Substack Mastery Book: Chapter 15
Why and How to Integrate Substack with Patreon for Compelling Reasons Based on Experience and Observations of Bestselling Freelance Writers and High-Earning Content Entrepreneurs
Non-members can read this important chapter for free here. I also published a version for my readers on Medium.com.
Dear Subscribers and beta readers, this chapter is relatively longer than previous ones, so you may need to read it on the website as some mail systems cut long messages. This chapter is comprehensive because I compare two major creator-friendly platforms to give you the full picture based on extensive experience in both.
Introduction
I have a deep appreciation for Substack, which is why I wrote this Substack Mastery book. But before discovering Substack, I had already been using Patreon for quite some time, finding it incredibly versatile for various purposes, which I will mention in the sample case study below.
Interestingly, as my success on Substack grew, I saw a rising demand for Patreon, prompting me to create a new service that expands my Substack newsletter, focusing on Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights.
I crafted this chapter with advanced writers in mind, but I also offer valuable insights for newcomers too. Whether you use Substack and Patreon separately or together, integrating them — like I do and many other established creators — can yield powerful results.
In this chapter, I shall share my thoughts, experiences, and observations on Patreon and encourage freelance writers and content entrepreneurs to consider pairing it with Substack. Both platforms are excellent, each offering unique ways to support creators.
While I am unsure how these companies see each other, I view them not as competitors but as complementary services that can work together to enhance your creative reach. As a personal principle, I never see others as competitors but as collaborators — and this mindset has worked wonders for me.
Welcome to Chapter 15 of the Substack Mastery book. 💡
Links to Available Chapters of Substack Mastery Book
Preface of “Substack Mastery” for Beta Readers, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15
Why Patreon Is Important for Substack Writers, Freelancers, and Content Entrepreneurs from 8 Different Aspects
Patreon is a unique platform for creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs because it offers a reliable way to diversify income, connect with audiences, and scale creative businesses. In this section, I will provide a high-level perspective on the benefits of Patreon based on my experience and observations of other creators.
1 — Creative Freedom
On Patreon, creators are in control of their content and how they monetize it. Unlike traditional freelance jobs or corporate-sponsored gigs, creators are not bound by strict guidelines, allowing them to experiment and pursue projects that align with their creative vision. A Substack writer, for example, might use Patreon to fund a long-form investigative series they couldn’t pitch to mainstream publications.
2 — Direct Audience Support
Patreon allows content creators to build a community of loyal supporters who value their work. By engaging directly with their audience, creators can offer exclusive perks such as early access, bonus content, or personalized shoutouts that make patrons feel appreciated. This direct support model can empower creators to focus on their passion without relying on third-party platforms or advertisers. For instance, a writer can create tiers of support where patrons who pay $10 a month can access bonus essays, stories, or behind-the-scenes insights into their products.
3 — Enhanced Community Building
Patreon helps cultivate a deeper connection between creators and their audience by offering private forums, Q&A sessions, and other interactive opportunities. This sense of community can turn casual readers or followers into dedicated fans, creating a core group of emotionally invested supporters in the creator’s success. Content entrepreneurs use Patreon to nurture an intimate space for their significant supporters. For example, musicians might host Patreon-exclusive live streams, or writers might hold Q&A sessions about their book launches.
4 — Financial Support from Patrons
Freelancers and content creators face inconsistent pay. With Patreon, creators can receive recurring monthly payments from subscribers (patrons) who support their work. This steady income stream can offer financial stability crucial for freelancers, especially when other revenue streams like ads, sponsorships, or commissions fluctuate. For example, a Substack writer who offers exclusive content on Patreon might get a reliable $5 per patron each month, which can help cover expenses.
5 — Diversification of Revenue Streams
For freelancers and entrepreneurs who already earn money from other platforms like Substack or YouTube, Patreon provides an additional revenue stream. This diversification is critical to long-term financial success, as relying solely on one platform can be risky. For instance, a freelance journalist might use Substack for email subscriptions but offer Patreon supporters early drafts, unpublished stories, or writing workshops to maximize earnings.
6 — Tailored Membership Options
Patreon’s tiered membership model allows creators to design different levels of support, each offering unique perks. This allows them to cater to various types of fans. For example, a $1 tier might offer general support, while a $50 tier could include personalized feedback or direct communication. This flexible model makes it easy for creators to grow their income as their audience expands, offering something valuable for both casual supporters and die-hard fans.
