I Spent 100 Hours Trying These 23 Substack Features. Here's What's Worth It (and What's Not)
The no-nonsense guide to leveraging Substack's tools to grow your newsletter faster and easier
When I relaunched my Substack last year, I felt completely overwhelmed.
The dashboard had dozens of features I barely understood. Other writers seemed to be using tools I couldn't even find. Every week, Substack would release something new that I had no idea how to leverage.
I'd watch other newsletters explode with growth while mine crawled along, and I couldn't shake the feeling that they knew something I didn't.
Maybe you can relate?
You're publishing consistently. Creating solid content. Following the standard advice. But your growth feels painfully slow compared to others in your niche.
Meanwhile, the writers crushing it are:
Building thriving communities using Chat features you've barely touched
Attracting subscribers through strategic Notes you don't fully understand
Converting free readers to paid using welcome sequences you haven't optimized
Growing exponentially through platform tools you can't even locate in your dashboard
What makes this particularly frustrating is that the window of opportunity on Substack won't stay open forever. The platform is maturing. Categories are getting crowded. The writers who master these tools now are establishing positions that will be harder to challenge later.
I hit a breaking point six months ago and decided to go all-in on understanding every single feature Substack offers. Not just the obvious ones everyone uses, but the hidden tools, settings, and strategies that top performers leverage.
I spent over 100 hours:
Testing every feature in the Substack ecosystem
Tracking the specific results from each tool
Documenting what worked, what flopped, and what was game-changing
What I discovered surprised me.
Most writers (even successful ones) are using less than 20% of Substack's available features. They're leaving serious growth and monetization opportunities on the table. And in many cases, they're working much harder than necessary because they're not leveraging the platform's full capabilities.
In this post, I'm breaking down exactly what I learned from testing all 23 core Substack features (plus 4 bonus tools). You'll discover which ones deliver real results and which ones are a complete waste of time.
This isn't theoretical advice. Every assessment is based on measurable outcomes from my own newsletter, which grew from zero to 6,000+ subscribers and now generates $5K monthly revenue.
Let's dive into what actually works.
The Testing Methodology I Used
I approached this testing process like a scientist, not a hype man.
Every feature had to prove itself with concrete results - not potential, not theory, not "what the experts say." Just raw performance data from my actual newsletter.
For each Substack feature, I tracked three key metrics:
Growth impact: Did it bring in new subscribers?
Engagement lift: Did it increase opens, reads, and interactions?
Time investment: Was the result worth the effort?
I didn't just try each feature once. I tested systematically - different approaches, different timing, different content types - to find the optimal strategy for each tool.
…and some I asked Substack Bestsellers I know how it’s worked for them, too.
Some features surprised me with their effectiveness. Others were disappointments. Many fell somewhere in between - useful in specific situations but not worth obsessing over.
Based on these results, I've categorized each feature into one of three tiers:
Game-changers: Delivered good results and should be core to your strategy
Worth it: Features that produced positive outcomes and deserve attention
Skip it: Features that didn't deliver meaningful results relative to the time invested
What you won't find here is the generic advice you've seen recycled across dozens of other posts. No "just write great content" platitudes. No vague suggestions to "engage with your audience."
Just practical, tested strategies for leveraging specific Substack features to grow your newsletter faster while working smarter.
Because let's be honest - the opportunity cost of NOT using these tools correctly is enormous. Every day you publish without maximizing these features is a day of potential growth and revenue lost.
Let's start with the features that actually move the needle.
Growth Features That Actually Work
1. Tags: The Hidden SEO Superpower
I almost missed this one entirely.
For months, I'd been hastily adding a couple random tags to my posts as an afterthought. I figured they were just organizational tools - helpful for readers browsing my archive but not much else.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Tags aren't just for organization. They're Substack's internal SEO system - directly influencing which readers discover your content and how the platform promotes your posts.
When I started strategically tagging my content, the results were immediate and dramatic. One of my posts a month ago went from an average performer to exploding - 1,200+ likes, 200+ comments & restacks, and a steady stream of new subscribers that continues weeks later.
Here's what actually works with tags:
Be specific AND generic. Tags like "writing" or "business" are broad but help effectively categorize your post. You can also use specific phrases like "newsletter monetization" or "substack growth strategies" that clearly identify your content's niche. I think they’re both important.
Research before selecting. Before publishing, search for potential tags on Substack to see what content already ranks. Look for tags with engaged audiences but not overwhelming competition.
