Substack>>>Medium (Part 2)- How to start

Step-by-step process on how to start..

In my last Substack piece, I talked about some of the best things about it and how it compares to Medium. Few people replied, and many of them wanted to know how to begin with Substack.

We’ll talk about Substack, how to make it, and how to use it to make money in this post.

Navigating a new platform can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, you’ll be up and running in no time.

So, how do you set up an account?

What are the best practices for attracting and retaining subscribers?

And most importantly, how can you monetize your content effectively?

Let’s take a step-by-step journey together,

shall we???

Main Highlight from this post…

• Substack is a newsletter platform that combines a blog, a newsletter, and a payment system.
• Writers can publish directly to their audience and get paid through subscriptions.
• Substack simplifies the process of sending newsletters and offers full editorial control.
• Writers should focus on building an audience, analyzing data, and refining their content strategy to succeed on Substack.

How much does Substack cost?

it’s free to start!!!!…

You might be wondering how much it costs to use Substack, especially if you’re planning to monetize your newsletters.

Well, here’s the good news: it’s free to start! Substack doesn’t charge you anything to create and send newsletters to your audience.

You can write, distribute, and build your subscriber base without spending a dime.

But when you decide to level up and monetize your content, Substack gets a cut. They charge a 10% fee on your subscription earnings.

So, if you’re charging $5 per month per subscriber, Substack takes 50 cents.

It’s a small price to pay considering the platform’s robust features: it handles all the tech aspects, manages your subscriptions, and processes payments.

More subscribers equal more earnings for you, and a larger cut for them.

It’s a partnership where both sides win….

Benefits of Using Substack

Substack offers several benefits that make it an appealing choice for writers looking to directly engage with their audience.

It’s not just a platform, but a tool that empowers you to take control of your writing career.

One major advantage is the ease of use. You don’t need technical skills or a team of web developers.

Everything is streamlined, from publishing content to collecting payments. Substack handles the technical details, enabling you to focus on what you do best — writing.

Substack also offers a direct line to your audience.

Unlike other social platforms where your content can get lost in the noise, here, your words land straight in your readers’ inboxes.

This direct access fosters a sense of community, enabling you to build meaningful relationships with your readers.

Comparing Substack With Alternatives

first you should this article:

While the benefits of using Substack are considerable, it’s also important to weigh them against the offerings of alternative platforms.

Let’s compare Substack with three of its major competitors: Medium, Ghost, and Patreon.

Medium

• Medium offers a wider range of topics and categories but lacks Substack’s direct payment from subscribers.
• Unlike Substack, Medium’s Partner Program earnings are based on reader engagement, not subscriptions.

Ghost

• Like Substack, Ghost allows you to monetize your content, but it requires technical know-how for setup and maintenance.
• Ghost offers more design customization than Substack but lacks its simplicity.

Patreon

• Patreon gives creators more flexibility in offering subscriber tiers and rewards, unlike Substack’s flat subscription model.
• However, Substack’s focus on written content provides a more targeted audience.

Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Your choice should depend on your content, audience, and monetization goals.

In the end, it’s about leveraging the power these platforms provide to maximize your reach and impact.

Step-By-Step Substack Setup Guide

Now, let’s get your Substack up and running…

You’ll begin by creating an account, then we’ll explore strategies for repurposing existing content.

Create an account

To kickstart your journey as a writer on Substack, the first step is setting up your account. It’s straightforward, but here’s a quick rundown to make it a breeze:

• Visit Substack’s homepage and click ‘Start Writing’.
• You’ll be prompted to enter your email address and a password.

• Set up your profile by adding your Name and Bio.
• Click ‘Agree and continue’.

Once logged in, click ‘New Publication’.

• You’ll then be asked to choose a name and URL for your newsletter.

• you can a mailing list if you have one or you can manually add susbcriber.
• Click ‘Create’.

Finally, you’ll be asked to add a few details about your publication.

• Write a description, upload a logo, and add your social media links.

In less than 5 minutes, you’ll have your Substack account set up and ready to dominate the newsletter world!

Content Repurposing Strategies

After setting up your Substack account, it’s crucial to focus on developing your content strategy, especially how you can repurpose proven content from other platforms.

Begin by identifying your most successful posts from blogs, LinkedIn, or other social media sites.

Break these into smaller pieces, creating several newsletters from one post.

For instance, a well-received blog post can be segmented into a series of newsletters, offering in-depth analysis on each point.