7 — Monetizing Niche Content
Finding advertisers or sponsorships can be challenging for creators in smaller or niche industries. Patreon allows even small-scale creators to make money by connecting with audiences that appreciate their specialized work. Whether it’s a podcast about obscure history, a newsletter on sustainable farming, or personal essays on mental health, Patreon allows creators to get paid for content that might not have mainstream appeal but resonates deeply with their audience.
8 — Global Reach
With Patreon, creators can reach patrons from around the world, allowing them to monetize their content globally. This opens up opportunities for creators in smaller markets to gain international supporters. For example, an independent artist from a small town can still attract patrons from big cities globally who love their unique style and are willing to support their work.
Summary of Key Benefits of Integrating Patreon with Substack
By leveraging the power of Patreon and Substack, freelance writers, book authors, and other content creators like bloggers or copywriters can build a sustainable and scalable income model, balancing free public content with exclusive paid experiences. Here are the key points:
Combining Substack’s subscription-based newsletters with Patreon’s tiered membership system offers multiple revenue sources. Patreon offers interactive features to engage with supporters on a more personal level.
You can reserve your best content for paying patrons on Patreon while using Substack as a way to reach a broader audience. Patreon’s recurring memberships allow for predictable, passive income, while Substack continues to attract new readers.
What Distinguishes Patreon from Substack
While both Patreon and Substack provide monetization opportunities for creators, they differ significantly in their approach, features, and audience engagement methods. In this section, I will provide a high-level comparative perspective on what distinguishes Patreon from Substack and how Patreon can fill gaps for creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs.
1 — Subscription vs. Patronage
Substack: Substack’s model is subscription-based, where users pay a flat fee to receive content. It is great for writers who want to build a paid newsletter and create regular income from their subscribers.
Patreon: Patreon operates on a patronage model, where supporters contribute to creators on an ongoing basis for access to special perks. Patrons feel like they support the creator personally rather than paying strictly for content, which encourages more emotional investment in the creator’s success.
Gap Filled by Patreon: While Substack subscribers are paying for access to a product (your newsletter), Patreon allows your audience to feel like they are supporting you as a creator. This creates a stronger, more personal bond between the creator and the audience. A Substack writer could use Patreon to attract fans who want to support their overall creative work, not just the newsletter.
2 — Monetization Models
Substack: Substack primarily focuses on free or paid email newsletters. Writers can charge subscribers for exclusive content, with Substack taking a 10% cut of revenue. Monetization is straightforward, based mostly on the subscription model for written content.
Patreon: Patreon offers a more flexible tiered membership system, where creators can offer different levels of content and benefits based on how much a patron contributes. This allows creators to set multiple price points for various perks, such as early access to content, personalized shoutouts, or behind-the-scenes updates. Patreon also supports more than just written content, allowing creators to offer exclusive videos, podcasts, artwork, digital books, and other media forms.
Gap Filled by Patreon: Substack is limited to two subscription prices (basic membership and founding tier), which may not cater to different levels of fan engagement. Patreon’s multiple-tiered system allows freelance writers to create different levels of perks and charge accordingly, increasing their potential earnings. For example, a writer might offer early drafts of their work or personalized feedback on patrons’ writing at a higher tier, something they couldn’t do easily on Substack.
3 — Content Types and Flexibility
Substack: Substack is optimized for written content, especially email newsletters. It is primarily text-driven, though it has recently supported some audio and podcast integrations, which is a good thing.
Patreon: Patreon supports a broader content type, such as videos, podcasts, artwork, photography, digital books, and live streams. This flexibility allows creators to diversify their offerings and build multimedia content that can complement their written work.
Gap Filled by Patreon: As a freelance writer, you may feel limited by the text-centric nature of the Substack platform. Patreon allows you to supplement your newsletters with additional media, like hosting live discussions, offering video breakdowns of your essays, or sharing exclusive podcasts that dive deeper into your writing topics. This multimedia approach engages your audience in new ways, deepening your connection with them.
4 — Enhanced Community Engagement and Interaction
Substack: Substack offers limited tools for audience engagement, mainly through comments and email interactions. Writers can engage with their readers via replies to newsletters or comments on posts and Notes, but the engagement is typically one-dimensional and not real-time.