Use 3-5 targeted tags per post. Too few limits your reach. Too many dilutes your focus. I've found 3-5 highly relevant tags hits the sweet spot.
Match tags to reader intent. Think about what your ideal reader would search for when looking for your content. Use those phrases as your tags.
Rotate your tags. For a few weeks, use 4-5 different tags for your posts. The next few weeks, rotate them to something new.
After learning more about tags, it made sense why some of my posts bombed and some blew up. The tags play a major role.
When I tested different tagging strategies, the posts with research-backed, specific tags consistently outperformed identical content with generic or random tags by 30-40% in terms of discovery.
The best part? This takes about 2 minutes per post once you develop your system.
2. Notes: Your Daily Subscriber Magnet
When Notes first launched, I dismissed it as "Substack's version of Twitter" - a distraction from my real work of writing newsletters.
Six months and 6,000+ new subscribers later, I realize that was a rookie mistake.
Notes isn't just a social feature - it's the most efficient subscriber acquisition channel on the entire platform when used correctly. While a great newsletter post might bring in 20-30 new subscribers, a strategic Note can do the same with 1/10th the effort.
After extensive testing, here's what actually drives results:
Consistency trumps perfection. Posting 2-3 times daily, even with simple content, dramatically outperforms posting one "perfect" Note occasionally. The algorithm rewards consistent participation.
Lead with value, not promotion. My highest-performing Notes share a specific insight, tip, or observation - not announcements about my newsletter. Give value first, subscribers follow naturally.
Build a community. Some of my best Notes simply invite people to introduce themselves and collaborate. These Notes bring the most new subscribers.
Engage authentically in comments. Notes that generated the most subscribers weren't necessarily the ones with the most likes - they were ones where I actively engaged in thoughtful comment discussions.
The most surprising discovery? The Notes that converted best weren't my most polished or profound thoughts. They were often quick observations, useful frameworks, or honest reflections that sparked genuine conversation.
My daily routine now includes about 20-30 minutes dedicated to Notes - resulting in a steady stream of 10-20 new subscribers every single day with minimal effort.
3. Restack: Building Visibility Through Sharing
I almost dismissed the Restack feature as just another "like" button with a fancy name.
That single misconception was costing me hundreds of potential subscribers.
Restack isn't just engagement – it's Substack's native distribution network. When someone Restacks your content, they're essentially broadcasting it to their entire audience. It's like getting a free newsletter mention from another writer.
After experimenting with different approaches, here's what I discovered actually works:
Create "Restack-worthy" content. Notes that present unique insights, useful frameworks, or thought-provoking questions get Restacked far more often than generic updates or self-promotion. I saw a 3X difference in Restack rates between content designed to help others versus content designed to help myself.
The reciprocity effect is real. When I began thoughtfully Restacking others' content, my own Restack rate increased by approximately 40%. But here's the key – it only worked when I added a personal comment explaining why I found their content valuable. Empty Restacks didn't generate the same reciprocity.
Use the "Quote Restack" strategically. Adding your own perspective to a Restack amplifies its impact. I found that brief, value-adding comments outperformed both empty Restacks and long, detailed responses.
Ask subscribers to “Restack.” This one seems almost too simple to be true. However, when I started simply asking my subscribers to “Restack” a note or post…they did.
The most valuable insight? Creating content specifically designed to be shared by others is entirely different from creating content that simply performs well with your existing audience.
When I shifted my approach to occasionally create highly shareable Notes – concise frameworks, unique insights, or helpful resources – my average Restack rate tripled, bringing in approximately 15-25 new followers weekly from other writers' audiences.
4. Cross-Promote: The Underutilized Growth Engine
This might be the most powerful feature almost nobody uses.
Substack's Cross-Promote tool lets you recommend another writer's post to your audience, and vice versa. It's essentially guest posting without the work of creating new content.
When I first discovered this feature buried in my dashboard, I was skeptical. Why would I send my precious subscribers to someone else's content?
But after testing it systematically, the results were undeniable.
My first strategic cross-promotion brought in 100 new subscribers in a single 24-hour period. And that was just the beginning.
Here's what I learned about making cross-promotion work:
Partner selection is everything. The best cross-promotion partners aren't the biggest newsletters – they're ones with highly engaged audiences in adjacent niches. My most successful partnerships have been with newsletters that share my target audience but don't directly compete with my content.
