How to use Substack: Starting your writing journey online can feel confusing because there are so many platforms available. Substack stands out because it is simple, clean, and made for people who want to share their thoughts without dealing with complicated website setups.
Whether you want to publish articles, send newsletters, or build a long-term community of readers, Substack gives you everything in one place.
Many writers in India are now choosing Substack because it focuses more on writing and less on technical work. You don’t need hosting, coding, or SEO plugins to get started. All you need is an email ID and a topic you enjoy writing about.
This guide easily explains Substack so even a complete beginner can understand how to use it.
What Exactly Is Substack?
Substack is a platform where you can write posts and send them directly to your audience’s email inboxes. This means your readers don’t have to visit a website or rely on social media to see your content.
Whenever you publish something, Substack automatically emails your subscribers, making communication more personal and direct.
While many people see Substack only as a newsletter tool, it is actually more than that. Every post you write also lives on a public webpage, similar to a blog. People can find it on Google, share it with others, or read older posts anytime.
This dual nature, both blog and newsletter, is what makes Substack useful for beginners and professionals alike.
Who Should Start Writing on Substack?
Substack is ideal for anyone who has something meaningful to share. You don’t need to be a professional writer. Many students, freelancers, teachers, and hobby writers use the platform to express their ideas.
If you enjoy storytelling, giving advice, or explaining topics, Substack gives you the right space to do it freely.
It is also a good option for people who want to build a personal brand. By posting regularly, your writing helps you gain visibility in your field.
For example how to use substack, a marketing professional can share tips, a finance expert can explain money-saving strategies, and a tech student can write about new tools. Substack works for anyone who wants to build trust through consistent content.
Why Writers Prefer Substack
The biggest advantage of Substack is simplicity. You don’t need to manage a website, worry about backend settings, or figure out complex design tools. The platform handles all the technical work so you can focus only on writing.
This is especially helpful for beginners who want to start quickly without spending money.
Another reason how to use substack writers love Substack is ownership. Your subscriber list belongs to you, not the platform. You can export it anytime and take it wherever you go.
Unlike social media followers, email subscribers give you a direct connection that cannot be taken away by algorithm changes. This long-term stability makes Substack a powerful tool for serious writers.
How Much Does Substack Cost?
Substack is completely free if you are publishing only free content. You don’t have to pay anything for writing, posting, or managing your newsletter.
This makes it one of the most budget-friendly platforms for beginners who want to experiment without financial pressure.
The only time Substack charges you is when you start earning from paid subscribers. The platform takes 10% of your revenue, while the payment processor (Stripe) takes a small transaction fee.
Many writers appreciate this model because they pay nothing until they actually start making money.
How to Create a Substack Account
How to use Substack
Creating a Substack account is very straightforward. You simply visit the Substack website, click on “Start Publishing,” and sign up using your email or Google account.
Once your account is created, you can immediately begin setting up your publication by choosing a name and adjusting basic design settings such as your logo, header, and short bio.
Your publication name acts like your brand on Substack. Some people use their real names, while others choose creative names based on their niche.
A clean and simple name works best because readers can remember it easily. After setting your name and URL, you can begin writing your first post.
Publishing Your First Post on Substack
The writing editor inside Substack is clean and distraction-free, making it comfortable for people who like simple tools. You can write your article, add headings, and insert images or links without dealing with any technical hassles.
The editor supports Markdown as well, but even if you don’t know Markdown, the basic formatting buttons are enough. How to use substack.
When you finish writing, you can preview and publish the article, Substack gives you an option to send the post through email, publish it on the website, or schedule it for later.
You can also choose whether the post should be free for all readers or accessible only to paid subscribers. This flexibility allows you to plan your content strategy in a way that fits your goals.
How Often Should You Post on Substack?
Consistency is more important than frequency. Most new writers find that one post per week works very well. It gives you enough time to think, write, and edit without feeling stressed. Weekly posts also keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them.
If weekly posting feels too much, even two posts per month are enough as long as you are consistent. Some writers also use Substack Notes for short updates, which keeps the publication active without requiring full-length articles. The idea is to maintain a steady rhythm so readers know what to expect.
Growing on Substack From Scratch
Starting with zero subscribers is normal. Many top Substack writers began the same way. The key is to grow steadily through a mix of sharing, networking, and providing valuable content.
Sharing your publication link on WhatsApp, X, Instagram Stories, and LinkedIn helps your early posts reach more people quickly.
Are Substack Posts Indexed on Google?
Many beginners think Substack posts don’t appear on Google because the platform feels like a newsletter.
But the truth is the opposite. Substack posts are public pages and get indexed by search engines, just like normal blog posts. People can find your content on Google if the topic matches what they are searching for.
However, Substack does not offer deep SEO controls like WordPress or Blogger. You cannot install plugins or tweak advanced settings.
Even without full SEO tools, many Substack posts rank well simply because the writing is clear, helpful, and focused on a niche topic. Good content still wins, even with basic SEO.
Earning Money Through Substack
One of Substack’s strongest features is monetisation. You can create paid subscriptions where readers support your work monthly or yearly.
Many writers offer extra articles, exclusive guides, or deep-dive content for paid subscribers. Some also create a “Founding Member” tier for supporters who want to contribute more.
The income can grow steadily if your content provides real value. Indian writers especially appreciate that Substack takes care of payments, receipts, and technical setup.
You focus only on writing, and Substack manages everything else in the background.
Conclusion
How to use substack: Substack is one of the simplest and most practical platforms for anyone in India who wants to start writing without complications. It doesn’t require technical knowledge, investment, or complicated tools.
Whether you are a student, working professional, or hobby writer, Substack allows you to share your thoughts with the world in a clean and organised way.
If you stay consistent and write with honesty, you can build a loyal audience over time. How to use substack is more than just a newsletter tool, it is a complete writing ecosystem that supports both beginners and advanced creators.
For anyone planning to write seriously in 2026, Substack is an excellent place to begin.
Leave a Comment