Thanks as always Andi for your insights! If one is just starting out, would you suggest first focusing on building out your written content before focusing on visuals? Or is it better to do both in tandem?
I plan to hire a graphic designer but figured I should first have more posts before doing so.
Thank you so much! And honestly, I wouldn’t jump straight into hiring a designer yet. In the beginning your taste, your message, even your format will shift, that’s completely normal.
Try a few things yourself first, even simple experiments in Canva. I do think it’s worth paying attention to visuals from the start, because we’re building something holistic and you never know which post will take off or reach the right reader.
But don’t treat it like you need the “final” look right away. You won’t. None of us do. I experimented a lot in the early phase, and only now does it make sense for me to bring in a professional :)
Funny b/c I literally just changed the name of my Substack to include "magazine". I'm sure it's not necessary to do that! But an interesting coincidence. Thanks for another insightful post, Andi!
Andi - I love this. I'm writing something similar for an Adobe Express blog. Can I get a direct quote from you about one of the newsletters you've called out here for its design sense?
In my relatively short time here, I’ve found your advice/writing to be a confidence builder. This might be the best one I’ve read of yours so far.
With stories about Mostly Music, supported by photos and videos from all the shows I go to, I’m more magazine than newsletter. The words are there, now I need to focus on appearance and branding.
The hero image with text is one thing where I can do better. Definitely need to tweak some language on my profile and with welcome letters etc.
Like you said, it doesn’t have to happen in one fell swoop. I like looking at the evolution of things, so this piece is, again, music to my ears. Thank you!
How do I build that kind of website? There are SO many questions...
I'm new to Substark and would love to stay in the "English Bubble", because it is so much better than the German one. But to keep up I need to improve my posts and visual style like immediately! 🤓
This shift from newsletter to magazine is fascinating! It reflects how creators are building media empires rather than just sending updates. The magazine format allows for more curation, depth, and brand building. Smart observation about where the platform is headed.
You helped me discover some new "magazines" 🙂 to read, thank you! Such a great read — I love reading things that are beautiful, well designed and thought through... all things your recs (and yours) does. Cheers 🥂
I’m just glad I started substack when this “substack business” started because what started as a portfolio for my writing has gradually evolved into a space for community building and my own business and that’s valuable to me
Illuminating as always! Thank you for teaching us, Andi! 💜
Thank you, Reka! 💜🥹
Thanks as always Andi for your insights! If one is just starting out, would you suggest first focusing on building out your written content before focusing on visuals? Or is it better to do both in tandem?
I plan to hire a graphic designer but figured I should first have more posts before doing so.
Thank you so much! And honestly, I wouldn’t jump straight into hiring a designer yet. In the beginning your taste, your message, even your format will shift, that’s completely normal.
Try a few things yourself first, even simple experiments in Canva. I do think it’s worth paying attention to visuals from the start, because we’re building something holistic and you never know which post will take off or reach the right reader.
But don’t treat it like you need the “final” look right away. You won’t. None of us do. I experimented a lot in the early phase, and only now does it make sense for me to bring in a professional :)
Funny b/c I literally just changed the name of my Substack to include "magazine". I'm sure it's not necessary to do that! But an interesting coincidence. Thanks for another insightful post, Andi!
You picked up on something!
Thank you! I know this is a post I’m going to come back to again and again as I work on the visual aspect of my Substack 🥰
I’m happy! Thanks, Holly!
Andi - I love this. I'm writing something similar for an Adobe Express blog. Can I get a direct quote from you about one of the newsletters you've called out here for its design sense?
Yes, absolutely! And thank you so much!
In my relatively short time here, I’ve found your advice/writing to be a confidence builder. This might be the best one I’ve read of yours so far.
With stories about Mostly Music, supported by photos and videos from all the shows I go to, I’m more magazine than newsletter. The words are there, now I need to focus on appearance and branding.
The hero image with text is one thing where I can do better. Definitely need to tweak some language on my profile and with welcome letters etc.
Like you said, it doesn’t have to happen in one fell swoop. I like looking at the evolution of things, so this piece is, again, music to my ears. Thank you!
Thank you! As the wife of a musician, I’m especially happy about your content :)
Cheers to that! It’s the international language that anyone can understand.
I feel overwhelmed atm 😅
How do I build that kind of website? There are SO many questions...
I'm new to Substark and would love to stay in the "English Bubble", because it is so much better than the German one. But to keep up I need to improve my posts and visual style like immediately! 🤓
This is so fascinating! Thank you for sharing
This shift from newsletter to magazine is fascinating! It reflects how creators are building media empires rather than just sending updates. The magazine format allows for more curation, depth, and brand building. Smart observation about where the platform is headed.
Thanks for your post! Marvellous and interesting. The metamorphosis of the substack platform reminds us of what we were and what we can become.
I lost my magazine editing job and here I am. Good thing I started two years before the layoff. All hail the magazine life!
You helped me discover some new "magazines" 🙂 to read, thank you! Such a great read — I love reading things that are beautiful, well designed and thought through... all things your recs (and yours) does. Cheers 🥂
Cassie, I’m so happy! Thank you and cheers 🥂
I’m just glad I started substack when this “substack business” started because what started as a portfolio for my writing has gradually evolved into a space for community building and my own business and that’s valuable to me
Thanks for the info. Really helpful to show why this needs to be a priority.
It also allows for new forms of creativity to emerge. New medium, new message!
Thank you featuring Feeling! 🤎
My pleasure :) And thank you for sharing it! 💜