Lecture Notes: Setting Up and Succeeding on Substack

Introduction to the Speaker

• Name: CLA Venus
• Role: Engagement consultant and mentor
• Background: Worked in festivals and events; transitioned to online work during the pandemic
• Experience with Substack: Joined in 2022, transitioned MailChimp newsletter to Substack, managing two spaces: Sparkle on Substack (educational) and Creatively Conscious (personal memoir)

Setting Up on Substack

Initial Steps

• Understand your writer profile in combination with your publication
• Make it easy for people to subscribe
• Begin by setting up your about page

About Page

• Combination of personal and professional information
• Include social proof and subscription benefits
• Think of it as a page for readers and about you

Substack Features and Management

Platform Navigation

• Use the dashboard and settings to manage publications
• Consider having only one Substack unless you have a significant subscriber base

Writer Profile

• Claim your name for easy recognition
• Bio should be about you, not just what you write
• Include social links if applicable

Publication Settings

• Convert your publication to a Substack website through settings
• Toggle between different spaces if you have multiple publications

Content Creation and Engagement

Writing and Posting

• Write posts using text, audio, or integrate with Substack’s social media features (Notes)
• Include subscribe buttons and images for engagement

Subscription Management

• Aim for around 1,000 free subscribers before turning on paid subscriptions
• Use Stripe for payments
• Continuously engage and nurture your audience

Organizing and Scheduling Content

• Use tags for organizing posts
• Schedule posts considering the geographic distribution of your audience

Advanced Tips

Design and Branding

• Consider your publication’s color palette and overall branding
• Use your own photography or Unsplash images

Growth and Community

• Consider joining or creating a membership for detailed tutorials and support
• Engage with a community for growth and learning

Conclusion

• The speaker has grown their Substack following to over 12,000 subscribers in two years
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the platform and being part of a community

Additional Resources

• Offers additional tutorials and community support through the Sparkle on Substack membership