Relevance outweighs reach. A cross-promotion with a smaller, hyper-relevant newsletter consistently outperformed exchanges with larger but less aligned publications. One cross-promotion with a 900-subscriber newsletter brought more new subscribers than an exchange with a 5,000+ newsletter in a less related niche.
Personalization drives conversion. Generic cross-promotions perform poorly. When I took time to explain specifically why I was recommending a partner's content and how it connected to my own work, open rates increased.
Track and optimize partnerships. Not all cross-promotions deliver equal results. By tracking which partnerships brought the most engaged subscribers (not just the most subscribers), I've built a network of 5 to 6 regular cross-promotion partners that consistently deliver quality results.
The most surprising discovery was the compound effect. As my own newsletter grew through these partnerships, the value I could offer to potential partners increased as well, creating a growth flywheel that continues to accelerate.
I now dedicate approximately 2 hours monthly to maintaining and developing cross-promotion relationships, generating 100-150 new subscribers from these exchanges alone.
5. Recommendations Feature
When I first noticed the Recommendations feature, I honestly thought it was just a courtesy option - a way to give friendly nods to other writers I admired.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
The Recommendations feature is a powerful growth tool that creates reciprocal discovery networks when used strategically. It works in two critical ways: it helps your subscribers find complementary content they'll value, and it puts your publication in front of readers who already enjoy similar content.
After three months of systematic testing, here's what I discovered:
Strategic recommendation selection matters. When I recommended publications based solely on friendship or popularity, the results were negligible. But when I carefully selected newsletters that genuinely complemented mine - offering adjacent value to my specific audience - both parties saw substantial subscriber crossover.
The sweet spot is 5 to 10 recommendations. Too few, and you limit your network effect. Too many, and you dilute the impact. My testing showed that maintaining 5 to 10 highly relevant recommendations generated the optimal balance of outbound and inbound discovery.
Personalized recommendation notes convert dramatically better. Generic recommendations barely moved the needle. But when I added specific notes explaining exactly why I recommended each publication ("John's deep dives on newsletter monetization perfectly complement my growth strategies"), subscriber crossover increased approximately 10-15%.
Reciprocity is powerful but not guaranteed. About 60% of writers I recommended eventually recommended me back, often without any prompting. The key was making genuinely valuable recommendations first, without explicit requests for reciprocation.
The most surprising insight? The quality of subscribers gained through recommendations was exceptionally high. These readers consistently showed higher open rates, better engagement, and greater propensity to convert to paid subscriptions compared to subscribers from most other sources.
By rotating my recommendations quarterly and focusing on genuine value alignment rather than obligation, this feature now brings in approximately 50-80 high-quality subscribers monthly with virtually no ongoing effort.
6. Substack Home & Leaderboard
For months I dismissed the Substack Home and Leaderboard as vanity metrics - nice to see if you're ranked, but not worth focusing on strategically.
That assumption cost me hundreds of potential subscribers.
The Substack Home and category Leaderboards aren't just recognition systems - they're powerful discovery engines that can drive substantial growth when you understand how they work.
Through careful tracking and experimentation, here's what I learned:
The algorithm rewards consistency above all. Publications that publish on a regular, predictable schedule consistently rank higher than those with sporadic posting patterns - even when the latter have more total subscribers or engagement. When I shifted from random publishing to a strict Tuesday/Thursday schedule, my category visibility increased dramatically.
Category selection is a strategic decision. The temptation is to list yourself in popular categories for maximum exposure. But my testing showed that ranking higher in a smaller, more specific category often drove more relevant subscribers than ranking lower in a major category.
Engagement metrics matter more than subscriber count. Publications with high open rates, strong comment engagement, and active Note participation consistently ranked better than larger but less engaged newsletters.
Perhaps the most valuable insight was understanding the compounding effect of leaderboard visibility. Once you break into the top rankings for your category, the increased discovery drives more subscribers, which improves engagement metrics, which strengthens your ranking position - creating a self-reinforcing growth cycle.
By optimizing specifically for the metrics that matter to Substack's discovery algorithms, I now receive approximately 50-70 new subscribers monthly directly through platform discovery - essentially free growth on autopilot.
Engagement Features That Build Community
Let's talk about the features that don't just grow your subscriber count but actually build something more valuable: a loyal community that keeps coming back.
7. Welcome Email: Your Critical First Impression
I'll never forget the day I realized I'd been completely wasting the most valuable piece of real estate in my entire newsletter operation.
