Defining The Substack Stars

Our team recently finished a full analysis of our subscriber’s readership habits. What we found was refreshing.

Our team recently finished a full analysis of our subscriber’s readership habits. What we found was refreshing. Most of our readers are between 3 to 5 stars. For two years, I ignored these ratings. However, I will not neglect this excellent measurement built into the Substack platform in the future. Here are a few things I discovered.

This post is written for Substack writers. However, if you are a reader who is not a writer, this can assist you in understanding the objective of our writers.

The stars next to your subscriber's email on your Subscribers dashboard represent how actively the subscriber has used your newsletter in the last month; this includes email opens and web views.

What does it mean when there are no stars?

A subscriber with zero stars means they haven't opened any of your email newsletters. Either an outsider opened a subscription on their behalf, or they subscribed with the intention of reading and have NOT opened your communications.

This subscriber could be a new sign-up since your most recent post. Since they haven't received a newsletter post yet since subscribing to your publication, their star status would be zero.

Another reason for zero stars could be linked to the subscriber's mail app. Privacy features such as in Apple Mail prevent senders from knowing when a recipient opens an email.

• SOLUTION: Send one-on-one emails to these individuals asking how you can better serve them in the future.

What does it mean when a subscriber has 1 to 4 stars?

One star reveals the lowest level of opened or read content - rarely or occasionally read. Two-star readers are “hooked” by personal interest in topics that capture their attention. These readers pinpoint their interests, such as “devotionals” or “politics.” Three-star readers are the opposite. These readers will open emails based on trusting the content due to their trust in the author. Four-star readers are the norm for skilled and qualified writers who have gained the favor of a reader. These readers share, restack, and recommend frequently.

• ADVISE: Reward your 1 & 2 starred readers with a 7-day free trial for your pay-per-view content. Reward your 3-starred readers with a 90-day free paid subscription. As for your 4-starred readers, give them a 6-month free subscription. If they are a paid subscriber, add an additional 6 months to their subscription.

What does it mean when a subscriber has five stars?

A subscriber with five stars is in the highest percentile (80-100) for days active on your publications relative to your other subscribers. More than likely, they have either read all or most of your posts. These readers deserve “free stuff.” Lots of it. We are in the process of giving an additional 1-year subscription to all existing paid subscribers. None paying subscribers get a free 1-year subscription.

Can I check my dashboard to see who has the least and the greatest number of stars?

Yes! To see a list of subscribers who have 0-5 stars, click on “Subscribers” in your dashboard. The list will be given with the number of stars next to the subscriber - and if they are free or paid.

If you are concerned about this strategy “harming” your paid subscribers’ growth, you are misinformed. If you treat your subscribers as friends, loyal readers, and faithful, they will not only keep your Substack channel active in their inbox; they are more likely to encourage others to join your platform. One of my ministry mentors tells me that giving content to readers/viewers without charge often promotes customers who will buy your content.

Remember, between now and September 6, 2023, you can get a 100% discount on your paid subscription to the End Times Chronicles & its pay-per-view add-ons. Until next time. -Stephen Phinney