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If I Started a Substack Today, I'd Do This First
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If I Started a Substack Today, I'd Do This First

Discovering Substack: A Journey from Skepticism to Success

Initial Impressions of Substack

  • The speaker initially viewed Substack as a limited platform in 2021, lacking social features and audience tools.
  • By 2024, the perception shifted dramatically with many creators advocating for its potential, prompting a reevaluation.

Transformation of the Platform

  • Upon returning to Substack, the speaker found it had evolved into a comprehensive publishing platform with social layers and collaboration tools.
  • Within two years, their publication "Right Scale" grew significantly to over 40,000 subscribers and 1,400 paid members.

Key Decisions for Growth on Substack

Treating Publication Setup Like a Product Launch

  • The first step is to approach setting up a publication as if launching a product rather than just writing posts.
  • Many creators fail by not having a clear blueprint before launching; they often rush into publishing without strategic planning.

Importance of Publication Name and Bio

  • A compelling publication name and bio are crucial; they should clearly convey what readers can expect within seconds of discovery.
  • Using personal names can be ineffective; instead, opt for descriptive titles that resonate with potential readers' interests.

Crafting an Effective About Page

Significance of the About Page

  • The about page serves as a silent salesman that answers key questions about trustworthiness and value proposition for new visitors.
  • A well-crafted about page clarifies your target audience and value delivery, enhancing overall content effectiveness.

Understanding Growth Dynamics on Substack

Shifting Mindset Towards Content Creation

  • Creators must recognize that Substack functions more like a social media platform than merely a blogging tool in 2026.
  • Engagement strategies should focus on utilizing notes effectively rather than solely relying on long-form posts.

Leveraging Notes for Audience Growth

  • Regularly posting notes is essential; educational content garners likes while story-driven notes attract subscribers through emotional connection.

Strategies for Engaging Notes

Crafting Compelling Stories

  • Successful notes follow an arc: start with relatable moments, share insights gained, provide specific results, then connect back to the reader's experience.

New Features Enhancing Consistency

  • As of March 2026, native note scheduling allows creators to batch produce content efficiently without daily engagement demands.

Integrating Long-form Posts with Discovery Tools

Balancing Notes and Long-form Content

  • While notes serve as attention grabbers (storefront), long-form posts build deeper trust necessary for converting followers into paying customers.

Utilizing All Available Tools

  • Creators should explore all features offered by Substack—like cross-promotions and live streams—to maximize growth potential beyond basic posting.

Monetization Strategies Beyond Traditional Methods

Planning Revenue Streams Early

  • Delaying monetization until after building an audience can hinder clarity in content creation; understanding revenue paths early is vital.

Diverse Income Opportunities

  • There are various ways to monetize beyond paywalls: coaching services, digital products like templates or guides, group programs or workshops.

Mini Courses as Effective Offers

  • Mini courses address specific transformations desired by audiences; they can be developed even before establishing large subscriber bases.

Building Trust Through Consistent Engagement

Establishing Credibility Over Time

  • For existing businesses or new creators alike, consistent engagement through publications builds trust which facilitates easier sales conversions later on.

Direction Over Perfection

  • Starting without complete clarity is acceptable; focusing on solving one problem helps guide initial content creation efforts effectively.

Persistence Leads to Success

Embracing Slow Growth Phases

  • Successful creators persist despite slow growth periods; recognizing ongoing opportunities within the expanding user base of Substack is crucial.

Call to Action for Aspiring Creators

  • A free workbook resource is available for those looking to establish foundational strategies effectively while navigating their journey on Substack.
Video description

How to start a Substack in 2026 — the 3 decisions I'd make before writing a single post if I had to build my Substack publication from scratch today. Whether you're a complete beginner or a coach, consultant, or creator looking to grow on Substack, this is the foundation that actually works. I ignored Substack for 3 years. When I came back in 2024, the platform had changed entirely. Within 18 months, we grew Write • Build • Scale to 40,000+ subscribers and 1,400 paid members. In this video, I break down the 3 decisions behind that growth so you can start your Substack the right way! What you'll learn in this Substack tutorial: — How to position your publication so strangers actually subscribe — Why your publication name, one-liner, and About page matter more than your first 10 posts — The Substack Notes strategy that converts readers into subscribers (story-driven Notes vs. educational Notes) — How to use Substack as a full growth engine, not just a newsletter tool — How to design your revenue path before you publish, including mini-courses, coaching, and digital products — Why Substack's native Notes scheduling changes everything for consistency This is the exact foundation we used at Write Build Scale to earn our Substack Bestseller badge and build a six-figure creator business on the platform. 📕 FREE Substack Bestseller Workbook: https://www.writebuildscale.com/substackbestseller 🎓 Apply for VIP Coaching: https://www.substackcoaching.com 🔗 How to use Substack Notes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7G5kXlIxo4&t=1s — 📬 Join Write • Build • Scale on Substack → https://writebuildscale.substack.com/ 📱 Follow me on Substack Notes → https://substack.com/@sinemgunel 📩 Inquiries → sinem@writebuildscale.com — 0:00 – Why I thought Substack was a joke 1:00 – 40k subscribers and the 3 big decisions 1:45 – Decision 1: Treat your setup like a product launch 3:11 – Why your publication name is costing you subscribers 3:58 – The 3 questions your About Page MUST answer 5:35 – Decision 2: Substack as a Social Growth Engine 6:46 – Stories vs. Tips: What actually gets the subscribe? 8:01 – Update: Native Note Scheduling is finally here! 9:54 – Decision 3: Monetization from Day One (The Mini-Course Path) 12:40 – Substack for established businesses vs. total beginners 14:09 – The reality of the "long game" in 2026 15:00 – Free Gift: The Substack Bestseller Workbook 👋 If this video helped, give it a like & comment your thoughts below! 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on Substack, email marketing, audience growth, and digital products.