SHAKING THE TREE ... #34
I started a Substack newsletter. Here’s how you can do the same thing …
If you have a voice and a particular set of skills and experiences that you think others could benefit from, and if you’re not inclined to set up your own website or blog, a Substack newsletter might be just the solution you’ve been looking for.
To be clear, although I have my own personal website—one that took way too much time and effort to get started—, and one on which I share several articles about marketing and branding, once the site was launched, my enthusiasm for keeping it up waned.
Meanwhile, I still wanted somewhere online to share my thoughts and experiences and for me, finding Substack was something of a happy accident.
Substack is an online newsletter platform that allows you to charge for subscriptions. At the moment, Shaking the Tree is free for all readers, but at some point I’ll be offering a premium, paid option.
Substack offers a user-friendly way to connect with your readers, build a community, and even monetize your content. In what follows, I'll walk you through the process of setting up your very own Substack newsletter.
Step 1: Sign up and choose your plan
Head over to the Substack website and sign up for an account. You'll need to provide your email address, create a password, and choose a username for your Substack profile. Substack offers both free and paid plans, with varying features. Decide which plan aligns best with your goals, whether you're aiming for a free distribution or exploring monetization options.
Step 2: Craft your newsletter concept
Before you dive into creating your Substack newsletter, define its purpose, audience, and content style. Are you focusing on personal essays, industry insights, or creative writing? Knowing your niche will help you attract the right readers and create content that resonates.
Step 3: Set up your publication
Click on the "Publications" tab in your Substack dashboard to create your newsletter. Choose a name and a custom URL for your publication. This URL will be where readers can find your newsletter online. Add a captivating tagline and profile picture to give your newsletter a distinctive identity.
Step 4: Design your newsletter
Substack offers a simple yet elegant template for your newsletter. You can customize the colors, fonts, and layout to align with your brand. Don't forget to include a header image that reflects the essence of your content.
Step 5: Plan your Content strategy
Consistency is key in the world of newsletters. Decide on a publishing schedule that works for you and your audience. Will you be sending out newsletters weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? Create an editorial calendar to organize your topics and ensure a steady flow of engaging content.
Step 6: Write and edit your first post
Craft a compelling debut post that introduces your newsletter's purpose and what readers can expect. Share a bit about yourself and why you're passionate about your chosen topic. Edit your content for clarity and style before hitting the publish button.
Step 7: Build your subscriber base
Promote your Substack newsletter across your social media platforms, personal website, and other relevant channels. Encourage your existing followers to subscribe and spread the word. Substack also allows you to embed subscription forms on your website for easy sign-ups.
Step 8: Engage with your readers
Reply to comments and emails from your subscribers. Building a sense of community around your newsletter can lead to valuable discussions and feedback. Consider incorporating reader suggestions and questions into future content.
Step 9: Monetization (optional)
If you're interested in monetizing your Substack newsletter, you can offer paid subscriptions. Substack provides tools to set up tiered pricing, offering exclusive content or perks to paying subscribers. Keep in mind that building a solid reader base before introducing paid subscriptions is generally a good approach.
Step 10: Continuously evolve
As you gain experience, pay attention to what works and what doesn't.
Adapt your content strategy, engagement techniques, and design elements based on reader feedback and analytics.
Remain open to trying new formats and exploring different angles to keep your newsletter fresh and engaging.
Starting a Substack newsletter is an exciting journey that allows you to connect with readers who share your interests.
By following these steps and staying dedicated to producing high-quality content, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and impactful newsletter.
Happy writing!
As always, thanks for reading.
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And if you’ve like what you’ve seen here, why not become a subscriber?
P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … How to become a better negotiator