Why Every content creator Should Consider Substack
So if you’ve been struggling to keep up with social media lately…same.
Between algorithm changes, burnout, and the constant pressure to be on camera, on trend, and on point, it’s a lot. And honestly? Most of your followers don’t even see your posts.
Like… literally. On Instagram, less than 7% of your audience sees what you post. It’s not your fault. That’s just how the platforms work now.
But email?
Email shows up. Loud and clear. Most newsletters on Substack get 40–60% open rates, which means your audience is literally 10x more likely to actually see what you’re saying.
That’s why I think Substack is such a great option, especially if you don’t have a website blog yet, or you’re just trying to figure out where your voice fits in right now.
What Even Is Substack, Though?
A chill little hybrid of blogging, email, and vibes
Substack is basically a place to write longform or shortform content (whatever you’re in the mood for), and it sends that content directly to your subscribers’ inboxes. No algorithm. No “engagement boost if you post 4 Reels a week.” Just you and your people.
You write “Posts” (aka blog-style stuff) or “Notes” (kinda like tweets or status updates). It’s low-stakes but also powerful. And every post gets its own webpage too, so your words don’t just disappear into the void after 24 hours.
Why It’s So Damn Good for Creatives
Especially the ones who are tired of social media’s nonsense
If you’re an artist, illustrator, small biz owner, coach, or creative who’s always had too much to say for a single caption, Substack is your moment.
Here’s why:
You don’t need a website
You don’t need to be on video
You don’t need to write a novel every time
You can just… show up, talk about what matters to you, and go
And if you do tag your posts properly and use a good, keyword-filled blog title, you can actually get organic traffic from within Substack itself.
That’s huge. That means people can find you without you dragging them over from Instagram or TikTok. That’s how blogs used to work. And it’s how this works again now.
“But I’m Not a Writer”
Cool. Neither are most people on Substack.
There’s no one right way to use Substack. You could:
Post one paragraph and a photo
Dictate your thoughts into ChatGPT to organize (hi, I do this every week)
Share sketches, behind-the-scenes rants, OC backstories
Post fitness updates, ADHD tangents, healing essays, memes, whatever’s real for you
Here’s how I use mine:
Fit Body Full Belly is my gym diary for plus-size babes with ADHD. I document my chaotic attempts to feel strong, stay consistent, and not spiral after leg day. It’s funny, honest, and very sweaty.
Self-Love Looks Like This is the blog for my art brand. I started the series to give context to my work, like a behind-the-scenes storybook where each post can end with a print, download, or product link. It works like a middleman between my art and the sale, but softer. No “BUY NOW.” Just: Here’s why I made this. Wanna hang it on your wall?
And the best part? I didn’t need a content calendar, a funnel, or a team. Just a few thoughts, a Substack account, and some decent Wi-Fi.
Substack as a Chill Sales Funnel
For when “marketing” makes you gag
This is where it gets juicy. Because if you’re running any kind of creative business, you can use Substack to make money, without feeling like you’re selling all the time.
Here’s how I think of it:
You post stuff that feels good and true
People resonate with it
They subscribe
And you sprinkle in soft CTAs for your products, downloads, art, merch, services, whatever you offer
No hard sells. Just vibes and trust.
If you already have a shop newsletter? Cool. Keep it. Let that be for updates and launches. But Substack can be your deeper storytelling space. Talk about your process. Your mental health. Why you made that weird frog print. Let people into the mess a little.
Can You Actually Make Money on Substack?
Yup, and it doesn’t have to be complicated
You can make your whole Substack free if you want. But if you do want to monetize, here are a few options:
Monthly/annual subscriptions for bonus posts
Exclusive product drops or discounts
Paid challenges or tutorials
Audio-only content (Substack lets you have a podcast!)
Behind-the-scenes downloads or sketch packs
Think of it like Patreon, but way simpler. And with less pressure to do “tiers” and “rewards.” If you want to offer paid content later, you can. But for now? Start with free. Build the vibe. The rest will come.
You Don’t Need to Be Techy or Organized
No scripts. No camera. No problem.
If you can post on Instagram, you can use Substack. It’s beginner-friendly and gives you a super clean editor where you just type what’s in your brain (or voice-dictate like I do), hit publish, and boom, it’s sent to your readers.
Bonus: you don’t need a separate email tool. It’s all built in. And you can tag your posts for visibility, choose categories, add SEO-friendly titles… all without needing a whole web team.
Quick Tip for Artists: Turn Every Post into a Product
Because your featured image can work double time
Every Substack post includes a big ol’ featured image. So why not make it something you drew or a product you photographed? And then sell it.
Literally draw something for the post, use it as the visual for your story, and then drop a link in the post where people can buy it as a digital download, print, sticker, shirt, whatever.
This is what I’m doing now. It’s the easiest way to turn a thought into art and then into income.
How to Promote Your Substack Without Feeling Cringe
Let your story sell it, not a “New post up!” tweet
Don’t just scream into the void with “new blog post up!” and a link. Instead, share the first part of your post like a teaser. Especially on Instagram.
Try this:
Post the title/subtitle as your first slide
Add 2–3 slides with a juicy quote or the first paragraph
End with “Read the full post + subscribe free + more deets on profile”
Then share to IG Stories with a link too
If the post hits? People will click. And you didn’t even have to dance.
Wanna Start a Substack? Here’s What to Do
A totally un-intimidating action list
Go to substack.com
Pick a name (don’t overthink it)
Write a messy intro post about what you plan to share
Share it on IG or Threads with a quote or meme
Keep posting. Don’t ghost it. Don’t worry about perfection.
That’s literally it. You’re now a writer with a platform. Post as often or as little as you like.
This Might Be Your Sign
To stop waiting for the algorithm to like you back
If you’ve been feeling stuck, burnt out, overwhelmed, invisible, Substack might be the tool you didn’t know you needed. It’s quiet. It’s personal. It’s yours.
You don’t need to show up perfectly. You just need to show up. And if people love what you’re saying? They’ll subscribe. They’ll stay. They’ll support.
And maybe, for the first time in a while, you’ll actually feel seen.