Patreon: Patreon excels at facilitating community interaction. It offers a space for creators to engage more intimately with their audience through private forums, direct messaging, and live Q&A sessions or streams. Patreon creators can also reward their most loyal supporters with exclusive content, polls, and patron-only updates.
Gap Filled by Patreon: If you are a Substack writer looking to build a more interactive community, Patreon might fill this gap by offering enhanced engagement tools. For instance, you can set up private discussion forums for your patrons, host live chats, or share personal updates that help cultivate a deeper connection with your audience.
5 — Creator-Controlled Perks
Substack: The perks on Substack are tied to the subscription model, so your main value proposition is the content you send via email newsletters. Any additional perks like special shoutouts or private meetups would have to be manually managed by the creator outside of Substack’s platform.
Patreon: Patreon allows for more structured and diverse perks tied to membership tiers. You can offer various rewards depending on the level of support, such as exclusive content, personalized advice, physical merchandise, or early access to new projects. These perks are integrated into Patreon’s system, making it easier to manage.
Gap Filled by Patreon: For Substack writers looking to offer more personalized perks, Patreon provides a built-in system for offering tiered benefits without the manual tracking that would be required on Substack. For example, you could offer personal coaching sessions, handwritten letters, or exclusive merchandise at higher tiers to create a unique and more immersive experience for your most engaged readers.
6 — Exclusive Community Features
Substack: Substack offers fewer gated community features than paid newsletters and private posts.
Patreon: Patreon lets creators offer exclusive content and experiences to their patrons. Whether it is a live hangout, a behind-the-scenes look at the writing process, or a private discussion group, Patreon builds exclusivity into its structure.
Gap Filled by Patreon: Writers on Substack could use Patreon to build a VIP community for their most loyal fans. You might offer early drafts of upcoming newsletters or books, invite patrons to help shape future content, or provide private webinars. This creates an “inner circle” feel that Substack alone cannot provide.
7 — Revenue Diversification
Substack: Substack writers can earn through subscriptions, and some writers may choose to accept tips or donations, though these features are not central to the platform.
Patreon: Patreon allows creators to diversify their income through monthly contributions, higher-tiered memberships, special patron-only events, or even limited-time offers (like offering a personalized writing critique for patrons at a higher level).
Gap Filled by Patreon: Patreon helps writers on Substack diversify their revenue beyond the traditional subscription model. You could, for example, offer writing workshops or behind-the-scenes essays to patrons who support you at higher tiers or run short-term campaigns where higher-paying patrons receive exclusive benefits, such as book pre-orders or signed copies of your work.
7 — Merchandising and Special Campaigns
Substack: Substack is currently limited to newsletters and digital content, with no native features for merchandising or running special campaigns.
Patreon: Patreon allows creators to offer merchandise, run special campaigns (e.g., a month-long initiative for new patrons), and offer physical products like books, T-shirts, mugs, cards, or personalized items as perks for higher-paying patrons.
Gap Filled by Patreon: For Substack writers with a broader vision for their content brand, Patreon can offer merchandising and special campaign opportunities to engage patrons more deeply. For instance, you could run a campaign where patrons at a certain tier receive a signed copy of your latest book or a custom-designed piece of merchandise tied to your content.
A Sample Case Study to Integrate Substack with Patreon
In the last few months, one of my popular Substack newsletters, Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights, which I have been giving as a free service for over five years, gained momentum when I decided to reduce my time on Medium and increase on Substack, which also coincided with writing this book.
Some of my mentors like Tim Denning advised me to monetize my content while still giving free content as Subtack will have no motivation to promote my newsletters. He was absolutely right because as soon as I turned on monetization, my newsletters spiked and grew by at least 600% within the last few months. I have never witnessed such a growth on Substack.
Gaining many paid members and even some founding members inspired me. I started interacting with them more often via emails and Substack Notes. However, some members found the interactions difficult and insufficient. They wanted to have a closer and more intimate environment to communicate and access to me more easily.
As I have been using Patreon for this purpose with my clients for special projects like invention workshops, design thinking workshops, co-authoring papers, or collaborative book projects, I decided to open a new Patreon account to support freelance writers. I called it Freelance Startup Up Support and Coaching.
I designed the space in 4 tiers.
The first tier is for free members to explore and understand the nature of work in this space. I offer several articles and summaries of books for free to these members. It shows at the bottom of my service membership page like the following screen capture.
