Substack has been around for a while now, and it’s become a go-to platform for many writers.

Substack’s booming.

But is it the best choice for blogging in 2024?

Let’s dive in and take a look at the good, the bad, and how it stacks up against other options.

What’s Substack All About?

For anyone still not familiar with Substack:

At its core, Substack is a place where writers can write posts and send out newsletters for free.

It’s pretty straightforward:

• You write stuff
• People read for free and/or sign up to read via email
• You can make it free or charge money

Substack takes a 10% cut if you charge for subscriptions. Otherwise, it’s completely free.

Simple, right?

Now, even though Substack started as a newsletter thing, lots of folks use it like a blog instead of traditional blogging platforms like WordPress or Medium.

All your posts end up on your Substack page, creating a collection of your work.

So, yeah, it’s kind of the perfect blogging platform (by accident).

How Substack Is Different from Regular Blogging Sites

Substack isn’t exactly like WordPress or other typical blogging platforms like Ghost or Medium.

Here’s what sets it apart:

1. It’s all about newsletters. Traditional blogs are usually just websites anyone can visit.
2. Substack has its own algorithm to help people find your stuff. Regular blogs rely more on SEO to get found on Google.
3. Substack is pretty simple and doesn’t let you change much. Other platforms let you add all sorts of features and really make the site your own.
4. Email marketing on Substack is basic. Some bloggers might need fancier tools.
5. You own your email list on Substack, which is nice. Some other platforms don’t let you keep that info.

The Good Stuff About Substack for Blogging

Substack has some perks that make it appealing:

• Super easy to use. You don’t need to know anything about web design or tech stuff. Just write and hit publish.
• Built-in audience. Substack can help new readers find you through their recommendations.
• Focus on writing. You don’t have to worry about site maintenance or other technical headaches.
• Direct to inbox. Your posts go straight to your readers’ email, which can help build a loyal following.
• Potential to make money. If you get a lot of subscribers, you can earn from paid subscriptions.
• You keep your email list. If you decide to leave Substack, you can take your subscribers with you.
• Free to start. You only pay if you start making money from subscriptions.
• No ads. Substack sites are simple and ad-free.

The Not-So-Great Parts of Substack for Blogging

Of course, there are some downsides to consider:

• Limited features. You can’t add things like online stores or forums to your Substack. You can connect some functionality via additional tools, though, like product sales via Sidestack*.
• Basic email tools. If you want to do fancy email marketing stuff, Substack won’t cut it. You probably need tools like ConvertKit*, MailerLite*, or Beehiiv*.
• Harder to get found long-term. Without strong SEO, it can be tough to keep attracting new readers. Of course, you can learn SEO and incorporate a few tactics on Substack.
• Content might not show up on Google right away. It can take some time for your posts to get indexed. Unless you help a little.
• Tough to make big money. Relying just on subscriptions can be limiting. It’s not easy to make readers pay for your content.
• You might outgrow it. As your blog gets bigger, you might need more powerful tools. Analytics, email marketing, ecommerce, etc.
• Moving is a pain. If you want to switch to another platform later, it takes some knowledge to move everything over.

Substack vs. the Competition in 2024

Let’s see how Substack compares to some other popular blogging platforms:

Substack vs. WordPress

WordPress is still the big dog in the blogging world. Here’s how they stack up:

• Ease of use: Substack wins here. WordPress has a steeper learning curve.
• Customization: WordPress is way more flexible. You can do almost anything with it.
• SEO: WordPress has much better tools for search engine optimization.
• Monetization: WordPress offers more ways to make money (ads, courses, etc.).
• Cost: Substack is free to start, but WordPress can be too if you self-host.
• Ownership: Both let you own your content, but WordPress gives you more control.
• Built-in audience: Substack helps you, on WordPress you’re on your own

Substack vs. Ghost

Ghost has become a popular choice for serious bloggers. Here’s the comparison:

• Ease of use: Substack is simpler, but Ghost isn’t too complicated.
• Features: Ghost offers more blogging-specific features than Substack.
• Newsletters: Both are good for newsletters
• Monetization: Ghost gives you more flexibility in how you charge readers, Substack makes it easier
• Cost: Ghost has a (growing) monthly fee, while Substack only takes a cut of paid subscriptions.
• Open-source: Ghost is open-source, giving you more freedom to modify it.
• Built-in audience: Substack helps you, on Ghost you’re on your own

Substack vs. Medium

Medium is another platform that’s all about writing. Let’s compare:

• Audience: Both have built-in ways to find readers.
• Monetization: Substack lets you charge directly, while Medium pays based on reading time and other factors.
• Ownership: You have more control over your content and list on Substack.
• Customization: Neither offers much in the way of design changes.
• Cost: Both are free to start writing on, but you won’t earn on Medium unless you pay for the membership ($5 per month & up).

The Verdict: It depends on your goals. Substack is great for simplicity and newsletters, WordPress for total control, Ghost for serious bloggers who want a balance, and Medium for reaching a big audience quickly.

Using Substack Along with Your Own Blog

Here’s a smart move: use Substack and your own blog together. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Double your reach: Grow your email list on Substack while getting search traffic on your blog.
2. More ways to make money: Earn from Substack subscriptions and use other methods on your blog.
3. Spread your content: Put full articles on your blog, then share snippets in your Substack newsletter to drive traffic back to your site.
4. Keep control: Own everything on your blog while using Substack for its newsletter perks.
5. Future-proof your work: If you ever want to leave Substack, you’ve still got your blog with all your content.

Tips for Making the Most of Substack in 2024

If you decide to give Substack a go, here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Treat it like a real blog: Post regularly, organize your content, and use keywords in your titles.
• Link back to your main blog: If you have one, make sure to mention it in your Substack posts.
• Mix free and paid content: Give some stuff away, but save your best work for paying subscribers.
• Make it easy to subscribe: Put Substack sign-up forms on your main blog or website.
• Cross-promote: Talk about your Substack on your blog, social media, and other channels.
• Reuse your best stuff: Take popular posts from your blog and turn them into Substack newsletters.
• Use Substack Notes, the social media of Substack.

What’s New with Substack in 2024?

Substack has made some changes to keep up with the times:

• Better discovery: They’ve improved their recommendation system to help readers find new writers.
• More community features: There are new ways for subscribers to interact with each other and the writer, like Chats & Notes.
• Improved analytics: Writers now have better tools to understand their audience and what content works best.
• Mobile app updates: The Substack app has gotten some nice upgrades for both writers and readers.

Is Substack Right for You?

At the end of the day, whether Substack is a good choice for your blog in 2024 comes down to what you’re looking for:

• If you want something super simple to use and don’t mind the limitations, Substack could be perfect.
• If you’re all about building an email list and connecting directly with readers, it’s a great option.
• If you need a lot of customization or want to do complex things with your site, you might want to look elsewhere.
• If you’re okay with potentially outgrowing the platform later, it can be a great place to start.

I’d say overall, Substack is the perfect platform for bloggers 2024 & 2025.

The Bottom Line

Substack isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for blogging in 2024, but it definitely has its place.

It’s particularly good for writers who want to focus on creating content without worrying about tech stuff, and for those who like the idea of building a direct relationship with readers through email.

For many bloggers, the best strategy might be to use Substack as part of a larger approach.

Combine it with your own website, use it alongside other platforms, or start with it and expand later.