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Transcript
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SPEAKER 1
Do you want to grow your audience on Substack and turn casual readers into loyal subscribers? I'm Christina Godd. I'm a Substack bestseller with more than 10,000 Engage subscribers on my list. I belong to the top 20 education publications. I'm a part-time manpreneur and award-winning brand and marketing manager.
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And today I'm going to show you how to use subscribe buttons like a pro on Substack and how to customize them for even better results. Plus, I'll share tips for writing irresistible calls to action, CTAs, that inspire your readers to take the next step. Let's go.
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Subscribe buttons are like your secret weapon in email marketing and on Substack, of course. They are simple to use. They are dynamic. This is something that many don't know and incredibly effective. Let us dig a bit deeper into this. Here's what makes them so, so special. If a reader isn't subscribed, they'll see a clear subscribe button.

Turn Your Substack Buttons Into Non-Sucky Click Magnets (In Just 5 Seconds!)

Your buttons deserve more than a generic “Subscribe" (and to make more money)

2025 is here…

And this year, you’ll see me do my online writing business like you’ve never seen before…

Because 2025 marks the beginning of a new era of online writing and marketing

And I’m so excited.

We are ALL here to be noticed. Period.

So, if this is the year you plan to take control of your time, income, and freedom with the online writing business of your dreams…

Then join me and more than 10,000 engaged and like-minded writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and friends.

Here’s what’s in for you:

  • Q&As with masterminds, such as Walter Rhein

  • Live Workshops with superstars, such as Ayodeji

  • Substack Bootcamp and Substack Course

  • NEW! VIP Member Program to make you a bestseller in 2025

  • Community access with 300+ members

  • … you name it

Oh, and did I mention you’ll get for FREE:

I want to make 2025 my BEST year!


Call-to-action (CTA) buttons are everywhere on Substack.

Yet, they’re often overlooked— a huge missed opportunity because you can dramatically improve them in less than five seconds (yes, you read that right!).

Why CTA Buttons Are So Important

CTA buttons on Substack aren’t just functional—they’re powerful tools to guide your readers. Whether subscribing, upgrading, or sharing your content, buttons bridge interest and action.

The words you put on those buttons? They have a massive impact on the outcome. These aren’t just words. They’re statements of value, as we say in marketing. They tell your busy readers:

“This is worth your time.”

Every time someone clicks, they say:

“Yes, I want this!”

Gwen Stefani Singing GIF by The Voice

That’s why your buttons deserve more than a generic “Subscribe.”

Love it! Give me more


Quick Fix: Make Your Buttons More Impactful

Sure, adding a button is easy, but is it effective? That’s where marketing strategy comes in.

1. Customize the Text

Generic buttons won’t inspire action. Try these instead:

  • Boring: “Subscribe.”

  • Better: “Get Free Tips Every Friday!”

Here’s how to do it:

  • Highlight the default button text in your Substack editor.

  • Replace it with something catchy and audience-focused.

Examples:

  • “Join 10,000 Smart Writers.”

  • “Free in Your Inbox Every Monday.”

  • “Don’t Miss Out—Subscribe Now.”

Let me become a member and join the Club


2. Promote More Than Subscriptions

Want to promote courses, services, or products? Use custom buttons to drive traffic beyond just subscriptions.

Steps:

  • Add a URL to your store, course, or coaching page.

  • Update the button text to match.

Examples:

  • “Snag Your Seat Now.”

  • “Book a Coaching Session.”


CTAs That Inspire Action

Your CTA buttons aren’t just clicks—they’re decisions. Crafting them well can skyrocket engagement.

Be Clear and Direct

Tell your readers exactly what to do:

  • “Subscribe for Weekly Writing Tips.”

  • “Book a One-on-One Strategy Session.”

  • “Share This Post with a Friend.”

Create Urgency

Use time-sensitive language to trigger action:

  • “Join 10,000 Writers—Today!”

  • “Upgrade Now to Unlock Exclusive Posts.”

Add Personality

Make your CTAs relatable and fun:

  • “Sign Me Up, Kristina!”

  • “Get Smart Tips Every Friday—For Free!”

    Episode 2 Yes GIF by America's Got Talent

YES! Sign me up, Kristina!


Why Button Text Matters

CTA buttons have a psychological impact. A few well-chosen words can make a big difference:

  • Urgency: “Join Now” triggers FOMO.

  • Connection: “Sign Me Up, Kristina!” feels personal.

  • Clarity: “Free Tips Every Friday” sets clear expectations.

Small tweaks can significantly boost click-through rates.

CTA buttons are a simple tool, but when paired with strong content and straightforward design, they become powerful drivers of engagement. Take a few moments to refine your buttons—you’ll see the difference.

Got CTA questions or want to join our challenge?

Drop them in the comments below—I’ll answer every single one.

Or, better, join the challenge by sharing your button texts with me and the community.

Leave a comment

Until next time!
Keep creating, keep growing, and keep thriving,

P.S. Hungry for more?

Here’s how I can help you to make 2025 your BEST year ever!

Ready to level up your writing and monetize your words? Join The Online Writing Club.

I want to become a member today!

SURPRISE: Join as a VIP member and get 1x audit and 4x strategy sessions with me. Our goal: Make you a Substack bestseller with 100+ paid subscribers who LOVE you (and/or crush your goals on Substack!)

It’s only $500, which is one-twelfth of your annual income, and it’s tax-deductible since it’s a coaching program.

See you inside!

I want to become a VIPer!

Notes Prompt of the Day: Some funny storytelling on Notes… join me and share something humorous, too!

Discussion about this video

User's avatar
Pablo Alvestegui's avatar

Hi. Great assets. I'm going to try making your buttons. Thank you.

Q: How did you put a sidebar in this post?

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Lisa Cunningham DeLauney's avatar

I love reading and creating different buttons. Great tip.

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Kristina God's avatar

Hi Lisa 👋 great to hear. Super smart to experiment with buttons.

Have you heard about my bestseller program for VIP members? Just checked your Substack and think you could be a great fit.

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Kristina God's avatar

I think your drawings are unique. Love the way you use buttons. Think we can tweak some parts and fix some things and then you could become a bestseller in 2025.

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Ismayil Valiyev's avatar

Very useful video. Thank you for sharing. Never payed enough attention to the buttons. Going to use them more now :)

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Kristina God's avatar

Very good. They are powerful. Glad I could inspire you

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Shell Norman's avatar

Where is that Substack editor that directs me to the default button to change the message? And how do I add a button that says something like "Share with a friend"??

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Kristina God's avatar

Hi Shell, great question. So when you write a post you open the post editor. In the post editor as I show in the video you can then click on buttons and add all types of buttons. In addition , you can create a custom button. Substack is already offering great examples. However, i would create a custom button and experiment with it.

More questions? Just ask away!

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Shell Norman's avatar

Thank you! Yes—the video is excellent. However, I did find a glitch: when I tried to put in a button for Subscribe with caption, it shut down my page. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I was able to add one that says “Share my publication.”

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Kristina God's avatar

Oh no 🙄😮

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Shell Norman's avatar

Thank you so much!

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Kristina God's avatar

Hey Shell, would you like to join us? Today is my birthday and I give you 40 off :)

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0:37
Subscribe buttons are like your secret weapon in email marketing and on Substack, of course. They are simple to use. They are dynamic. This is something that many don't know and incredibly effective. Let us dig a bit deeper into this. Here's what makes them so, so special. If a reader isn't subscribed, they'll see a clear subscribe button.