The second tier is called Writing & Content Development Support, with a minimum allowable cost of $3 USD. I wanted to make it cheaper, but Like Substack, Patreon does not allow us to do so. I provide writing tips for creating articles, blogs, papers, and non-fiction books. I continue adding content relating to writing, editing, blogging, and publishing for freelance writers.
The third tier is called Guidance, Help & Promotion. In addition to writing and content development, I provide promotion, blogging, Substack, and social media support to help promote your content (articles, papers, podcasts, books). I also answer queries via email, Slack, or Subtack Notes for this tier. I offer this service for $10 USD as it requires additional time and effort.
The fourth tier is called Professional Coaching & Partnership. This is my premium service covering many professional support services, including writing/editing tips, freelancing support, blogging, guest blogging, Substack Mastery membership, social media support, technology advice, small business development ideas, Startup coaching, publishing guidance, and affiliate marketing support for freelance writers and content entrepreneurs. I offer this service for $30 USD as it requires more time and effort. This tier is so comprehensive that it did not fit into a screen despite small fonts.
In addition, I experimented with offering one book as a digital product at half the price of its market value in other bookshops, and some members loved buying it for a lower price. I experimented with a few high-impact articles for one-time buyers with a minimum price of $3 and will add more as soon as there is a demand for them.
Although we can market our books or paid articles on Substack, we can’t directly sell them. However, we can do it on Patreon; therefore, integrating two platforms is an excellent choice.
As it is beyond the scope of this chapter, I will publish a comprehensive article providing a step-by-step guide to creating and configuring Patreon for beginners and add it as an addendum to the final version of the Substack Mastery book.
How does Patreon compare to Substack in Charging Creators?
This is the most frequently asked question by my clients, colleagues, friends, students, and proteges; therefore, I decided to create a section for it.
As I mentioned in previous chapters, Substack charges a flat 10% fee on earnings. However, Patreon offers a tiered system with more flexibility depending on the services a creator wants to access.
The good news for global creators is that Patreon uses PayPal, which is more accepted globally and much easier than Stripe.
I want to point out that with Patreon, additional fees for payment processing and payouts might lead to a slightly higher total deduction, especially when smaller donations are made. Patreon’s fees vary by plan and transaction size, but the structure provides options for creators based on their needs, offering more control over their business model than Substack’s flat fee.
Here is a breakdown from my experience:
Patreon uses a tiered fee structure to charge creators, and the amount they take depends on the plan chosen by the creator. Here’s how Patreon charges creators:
Patreon Platform Fee:
Lite Plan: 5% of the monthly earnings. Pro Plan: 8% of the monthly earnings. Premium Plan: 12% of the monthly earnings (this plan includes additional services like dedicated partner management).
Payment Processing Fee:
For donations over $3: around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. For donations under $3: around 5% + $0.10 per transaction.
Payout Fees:
When creators withdraw their earnings, there is an additional fee for transferring funds, which varies based on the payout method (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.).
Conclusions and Key Takeaways
Patreon can be valuable for creators, freelancers, and content entrepreneurs because it enables them to generate consistent income, connect with their audience on a deeper level, and maintain creative freedom. Whether it’s a podcaster, artist, or writer, Patreon offers a flexible and reliable platform for turning passion projects into sustainable careers.
Patreon is a membership platform that allows creators, including freelance writers, authors, storytellers, editors, and digital marketers, to receive financial support directly from their audience through subscriptions. Supporters, called “patrons,” can choose to pledge a certain amount monthly in exchange for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, early releases, or other perks.
For freelance writers and content creators, particularly those using platforms like Substack, Patreon offers a way to diversify income streams by offering additional membership tiers and exclusive benefits beyond what’s shared publicly.
Patreon provides insights into your patrons’ engagement, including which tiers are most popular and how your audience interacts with your content. This information might help refine your content strategy, complementing Substack’s analytics on newsletter performance so you can optimize both platforms for passive income.
When we look at the big picture, success hinges on creating content that resonates deeply with your audience in today's digital landscape. Writers can build meaningful connections beyond metrics by embracing strategic storytelling, consistency, and authentic engagement.
Satisfaction for creators is not about chasing virality but enabling trust and delivering value that stands the test of time. Each piece of content should reflect your unique voice while addressing the needs and curiosity of your readers. As you move forward, focus on being intentional, impactful, and adaptable. This is the path to sustainable growth and lasting influence in an ever-evolving online world.
