the slowness that comes with creating this type of content. With instagram everything can feel “go, go, go…” between the DMs, trying to appease the ever-changing algorithm, video… it can be a grind. Substack, by contrast, is something I find refreshing and truly… FUN!
When I am working on my newsletters, I feel in my element, happy, excited about work. I spend all week adding to and updating my Friday and Saturday newsletters. I get amped up when I decide on a topic for my weekly letter or find something really good to include in the Saturday Group Text. I really, really love the community here.
When I added the paid subscription option, I didn’t really know what would happen. It was meant as a digital tip jar. I hadn’t really planned on adding any additional perks or paywalling my existing content… and didn’t think anyone would sign up! What happened surprised me. 91 of you (which isn’t a lot but it isn’t a little either) opted to subscribe! That warmed my heart. Truly.
For that reason, I’ve decided to add a few perks for my paid subscribers.
A monthly giveaway. Every month, I will choose one lucky paid subscriber at random and mail them a big box of treats. This will usually be beauty products, maybe a book I enjoyed, maybe something bigger like a handbag or something I have decided to part ways with. If you are a paid subscriber you don’t have to do anything to enter; you’re automatically entered.
A monthly “unfiltered” column, exclusive to my paid subscribers. This will go out on the 15th of every month (slightly later if the 15th falls on a Friday or a Saturday as I have free newsletters those days). This will include:
I will announce the month’s giveaway winner and share what they won
Personal updates.
Things I bought and didn’t like, books I opted to DNF. Basically: the things I don’t share on my larger channels as I don’t want to hurt feelings, upset brands, etc.
Other fun things that are still TBD. Since you are paying for it, I promise to make it good. I mean, I try to make all of my content good but you know what I mean!!
1-2 additional paywalled posts per month (could be an affiliate-link free roundup of small businesses, could be a more personal essay, maybe a Q&A).
A special chat for paid subscribers. I will be sure to pop into these at least a few times a week to answer any pressing questions etc.
I have been on Substack for six months now. I wanted to find my bearings and figure out what (to me at least — I also subscribe to SO MANY letters) would be valuable enough for me to fork over $5 a month (or $50 a year).
I totally get it if paying for a subscription is not for you. There are a lot of newsletters to keep up with. Friday and Saturday newsletters remain free, as well as occasional outfit roundups, sale news, etc. There is also my blog, which is always free.
Before this all kicks off (April 15 will be the first “Unfiltered” newsletter and I will choose a second giveaway winner then!) I wanted to do a kickoff giveaway. One of the 91 lovely folks who subscribed for no reason other than wanting to support me.
(To choose the winner, I simply export all paid subscriber emails and use a random number generator. So, a big congratulations to Bonnie Starr McLean (I emailed her last night!) who won this month’s first giveaway).
A little preview: this is what Bonnie will receive. I anticipate every giveaway to be something like this. I want it to be good stuff, a box you are really excited to open up if you win. Like a really good care package from a friend. No junk, nothing I wouldn’t personally want.
So many of my favorite things are included! The Kate McLeod Body stone, my fav Elemis cleansing balm, Strange Sally Diamond (one of the best books I read last month), my beloved Necessaire Eucalyptus Body Wash, a BeautyBlender, loads of lip products from Bobbi Brown and KOSAS, the besssst dry shampoo from Living Proof, the amazing Briogeo hair mask, my fav foundation brush from Rose Inc, a Clarins lip stain and MORE! Bonnie, you’re in for a treat.
PS - I am including a full sized bottle of Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream in my next giveaway… upgrade your subscription between now and April 15th to be entered to win.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
xx
So cool! Will giveaways just be for those in the US?
Grace! This is an easy “yes” - I love the ability to support creators in meaningful ways without clicking more links and buying more things. Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping, but I am exited that, through the subscription and engaging on Substack, we can directly say, “your work is valuable to me.”
Looking forward to the additional content!