How to Post on Substack and Stay on Brand
When you're diving into content creation, the main avenues are Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. All platforms have differences to keep in mind, but they can generally offer the same user experience. Check out these tools for creators just starting. Whether you want to build on a brand identity you started in a popular space or you are looking to go in a different direction entirely, consider exploring what operating in a newsletter community like Substack can bring you. Posting on Substack can bring a new edge to your existing brand or help you create a brand from the ground up. We have found some of the most helpful information to get started on this platform.
@musingsofjanice @/musingsofjanice or musings of a twenty-something <3 #fyp #substack #writer ♬ original sound - janice
Why Substack?
Substack designates itself as a "new media app that connects you with the creators, ideas, and communities you care about most." It can be viewed as both a social media platform and a newsletter source, given its diverse features. There are places to find short posts, podcast clips, and updates, but the core of the platform is built around community building through long-form articles. Using Substack can be a great way to delve deeper into your interests or explore broader topics that you can share with others. While all social media platforms reward authenticity, Substack allows for more depth or variety in content than other platforms. With an audience geared toward long-form written content, creators are less restricted by metrics that favor audience engagement. By shifting your focus away from fast-paced, attention-getting content, your brand has more room to breathe. On Substack, you have the space to dive deeper into the mechanics of your niche or expand on your areas of interest in ways you might have avoided on other platforms, so that the search algorithm doesn't skip over you. Learn more about how to create a fanbase. Posting on Substack may feel different from posting elsewhere. While consistency is still important, it may be better to post less often and create stronger work than to keep up a high pace and have your content suffer in quality. On this platform, writing is seen as an art form, and engagement comes from people drawn to the value of your work. The best way to build that community is through effort and authenticity.
Creating Community
Despite Substack's unique qualities, building a community is the same as on any other social media platform: through engagement. You are looking to connect with both people who interact with your content and those who post. You shouldn't go into the space seeing other creators as a source of competition because they might have an audience base that will be interested in subscribing to you as well as them. Are you interested in getting invited on PR trips? Find out how! Another idea to keep in mind when building an audience is to create free content. On Substack, creators can choose how much of their content is freely accessible and what aspects they want to reserve for paid subscribers. Having both options allows creators to both build new audiences and use Substack as a stream of income. Finding the right balance will take time, and it is better to lean more towards creating free content at the beginning so you can get accustomed to the platform's expectations and practices.
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If you are coming from other content creation sources, you already know your voice. This will guide the direction you want to take on Substack, but you may find that there are still more questions to answer about what you want your brand to be on the app. Remember to be patient and understand that this is a space for growth and deeper connection. Avoid creator burnout with these helpful tips!
How to Stay on Brand
Staying on brand while posting on Substack may be easier. The idea of having a brand tied to your content is that you become searchable and relatable to your audience. Staying consistent not only through the act of posting often, but through what you post. The goal in maintaining a brand is to keep messaging consistent across posts and platforms. Keeping that messaging the same won't be difficult if you have a strong idea of what that brand identity means.
@ask_grace I’m obsessed with Substack: Here’s how I’ve become a bestseller in 6 months Cc: @Erika Veurink ♬ original sound - Grace ✽ How To Go Freelance
Think about the reasons that you chose to make content and what drew you to your niche. These answers are the core of your brand identity and can serve you well as you investigate what you can add to Substack. Often, the reason behind your content is to teach a skill, share an insight, or cultivate an interest. The work you add to Substack should build on whatever pillars keep you creating content. The only difference is that you have more room to explore why these values matter to you. Learn more about how to use affiliate links in your work. Once you have an idea of what your brand identity could be on Substack, ensure it is familiar to your existing audience. This means you should use similar formatting, fonts, and word choice to maintain a consistent overall tone. If there are popular topics that appear in your other content, find ways to bring them to Substack. It may be helpful to add Substack deadlines you hope to meet to your content calendar, allowing you to connect all the projects you are working on. Finding your space on Substack may look different from other platforms, but it doesn't have to feel foreign if you remember it is all leading to the same brand—which is you!