If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours staring at your computer screen, wondering how to kick-start your newsletter writing career.

No, just me then?

After months of trial and error (and more than a few sleepless nights), I’ve come to a now obvious conclusion: Substack is the best darn platform for newsletter newbies with zero subscribers.

I’ve dipped my toes into pretty much every newsletter platform out there — ConvertKit (or Kit, as they’re rebranding), Beehiiv, MailerLite, MailChimp, you name it.

They’re all solid choices with their own perks (except for MailChimp, let’s be honest).

But for zero-subscriber rookies? Substack takes the cake, and I’m about to tell you why.

There’s a flip side, though. For more experienced creators with a large audience in place, Substack might not be the best place.

Why Substack

First, let’s get the basics out of the way.

What exactly is Substack?

• Substack is a platform that allows writers to create and distribute newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and videos.
• It was founded in 2017 by Chris Best, Hamish McKenzie, and Jairaj Sethi.
• The platform has gained significant traction, hosting newsletters from well-known writers, journalists, and even celebrities.

In 2024, Substack is the number 1 trending platform for writers and bloggers.

Now, let’s dive into why I think Substack is the bees’ knees for us newbies.

It’s Free as a Bird

Look, I get it. When you’re starting out, every penny counts.

The last thing you want is to sink your hard-earned cash into a platform before you even know if this newsletter gig is for you.

That’s where Substack makes a lot of sense. It’s free. Other platforms do offer free starter plans, but they come with significant feature limitations or they’re just too complex for a beginner who just wants to write an da*n weekly issue.

So, Substack is king for 0 audience creators because:

• It is 100% free to use. No hidden fees, no “premium” features locked behind a paywall.
• They only take a 10% cut if you decide to offer paid subscriptions. But that’s future you’s problem, right?
• Other platforms often have free tiers, but they’re usually more limited. Substack gives you the whole enchilada from day one.

Keep It Simple

I’m about as artistic as a potato most days.

That’s why I love Substack’s approach to design and functionality. It’s dead simple to use. Anyone can start a blog and newsletter there in minutes. Try that on WordPress or ConvertKit.

More points for Substack:

• Substack offers limited customization options. Some folks hate this, but for design-challenged individuals, it’s a godsend.
• You get a clean, professional look without spending hours agonizing over font choices or color schemes.
• This simplicity lets you focus on what really matters — your writing.

Building Your Tribe

Here’s where Substack really knocks it out of the park.

Building an audience from scratch is tough. But with Substack’s built-in audience, social media network Notes, recommendation engine, and discover features, it’s about the best way to get exposure for a newbie writer with 0 followers.

• Substack has a built-in ecosystem of readers who are already newsletter junkies.
• The platform’s recommendation system helps readers discover new writers. It’s like having a friendly neighbor introduce you to the whole block.
• You can interact with your readers through comments and posts on Notes

I’ve ditched Twitter for Substack Notes entirely. Because Notes is actually useful. And people like to read stuff there.

Room to Grow

Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough — Substack lets you dream big.

• No subscriber limits. Whether you have 10 readers or 10,000, Substack doesn’t care.
• Create as many publications as you want. Got a brilliant idea for a newsletter about the history of shoelaces? Go for it!
• As your audience grows, you can easily transition to paid subscriptions without changing platforms.

That sounds like a small deal, but it’s actually one of the BEST things about Substack.

The Substack Community

I touched on this already.

It is the secret sauce that really sets Substack apart. It’s not just a platform; it’s a community.

• Writers often recommend each other’s work, helping new voices get discovered.
• Substack regularly features promising new writers on their main page.
• The comment section can lead to engaging discussions and loyal readers.
• A simple Note can lead to dozens of new subscribers

Now, I’m not saying Substack is perfect.

It’s got its quirks and flaws like any platform.

But for newbies? It’s hard to beat.

Help Along the Way

Here are a few more Substack specifics that help newbies:

• Substack Recommendations: This feature allows writers to share posts from other newsletters they enjoy, helping boost discoverability.
• Substack Reader: A dedicated app for readers to discover and read Substack newsletters all in one place.
• Substack Writer Fellowship: An initiative to support emerging writers with mentorship and financial backing.

The Flip Side

Now, I’ve been singing Substack’s praises, but let’s flip the script for a moment.

If you’re already a creator with a massive following, Substack might not be your golden ticket.

Here’s why:

Limited Control Over Branding

• If you’ve spent months or years building a distinct brand, Substack’s one-size-fits-all approach might feel restrictive.
• The platform offers minimal customization options, which could make it challenging to maintain your unique visual identity.
• You can’t create much more than a blog page, a simple about pages, and some sections

Revenue Sharing Model

• Substack’s 10% cut on paid subscriptions will become very noticeable once you earn a lot of cash from paid subs
• Other platforms offer more favorable revenue splits or flat-fee structures that could be more lucrative for high-earning creators. Beehiiv is the number 1 option here.

Lack of Advanced Features

• If you’re used to sophisticated email marketing tools, Substack’s feature set might feel basic.
• Limited integration options with other tools and services could hamper your existing workflow.
• There’s no automation functionality or API access

Analytics

• The platform’s analytics, while improving, may not provide the depth of data that established creators require for strategic decision-making.
• You also can’t act on the basis of analytics, for example via tailored automated emails sequences to specific subsets of subscribers

Potential for Platform Dependence

• Building your audience entirely on Substack could leave you vulnerable if the platform makes significant changes or faces issues down the line.
• Migrating a large, established audience to a new platform can be challenging if you decide to leave Substack, although they have export options in place, of course

Real-World Example:

Take the case of popular tech newsletter writer Casey Newton.

He left his position at The Verge to start a Substack newsletter called Platformer in 2020.

While initially successful on Substack, Newton eventually moved his newsletter to an independent platform in 2024.

He cited reasons such as wanting more control over his brand and business operations, which aligns with the points we’ve discussed. And some others controversial aspects like a then-relevant Nazi content discussion.

For creators with an existing large following, platforms like Ghost or WordPress for writing or ConvertKit and Beehiiv for email marketing flexibility might offer a lot more than Substack.

These options allow for full customization, ownership, integration, API access, and advanced features, not to mention communities, support, and thousands of add-ons and plugins.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it.

My take on why Substack is the number 1 platform for newsletter rookies with 0 subscribers.

Is it the perfect platform for everyone? Nah.

But if you’re starting from zero, it’s a pretty sweet launchpad. Remember, every newsletter empire starts with a single subscriber.

So why not give Substack a shot?