Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Substack and Medium
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Writing Platforms
In the vast landscape of online writing, Medium stands out, but other platforms like Newsbreak, Vocal Media, and Substack also offer enticing alternatives. My personal experiences with Newsbreak and Vocal Media were less than satisfying, which led me to embrace Medium as my primary writing space. This is where I can freely express various writing styles, akin to slipping into comfortable loungewear at home.
To better align with my vocation as a spiritual teacher, I decided to launch a Substack newsletter dedicated to spiritual growth.
Section 1.1: The Drawbacks of Substack
When considering Substack, there are a few challenges to note:
- Learning Curve - While not necessarily a negative aspect, the learning curve suggests that Substack comes with a wealth of features. Currently, I'm navigating this learning process.
- Lack of Viral Potential - Unlike Medium, Substack lacks an algorithm or promotional tools to boost certain stories, limiting the potential for wide distribution.
- Editing Experience - Medium's editor is user-friendly, while Substack’s feels somewhat unwieldy. Though it provides various options and is reminiscent of Microsoft Word, it doesn’t match the seamless writing experience that Medium offers.
Subsection 1.1.1: Advantages of Substack
Despite its drawbacks, Substack has several appealing features:
- Customizable Call-to-Action Buttons - Each piece can include engaging buttons like "Subscribe Now" or "Share This Post," which can be tailored to fit your needs.
- Community Engagement - Connecting with familiar faces from Medium or past clients on Substack is a delightful experience, fostering a sense of community.
- Monetization Control - Unlike Medium's pay-per-read model, Substack allows you to earn from subscriptions after monetizing your list. While you can't dictate how many people sign up, you set the monthly fee (with a minimum of $5) for paying members.
- Podcast Integration - Substack allows for podcast uploads, a feature I'm eager to explore as I plan to launch my own podcast. Many writers leverage this as a premium offering.
- Social Features - Substack has introduced features akin to social media, such as "Notes" for sharing thoughts and links, along with group chats and private messaging options.
- Secret Draft Links - This feature is particularly useful for collaboration, enabling you to share a preview of your post via a special link.
Section 1.2: Conclusion
Ultimately, while Substack has much to offer, Medium remains my comfort zone. Like many writers, I recognize the unique benefits of both platforms. Exploring both might be the most beneficial route for creative expression.
Chapter 2: Video Insights on Medium and Substack
To further understand the nuances between these platforms, consider watching the following videos:
This video, titled "A Complete Breakdown of Medium vs Substack | How to Make Money as a Writer," provides an in-depth analysis of the two platforms, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
In the video "Medium vs. Substack - Which one is better for writers?!", viewers can explore the comparative advantages of each platform from a writer's perspective.