Substack: Brand Engine
Building a Personal Brand Beyond Just Making Money
Lately, my Substack feed has been inundated with posts about viewer stats, income milestones, and "how-to make money on Substack" guides. While the allure of earning from writing is undeniable, I can't help but feel that this narrow focus is missing the bigger picture.
For those who don’t know Substack
In case you don’t know what Substack is, here is a quick rundown: Substack is a game-changing platform that's revolutionizing the way writers and creators connect with their audience. You can create your newsletter/podcast/open chat etc… In short, on Substack, you can create your own media company. With Substack, you can share your thoughts, ideas, and stories directly with your readers, without the hassle of traditional publishing. Think of it as a cozy little corner of the internet where you can express yourself freely, build a loyal following. But it is more than just a newsletter. It “lives” on the internet, does not just sit in the mail box. It's a place where writers can rediscover the joy of writing, and readers can discover their new favorite authors
The Limitations of a Money-First Approach
Don't get me wrong – making money from your writing is fantastic. It's a dream many of us share. However, viewing Substack solely as a cash cow is both limiting and potentially disappointing. Here's why:
It's incredibly difficult: Only a fraction of Substack users end up making significant money. The competition is fierce, and success depends on numerous factors beyond just good writing.
It overlooks Substack's true potential: By fixating on monetization, we risk neglecting the platform's other valuable aspects.
Reimagining Substack's Role
Instead of seeing Substack as the system, we should view it as part of our system.
Here's how💡:
An Engine for Your Personal Brand
Substack offers a unique opportunity to build and nurture your personal brand. Use it to:
Showcase your expertise
Share your unique perspective
Develop a consistent voice and style
If you’re just starting a brand, check out my brand jumpstart post👇
A Launchpad for Products and Services
Your Substack can be the foundation for offering various products or services:
Online courses
Consulting services
Digital products
Books or e-books
A Networking Hub
Substack's social features allow you to:
Connect with like-minded individuals
Engage in meaningful discussions
Build a community around your ideas
All this, you can brainstorm and reflect by assembling a mindmap. This will help you visualize all these ideas. I use Miro .
The Bigger Picture
By broadening our view of Substack's purpose, we open ourselves up to a world of opportunities. Yes, monetary success may come – but it shouldn't be the sole focus.
Instead, think of Substack as a powerful tool in your overall strategy for personal and professional growth. Use it to build relationships, establish authority in your field, and create a platform that can support various ventures.
Remember, the most successful Substack writers often leverage their following for opportunities far beyond the platform itself. By thinking bigger, you're setting yourself up for long-term success, regardless of your subscriber count or revenue.
So, the next time you're tempted to fixate on those Substack earnings reports, take a step back. Ask yourself: How can I use this platform to create value – for myself and my readers?
🤔 What are your thoughts on Substack's role in your overall strategy? I'd love to hear how you're using the platform to build your personal brand or launch new ventures. Share your experiences in the comments below!
If you found this post insightful, it would mean the world if you could share it to 2-3 people you think might benefit from it. Hell, might even make a good LinkedIn post too!
Inspired by the legendary samurai strategy guide by Miyamoto Musashi, I am working on The Five Rings of Marketing. In it, I draw parallels between this timeless battle-tested guide and modern marketing mindsets to achieve market supremacy.
⚡Connect⚡
You can connect with me on LinkedIn (let me know in the “note” when you add me you come from here) or in the Substack chat if you are a fellow Substacker (DMs open).
Drop a comment below, and let me know your take 👇. You can subscribe here if you have not yet.
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