Terms

Jul 15, 2023
Substack vs. Medium - a compasion of publishing platforms

Photograph created by Lucas George Wendt on Unsplash

Publishing platforms and newsletters give authors the possibility of monetizing their writing in a responsible way. Instead of making affiliate programs or cramming their sites with advertisements, writers are able to focus only on their passions and writing.

It's an enlightened exchange between members as well as creators. Writers get paid to create material, while users have the chance to browse the articles they like, with the content completely unadvertised. Whatever your profession, whether you're writing, journalist or aspiring writer, the comparisons below will help you make an informed choice on which platform is best suited to your needs.

Substack

Substack's primary goal is to give authors the necessary tools to be successful by providing authors with the tools they need to reach their objectives. Substack provides a variety of options that satisfy the requirements of content creators that are independent. From opportunities for monetization to control of audience, Substack gives writers the ability to take charge of their creative journey and build the foundation for a long-term career.

Pricing and Features

Substack is described as "a platform for authors that is completely free." Substack gives writers the chance to create a newsletter business, create communities and earn money through subscriptions. The company claims no technical expertise required and aims to "take complete responsibility for all job, with the exclusion of the challenging aspect (the writing aspect obviously)." The company claims to offer "true freedom" in which the writer has copyright rights for every piece of content that they release.

It's quite simple. Writers have the ability to take written material from different platforms such as Mailchimp, WordPress, Tinyletter, Medium, Tumblr, as well as some custom websites and create a brand complete new site from beginning from scratch, which takes only a couple of minutes. Once the website is up and operating and the author decides what contents are available for free, and which fall under the Substack paywall. Substack will take 10% of revenue when a creator starts making money, however it is fully cost-free. Substack's Substack team thinks it's feasible to "start with your Substack in the morning and start earning money before lunchtime." This is how to do it.

Dashboard/Posts

The Dashboard page shows any previous articles you've previously written, and also some general information about the most recent blog post. The page includes every view along with the number of emails that were received and the click percentage.

Additionally, there are a range of different buttons that users could use to create their own blog post. You can create a fresh blog post or a brand new episode of your podcast, or a new thread. This page is where you will be able to get access to stats as well as Subscribers, Settings and Stats.

Substack vs. Medium - Substack posts homepage

In Substack newsletters, article content is called "posts" as they are published through the writer's Substack Profile page. When an account is created, Substack automatically creates a draft of the first draft. This auto-message invites users to sign up for Substack's newsletter for paid subscribers and then share the news on social platforms. The option to modify or delete the already-written content or start making your own blog posts.

Substack's content is posted on the homepage

The process begins by creating the titles, subtitles and authors. You can then request guest writers to compose and then you can use a text editor to add text copy as well as images of headings buttons and the bold and italic text quotes, as well as bullet points.

If you hit on the settings button there's an option to change the site's visibility. It is possible to create a blog posting that's public or private, and then select the option to allow or deny comments be posted. It is possible to edit the blog's date of publication and URL and hidden "draft URL" If you want to share your post with those you love or have in common with (even when it's not posted). It is possible to send out an email with a sample, or change the preview for social media websites to make sure that you've got the best images before you send it out to your followers.

After you've published and scheduled the post, log on to your Posts page to see the number of readers who have been able to read the post.

Subscribers

The dashboard for subscribers display the number of subscribers and paid customers. The dashboard also shows the annualized gross revenues and subscription number within the 30-day and 90-day period, and every day. This dashboard lists your subscribers' email addresses for every subscriber as well as the kind of subscription are on (free or paid) and the date they signed up and the amount of revenue they make per subscriber.

Substack vs. Medium - Substack add subscribers

For more subscribers, join them by using your email address, or export your current subscription list using MailChimp, TinyLetter, Patreon and similar platforms to a CSV file. After that, you can upload it. The Substack upload tool Substack uploader can load all email addresses it can discover, therefore only upload those that have signed up to your email list.

Stats

The Stats page is where you'll find information about how much traffic is directed towards your website, as well as the amount of emails you've sent within the 30 or 90 days time duration, or up to the date of the initial issue the newsletter.

The Traffic tab lists the latest month's internet users and their origin of the post. The source can be the article itself the substack page, or even your own profile or social media channels including Twitter.

Substack vs. Medium - Substack stats

The Email tabs will provide you with specific details about each blog post. This includes the title the date the post was first published, as well as audience (public and private), as well as details about the delivery metrics like the number of opens, openings rate as well as the cost for free or paid subscriptions after 1 day as well as the engagement (likes or comments).

Settings

Edit your journal's name and title. Also, you can modify discoverability options (such tags) as well as personalize your About page, where you are able to describe the advantages from reading the journal, as well as becoming subscribers.

Substack vs. Medium - Substack settings

You also have a range of possibilities to change your voice along with the visual branding of your magazine. It includes the cover image, logo and your banner for sending emails and a welcome email (which sends to subscribers upon subscription). The options you can modify to send emails, including the names of the sender, when you want to get emails with replies to blog posts, and even an email address which can use for RSS feeds like [email protected]. It is also possible to de-join or join the social media networks and Stripe to accept payments.

