Everything You Wanted to Know About Substack Terms, But Were Afraid to Ask
The ultimate Substack glossary with a pinch of humor!
My Substack on Day 1
I remember the day I first stumbled upon Substack.
It was like discovering a hidden treasure chest in the vast ocean of the internet. “A platform where writers can connect directly with their readers and get paid for their work?”
I thought, “Sign me up!” Little did I know that this was the beginning of a hilarious and enlightening voyage into the world of Substack lingo.
Part 1: The ABCs of Substack
Audience: It’s not just about having readers; it’s about having the right readers. I learned this the hard way when I wrote a heartfelt essay about my pet goldfish and received a comment from a disgruntled reader who clearly preferred cats (joking)! But you get the idea. Defining who you are writing for is the key!
Brand: Your Substack is more than just a collection of articles; it’s your digital storefront. So put on your best virtual apron and bake up a brand that’s as unique and delicious as your writing.
Call to Action (CTA): Don’t be shy about asking your readers to subscribe, share your posts, or leave a comment. Remember, a gentle nudge can go a long way. Just, no begging, please!
Part 2: The Wild World of Monetization
Free vs. Paid: The age-old dilemma. Do you offer your content for free and hope to build a large audience, or do you charge a subscription fee and risk alienating potential readers? It’s like choosing between a delicious but expensive meal and a free but questionable sandwich.
Growth: Substack is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, effort, and a sprinkle of luck to grow your audience and your income. Patience, perseverance, and more patience.
Monetization: Ah, the sweet sound of money hitting your virtual bank account. Substack offers various monetization options, from subscriptions to paid newsletters to merchandise. So put on your entrepreneurial hat and start brainstorming.
Network Effects: The more subscribers you have, the more likely you are to attract new subscribers. It’s like a snowball rolling down a hill, gathering more and more snow as it goes. So keep writing, keep sharing, and keep growing your network.
Part 3: The Art of Engagement
Open Rates: This is the percentage of subscribers who open your emails. It’s like a popularity contest for your newsletters. So make sure your subject lines are as enticing as a freshly baked pie.
Podcast: If writing isn’t your forte, consider starting a podcast. It’s a great way to connect with your audience on a more personal level. Plus, you can record it in your pajamas.
Recommendations: Substack’s algorithm is like a matchmaking service for writers and readers. So make sure your content is high-quality and relevant to your target audience.
Welcome Email: This is your first impression on new subscribers. Make it count. Be warm, welcoming, and let your personality shine through.
Part 4: The Nitty-Gritty
Analytics: Numbers don’t lie. Substack provides detailed analytics on your audience, engagement, and revenue. So put on your data scientist hat and start analyzing.
Comments: This is where the real conversation happens. Encourage your readers to leave comments and engage with each other. It’s like hosting a virtual dinner party.
Custom Domain: Want to add a touch of professionalism to your Substack? Consider purchasing a custom domain. It’s like having a fancy address for your digital home.
Email: Email is the backbone of Substack. Make sure your emails are well-written, visually appealing, and mobile-friendly.
Gifts: Who doesn’t love a good gift? Consider offering gift subscriptions to your Substack. It’s a great way to spread the love and attract new readers.
Import: If you have an existing email list, you can easily import it into Substack. It’s like moving your furniture into a new house.
Integrations: Substack integrates with various third-party tools, from social media to payment processors. So put on your tech wizard hat and start exploring.
Landing Page: This is your Substack’s homepage. Make it visually appealing, informative, and easy to navigate. It’s like the front door to your digital home.
Newsletter: The heart and soul of Substack. Craft newsletters that are informative, entertaining, and relevant to your audience. It’s like sending a personalized letter to each of your subscribers.
Notes: A new feature that allows you to share short, informal updates with your subscribers. It’s like sending a quick text message to your friends.
Pages: Create additional pages on your Substack to showcase your work, offer products or services, or share your story. It’s like adding rooms to your digital home.
Post: Share your thoughts, ideas, and stories with your subscribers through posts. It’s like having a conversation with your audience.
Profile: Your Substack profile is your online identity. Make sure it’s complete, accurate, and reflects your brand. It’s like your virtual business card.
Refer a Friend: Encourage your subscribers to refer their friends to your Substack. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
SEO: Search engine optimization is key to getting your Substack discovered by new readers. So put on your SEO expert hat and start optimizing.
Settings: Customize your Substack’s settings to fit your needs. It’s like decorating your digital home.
Subscribers: These are the people who have signed up to receive your newsletters and posts. Treat them like royalty.
Subscriptions: This is how you monetize your Substack. Offer different subscription tiers to cater to different budgets and interests. It’s like having a menu for your digital restaurant.
Thread: A new feature that allows you to create a series of connected posts. It’s like writing a chapter book.
Web Monetization: This allows you to accept micropayments from your readers. It’s like having a virtual tip jar.
My Substack Adventure Continues
My adventure into the world of Substack has been filled with laughter, learning, and a few facepalm moments. But through it all, I’ve discovered a community of passionate writers and engaged readers. So if you’re thinking about starting a Substack, I encourage you to take the plunge. It’s a decision you won’t regret.
P.S.: If you ever find yourself confused by a Substack term, don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for help. We’re all in this together. And remember, a little humor goes a long way.
Spot on Magdalena. I love substack and the community here is much kinder than elsewhere. I've been on Substack a couple of months and I admit, it was confusing at first. There are settings for your profile, your publication and each newsletter. What? But my new boyfriend (the helper bot) helps me solve most of my problems.
Many thanks, Magdalena. I found my house here. I have always lived in an apartment, but now I will build, maintain, remodel, and grow. I care about quality so that people enjoy my hospitality.