Host: Welcome to The Substack Success Show, the podcast where we explore the tools, platforms, and strategies that can help you thrive as an independent creator. I’m your host, Adrian Lawrence, and today, we’re going to dive deep into Substack — the email newsletter platform that’s revolutionizing the way writers, journalists, and creators share their content and connect directly with their audience.

Whether you’re thinking about launching your own Substack, looking to grow an existing one, or just curious about why so many people are flocking to the platform, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Host: So, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Substack? In simple terms, Substack is a platform that allows writers to create and send email newsletters directly to their audience. But it’s not just any newsletter platform — it’s built with monetization, independence, and creative control in mind.

Substack provides a straightforward way for creators to publish their content via email while allowing readers to subscribe, either for free or for a paid subscription. The platform has gained a lot of traction because it gives writers full ownership of their audience, unlike social media platforms where algorithms control what gets seen and when.

Substack has quickly become a haven for independent journalists, writers, and thought leaders who want to control their content, build direct relationships with their readers, and get paid for their work without relying on ads or click-based revenue models.

The beauty of Substack is its simplicity. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get started, and you can launch a newsletter in a matter of minutes. But beneath that simplicity is a powerful tool for building a sustainable, independent career as a writer or creator.

Host: Now that we know what Substack is, let’s talk about some of its key features that make it stand out from other platforms.

Host: One of Substack’s core strengths is the direct-to-subscriber model. This means that instead of relying on a third party, like social media or traditional publishers, to distribute your work, you can connect with your audience directly through their inbox. There’s no middleman.

This is huge for creators because email is a highly intimate medium. People check their emails regularly, and if someone subscribes to your newsletter, they’re actively choosing to hear from you. This creates a strong connection between writer and reader.

Plus, with email, you don’t have to worry about an algorithm burying your content — it goes straight to your readers, ensuring higher engagement rates than social media posts.

Host: Monetization is another major draw of Substack. It allows writers to easily charge for their newsletters, turning their content into a direct source of income. Whether you want to offer all your content for free, have a mix of free and paid content, or make it subscription-only, Substack gives you full control over how you monetize.

With paid subscriptions, readers pay a monthly or annual fee to access premium content. Substack handles all the payment processing, taking a 10% cut of your revenue. That leaves the majority of your earnings in your hands, with no ads or sponsorships required.

This model is especially appealing for writers who want financial independence and prefer not to rely on traditional advertising revenue. It’s also great for audiences who want to support creators directly and enjoy ad-free, high-quality content.

Host: Substack keeps things simple. The platform’s design is minimalist and user-friendly, so you don’t need to be a web designer or developer to start publishing. There’s no complicated formatting or coding required. You just write your content, hit publish, and it’s sent directly to your subscribers.

Why not visit our FD Capital Substack to find out more!