Navigating the Substack Journey: Building a New Economic Engine for Culture

I'm thrilled to welcome Linda LeBrun to my ReMarkable! podcast. Linda works for Substack and is a member of the team that engages with financial writers and creatives. In our conversation, Linda provided some great insights into why Substack has emerged as an exciting place for writers, podcasters, and other creatives to scale an audience and monetize their work. Linda described Substack’s mission this way: To build a new economic engine for culture. In this episode we discuss Substack’s unique business model and how and why creatives are using the platform to build an audience and, if they choose, monetize their work.

Four Key Takeaways:

* Consistency is crucial for building an audience—stick to a regular posting schedule.

* Engage in cross-pollination through recommendations and Notes to expand your reach.

* Having a unique point of view can set you apart and attract a dedicated following.

* Substack’s tools, like email list ownership and payment setup, empower creators to control their monetization strategy.

Linda’s Midlife Career Reinvention

Linda shared an intriguing story about her professional background. She used to work in the investment industry as a portfolio manager for nearly two decades. During the pandemic, she assessed her career path and found herself drawn to tech and startups, ultimately joining Substack. Curious about how Linda made such a significant career shift? What challenges and new opportunities did she face? Her journey offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a midlife career change. Don’t miss her insights on how one can reinvent themselves at any age.

The Innovation of Substack

Substack is a groundbreaking platform that combines writing, podcasting, and video under one roof. Linda emphasizes that Substack provides creators with the control and ownership over their email lists and payment relationships, unlike traditional social media platforms. This is a game-changer for many content creators who want to directly engage with their audience without the interference of algorithms. Wondering how this feature can transform your content strategy? Linda’s detailed explanation will make you rethink the way you engage with your audience.

Success on Substack: Consistency and Cross-Pollination

We delve into the secret sauce behind successful Substack creators. Linda reveals that consistency is key, followed by active cross-pollination through recommendations and notes. She also emphasizes having a distinctive point of view. Are you an aspiring content creator struggling to build an audience? Linda’s three best practices might be exactly what you need. Find out how these tactics have been game-changers for both new and established Substackers by listening to the full episode.

Curious about the finer details that make Substack a powerful platform for creators? Dive into the full episode to uncover all the insights and actionable advice Linda shares.

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Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to my Remarkable! Podcast

00:23 Understanding Substack's Mission

01:13 Welcoming Linda LeBrun

02:52 Linda's Professional Journey

05:55 Substack's Unique Value Proposition

08:11 The Evolution of Substack

17:00 Community and Discovery on Substack

25:47 Challenges and Opportunities for Podcasters

37:37 The Power of Niche Content

38:29 Understanding Your Value Proposition

38:50 Leveraging Substack's Tools and Community

39:31 Substack's Approach to AI

40:32 The Role of AI in Content Creation

43:10 The Artisanal Approach to Content

49:28 Best Practices for Substack Success

56:07 Consistency and Quality in Content Creation

01:08:45 The Journey to Building an Audience

01:10:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement