How Women Are Turning Substack Newsletters Into 7-Figure Incomes

Forbes

01-07-2025

Here's a jaw-dropping statistic: 45 Substack publishers are earning more than $1 million annually in recurring subscription revenue. And they're not all household names or media moguls. Many of them are individuals who have built highly engaged audiences through consistent, focused and authentic content.
For women exploring alternative income streams, platforms like Substack offer a powerful opportunity to turn ideas, insights and storytelling into sustainable revenue. Whether you're an expert in your field, a passionate writer or simply someone with something to say, Substack makes publishing, and profiting, more accessible than ever.
What Is Substack?
Substack is a digital publishing platform that brings together email newsletters, blogs and podcasts in one user-friendly interface. It allows writers to publish directly to their subscribers, offering both free and paid content, all while maintaining full ownership of their audience.
According to social media consultant Emily Raiber, what sets Substack apart from traditional tools like MailChimp is that it's built specifically for content-first creators rather than for businesses sending promotional blasts. Substack is designed to help individuals grow a readership and monetize their writing through direct subscriptions. And the best part is, it's free to start.
Women are Leading the Way on Substack
It's not surprising that brands have jumped on the Substack bandwagon, with an increasing number of founders using the platform for what fellow Forbes contributor Karin Eldor calls 'a content playground to spark delight for the engaged consumer.' But nowadays even ordinary women are finding financial and personal success on Substack—and several are sharing their strategies so others can do the same.
Cassandra Campbell has taken a deep dive into what separates the top earners from the rest. One of her biggest takeaways? You don't need to publish every day to make money. 'Most seven-figure newsletters publish just a few times per week. In fact, weekly publishing is more common among top earners than daily or multiple-times-daily output. Consistency matters, but frequency alone isn't the differentiator.'
Campbell also found that the most lucrative newsletters fall into just a few high-interest categories, like U.S. politics, finance, technology and business. If you're aiming to earn significant income, focusing on these themes is a great place to start.
Hannah Ashe, a former teacher who now runs a successful newsletter on Substack called 'Chez Hanny,' credits her growth to simply showing up and writing regularly. 'Everything I've learned has come from writing week after week,' she says in her Substack post How to Build a Successful Substack. Her advice is to not overthink it. Instead, write with honesty and show your personality.
How Women Can Build and Monetize a Substack Newsletter
Raiber recommends beginning with a topic you know well and can talk about authentically. Readers are drawn to depth, expertise and voice. Whether it's parenting, politics, mental health or marketing tips, clarity of focus helps set expectations and builds loyalty.
It's important to let your audience know what kind of content they'll get - free or paid - and how often they'll receive it. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds community. Whether it's every Tuesday or the first Friday of the month, a regular cadence helps readers form a habit of engagement.
Campbell's research reveals that successful newsletters don't always need massive audiences. In fact, many seven-figure earners fall into Substack's 'Thousands' tier of subscribers, not 'Tens of Thousands' or more. There's a slightly stronger correlation between higher pricing and earnings than between sheer subscriber numbers and earnings.
Try different pricing strategies to see what works best for your audience and your niche. It may take some experimentation, but it's a crucial part of building a sustainable income.
According to Raiber, Substack readers value long-form content, thought leadership, storytelling, personal reflection and niche expertise. Posts that offer clear takeaways, valuable lessons and compelling Q&As tend to perform well.
Write with a consistent voice and consider turning posts into series to encourage return readership.
Building community on Substack is important. Interacting with other Substack writers can lead to valuable cross-promotion opportunities. Collaborating with like-minded creators, engaging in reader comments and sharing your newsletter on your website and other social platforms can amplify your reach.
Also, don't be afraid to ask friends or colleagues for help spreading the word.
One of Raiber's most useful pieces of wisdom comes from her earlier TV days. 'You pass 10 story ideas on the way to work—don't miss them!' her mentor shared. Inspiration is everywhere. But it's important to stay in your lane. Readers come to you for a specific type of content, and consistency in tone and topic is key to building a strong, lasting relationship.
Writing can be solitary, but it doesn't have to be isolating. 'Don't scream into a vacuum,' Raiber advises. Find someone you trust to give you honest feedback. Whether it's about tone, clarity or structure, a second pair of eyes can help you refine your message and improve your connection with readers.
If you've ever considered putting your voice out there, Substack might just be the platform for you. It can help you get heard…and paid.