Substack in the Netherlands: Why Writers Are Switching

Substack has suddenly become a topic on Dutch feeds and group chats (sound familiar?). Writers, journalists and hobbyists in the Netherlands are asking the same basic question: is Substack the platform to publish and earn from my work? That curiosity—fueled by high-profile sign-ups, product updates and debates about platform fees—explains why “substack” is trending now. Below I walk through what Substack offers, how it compares locally, and practical next steps for Dutch creators and readers.

What is Substack and why it matters

At its core, Substack is a newsletter-first publishing platform that lets writers send email newsletters, host archives, and charge subscriptions. It’s simple, which is part of its appeal: you write, Substack handles delivery, payments and subscriber management.

Want a quick background? See Substack on Wikipedia for a concise history and timeline.

Why this moment—what’s triggered the trend

Two things tend to push Substack into the spotlight.

• Product and growth moves: new monetisation tools, discovery features or policy changes create media coverage and community chatter.
• Local adoption: when prominent Dutch writers or media figures launch on Substack, curiosity spreads fast among both readers and fellow creators.

Combine those and you get search spikes. Also, readers worried about paywalls and independence are looking for alternatives—and writers are reassessing revenue models. That’s the emotion here: a mix of curiosity, opportunity and a little anxiety about where publishing is headed.

Who in the Netherlands is searching and why

Mostly: freelance journalists, niche bloggers, newsletter-curious hobbyists and small publishers. Their knowledge ranges from beginners (never sent a paid newsletter) to experienced digital creators (testing monetisation). The core problem they’re trying to solve? Finding a low-friction way to build an audience and get paid without heavy tech or huge upfront costs.

Emotional drivers

There’s excitement—about new income streams—and concern—about platform control and discovery. Many Dutch creators also want straightforward payment options for local subscribers (iDEAL is often mentioned), so payment integration is a recurring topic.

How Substack works (quick practical tour)

Substack does a few things well:

• Newsletter distribution via email
• Paywalled subscriptions and one-time payments
• Simple site hosting for archives and posts
• Basic discovery and analytics

It’s intentionally minimalist: less feature bloat than a full CMS, but faster to get started.

Substack vs alternatives — a side-by-side

Here’s a practical comparison to help decide if Substack fits your needs.

That table is a snapshot—your priorities (speed vs full control) determine the best path.

Real-world examples from the Netherlands

I’ve watched several Dutch creators test Substack. One independent tech journalist started a paid weekly newsletter after losing a partial income stream; within months they had a small but loyal paying audience and reclaimed editorial control. Another example: a niche culture writer used Substack to migrate their email list and convert long-time readers to paid subscribers—turning a newsletter into a modest, reliable income source.

These case studies highlight something I’ve noticed: growth often comes when a writer already has a relationship with readers—Substack accelerates monetisation, not audience-building out of thin air.

What about local payments?

Payment support matters in the Netherlands. Substack accepts international cards and Stripe-powered payments, but local options like iDEAL can be a sticking point. If local payment comfort matters to your audience, check current Substack payment support or consider offering alternative sign-up flows off-platform.

Content strategy: what works on Substack

Successful Substack newsletters share a few traits:

• Consistent publishing cadence (weekly or biweekly)
• Strong voice and a clear niche
• Useful free content that converts to paid perks
• Transparent pricing and member benefits

What I’ve noticed is that Dutch readers respond well to localised takes—coverage of Dutch policy, media analysis, or cultural context—so tailoring content for the Netherlands helps conversion.

Discovery and growth tactics

Substack’s built-in discovery is improving but still limited, so creators need a growth playbook.

Try:

• Cross-promotions with other newsletters
• Repurposing posts into social snippets (Twitter/X, LinkedIn)
• Guest essays on local media or blogs
• Leveraging existing email lists or personal networks

Policy, moderation and platform control

Platform debates sometimes swirl around moderation and control—questions like: what happens if policies change or fees rise? Substack offers export tools, which helps, but platform risk remains. That’s why many Dutch creators keep backups of content and subscriber data outside the platform.

For a quick company overview and official info, visit the Substack official site.

Costs, fees and earning potential

Substack charges a percentage fee on paid subscriptions and payment processor fees apply. That reduces net take-home slightly, but for many creators the trade-off—no infrastructure headaches—is worth it. Estimate realistically: small audiences (hundreds of subscribers) can still produce meaningful monthly income if conversion and pricing are right.

Simple revenue model example

If you charge €5/month and convert 200 paying subscribers, that’s €1,000/month gross—minus platform and payment fees. Not bad if you value independence and direct reader relationships.

Checklist: Is Substack right for you?

Ask yourself:

• Do I already have a reader base or email list?
• Do I prefer simplicity over customisation?
• Do I accept platform fees for convenience?
• Will my readers pay via the available payment methods?

If you answered yes to most, Substack is worth a trial run.

Practical takeaways — what you can do this week

1. Export your current newsletter list and back it up—always keep control of your data.
2. Create a one-month plan: topic, cadence, and a launch post (aim for 4-6 free posts before asking for a subscription).
3. Decide pricing and perks clearly—membership benefits should be simple and tangible.
4. Set up analytics: track open rates, conversions and traffic sources so you can iterate.

Resources and next steps

If you’re new, read community advice and learn from established creators. Check the Substack FAQ and community posts (links above) and join local creator groups where Dutch writers compare notes. Start small, measure, and refine.

Final thoughts

Substack isn’t a miracle cure for building an audience, but it removes many technical barriers from monetising writing. For many in the Netherlands, it’s an attractive option: fast to set up, focused on the writer-reader relationship, and effective for niche, locally relevant content. The platform’s growth and recent headlines are what got people searching—but the long-term question is whether Substack helps Dutch writers sustain and grow their craft. That’s the experiment worth watching (and joining, if it fits your goals).