This "Boring Accountant's" Making Five-Figures with His Thriving Newsletter ??

Last week, I jumped on a call with Michael, a former accountant. We connected a few months on Substack and have kept in contact since then.

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"I still can't believe this is working," he told me. "I thought my tax content was too boring for a newsletter."

Yet there he was, sharing his latest revenue report: 8,500 from a small but dedicated subscriber base.

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The wild part? Michael started his Substack just 10 months ago with zero following.

He's not alone.

I recently met Sarah, a former teacher who turned her parenting insights into a thriving newsletter business. No huge following. No paid ads. Just valuable content for the right people.

Their secret? They ignored the typical advice about needing massive audiences or paid subscriptions. Instead, they built simple systems:

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1. They create helpful resources

• Simple spreadsheets
• PDF guides
• Templates their readers actually need

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2. They share their expertise

• Group coaching sessions
• Monthly Q&As
• Implementation support

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3. They build real relationships

• Personal responses to emails
• Community discussions
• Genuine connections

The fascinating part?

Both built this with small lists (under 2,500 subscribers).

This completely changes the game. You don't need:

• A huge social following
• Daily content creation
• Complex marketing funnels
• Celebrity status

Just consistent value for the right people.

QUICK WIN: Want to accelerate your newsletter growth right now? Here's my "First 100 Subscribers" formula that works in any niche:

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1. The LinkedIn Bio Hack

Create a second headline in your LinkedIn bio: "Subscribe to my newsletter: [link] - Weekly insights on [specific transformation you provide]"

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2. The Engagement Multiplier

When someone comments on your LinkedIn post, reply. Send them a DM thanking them for the comment. Include a link to your best post on Substack and let them know you thought it might help.

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3. Recommendations

Each new subscriber you get, send them a quick “thank you” DM. Let them know you appreciate them subscribing and ask them if they’re share your Substack with any friends who might find it helpful.

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Try these today. I've seen people get 25-50 subscribers in their first week using just these techniques.

I've discovered an even more powerful way to grow these newsletters using what I call the LinkedIn-Substack Flywheel. More on that tomorrow, along with the biggest myths about newsletter growth I see people falling for.

Quick question:

What expertise do you have that others might find valuable? Even if you think it's "boring" – I'd love to hear it. Just hit reply.

Talk soon, Wes?

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P.S. If you could start and grow a thriving newsletter on any topic in the world, what would it be and why? Drop a comment below and let me know. I love hearing your ideas.?

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Want to read more about the LinkedIn-Substack Flywheel? Check out it out on Substack and join a 2700+ community getting weekly insights on how to grow Substack & LinkedIn. Read the LinkedIn-Substack Flywheel on Substack Here ????