My welcome email.
For six months, I'd been sending new subscribers the default Substack message with a quick "Thanks for subscribing!" note tacked on. Nothing special. Nothing memorable.
Then I looked at the data.
Welcome emails consistently get 60-70% open rates - far higher than regular newsletters. New subscribers are never more engaged than in those first 24 hours after signing up.
And I was squandering that moment with a generic greeting.
Once I revamped my welcome email, everything changed:
Introducing my story and mission created immediate connection. Instead of a faceless writer, I became a real person with a journey they could relate to.
Highlighting my best content gave new subscribers an immediate path to value. No more waiting for the next newsletter to prove my worth.
Setting clear expectations about what they'd receive and when eliminated uncertainty and reduced early unsubscribes.
Including a subtle invitation to my paid tier or digital products started generating conversions from day one.
Think about it this way: Your welcome email is like greeting someone at your front door. Would you just say "thanks for coming" and walk away? Or would you invite them in, show them around, and make them feel at home?
The impact was immediate. After implementing a strategic welcome email, my free-to-paid conversion rate increased by 23% and digital product purchases from new subscribers doubled.
All from a single email that took me less than an hour to craft.
8. The Chat Feature: Creating a Community Hub
"Is anyone actually using Substack Chat?"
That was my first question when this feature launched. It seemed like an unnecessary add-on to a platform built for writing.
Now it's one of my most valuable engagement tools.
Chat isn't just another messaging system - it's a community-building ecosystem that fills the gaps between your regular posts. Done right, it transforms occasional readers into daily participants in your publication's community.
My approach evolved through trial and error:
First, I tried hosting impromptu discussions whenever I had time. Result: Sporadic engagement with no momentum.
Then I experimented with themed days - "Growth Strategy Tuesdays" and "Q&A Fridays." Result: Better, but still inconsistent.
The breakthrough came when I created structured, recurring events with clear value propositions:
Weekly Notes Boosts where subscribers can share their recent note and everyone and choose to support and restack.
Introduce & Collaboration Thread where subscribers introduce their Substack and open an invitation to recommend each other and collaborate.
Monthly Subscriber Spotlights where I feature the work and journey of individual community members
"What's Working Now" Updates where we discuss current trends and tactics in real time
These structured events accomplish something my regular posts never could: they transform passive consumers into active participants and collaborators.
The unexpected benefit? Chat has become my primary source of content ideas. Nearly every popular post I've written in the past six months originated from a discussion or question in Chat.
For a feature that takes just 15-20 minutes of attention a few times weekly, the ROI has been extraordinary - deeper subscriber relationships, higher retention rates, and a consistent stream of fresh content inspiration.
9. Live: Connecting Through Video
When Substack introduced the Live feature, my introvert alarm bells went off immediately.
"Great," I thought. "Now I'm expected to perform on camera too?"
But after pushing myself to test it thoughtfully, I've found Live sessions can be powerful when used selectively and aligned with your natural style.
Unlike the constant pressure of platforms like Instagram or TikTok, Substack Live works best as an occasional, high-value event rather than a frequent obligation.
Here's what I've learned about making Live work effectively:
Live sessions excel for specific purposes rather than general chit-chat. My most successful formats have been:
Monthly deep dives into complex topics that benefit from real-time explanation
Collaborative sessions with other Substack writers that merge our audiences
Subscriber Q&A events that address specific questions too nuanced for written responses
The key is preparation and purpose. Each successful Live had:
A clear agenda shared in advance
Specific value promised and delivered
Timely topics drawn from reader questions or current challenges
Limited duration (30-45 minutes max)
For writers concerned about the performance aspect, I found that topic-focused sessions removed the pressure to be entertaining. When you're helping people solve real problems, genuine expertise matters more than charisma or production quality.
The metrics tell the story: Live sessions typically convert 8-12% of attendees into new subscribers when done with partner publications and improve retention rates among existing subscribers by approximately 20% compared to non-attendees.
All that said, Live isn't for everyone or every publication. If it genuinely doesn't align with your strengths or audience expectations, you can succeed without it. But don't dismiss it based on fear alone - test it thoughtfully before deciding.
10. Podcast: Audio Connection Without the Camera
"You need a podcast!"
This is the advice that gets thrown at every creator these days. So, when Substack added native podcast functionality, I figured I should jump on the bandwagon.
But I approached it with a key question: Would podcasting actually serve my audience better than writing, or was I just following a trend?
After testing different formats for three months, here's what I discovered:
Podcasting on Substack isn't a universal requirement - it's a specialized tool that works exceptionally well for specific types of content and creators. The key is understanding when audio truly adds value versus when it's just an alternative format for the same information.
My testing revealed some surprising patterns:
Where podcasting shines:
Interview-based content that benefits from natural conversation
Complex topics where verbal explanation provides clarity
Content where your personality and voice genuinely enhance the message
Discussions that benefit from the nuance of tone and emphasis
Where writing remains superior:
Data-heavy analysis that readers prefer to digest at their own pace
Step-by-step guides that people want to reference repeatedly
Content requiring visual elements or code examples
Any information readers might want to skim or reference quickly
The most effective approach wasn't choosing between written or audio content - it was using them as complementary channels. My highest-performing podcast episodes were those that expanded on popular written pieces, diving deeper into topics readers had already shown interest in.
For my publication, the sweet spot turned out to be a monthly deep-dive podcast that complemented my weekly written content - enough to provide value to audio-preferring subscribers without overwhelming my production capacity.
The bottom line: Podcasting on Substack works best when it leverages your natural strengths and truly enhances your message - not when it's just ticking a box on your creator to-do list.
11. Strategic Buttons
Here's something embarrassingly simple that dramatically improved my results: using buttons strategically throughout my posts.
For months, I relied on Substack's default buttons at the end of my posts. I figured that was enough - if people wanted to comment or subscribe, they'd scroll down and find the buttons.
Then I actually watched how people interacted with my newsletter.
Most readers never made it to the bottom of longer posts. They'd read partway through, get interrupted or distracted, and never see those default buttons at the end.
So, I started experimenting with strategic button placement throughout my content:
The Early-Bird Subscribe Button. Placing a subscribe button after a compelling introduction captured readers who were immediately interested without requiring them to finish the entire piece. This single change increased subscription conversions by approximately 30%.
The Contextual Comment Button. Instead of a generic "leave a comment" at the end, I began placing comment buttons after specific questions or discussion points throughout the post. This increased comment rates by over 30% and generated more thoughtful, specific engagement.
The Showcase Button. For posts mentioning my digital products or services, adding a custom button with specific, benefit-focused text ("Get the exact templates I used") outperformed generic "learn more" buttons by nearly 2:1 in click-through rates.
The most powerful discovery was that button placement creates natural engagement points throughout your content. Rather than hoping readers make it to the end, you're providing clear opportunities for action exactly when interest peaks.
Some of my most effective placements include:
After introducing a compelling problem (subscribe button)
Following a particularly valuable insight (comment button)
When referencing a resource or tool (custom button)
At the end of each major section in longer posts (share button)
It seems almost too simple, but this minor adjustment to how I use Substack's native buttons has had an outsized impact on subscriber conversion, engagement, and monetization with virtually no additional work.
Monetization Features That Drive Revenue
Growing your audience is great, but turning that audience into sustainable income is what allows you to keep creating. These features directly impact your bottom line.
12. Referral Program: Turning Readers Into Promoters
I ignored Substack's referral program for an embarrassingly long time.
"It's just a standard feature," I thought. "I'll set it up eventually."
That procrastination was a significant missed opportunity.
The referral program is Substack's built-in way to incentivize your current subscribers to share your newsletter with others. When someone from their network subscribes to your publication through their referral link, they earn rewards that you determine.
Through testing different approaches, I discovered what actually makes this feature effective:
Meaningful rewards drive action. The default "give your friend a free month" is just the starting point. I found that offering something unique – access to a private resource library, a digital template, or even a personal shoutout in my newsletter – created much stronger motivation to share.
Promotion placement matters. Burying your referral program in your footer guarantees it will be ignored. I began highlighting it strategically – in welcome emails, at the end of popular posts, and occasionally as a dedicated mention – which significantly increased participation.
The personal touch connects. Generic "refer a friend" messaging feels transactional. Creating a personal appeal explaining why sharing helps support my work and connects like-minded readers made participation feel more meaningful for everyone involved.
Community recognition builds momentum. When I started acknowledging top referrers in my newsletter and giving them special recognition, it created a sense of community contribution rather than just promotion.
The most valuable insight? Referral programs work best when framed as community-building rather than self-promotion. When readers understand they're connecting friends with valuable content rather than just "promoting" you, their willingness to share increases significantly.
