How to Take Your Substack Publication to the Next Level 2025
With a few little tweaks
If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're ready to supercharge your Substack game.
Great!
Let's dive into some cool (and simple) strategies that'll help you make the best of your Substack newsletter.
Some tips are generic, others are more advanced. Pick and choose!
1. Create a Welcome Email That Pops! 🎉
Your welcome email is like the digital equivalent of a firm handshake and a warm smile.
The digital first impression.
It's your chance to show new subscribers that what you're up to, what they signed up for, and what's to come.
And it helps if those infos come in a nicely formatted package with a few visual aids on the side.
Sprinkle in Some GIFs and Emojis 🎭
We're living in the age of memes and reaction GIFs.
Everybody loves this stuff.
Why not bring some of that fun into your welcome email?
Here are some ideas:
Start with a wave! 👋 It's simple, but it works.
Found a GIF that captures your reaction to new subscribers? Throw it in there!
Use emojis to guide your readers' eyes to the important stuff. Think of them as fun little signposts.
The key is to match these visual elements to your brand's personality. If you're running a serious financial newsletter, maybe skip the dancing cat GIF (or don't – who knows).
Make It Personal (Without Being Creepy)
Nobody likes to feel like they're just another name on a list. Here's how to make your new subscribers feel special:
Introduce yourself and use real names or nicknames.
Share a bit about yourself. Why did you start this newsletter? What gets you excited about it? Let your personality shine through!
Ask them a question or invite them to reply. Show them you're not just talking at them, but you're open to a conversation. Also, this helps tremendously with spam protection. If people reply, your email provider won't flag your email address as spam.
Give Them a Roadmap
Your new subscribers probably have a few questions floating around in their heads.
Why not answer them before they ask?
Let them know what to expect. How often will you be sliding into their inbox? What kinds of content can they look forward to?
If you've got some greatest hits, don't be shy about showing them off. Link to a few of your best posts to give them a taste of what's to come.
Got any insider tips for navigating your content? Share them! Maybe you've got a special series they should start with, or a glossary of terms you use often.
2. Embed Your Substack Form on Your Website
(It's Easier Than You Think!)
You've got a website apart from Substack, and you want to get those sweet, sweet Substack sign-ups without sending people away from your digital home?
Enter substackapi.com – the easy way to embed a customized signup form to your website.
For free, I might add.
Here's how to do it:
Head over to substackapi.com.
Pop in your Substack URL.
Choose your style. Want it to match your website's vibe? You can customize colors, placeholders, and more.
Copy the code they give you.
Paste that code wherever you want the form to appear on your website.
Done!
You can get more if you pay for the premium version of substackapi.com, but this is optional
You've now got a seamless way for your website visitors to subscribe to your Substack without ever leaving your site.
3. Give Your Substack Some Style
Now, let's talk about making your Substack look as good as your content.
Create a Custom Wordmark
Your wordmark is like your newsletter's signature. It's a chance to show off your brand identity right from the get-go.
Here's how to add one:
Design your wordmark. If you're not a design wizard, no worries! Tools like Canva or even good ol' PowerPoint can help you create something simple and classy.
In your Substack settings, look for the "Branding" section.
Upload your wordmark image. Substack recommends a size of 1344×256 pixels, but play around to see what looks best.
Pro tip: Keep it simple and readable. Remember, this will be at the top of your publication! And it's not too big.
Customize Your Navigation Bar
Your navigation bar shouldn't be an afterthought. I personally think it shouldn't be too crowded with links, but do as you please (and as fits with your content).
Make it work for you!
Here's how:
In your Substack settings, find the "Navigation" section.
Add, remove, or rearrange items to your heart's content.
Consider adding a link to your "About" page, or creating custom pages for different content series.
Less is often more. Don't overwhelm your readers with too many options. Stick to the essentials and make it easy for them to find what they're looking for.
4. Consistency is Key
Newsletters usually run on a schedule. I prefer that setup. That way, your readers know when to get your stuff.
Set a schedule and stick to it. Whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency builds trust.
Mix it up! Long-form posts are great, but don't be afraid to throw in shorter updates, curated content, or even just a thought-provoking question now and then.
Use Substack's scheduling feature. Write when inspiration strikes, and let technology handle the timing.
5. Engage
Remember, Substack isn't just a writing platform – it's a community-building tool.
Encourage comments and reply to them. Your readers' insights can be gold!
Consider hosting Q&A sessions or AMAs (Ask Me Anything).
Share reader comments or questions in your posts (with permission, of course). It shows you're listening and values your community's input.
6. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
The beauty of Substack is its flexibility. Try new things!
Play with different content formats. How about a podcast episode or a video newsletter once in a while?
Test different subject lines to see what gets the best open rates.
Ask your readers what they want. Sometimes, the best ideas come from your audience.
The Bottom Line
Go give your Substack some love!
A few little steps and changes can go a long way. These changes also make your publication stand out from the rest of mainly default Substack setups with very little personality and customization.
Try it!