Thinking of starting a Substack?

Read this first 👇

As someone working in the creator economy space, I love the movement that Substack started.

They mainstreamed paying for independent writing, and changed the lives of thousands of writers in the process.

But they're building for a specific type of creator.
Substack has made it clear that they're focusing on professional writers.

(Putting my product hat on, this is a smart strategy for them to differentiate and win a specific market)

In 2020 they rolled out initiatives like grants, legal support, and mentorship for writers.
If you call yourself "not tech-savvy", their platform is the easiest out-of-the-box option.

Want to take some time off? One of their smartest features gives writers the power to pause paid subscriptions.
If you're a professional writer, Substack might be a good option for you to start with.

But, there are successful writers who are 'graduating' from Substack when they discover a few problems.
https://t.co/ryvYz4kXvD
If you're any other type of creator, don't choose Substack. 3 main reasons why:

💰 High take rate

The Substack revenue calculator (https://t.co/QG6UhlCbyp) shows ~80% profit margin for creators. Competitors are closer to 95%.

https://t.co/f98WLD6rzo
💌 Underpowered email

When you start to see success, you'll want to sell other products to your audience (see: “Multi-SKU creator” by @hunterwalk). This needs audience segmentation & automation—you can do neither here.

https://t.co/m0xR1ILXeM
💻 Underpowered website

Sure, you get a home on the internet for your writing. But ability to customize your site design, layout, and organization is limited. It's 1 long feed. This is not ideal for discovery, evergreen content, and SEO.
Consider these alternatives

@ConvertKit , @Ghost, or @letterdropco are all good options.

Email is a powerful tool for distribution and monetization. Newsletters are only one part of an email strategy, and switching costs are high.

Choose wisely.
Related reading:
https://t.co/sYBtptRj7H
https://t.co/79JNhyiD7j by @ungatedcreative
https://t.co/1MRqjsGVe5 by @Kevin_Indig
https://t.co/8IrurKzGpO by @JayCoDon
https://t.co/TIQe4rZbJq by @IanVanagas
https://t.co/rA03vOlBAT by @balajis

More from Finance

I'm lucky to attain financial freedom before 30.

I credit Fintwit for my learnings.

Here's 10 key concepts every investor must know:

1. $$ needed to retire
2. Researching a business
3. Reading annual reports
4. Reading earnings calls
5. Criteria of a multi bagger

(Read on...)

6. Holding a multi bagger
7. Economic moats
8. When to buy a stock
9. Earnings vs cashflow
10. Traits of quality companies

Here's my 10 favourite threads on these concepts:

1. How much $$ do you need to retire

Before you start, you must know the end game.

To meet your retirement goals...

How much $$ do you need in your portfolio?

10-K Diver does a good job explaining what's a safe withdrawl rate.

Hint: It's NOT


2. Research a business

Your investment returns are a lagging indicator.

Instead, your research skills are the leading predictor of your results.

Conclusion?

To be a good investor, you must be a great business researcher.

Start with


3. Reading annual reports

This is the bread and butter of a good business analyst.

You cannot just listen to opinions from others.

You must learn to deep dive a business and make your own judgments.

Start with the 10k.

Ming Zhao explains it

You May Also Like

**Thread on Bravery of Sikhs**
(I am forced to do this due to continuous hounding of Sikh Extremists since yesterday)

Rani Jindan Kaur, wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh had illegitimate relations with Lal Singh (PM of Ranjit Singh). Along with Lal Singh, she attacked Jammu, burnt - https://t.co/EfjAq59AyI


Hindu villages of Jasrota, caused rebellion in Jammu, attacked Kishtwar.

Ancestors of Raja Ranjit Singh, The Sansi Tribe used to give daughters as concubines to Jahangir.


The Ludhiana Political Agency (Later NW Fronties Prov) was formed by less than 4000 British soldiers who advanced from Delhi and reached Ludhiana, receiving submissions of all sikh chiefs along the way. The submission of the troops of Raja of Lahore (Ranjit Singh) at Ambala.

Dabistan a contemporary book on Sikh History tells us that Guru Hargobind broke Naina devi Idol Same source describes Guru Hargobind serving a eunuch
YarKhan. (ref was proudly shared by a sikh on twitter)
Gobind Singh followed Bahadur Shah to Deccan to fight for him.


In Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh states that the reason he was in conflict with the Hill Rajas was that while they were worshiping idols, while he was an idol-breaker.

And idiot Hindus place him along Maharana, Prithviraj and Shivaji as saviours of Dharma.