This feature requires minimal setup and maintenance, yet creates an ongoing source of new subscribers who come with built-in trust – they're already receiving a recommendation from someone they know.
13. Email-Only Posts: Strategic Exclusivity
I stumbled upon the value of email-only posts almost by accident.
While preparing a newsletter about newsletter metrics, I realized the content wasn't quite ready for prime time. Rather than delay completely, I decided to send it as an email-only update, promising a more polished version later.
The response was unexpectedly enthusiastic. Readers appreciated the "behind-the-scenes" feel and more personal tone.
This accidental discovery led me to experiment systematically with email-only content. The results challenged my assumptions about how content delivery affects engagement and monetization.
Email-only posts serve specific strategic purposes that regular public posts can't match:
Creating insider moments. Email-only content feels more personal and exclusive. When I share work-in-progress thoughts or early access information through email-only, engagement rates increase by 15-20% compared to identical content published publicly.
Testing content without commitment. Before developing comprehensive posts on new topics, I can test ideas with email-only messages to gauge interest. This has saved me countless hours creating full posts on topics that ultimately didn't resonate.
Building anticipation for paid content. Email-only previews of upcoming paid content consistently convert 3-4X better than public announcements about the same offerings.
Maintaining momentum during gaps. When I can't produce full-quality posts due to travel or other commitments, email-only updates keep engagement steady without compromising my public content standards.
The most surprising discovery was how email-only content affected paid conversion rates. Subscribers who received a mix of public and email-only content converted to paid subscriptions approximately 22% more frequently than those who only engaged with public posts.
This suggests that the varied content experience and sense of "insider access" creates stronger connection – even before upgrading to paid status.
I now incorporate email-only posts as approximately 20% of my content mix, using them strategically to complement rather than replace my public-facing work.
14. Tiered Subscription Levels
Most Substack writers I interviewed were making a crucial mistake with their subscription strategy.
They were only focusing on the standard paid tier, completely overlooking the power of Substack's three-tier system.
"I nearly tripled my subscription revenue without adding any new content," explained one newsletter writer I spoke with. "All I did was properly set up my founding member tier and optimize my messaging."
Substack's built-in structure gives you three distinct options:
Free tier (accessible to everyone)
Paid tier (your standard subscription)
Founding member tier (premium support level)
What I learned from successful writers is that the founding member tier isn't just a "donation" level as many assume. When positioned correctly, it becomes a genuine premium option that attracts your most dedicated supporters.
One writer showed me exactly how she optimized her tiers:
For her standard paid tier ($7/month), she offered the core newsletter plus access to the full archive.
For her founding member tier ($200/year), she added:
Priority email access for questions
Monthly group Q&A sessions
Name recognition in a special "supporters" section
Early access to new projects
"The founding members aren't paying more just to be nice," she told me. "They're paying for legitimate additional value that costs me very little extra time to provide."
The results speak for themselves. Approximately 15% of her paid subscribers chose the founding member option, significantly increasing her average subscription value.
Most importantly, she didn't have to create separate content calendars or complex systems. She simply leveraged Substack's built-in tier structure and added thoughtful positioning.
If you haven't optimized both your paid and founding member tiers yet, you're likely leaving significant subscription revenue on the table.
15. Paid Chat Access
"Chat is fine for free subscribers, but I'd never pay for it."
That was my initial reaction when I saw writers offering exclusive Chat access for paid subscribers. It seemed like a weak benefit compared to premium content.
I was completely wrong.
After talking with several successful Substack writers, I discovered that exclusive Chat communities are actually one of the most powerful retention tools for paid subscriptions.
One writer explained it perfectly: "Premium content gets people to subscribe, but community connection keeps them from canceling."
Here's what makes dedicated paid Chat spaces work so well:
Higher signal-to-noise ratio. When Chat is limited to paying subscribers, the quality of conversation immediately elevates. People who have financially committed to your publication tend to contribute more thoughtfully and meaningfully.
Psychological investment. As one writer told me, "Once subscribers start building relationships in Chat, their subscription becomes about more than just my content—it's about the connections they've formed."
Direct access value. Many subscribers value direct access to you more highly than additional content. One writer shared: "I can create a quick Chat thread asking what challenges people are facing, and suddenly I have both incredible engagement and my next three newsletter topics."
