The Best Substack Formatting Tips For Short, Snappy Issues
And seriously good looking ones
Formatting, tone, and structure can transform your newsletter from “meh” to “yes, more, please.”
I truly believe this.
To me, the best Substack writing is short, funny, structured, and formatted like a dream.
Let’s break down how to write like that.
Format Is Function
Let’s start with the bones of a good newsletter: formatting.
You don’t need fancy fonts or confetti explosions. What you need is clarity, hierarchy, and the ability to make readers skim your newsletter and still get the point.
My formatting cheat sheet:
Headings = Your Reader’s GPS
Use #, ##, and ### on Substack to create H1, H2, H3.
Your H1 is your subject line’s cooler cousin — make it count.
Subheadings are your newsletter’s outline in disguise. Someone should be able to scroll and understand your post just by reading them.
Does this work every time? Of course not. But it’s a nice list to keep in mind.
Pro tip: Write your headings & subheads first. If they tell a story on their own, you’re golden.
Tiny Paragraphs
Your newsletter is not a Charles Dickens novel. Long paragraphs = readers tuning out faster than a Zoom meeting with no agenda.
1–3 sentences tops per paragraph.
Sprinkle in a few one-liners
Like punctuation with swagger.
Short paragraphs add rhythm, help with transitions, and make you sound like you know what you’re doing (even when you don’t).
Bold + Italics
Use bold to highlight key ideas. Not everything.
Italics are great for tone, sarcasm, or whispered asides. But again — use them like a spice rack, not a fire hose.
If everything’s bold or italic, nothing stands out. Choose your moments.
The Style That Works For Me on Substack
I love a writing style that makes newsletters easy to appreciate and even easier to read.
1. Brevity with Bite
Say what you mean. Say it quickly. Say it like you’re texting a clever friend who has 30 seconds and a low tolerance for BS. Like my wife.
This doesn’t mean soulless. It means edited.
Trim the fluff. Tighten the punchlines. Write words with intention. Not to hit a word count goal.
2. Humor (Humans Like to Laugh)
Substack readers are smart. They like dry wit, surprising metaphors, and the occasional self-roast.
Don’t try too hard. You’re not auditioning for stand-up. Just toss in moments of levity:
“I format like I’m trying to impress a minimalist designer with ADHD.”
Read it. Liked. Laughed.
3. Skimmable Is Non-Negotiable
No one’s reading your newsletter. They’re skimming it while making toast. Or is that just me?
Help them:
Use bullet points
Add dividers
Break ideas into digestible chunks
Make key ideas bold and scannable
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Try the Dark Vision OS icon pack for iPhone*. It looks fantastic!
Make It Look Good
Use Dividers Like a Pro
A simple horizontal line can work wonders for visual flow.
It separates thoughts, sections, and vibes. Seriously underrated.
White Space = Reader Happiness
Don’t cram your newsletter like a carry-on bag.
Empty space helps people breathe while they scroll. Give ideas room to land.
If your newsletter feels too “busy,” space things out. You’re not being lazy — you’re being thoughtful.
Images: Optional, Not Obligatory
Don’t panic about perfect images. One strong image is better than 10 meh ones. A good Unsplash image is all you need sometimes.
If you use visuals:
Choose high-quality ones
Make sure they support the writing, not distract from it
Avoid the temptation to drop in a GIF just because it made you laugh at 1 a.m. (unless it’s really funny)
CTA: Make It Obvious
Every newsletter needs a call to action. Well, no not really. If you have an action that’s worth a call, then a good CTA is called for. Otherwise, just skip it.
Want replies? Sales? Shares? Say it.
Be clear:
“💥 Click here to get my free mini-guide on writing sharper newsletters.”
Put it in a box. Make it obvious.
Templates Save Your Sanity
You don’t need to reinvent the newsletter every week.
Create a simple Substack layout you love.
Save a version as a draft or duplicate your last issue.
Use the same structure consistently so your readers know what to expect.
Structure = professionalism + comfort.
A Simple Substack Format You Can Steal
Here’s my favorite repeatable newsletter layout:
Title: Hooks the Reader with Personality
Opening Paragraph: One or two lines. Set the tone. Relatable or funny is a win.
Section 1 — Problem or Insight: Short paragraph. Add headers. Use bold. Include a quick personal story if it fits.
Section 2 — Quick Tips or List: Bullet points. Spaced out. Easy to skim.
Section 3 — The Wrap-Up: Your final thought. Something memorable. A mic-drop line or callback to the hook.
TL:DR (optional)
Call to Action Box: Obvious, direct, and visually separated.
The Bottom Line
TL:DR — Keep it:
Short (but not shallow)
Structured (but not stiff)
Skimmable (but not soulless)
Funny (but not forced)
If your newsletter feels like a breeze to read and a joy to scan — you nailed it, in my opinion.
Do I write like this every time? Nope. Not even close. But I try.
Thanks for these formatting tips! Much appreciated! 💙