Deep Dive into Substack

And why so many content creators are finding a new home here

Content creators are increasingly leaving platforms like Medium, Facebook, and LinkedIn, opting instead for Substack—a newsletter platform that allows them to monetise their expertise and perspectives. This newsletter is hosted there, as is my weekly podcast and posts, Sex Advice for Seniors.

I launched my first Substack during the pandemic in 2020. It began as a way to document my lockdown experiences for friends and family. After lockdown ended, I continued writing, chronicling my spontaneous move to the Canary Islands to embrace a digital nomad lifestyle. My newsletter, Getting S* Done*, now has 47 subscribers who are likely wondering what happened to me since my last post on December 16, 2021!

These days, I find myself checking into Substack the same way I used to check other social media platforms. A lot has changed in the five years since my first post. For one, there are far more people on Substack now, which means more competition to attract readers. The platform has seen a rise in newsletters offering advice on "How to Grow on Substack." I subscribed to one of these, and while the advice is generally sound, it wisely avoids promising unrealistic results like making seven figures in six months.

Many well-known journalists, tired of the low pay and restrictions of mainstream media outlets, have launched their own Stacks, attracting thousands of loyal readers. For instance,

Kate Spicer

, whom I met during her stint at Sunday Times Style, has joined the platform alongside others like

Mariella Frostrup

,

sam baker

,

Poorna Bell

. They’re writing the kinds of articles that might have been hard to place elsewhere. With so many fantastic writers on Substack, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole, much like doom-scrolling on Instagram or TikTok.

Aside from the names with whom you might be familiar, there are also specialists in every discipline imaginable. From doctors talking about the latest advances in medical science, to those debating politics, AI, feminism, there’s always someone interesting to follow. And there are plenty of coaches, consultants, healers to follow too.

For now, Substack feels like the place where smart people go to connect with other smart people. Its appeal lies not only in the quality of content but also in the ease of monetisation. The platform is designed to make getting started simple, with minimal setup required. Substack encourages users to subscribe to newsletters, and every time you post, your subscribers receive your content via email. You can either send it immediately or schedule it for later.

It’s an exciting platform with a lot of potential—whether you’re a casual writer or someone looking to turn your insights into an income stream. If you haven’t looked at Substack beyond the Get Work Done Club, I invite you to have a browse and search the various categories.

If you want any help starting your own Substack, you can book your 15 minute 1:2:1 office hours with me if you’re a GWDC paid subscriber, and I’ll get you started.

Suzanne

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Dates for your Diary

I have now added a new tab on website with all the dates for the Power Hour and the Moving Forward Group as a reminder.

The next Power Hour is :

1st March

All GWDC events are bookable via Eventbrite and you can book for the months ahead, which means you’ll receive reminders as and when they occur.

There are numerous workshops including Selling on Linkedin with Mark on 25th February that GWDC members can access for free. You will find the calendar of those upcoming events here.

Here’s what’s included when you join the GWDC as a PAID SUBSCRIBER:

• A monthly Power Hour to tackle tasks you’ve been putting off.

• The Moving Forward Group, where you can address any challenges you’re facing.

• 15-minute office hours with either Mark or me to discuss whatever you want.

• Free workshops and exclusive discounts on tools like Hubspot, Dell products, and more.

The 15-minute office hours alone are worth £25, making this a fantastic deal at just £9.99/month or £99.99/year. You can subscribe or upgrade by clicking the button below.

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