Lower production burden. Unlike creating additional premium content, managing a thriving Chat space often takes less time while delivering more perceived value.
The most successful implementation I encountered was a hybrid approach:
Main Chat open to all subscribers
Dedicated "Deep Dive" threads exclusively for paid subscribers
Monthly themed discussions only available to paying members
This structure created clear value differentiation without completely segregating the community.
One particularly effective tactic: creating "Office Hours" threads where paid subscribers could ask specific questions and receive personalized feedback. This high-value interaction required minimal time commitment but delivered significant perceived value.
If you're currently offering Chat access to all subscribers without differentiation, you're missing a powerful opportunity to enhance your paid subscription value proposition.
Technical Features That Save Time
16. Image Generation: AI-Powered Visuals
Every post needs visuals. That's content creation 101.
But for most newsletter writers, this presents a frustrating challenge. You're not a designer. You don't have a graphics budget. And you definitely don't have time to hunt for the perfect stock photo or create custom images for every post.
That's what makes Substack's built-in image generation feature such a game-changer.
When you're adding an image to your post, simply click "Generate" and describe what you want. Within seconds, you have a custom visual that perfectly matches your content.
Here's what makes this feature particularly valuable:
The images are automatically sized correctly for Substack's layout, eliminating the need to crop or resize photos.
You maintain complete originality – no more using the same stock photos as everyone else in your niche.
The time savings are substantial – what used to take 15-30 minutes searching stock sites now takes seconds.
Most impressively, the quality has improved dramatically since launch. Early versions produced obviously artificial images, but recent outputs are remarkably professional.
One writer I spoke with conducted an informal test, asking readers if they could tell which newsletter images were AI-generated versus professionally designed. The results? Readers correctly identified the source less than 60% of the time – barely better than random guessing.
The most effective approach I've seen combines text prompts with clear art direction. An example:
"A minimalist desk workspace with a coffee cup and notebook, morning light, professional photography style"
This level of specificity produces far better results than vague descriptions like "workspace" or "writing desk."
Fun fact: Every image in this newsletter was created using Substack's Generate feature. Each one took less than 2 minutes
If you're still spending time hunting for stock photos or creating custom graphics for your newsletter, this built-in feature could save you hours every week while simultaneously improving your visual branding.
17. SEO Optimization: Getting Found Beyond Substack
Most writers are leaving significant traffic on the table because they don't realize one crucial fact:
Substack posts can rank extremely well on Google.
While everyone focuses on internal Substack growth, they're missing the massive opportunity to attract readers from search engines - readers who may never have discovered their newsletter otherwise.
"I get about 20% of my new subscribers from Google searches," explained a successful finance writer I spoke with. "And I'm not doing anything complicated - just using a few basic SEO settings that most people completely ignore."
The secret is Substack's built-in SEO tools that most writers never touch:
Custom post URLs: By default, Substack creates URLs with random characters. By customizing your post URL to include relevant keywords, you dramatically improve search visibility. This takes 5 seconds per post.
Meta descriptions: The small summary that appears in search results is crucially important for click-through rates. Most writers leave this blank, letting Substack auto-generate something generic. Taking 30 seconds to write a compelling description can double your search click-through rate.
SEO title optimization: Your newsletter title might be clever or intriguing, but search engines reward clarity and keywords. Using the SEO title field lets you maintain your creative title for subscribers while optimizing for search discovery.
What makes these settings particularly valuable is their permanence. Unlike social media growth that requires constant feeding, SEO improvements compound over time. Posts I optimized months ago continue to bring in new readers with zero additional effort.
"The key insight is understanding that people search differently than they browse," one writer explained. "When I'm writing for my subscribers, I can be creative with my headlines. When I'm optimizing for search, I need to think about what problems people are actively trying to solve."
For example, a post titled "The Unfair Advantage" might intrigue your current subscribers, but people searching for help would never find it. However, by keeping that title for subscribers while setting the SEO title to "How to Find Your Unique Strengths as a Creator," you get the best of both worlds.
The writers who have mastered this approach are effectively running two parallel growth strategies: one for existing Substack readers and another for search discovery. And it requires just a minute or two of extra effort per post.
If you're not currently optimizing your SEO settings, you're missing out on a significant source of sustainable, passive growth.
18. Import/Export: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset
Your subscriber list isn't just a number in your dashboard. It's the most valuable asset you own as a creator.
Yet I'm constantly surprised by how many writers treat their subscriber data like it's Substack's property rather than their own.
