Starting a newsletter can feel like launching your own little media company. One day it’s just you and your ideas, and before you know it, you’re building a loyal audience, opening up income streams, and having meaningful conversations right in people’s inboxes. Sounds powerful, right?
Well, that’s exactly what platforms like Substack have made possible.
Whether you’re a writer, coach, podcaster, artist, or small business owner, launching a newsletter is one of the smartest ways to share your voice, grow your influence, and even generate recurring revenue. And Substack? It’s one of the easiest places to get started.
But the truth is, just starting a Substack isn’t what sets your newsletter apart. It’s the strategy behind it—how you write, connect, promote, and stay consistent. That’s where most people get stuck or overwhelmed.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through exactly how to start your newsletter on Substack—without overthinking it. We’ll talk tools, setup, growth tips, and even how to bring it all together with automated email support from platforms like MailDrip.io—a simple solution that helps creators and personal brands keep their newsletters running like clockwork.
Whether you’re thinking about launching your first newsletter or you’re rebooting one that’s gone stale, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
Why Start a Newsletter in the First Place?
Newsletters are back—and they’re more powerful than ever.
Social media is noisy, algorithm-driven, and constantly changing. But email? It’s personal. It’s direct. It’s one of the few channels where you own the audience and the relationship. When someone signs up for your newsletter, they’re raising their hand and saying, “Yes, I want to hear from you.”
Here’s why starting a newsletter on Substack makes so much sense:
- Zero technical skills required. Substack’s interface is intuitive, clean, and simple to use—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Built-in audience tools. Substack helps you publish, promote, and even monetize your newsletter—all in one place.
- It’s free to start. You only pay a percentage if you choose to charge for subscriptions.
- Direct ownership of your readers. You get full access to your email list, forever.
But the real reason to start? You have something worth sharing. And newsletters are one of the most authentic ways to do it.
How Do I Start a Newsletter on Substack?
1. Create a Free Account
Head over to substack.com and sign up using your email address. You’ll be prompted to name your publication and write a short description. Don’t stress too much here—you can change it later.
2. Set Up Your Profile and Branding
Think of this as your newsletter’s home base. Add a profile picture, banner image, and a compelling tagline. Keep it simple and human—you’re writing to people, not at them.
Some tips:
- Use your real name or a name that feels personal.
- Keep your description clear: “A weekly newsletter about navigating freelance life and creative freedom.”
- Choose colors and fonts that reflect your brand vibe.
3. Write Your First Welcome Post
Before you worry about growing your list, start with one solid post. This sets the tone and gives potential readers a reason to subscribe.
You could:
- Introduce yourself and your goals for the newsletter.
- Share what readers can expect (topics, frequency, etc.).
- Ask a question or invite replies to start a conversation.
4. Set Your Newsletter Schedule
Consistency builds trust. Choose a rhythm that works for you: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Don’t overpromise—start small and scale up.
Take Your Emails to the Next Level
MailDrip helps you automate your outreach, nurture leads, and grow your brand with ease. Send the right message at the right time—without the stress.
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Pro Tip: You can pair your Substack posts with automated sequences through tools like MailDrip.io. This lets you schedule welcome emails, follow-ups, or even repurpose content across multiple touchpoints—all without manually sending every message.
5. Promote Your Newsletter
Even the best newsletter needs a little boost to get going. Here are a few ways to spread the word:
- Share on your social media platforms
- Add a signup link in your bio or website
- Invite personal connections (yes, even your friends and mom!)
- Offer a freebie or bonus content for subscribers
If you already have an email list elsewhere, consider migrating it over or syncing it with your Substack audience.
Automation: The Secret Weapon Most Creators Miss
One of the biggest reasons newsletters die off is burnout. Life gets busy, and suddenly, weeks go by without sending anything. That’s where automation becomes a creator’s best friend.
MailDrip.io is designed specifically for creators and personal brands who want to stay consistent without the chaos.
With MailDrip.io, you can:
- Schedule content to go out exactly when you want it
- Use free newsletter templates to save time writing from scratch
- Set up drip sequences to onboard new subscribers automatically
- Choose Pay As You Go pricing so you’re not locked into a monthly bill
And the best part? You can integrate MailDrip.io to support your Substack strategy. For example, use it to build a welcome series for new readers, run time-sensitive campaigns, or send bonus content to premium subscribers.
When done right, automation doesn’t make your newsletter feel robotic—it actually helps you stay more human by showing up consistently and delivering value.
FAQs
Do I need to be a writer to start a Substack?
Not at all. You just need something worth sharing—ideas, insights, opinions, or updates. Many great newsletters read like a conversation, not a novel.
Can I make money with Substack?
Yes! Substack allows you to offer paid subscriptions. Many creators start free, build trust, then launch a paid tier with exclusive content, community access, or behind-the-scenes updates.
What’s the difference between Substack and MailDrip.io?
Think of Substack as your publishing platform—it’s where your newsletter lives. MailDrip.io, on the other hand, is your automation engine. It helps you schedule, sequence, and optimize your email marketing—especially if you’re nurturing leads or juggling multiple lists.
How often should I email my audience?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Start with what’s sustainable for you—even once a month is better than never. You can always increase frequency as your audience grows.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect time to start your newsletter. But the sooner you hit publish, the sooner you’ll start building something that’s truly yours.
Substack makes it easy to launch. And with platforms like MailDrip.io by your side, staying consistent and professional becomes a whole lot easier.
You don’t need a million followers. You don’t need fancy funnels. You just need a clear voice, a little structure, and a way to stay in touch.
So—what’s stopping you from sending your first issue?
