So Easy! When I first started looking at this concept of a combo website/blog/newsletter, I was enchanted with the possibility of its simplicity.

DON MARTIN MAY 26, 2023 Share

When I first started looking at this concept of a combo website/blog/newsletter, I was enchanted with the possibility of its simplicity.

There would still be other options and decisions to be made, but to be up and running was pretty straightforward.

Here’s a ten-step guide to help you get started.

Visit the Substack website

Go to the Substack website (www.substack.com) and click on the “Start writing” or “Get started” button. This will begin the process of creating your Substack publication.

Sign up or log in

If you already have a Substack account, log in using your credentials. Otherwise, sign up for a new account by providing your email address and creating a password.

Name your publication

Choose a name for your Substack publication. This will be the name displayed on your publication’s page and in email notifications sent to your subscribers. Be sure the name reflects the theme or focus of your content.

Customize your publication

Customize the appearance and branding of your publication by selecting a banner image, logo, and color scheme. You can also customize the URL slug for your publication.

Set up your publication details

Provide a description and introduction for your publication to give readers an idea of what they can expect. You can also set a publication schedule if so desired.

Configure email settings

Configure your email settings, including the “From” name and email address that will appear in email notifications sent to subscribers. You can also customize the email template to match your branding.

Set subscription options

Choose whether you want to offer free or paid subscriptions to your publication. If you opt for paid subscriptions, you’ll need to set the pricing and select a payment processor ( Stripe. )

Start writing

Once your publication is set up, you can start writing and publishing content. Substack provides an intuitive writing interface where you can draft your articles, format text, insert images, and more. You can save drafts, preview your content, and make edits before publishing.

Grow your subscriber base

Promote your Substack publication to attract subscribers. You can share your articles on social media, invite readers to subscribe, and encourage existing subscribers to spread the word. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and fostering a sense of community.

Monetize your publication (optional)

If you’ve chosen to offer paid subscriptions, Substack will handle the payment processing and provide you with tools to manage your paid subscribers. You’ll receive earnings based on your subscription pricing and the number of paid subscribers.

Remember, building an audience and growing your Substack publication does takes time and effort. Consistently publishing high-quality content, engaging with your readers, and promoting your publication will help you establish and/or expand your subscriber base.

It’s also a good idea to explore Substack’s help center and resources for even more detailed guidance on setting up and managing your Substack publication effectively.

Final words

The longer you work with this platform. the more you will learn about and appreciate the great possibilities it gives you.


Don Martin Published in ILLUMINATION

Thanks for reading!

Don’s a keen observer and prolific reporter of truth, common sense, humor, & life. He’s a WRITER|HUMORIST, sometimes serious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek. He lives in Nashville, Tn. He publishes every weekday morning.

May 27, 2023