Hello, Lovelies! Let's Discuss The Move From MailerLite to Substack...

One writer's journey...

Hello! You may have followed me from MailerLite (over 2300 of you!), so I wanted to explain why I’m still the same, but the ‘medium’ (not to be confused with Medium) has changed.

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

I started writing weekly posts here on Substack this past August. What have I learned over the past five months? Here are five key learnings:

1. I’m Much More Consistent

I find it much easier to write here than on the MailerLite (or MailChimp) apps. which I found tedious and confusing to create a newsletter worth reading.

Why is it easier here? I imagine because it’s very similar to the basic HTML options many of us are used to by hosting our sites on WordPress. Maybe?

I used to train pharmaceutical reps on selling skills. One of the best classes I took was on adult learning - what it is, why it matters, and how to make the most of it.

Bottom line: if adults have to learn something new, it better be worth their time and effort, or forget it.

With those principles in mind, it makes sense to me why I find writing here easier and more effective - it feels new but still comfortable, which is pretty genius.

2. I Enjoy Writing On Substack

Though my engagement on this platform is slowly growing steadily, another benefit of writing here is simple: I enjoy it. It doesn’t feel like work, which is always a plus.

Am I looking to replace social media entirely with Substack? No, because it’s not smart strategically to have only one place where I can consistently connect with other writers, readers, and clients. You can still find me in all the usual places.

Besides, that’s truly a branding question: Where do readers of my genre hang out? Learn more here:

That and with less than 1 million subscribers, reach pales in comparison to Facebook, with over 3 BILLION subscribers.

If you know me at all, you know I’m not a huge of Facebook, however, I do see major reader value there for the 45+ demographic, which is perfect for my books (memoir, poetry, and guides for writers) and many of my clients.

Want to join my private street team? Click here.

That may not be the case for you if you write YA or Romance - then IG and TikTok are your best bets.

3. I Make A Little Bit Of Money, Honey

Am I here to make money? Not really. A newsletter is a crucial part of any author platform, but having realistic expectations also matters for passive income.

I did not expect to make much from my newsletter here, but have been pleasantly surprised that three wonderful people have paid me for my content (and not even one of those is my mom, who said, “Why should I pay to subscribe to your newsletter when I can just ask you stuff?”)

LOL. Moms.

4. Utilizing AI-Writing Tools Helps

I pay for ChatGPT and WordHero (both helpful for writers) to help me with things like analogies, metaphors, and other techniques that add value. A helping hand, in other words.

Plus, both can be used to create art, which is astounding to me (I draw stick people).

If, like many people over age 50 (like me! I’ll be 60 next month, omg 😱 - kidding, I’m just happy to be here), the trend of AI-writing tools kinda feels like SkyNet became self-aware.

I don’t see that as an issue, however, there are existential dilemmas.

Only you can decide how best to utilize AI, if at all.

How do I use it? Well, as I logged into my WordHero account, I asked it to create a digital illustration of a woman with red hair under an oak tree - which is far and away better than anything I would have drawn! Now I can use this on my socials.

AI-generated art

5. Will Substack Replace Traditional Social Media?

I don’t see that happening anytime soon, but there is potential. Look at the numbers mentioned above.

Some writers are making millions here (a very small percentage). What about the rest of us? My goal is to provide helpful info for writers. That’s it. If someone pays me - great! But I don’t expect it here nor on socials (always lovely when someone does pay!).

I could be totally wrong, but what I’m reading is that, while Notes are an option here now that brings a social media aspect, is it enough to generate higher visibility in search engines?

Tips for how to optimize your newsletters here from BackLinko. Worth the read.

***

Thank you for reading, and if you’d like to visit all of my past posts, click here! And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button ⬇️

Got questions on book marketing, socials, branding, blogging, newsletters, writing, and publishing?

Ask below, and I’ll feature you in my next newsletter!