Substack terms

Switch to Substack

A feature for moving an existing newsletter to Substack.

What is Substack in Substack?

Substack is a platform that allows writers and creators to start their own subscription-based newsletters. It was founded in 2017 by Chris Best, Hamish McKenzie, and Jairaj Sethi with the aim of making it simple for independent writers and publishers to generate revenue from their work.

The platform provides tools for publishing, payment, analytics, and design, enabling writers to focus on their content while Substack handles the business and technical aspects. Subscribers can receive newsletters in their inbox or access them on the web. Substack has gained popularity as it allows writers to directly monetize their audience without the need for advertisers or sponsors.

How much does it cost to switch to Substack?

Substack does not charge users to switch to their platform. They offer a free version of their service where writers can publish and send newsletters to their subscribers at no cost. This makes it an attractive option for writers looking to build an audience without upfront costs.

However, Substack does offer a paid subscription model where writers can charge their readers for premium content. In this case, Substack takes a 10% fee from the subscription revenue. So, while it's free to start using Substack, if you decide to monetize your content, you'll need to factor in this fee.

What are the benefits of switching to Substack?

Switching to Substack offers several benefits, particularly for writers and content creators. One of the main advantages is the ability to monetize content directly. Substack allows creators to charge subscription fees for their newsletters, enabling them to earn money directly from their audience without relying on advertising revenue. This can provide a more stable and predictable income stream, especially for independent writers and journalists.

In addition, Substack offers a simple and user-friendly platform that makes it easy to publish and distribute content. It handles everything from payment processing to email delivery, allowing creators to focus on producing high-quality content. Substack also promotes a direct relationship between creators and their audience, fostering a sense of community and engagement. Furthermore, it provides writers with full control over their work, including ownership of their mailing list, which is crucial for maintaining independence and creative freedom.

How do I transfer my content when switching to Substack?

Switching to Substack from another platform is a straightforward process. Substack offers a tool that allows you to import your content, including posts and email lists, from your previous platform. To do this, you need to export your content from your old platform in a format that Substack can read, usually a CSV file. Once you have your content exported, you can upload it to Substack through the import tool.

However, it's important to note that the import tool may not be able to transfer all types of content. For instance, it may not be able to import comments or certain types of media. Therefore, you may need to manually transfer some content. Also, remember to inform your subscribers about the switch and provide them with the new Substack URL. It's recommended to keep your old platform running for a while to ensure a smooth transition.

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