This not only amplifies your content but also allows you to dive deeper into topics, establishing your authority.

Newsletter Review and Launch

Having established a robust content repurposing strategy, you’re already halfway to launching your Substack newsletter.

Now, it’s time to review and launch.

• Review: Run a final check on your content. Look for any typos or misinformation. Ensure your content aligns with your brand’s voice and niche. Check your formatting — is it clean and easy to read?
• Launch: It’s time to go live. Hit the ‘Publish’ button. Share your newsletter across your social platforms to reach a wider audience. Engage with your readers and encourage feedback.

Substack dashboard

Navigating the Substack dashboard is crucial in your journey to successful newsletter publishing, and thankfully, it’s pretty straightforward.

Once you log in, you’ll find a simple, user-friendly interface where you can manage your posts, subscriptions, and settings.

To start, click on ‘New Post’ to create fresh content.

You can draft, edit, and schedule your newsletters right from this page.

Below ‘Posts’, you’ll find ‘Subscribers’. This is where you can examine your audience data, including the number of paid and free subscribers.

Lastly, under ‘Settings’, manage your account details, including your payment setup and subscription pricing.

Create and Publish a Post

Ready to create and publish your first post on Substack? Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide that will make the process a breeze.

1. First, log into your Substack dashboard and click on ‘New Post’.
2. Type in your captivating title and start writing your content.
3. Play around with different formats to make your post stand out.
4. Next, proofread and format your post.
5. Check for spelling, grammar, and readability.
6. Use Substack’s built-in tools to enhance your text.
7. Finally, hit ‘Publish’.
8. Choose who gets to see your post — all subscribers, or paid ones only.
9. Opt to share your post on social media for more visibility.

And voila! You’ve published your first post.

Tips for Substack Success

Often, achieving success on Substack requires more than just writing great content; it’s also about effectively engaging with your readership and constantly refining your strategy.

To ensure your Substack thrives, it’s crucial to develop a compelling brand and a unique voice.

Your content should resonate with your audience’s interests and needs, and your voice should be authentic and consistent.

Engage with your readers on a regular basis, respond to their comments, and encourage feedback.

This helps create a sense of community around your newsletter, making your readers more likely to become paid subscribers.

And don’t forget the power of exclusive content. Offering special perks or insider access to paid subscribers can be a game-changer.

Collaboration is key too.

Connect with other Substack writers and cross-promote each other’s newsletters. This can help expand your readership and provide valuable networking opportunities.

Substack Support and Information

Whether you’re just starting or an expert, Substack provides a range of support and information to help you make the most of the platform.

As you navigate this dynamic realm, Substack has your back every step of the way.

To guide you, Substack has compiled a collection of resources:

• Substack’s Help Center: Here, you’ll find answers to many common questions.
• How to Start a Publication: This guide can help you kick-start your journey.
• How to Manage Subscribers: Learn how to attract, maintain and engage with your audience.
• How to Set Up Payments: This section provides a step-by-step guide to setting up your payment account.
• Substack’s Blog: This offers an abundance of tips and case studies to inspire and instruct you.
• Substack’s Status Page: This shows the real-time status of Substack’s services.

Should I Start Writing Now?

Even if you have doubts, now is the best time to start writing on Substack.

The sooner you begin posting on Substack, the quicker you’ll find your voice and audience.

You have control here — the power is in your hands.

Substack gives you a platform, but your words will build your readership.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment or idea. Start writing now, and let your writing develop over time.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making progress. Real power comes from taking action, not just thinking.

What’s holding you back? Fear of rejection, or the effort required? Remember, every great writer started somewhere.

And keep in mind, Substack isn’t just writing — it’s also about building a community, connecting with readers, and making an impact.

Starting now gives you the advantage of time — time to try different things, learn, and grow.

With each post, you build not only your collection of work, but also your credibility.

So don’t hesitate. Start writing. Use the power of Substack, and let your words lead the way.

In Final Words…

And there you have it — your stepping stones to becoming a Substack success.

Picture yourself, coffee in hand, as dawn breaks, hitting ‘publish’ on your latest newsletter, your thoughts and ideas reaching hundreds, even thousands.

It’s a journey that starts with a single step, and that step is Substack.

Now, it’s your turn to carve out your niche, connect with your audience, and make your voice heard.

Ready to write your story? Let’s get started.

You can join me on Substack here…