Adding a Buy Me a Coffee button to your Substack posts is a simple way to give readers the option to support your work directly. The button links to your Buy Me a Coffee page, where supporters can send a one-time coffee, join a membership, or browse your shop.
Many Substack writers have found that not every reader wants a subscription. However, they are simply happy to support the writer - just in a different way. Writers who added a Buy Me a Coffee button to their Substack account have reported higher income, sometimes even surpassing their subscriptions.
Here's how to set it up.
1. Open your Substack post editor
Log in to Substack and create a new post or open an existing draft. You can add the button anywhere in your post - many creators place it at the start and end, but you can also add it mid-post or near the most interesting passage of your post.
2. Insert a custom button
In the post editor, click the + icon to open the block menu, then select Button from the list of options.
3. Customize your button
A button block will appear in your post. Click on it to edit:
Button text: Enter the text you want to display. Common options include "Buy Me a Coffee," "Support my work," or "Leave a tip."
Button URL: Paste your Buy Me a Coffee page link (it looks like buymeacoffee.com/yourname).
You can find your page link anytime by copying it from your Buy Me a Coffee dashboard or browser address bar when you're on your page.
4. Save and publish
Click outside the button or press Enter to save your changes. Finish writing your post, then hit Publish. The button will now appear in your post, and readers can click it to visit your Buy Me a Coffee page.
Bonus read:
Check out this post by another Substack writer explaining how they use Buy Me a Coffee on Substack.
Where to place your button
You can add the button in multiple places depending on your goals:
End of each post: A natural spot for readers who've just finished your content and want to support you.
Welcome post or about page: Introduce yourself and let new subscribers know how they can contribute.
Mid-post: If you're sharing a tutorial, story, or long-form piece, you can add the button partway through as a gentle nudge.
Tip: Place the button where emotion is highest. People support when they feel something - not when they’re casually scrolling.
Eg: Right after a strong closing paragraph/after a personal story/ or after a high-value, insight-dense post.
You can also add your Buy Me a Coffee link to your Substack publication settings - for example, in your bio, footer, or welcome email - but the button is the most visually direct way to encourage support within posts themselves.
Tips for encouraging support
A short, friendly sentence before the button can help. For example:
"If you found this article, consider buying me a coffee."
"Enjoying this newsletter? Buy me a coffee to keep it going."
"Your support helps me keep writing - thank you!"
Keep it natural and genuine. Readers respond to honesty, not pressure.
What happens when someone clicks the button?
When a reader clicks your button, they'll land on your Buy Me a Coffee page. From there, they can:
Send you a one-time coffee (no sign-up required)
Join a membership tier if you offer them
Browse and purchase from your shop if you've added products
You'll receive a notification for every support, and payments go directly to your connected Stripe account.
Ready to try it?
Add your button to your next Substack post and see how your readers respond. It only takes a minute to set up, and it's one of the simplest ways to start earning support.
Still have questions? Reach out to us at [email protected] - we're happy to help.