#1 Why Substack is Better for Blogging Than LinkedIn Newsletter?
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
If you’re serious about blogging, you’ve probably considered platforms like Substack and LinkedIn Newsletter. Both have their advantages, but Substack stands out as the better choice for long-form, audience-driven content. Here’s why:
1. True Ownership & Portability of Your Audience
When you build an audience on Substack, you own your email list. If you decide to leave, you can take your subscribers with you. LinkedIn, however, controls your audience, and there's no direct way to export your subscriber list. This means your reach is at LinkedIn’s mercy, dependent on its algorithm and policies.
2. Monetization Opportunities
Substack offers built-in monetization, allowing you to charge for premium content via subscriptions. It’s a proven revenue model that many writers successfully use to generate income. On LinkedIn, there’s no direct way to monetize your newsletter apart from indirect benefits like brand exposure.
3. Better Content Discovery & SEO
Substack newsletters rank on Google, meaning your content can attract organic traffic outside your existing network. LinkedIn Newsletters, on the other hand, are locked within LinkedIn and rarely appear in search engine results. This makes Substack better for long-term discoverability and audience growth.
4. Freedom from Algorithm Dependence
LinkedIn’s algorithm decides how many people see your newsletter. Even your own subscribers might not get notified. In contrast, Substack delivers emails directly to your readers' inboxes, ensuring better visibility and engagement.
5. Superior Reader Experience
Substack is designed for reading, with clean typography, distraction-free layouts, and an easy-to-use interface. LinkedIn newsletters are cluttered with ads, sidebars, and other distractions that make the reading experience less immersive.
6. Custom Branding & Flexibility
Substack lets you customize your publication, from the newsletter name to the design and domain. It feels like your own website rather than a social media feature. LinkedIn newsletters, however, are just another LinkedIn post format, offering minimal customization.
7. Community Building & Engagement
Substack encourages deeper engagement through comment sections, discussions, and paid tiers. It fosters a dedicated readership, while LinkedIn newsletters are passive, relying mostly on LinkedIn notifications to maintain engagement.
When LinkedIn Newsletter Might Be a Better Choice
While Substack is better for independent, long-term blogging, LinkedIn Newsletter has its uses if:
Your goal is brand awareness and professional networking.
You already have a strong LinkedIn following and want to reach them directly.
You’re using it as a content marketing tool rather than a primary blogging platform.
Final Verdict
If you want to own your audience, monetize your content, and grow organically, Substack is the superior choice for blogging. LinkedIn Newsletter, while useful for professional outreach, is limited by platform control, lack of monetization, and discoverability issues.
Are you currently using LinkedIn Newsletter or Substack? Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments! 🚀
Just started on LinkedIn with my Newsletter and SubStack has been used by many relatives.