Platforms like Substack, Patreon, and Medium are valuable tools for diversifying your content and income streams, but they should never be your only foundation. As your audience and influence grow, it is crucial to invest in building your own platform — something you fully control.
These tools, while powerful, can change or even disappear, but your own platform ensures lasting security and independence for your creative work. Think of it as safeguarding your future so your voice is always heard, no matter how the landscape evolves.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
Invitation to Be a Guest Blogger
I recently opened my website to welcome all writers as guest bloggers, offering a platform to boost visibility for your profiles, Medium stories, and Substack newsletters.
I’ve outlined the compelling reasons to join our community blog in detail, making it an ideal space for authentic and ethical writers who want to share their work freely.
Here’s Why I Opened My Website to Freelance Writers as Guest Bloggers from Multiple Platforms
I explain why and how writers can benefit from this free blogging opportunity, empowered by a non-commercial writing
Here, no legal content is censored! I strongly value diversity, inclusion, and equality in distributing content. If you want a supportive environment to amplify your voice, I have created this accessible and supportive place for you.
About the Substack Mastery Book for Review or Purchase
As I shared in a previous post, this book has already hit the top 100 bestseller list in multiple categories in various Amazon marketplaces. Thank you, my loyal readers, for making this book a success and a valuable knowledge source for the community.
Many thanks to beta readers who started leaving honest feedback on this evolving book on Goodreads. If you enjoy and benefit from this book, I’d appreciate leaving honest feedback on Goodreads, as the Amazon version is not ready for review yet.
If you want to purchase the book at a reasonable price or gift it to someone you care about, you may preorder it via various Amazon markets. If the editing process is complete on time, I can get it published faster. The funds generated from this book will be donated to the management of the Substack Mastery site for the ILLUMINATION community. This education site also amplifies the newsletters of freelance writers.
Substack Mastery: Insider Secrets from a Content Strategist & Seasoned Author: Learn the Basics…
Substack Mastery: Insider Secrets from a Content Strategist & Seasoned Author: Learn the Basics, Stay Motivated, Grow…www.amazon.com
Several beta readers wrote five-star reviews about the book, which warms my heart but today I found this remarkable podcast created by
and found it very helpful for readers as a summary of the first three chapters. Substack writers can also learn from her skills so visiting Britni’s site can be helpful.I also liked this podcast crafted by
.Community Building on Substack Bridging with Other Platforms
Integrating Substack with Medium is a great idea. To this end, as a community builder, I created a philanthropic organization that will empower creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs with a commercial arm. I documented the strategy and high-level plan in a story. Please feel free to ask questions and provide feedback. Refraining from perfection, I choose a progressive path.
Here are our draft service definitions for creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs. We will explain the details in our upcoming newsletter. Here is an invitation from a founding member.
If you are a writer on Medium and Substack, we have a new publication called Substack Mastery. You are welcome to join and share your Substack experience with your fellow writers and discerning readers. ILLUMINATION-Curators curate, feature, and promote newsletters of our contributors in collections like this one. Being part of a community can bring many benefits, such as a fast-growing audience. Substack Mastery Featured Newsletters: Episode 12.
For advanced writers, we also have a publication called Curated Newsletters, which replaced the former ILLUMINATION-Curated. As I withdraw from the boost program, I now allocate more time to support writers in extending their services to Substack or other platforms.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 32K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium.
New Submission Guidelines for ILLUMINATION, Curated Newsletters, SYNERGY, and Technology Hits.
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack and our education tool, Substack Mastery, curated by ILLUMINATION-Curators. Here is the Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
Join me on Substack, where I offer experience-based content on health, content strategy, and technology topics to inform and inspire my readers.
Health and Wellness by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
This chapter was initially published at DigitalMehmet.com. My blogs and website offer free access to inspiring and educational stories for freelancers and content entrepreneurs. Membership Tiers and Benefits of ILLUMINATION Substack Mastery Community. Please use this portal to contact me with inquiries and feedback. You can also read this chapter on my Substack.
This chapter was very helpful to me Dr Yildiz. I will focus on Patrean as well and find ways to link them.
Each chapter of your book comes with surprise for me. This one was so unique and I had no clue they could be used so seamlessly and feel the gaps of each. Thank you for making it crystal clear for us.