Hello, you! 🍒
Many new readers have joined this Substack—welcome! Starting at the end of January, I’ll be resending some of my posts to everyone because they’re essential and genuinely helpful. No fluff here, just the real stuff that helps you understand and get started on Substack.
I know what works technically, and I want to share that with you so things become easier.
If you’ve spent years using online tools as I have, Substack might feel “simple.” But even I had to dig deep to understand how certain things work. That’s exactly what I want to share with you.
For those of you who’ve been here a while, you can always skim this text and the following posts again.
➔ Sometimes you read something a second time and suddenly it clicks, or you have an aha moment.
Anyone can become a paid subscriber and ask as many questions as they like, so if that’s you, go for it. I will keep the price at 57 euros. That is a low-cost entry point for all your questions.
Substack has become a favorite home for writers, journalists, artists, and creators who want freedom and direct connection. But if you’re starting, you may wonder: Is it a blog? A newsletter? Or something entirely new?
Here are the most common questions people ask about Substack, along with straightforward and honest answers.
Starting your Substack is quick and free. Go to substack.com, choose a name and topic, write your first post, and hit publish. You don’t need coding skills or a design background.
Start with a free newsletter — build trust first, then add paid options later. But not too late!
My advice: Having one consistent posting day per week is better than posting sporadically.
Yes, many writers earn through Substack. You can offer monthly or yearly paid subscriptions, and Substack handles payments through Stripe.
The platform keeps 10%, Stripe about 3%, and the rest is yours. Your income depends on your niche and your connection to readers — not on follower counts.
Even 100 paying subscribers can provide a meaningful monthly income.
My advice: Be patient, it takes time to build an audience, and most importantly, enjoy being here.
It’s both. Every Substack post is automatically emailed to your subscribers and published as a web article on your Substack site.
That means your words live both in inboxes and on the internet — searchable and shareable.
Think of Substack as a cross between a blog and a newsletter — without ads or distractions.
My advice: Substack will soon introduce an Autoresponder Sequence. However, if you'd like to inform new subscribers about your offers, you can run automations outside Substack using tools such as SendPulse, ActiveCampaign, or Mailchimp.
Substack allows you to publish text, audio, and video posts, add comments, and host a community chat.
It’s built for simplicity: no coding, no plugins, no design headaches.
The trade-off: limited customization and automation compared with tools like WordPress.
But that’s intentional — Substack’s mission is to let writers focus on writing.
My advice: You can still have your own website as an additional plus.
You do.
Every post you write is your intellectual property, and your subscriber list belongs to you.
You can export both at any time, which means you’re never locked in.
Substack’s model is built around creator ownership — a key reason many writers are leaving traditional platforms.
My advice: Always (!) keep a copy of your posts and your subscriber list on your hard drive, and update it monthly.
Growth happens through consistency and collaboration.
You can use built-in tools such as Recommendations, Notes, and Cross-Promotions to attract new readers.
Share your posts on LinkedIn or Instagram to expand visibility.
And always prioritize quality over quantity — Google and Substack both reward meaningful writing that keeps readers engaged.
My advice: concentrate on only one other platform. All the writing and publishing should assist you and improve your life, not the other way around.
If you want a deeper, step-by-step explanation of sustainable growth, you may also want to read:
How to Grow on Substack Without Social Media.
Not necessarily, but it helps.
Social media is the front door; Substack is the living room.
Platforms like LinkedIn or X can bring attention to your work, while Substack builds loyalty and depth.
The goal isn’t to chase algorithms — it’s to bring the right people home.
My advice: See everything under point 6.
(I don’t use X, because I don’t want to support E. Musk. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to decide which social media platform to use, because tech bosses are turning against democracy and don’t value human rights. Both subjects matter deeply to me.
I was always convinced that I should not mix business and politics, but I’ve changed my mind. We’re living in dangerous times where suddenly everything becomes political.)
Substack is free until you start charging for content. Even then, it is free for you.
When you introduce paid subscriptions, Substack takes 10%, and Stripe* takes about 3%. There are no contracts, setup fees, or hidden costs.
You can pause, delete, or relaunch your publication anytime — complete creative freedom.
My opinion: It’s a fair model. You can use the platform freely, and Substack only earns when you do — even if it’s small amounts at first.
*Stripe is an online payment platform that lets businesses accept and manage digital payments securely.
You can mix free and paid tiers. Paid subscribers receive exclusive content — private posts, podcasts, community access, or behind-the-scenes updates.
Typically, 5% of readers upgrade over time.
Make your value clear: show what’s free, what’s special, and why supporting you or buying from you matters.
My opinion: It also depends on the topic of your Substack — the number of subscribers you get will vary. Remember, consistency and quality are key.
It depends.
If you want focus, simplicity, and built-in distribution, Substack is the winner.
If you want complete branding control, a complex design, or SEO plugins, a personal website may be a better fit.
Many creators use both: Substack for connection, a website for portfolio, and long-term branding.
My offer: Would you like some help with your own website? Please reach out to me, and we can talk about how I can help you.
Yes.
You can import email lists from tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit, provided the subscribers have opted in.
You can also republish old blog posts.
Substack’s import process is easy — no audience is lost in transition.
My advice: You will find all the information about setting up your Substack here, starting February 2026, for all paid subscribers.
Yes.
Every Substack post has an indexed, SEO-friendly URL.
You can improve visibility by using clear headlines, subheadings, and natural keywords, such as “Start Learning to play a guitar” or “How to compose music.”
Over time, your publication can appear in Google search results for any of your topics.
My offer: Check out my SEO category here.
For anyone who values authentic connection over algorithms.
Writers, artists, scientists, educators, and independent voices — anyone with something meaningful to say.
You don’t need a huge following; you need honesty, rhythm, and the courage to share your story.
If you believe in the power of your own words, Substack is your home.
Read more about this matter in this post: What Pinterest Has in Common with Substack – And Why Substack Isn’t Just for Writers
✳ In Summary
Substack isn’t just another tool — it’s a creative ecosystem that rewards depth over clicks.
It lets you own your work, connect directly with your readers, and grow at your own pace.
You don’t need perfection to start — only a voice and a vision.
So open your laptop, write your first post, and begin creating the life you’ll love.
💡5-MINUTE DIGITAL SHORTCUTS
Helping writers, creators, and artists simplify tech, connect through co-working, and grow through shared challenges.
✨ Let’s make tech feel easy again.
About Substack - Writing & Creating - Branding & Visibility - SEO & AI
Curious about Substack? Discover how to start your newsletter, grow an audience, and even earn money. Start Substack in 30 Steps
WHAT is Subtack? | The beginner’s guide to Substack | Is Substack free? | Substack for beginners
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.