Should You Start a Substack? The No-BS Guide to Growing an Engaged Audience

So, What the Heck is Substack?

Imagine if blogging and email marketing had a baby—but instead of being raised by chaotic social media algorithms, this baby was nurtured in a world where your content actually reaches the people who want to see it. That’s Substack.

Substack is a platform that lets you publish a newsletter (a fancy way of saying "emails people actually look forward to") while also functioning like a blog. Readers can subscribe for free or pay for premium content, and you get full control over your audience. No need to pray to the Instagram gods for engagement.

Who is Actually Hanging Out on Substack?

Substack is where the internet’s thinkers, writers, and niche-obsessed humans go to share their insights without the noise of social media. You’ll find:

• Journalists who got sick of traditional media gatekeepers.

• Experts and thought leaders who want to share knowledge in a non-Twitter-fight way.

• Creatives, artists, and storytellers looking to build an audience outside of social media.

• Professionals and business owners (yes, you!) who want to offer valuable insights while building trust and authority.

Readers on Substack tend to be curious, intelligent, and engaged—the kind of people who like long-form content, aren’t afraid of a deep dive, and would rather read something thoughtful than scroll through endless memes (though we respect a good meme).

How Do You Know If Substack is Right for You?

Great question. Substack is a solid choice if:

• You have things to say and want an audience who actually reads them.

• You’re tired of fighting social media algorithms for attention.

• You want to own your audience instead of building a following on platforms that could disappear tomorrow (read my blog article about cutting off codependence from building an audience on social media).

• You like the idea of building relationships with readers via email rather than chasing virality.

• You want the option to monetize your content without feeling like you have to sell your soul.

If any of the above sound appealing, congratulations—you and Substack might just be soulmates.

The Juicy Benefits of Substack

Here’s why people (including some very smart business owners) are making the leap:

1. No Algorithm Nonsense

Unlike social media, where your posts might get buried under engagement-bait, every email you send lands directly in your subscribers' inboxes. It’s like a VIP pass to their attention.

2. It’s Stupidly Easy to Use

No tech headaches. No web design stress. Substack makes it ridiculously simple to publish, send emails, and even set up paid subscriptions.

3. Monetization Without the Weirdness

Want to charge for premium content? You can. Want to keep it free and just focus on growing an audience? Also cool. You decide.

4. A Direct Connection to Your Audience

No middlemen, no social media trolls—just you and your readers. This makes it way easier to build real relationships and trust.

5. It’s Not Just for Writers

Substack is great for coaches, consultants, creatives, business owners, and anyone who has expertise to share. If you’re already writing LinkedIn posts, email updates, or blog content, why not own your platform?

The Bottom Line

Substack is like having a blog that people actually read. It’s a powerful tool for anyone who wants to build an engaged audience, create valuable content, and maybe even make some money along the way. If you’ve got knowledge to share and you’re tired of social media treadmill, Substack might just be your new best friend.

Thinking of starting one? Reach out for a consultation and let’s talk content strategy!