Substack Reigns Supreme: The Newsletter Platform of Choice
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The Appeal of Substack
As you might gather from the title, I have a strong preference for Substack when it comes to distributing my weekly newsletter. Surprisingly, this viewpoint seems to be less common, especially when compared to its main competitor, ConvertKit. While I acknowledge the advantages of ConvertKit, I believe that Substack has distinct features that set it apart from other newsletter services. It's worth noting that I am quite partial to Substack since I use it for my own newsletter, which may influence my perspective. Nevertheless, I aim to present a balanced argument.
Subsection 1.1: Searchability of Substack
One of the standout features of Substack is its searchability. Readers can easily discover your newsletter without you needing to send out a single email. This attribute could be classified as SEO for newsletters, and in fact, it aligns closely with traditional SEO principles. Typing the name of a Substack newsletter into Google often yields positive results, making it relatively easy for new subscribers to find your content. This is my primary reason for considering Substack superior to ConvertKit, especially since few other newsletter platforms offer this level of visibility. I've gained numerous subscribers solely through Google searches.
Subsection 1.2: User-Friendly Interface
I understand that ConvertKit boasts greater customization options than Substack, which is one of its major selling points. However, I find this aspect somewhat off-putting. Personally, I prefer the simplicity of using an iPhone over an Android because I appreciate the straightforward layout and defined features. When it comes to my newsletter, I enjoy having a limited set of options that still allow me to create an appealing presentation. Substack provides enough functionality to meet my needs without overwhelming me with choices. Adding images or GIFs is as simple as copying and pasting, and creating buttons is a one-click task. Moreover, Substack proactively encourages subscribers to share the newsletter, which leads me to my next point.
Subsection 1.3: Built-in Sharing Features
At the end of each of my emails, Substack conveniently includes a prompt inviting my subscribers to share the newsletter. Additionally, when visitors browse my Substack page, they are repeatedly encouraged to share my content with their friends. I have never had to manually create a sharing button or link, as Substack handles this efficiently on its own. This feature has proven effective, leading to many new signups that I might not have anticipated. It simplifies my newsletter creation process, allowing me to focus on content rather than promotional tools.
Subsection 1.4: The Verdict on Substack
Despite hearing criticism of Substack from fellow writers who favor ConvertKit, I believe they may be overlooking significant advantages. Email marketing is currently one of the most powerful tools available, with new subscribers joining lists every day. It seems poised to take over the podcasting trend that has gained popularity in recent years. In conclusion, I truly enjoy using Substack, and I encourage anyone in search of an email platform to consider it before opting for ConvertKit.
Chapter 2: Video Insights
Learn more about how Substack compares to ConvertKit in this informative video.