Integrity and compatibility

One of the main advantages of Substack's services is the possibility to bring content in from a number of different platforms. This saves time since there is no need to duplicate information across each platform you are using. Substack lets you import content from your favorite platforms such as Mailchimp, WordPress, TinyLetter, Tumblr web RSS feed Podcast RSS feed, Stripe and many more.

However, the bulk of the work Substack does is data and monitoring so you should consider adding an Facebook Pixel ID. Twitter Pixel ID Parse.ly Pixel ID Google Analytics Pixel ID, Google Tag Manager ID Google Site Verification, as well as Facebook Site Verification.

These pixels allow for monitoring your readership/engagement levels and some create an integration with advertising platforms. Through Facebook as an example, when you add Facebook's Facebook Pixel ID (found on the Facebook Business Page) to your Substack, Facebook can track the number of people who view advertisements that match their audience.

Medium

Medium on the other hand it is an online publishing and content creation platform that hosts a variety of content written by a range of writers. Medium is a community-driven search engine that allows writers are able to reach out to an entire audience as well as interact with other readers and publication that share similar writing styles. Medium offers a simple interface and a range of social capabilities, as well as an integrated distribution platform.

Prices and Features

Medium.com provides a variety of tools and features to both content creators and users. Medium.com is now the ideal place for individuals and companies to publish their thoughts and share stories with the largest online community.

It's simple to write and format content using an incredibly user-friendly editor. Medium Editor gives you a variety of formatting options, including lists, headings as well as images, and embedding multimedia media. When you've finished writing your piece You can then post it to make it accessible to the entire world or just to specific audiences.

Unlimited access costs $5 USD/month when paid monthly, or $50USD for a year is to be paid out in advance.

Dashboard/Home

Like the other social media platforms, Medium offers an extensive community of users and readers who constantly seek the latest details. With the help of the platform and curation mechanisms, such as an editor's preference' newsletter, articles are able to receive recognition and reach a wide readership. The platform will help writers and authors to connect with their people who are taking their books seriously, create their following, and improve their standing on their particular specializations.

Substack vs. Medium - Medium home page

Medium is a huge platform that allows authors to connect with a wider audience, and also receive acknowledgment in exchange for the work they write. With its vast audience, your work is likely to be discovered by people with an interest in the subject.

The section curated on Medium will help bring your post's information to those who would be interested in the content which increases the chance of interaction and visibility. By using these discovery tools, you'll take advantage of Medium's distribution system to increase the visibility of your articles.

Post editor

Medium offers a broad range of applications to produce documents that include sophisticated editing tools, and embedded media support, which can include images and videos, and the option of incorporating custom codes. Medium permits writers to create appealing content with the latest media. This makes it suitable for digital creators who like aesthetic writing.

Substack vs. Medium - Medium's post editor

Because of Medium's flex editors, editors of posts can alter their style and look of their articles to ensure they're aligned with the image of their organization. Media integration is an option that is supported by the platform and allows the seamless integration of images, audio, and video and interactive elements. If you're seeking to show off your photographic skills or display data through graphs or illustrations, Medium can help you create stunning media.

Network effect

Medium creates an atmosphere of community giving features such as comments, as well as guidelines and highlights which allow writers to communicate with readers. Engaging tools facilitate an engaging discussion, and also help to in creating a space that authors can engage their audiences.

Substack vs. Medium - Medium's network effect

The network effect on Medium plays a significant role help in extending the impact of the articles written by writers. If readers engage with the article via comments, claps and sharing, the algorithm of Medium will monitor the interactions and present the article for an audience that is larger. The network's effect permits authors to connect with a larger readership that their current followers, as well as attract new followers interested in their field.

Earn money through Medium's Partner Program?

Medium uses a distinct model for monetization. This is known as Medium Partner Program. Medium Partner Program. Writers are able to join the program and earn money according to how much interaction their works receive and applauds (Medium's equivalent to likes) and reading time. (While it is possible earning money in Medium, earnings is more uncertain compared with Substack's subscription model.)

Substack vs. Medium - Medium Partner Program

The Medium Partner Program encourages authors to create engaging and enjoyable pieces that resonate among people who read them. By rewarding articles based on the comments of readers and their engagement, Medium promotes the development of quality content which entertains and draws viewers. This is a way for you to earn a income while ensuring the openness and accessibility of the publishing platform.

Conclusion: Medium vs Substack

Substack and Medium offer different things to cater to different creators -- the best way to choose the platform for you is to consider what you want to get out of your newsletter/publishing platform. Substack permits independent writers to be able to use the possibility of monetization and audience control. An intuitive and precise user experience to write. But, Medium offers a vast audience, a variety of options to locate the right audience and feeling of being part of the community.

If you're able to provide useful and original details to your visitors, you can earn income and pursue your creativity. Every option has a specific purpose, however it is your responsibility to choose the one that is best for you and your audience. Happy writing!

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