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Liza Blue's avatar

It took me a long time to understand that referring to Substack as a "newsletter" is a misnomer. I had a blog site and the advice I got was to write a "newsletter" in addition to the blog. They are one and the same to me. Referring to Substack content as a "newsletter" limits its potential and is confusing to people like me who were just starting out.

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Sinem Günel's avatar

Hi Liza! :) It definitely makes sense to ensure you're referring to the same thing when you use terms like newsletter or Substack. For many people, Substack *is* their newsletter. And sure, a blog can also be a newsletter if it's sent out via email. Substack can be a newsletter, a replacement for a website, your content hub, or many other things. It's more important to be clear on how exactly you personally use it than getting the terminology right.

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Liza Blue's avatar

I know NOW that substack can be whatever I want but I was taking the concept of "newsletter" very literally, i.e. it had to have some news and would be most appropriate for authors announcing readings, publications, etc, and thought it had to be an adjunct to a Blog site. I spent a lot of time and resources in updating my blog which now I have abandoned. I got bad advice from the web site designer. What I really needed was a strategist. I wonder if there are others like me who don't think that substack is a good place for them because they are not publishing "news," but rather "content."

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Sinem Günel's avatar

Oh that's really frustrating! I'm sorry to hear you had to waste so much time!

I'm sure that there are people who have a wrong idea of what Substack is or can be for them! It's definitely getting more clear as the platform is gaining popularity but it might take many people time to see that this is actually an interesting opportunity for them.

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Elizabeth C Weigand's avatar

appreciate this post so much, thank you!

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Sinem Günel's avatar

I'm glad this was useful, Elizabeth! :) Where are you in your newsletter journey right now?

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Elizabeth C Weigand's avatar

Just beginning! I started my substack two weeks ago I think!

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Sinem Günel's avatar

YAY exciting! What are your goals on the platform? :)

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Elizabeth C Weigand's avatar

To touch as many people as possible with my deepest message and inspire them into choice and action that helps them feel thriving and vibrant!

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Sinem Günel's avatar

Oh that's beautiful! 🧡

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Mac Dohm's avatar

Great read. I’m 19 newsletters in now and much of what you discussed are things I have been learning over the past 4 months of writing these on a weekly basis.

The thing I love about writing a newsletter is that each week is different and a new opportunity to collaborate with other writers (I will promote a guest article and guest note reply every week with the author tagged).

It’s been a great experience and has helped me remain consistent on a weekly basis.

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Sinem Günel's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed this, Mac! Using collaborations in your newsletter is a great idea!

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Mac Dohm's avatar

Thanks! I have always enjoyed the ability to boost others with my platform - whether that be in the work environment, on these media platforms, or in relationships.

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Teodor de Mas's avatar

It is exactly like this

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Jessey Anthony's avatar

"The truth is that your creator business will only thrive through human connections."

You are absolutely right. True success comes from real connection. You unpacked lots of value in this piece. Thank you.

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Sinem Günel's avatar

Thanks, Jessey! I'm glad this resonated with you! :)

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Mrighaa Mercury's avatar

I really liked the point you made that if you don’t enjoy your own content how will others. True of anything in life. What you put into it, is what you get.

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