Substack Reader Survey Data To Launch Your Newsletter

💡 What actually makes readers subscribe, engage and pay for newsletters? Let’s look at some data

This post summarizes my Substack Reader Survey data into the takeaways that matter most when you’re getting ready to launch a newsletter.

It’s dedicated to the newsletter creators who can swim for miles in the beauty of language, who earnestly wish to confidently give their voices to the world. But who often feel conflicted, stretched in several directions and often left wondering how to launch wisely, intentionally, creatively and strategically.

For me, data and surveys are such helpful containers that help me see everything about newsletters and creativity and myself more clearly.

Inevitably, after reading through data, I will hear myself say, “Oh, that’s how the bigger picture is shaped. Then that makes sense why my shape looks like this…”

I hope my survey data (and the rest of The Editing Spectrum membership) will help you get your newsletter one step closer to launched.

This is part of my “Start Here” Guide for Paid Members.

1. Pricing & Subscription Strategy

How Much Should You Charge?

📊 Survey Question: When does a yearly subscription start to feel too pricey?

• $51 – $75: 137 respondents

• $76 – $100: 151 respondents

• $41 – $50: 61 respondents

✅ Takeaways:

• Most readers start feeling price resistance at $50/year.

• Anything above $75 – $100/year is perceived as expensive by most.

• The psychological pricing “sweet spot” is $40 – $50/year.

🛠️ Launch Strategy Tip:
Start with $50/year or less to keep your price within what readers already consider reasonable. You can raise the price later as your newsletter’s value becomes more established.

How Much Are Readers Willing to Spend on Substack?

📊 Survey Question: What is your max budget for Substack subscriptions per month?