"I thought my list was automatically backed up somewhere," one writer told me after a platform glitch temporarily hid some of their subscriber data. "That moment of panic made me realize I needed to take control of my own data."
Substack's import/export tools are deceptively simple but critically important features that every writer should be using regularly.
The export feature lets you download a complete CSV file of your subscriber list, including:
Email addresses
Subscription status
Sign-up dates
Payment information for paid subscribers
This gives you complete ownership of your audience data, providing critical protection in several scenarios:
Platform changes. While Substack has been reliable, no platform is immune to policy shifts, ownership changes, or technical issues.
Migration options. Having your data ready gives you the freedom to move to another platform if necessary, without losing your audience.
Marketing possibilities. Exported data can be used with external tools for specialized campaigns that Substack doesn't support natively.
Peace of mind. Simply knowing you have a backup removes the anxiety of having your entire business dependent on a single platform's infrastructure.
On the flip side, the import tool is equally powerful when you're just starting out or growing your operation. One writer I spoke with leveraged this feature brilliantly:
"I had been building an email list through my website for years before joining Substack. Being able to import those 2,300 subscribers on day one gave me an immediate audience rather than starting from zero."
The import tool accepts standard CSV files, making it compatible with practically any system where you might have collected emails previously - from simple signup forms to sophisticated CRM systems.
For established writers, this also enables advanced strategies like segmenting your audience across multiple publications while maintaining your complete list independently.
The best practice I've seen is setting a monthly calendar reminder to export your current list - simple, quick protection that ensures you always maintain control of your most important asset.
19. Post Scheduling
There's a world of difference between publications that feel professional and those that feel haphazard.
Consistent publishing is often cited as the key to newsletter success. But consistency doesn't have to mean constant presence at your computer.
Substack's scheduling feature transforms how you approach content creation, yet many writers don't use it to its full potential.
"I used to live in constant stress about getting my newsletter out at the 'right' time," explained a writer with over 8,000 subscribers. "Now I batch-create content on Sundays and schedule it throughout the week. My content quality improved and my stress disappeared."
The scheduling tool lets you:
Write posts when you're at your creative peak
Hit optimal delivery times regardless of your personal schedule
Maintain consistency during travel or busy periods
Create a professional publishing rhythm your subscribers can count on
But the real power comes from combining scheduling with strategic timing:
Most writers I spoke with have identified specific days and times when their audiences are most responsive. Some found Tuesday mornings optimal, others discovered Sunday evenings drove higher engagement. The scheduling feature allows them to hit these windows precisely, even if they're not personally available to hit "publish."
One particularly effective approach I discovered was the "batch production" method:
Set aside one focused day for content creation (typically a Sunday or Monday)
Write 2-3 posts in a single concentrated session when creativity is flowing
Schedule them to publish throughout the week at predetermined optimal times
Use the freed-up time for engagement, research, or creating additional value
This approach leverages a psychological principle: creative work flows better in dedicated sessions rather than fragmented time blocks.
"When I tried to write one post at a time, each one took about 4 hours," a productivity writer told me. "When I started batching, I could create three posts of higher quality in just 8 hours total."
The scheduling feature essentially gives you a production studio capability without requiring additional tools or complexity. Everything happens within Substack's native environment, maintaining your workflow while enhancing your delivery precision.
For writers balancing newsletter creation with other responsibilities, this feature isn't just convenient—it's often the difference between sustainable publishing and eventual burnout.
20. Analytics Dashboard
Numbers tell stories. But only if you know how to read them.
Substack's analytics dashboard packs surprising depth beneath its simple interface, offering insights that can dramatically shift your publishing strategy. Yet most writers I encountered were barely scratching the surface of what this data could tell them.
Let's break down what actually matters:
Open Rates vs. Read Rates
Many writers obsess over open rates while completely ignoring read rates. This is backwards.
Open rates are increasingly unreliable due to email privacy changes. Read rates—the percentage of people who actually engaged with your content—tell you far more about what's resonating.
One writer discovered that his "quick tip" emails had high open rates but abysmal read rates. When he dug deeper, he realized people were curious about the tips but weren't finding enough value to actually finish reading. This insight completely transformed his content approach.
Growth Patterns
The growth chart isn't just a vanity metric. Look for:
Spikes tied to specific content (what caused them?)
Day-of-week patterns (when are people most likely to subscribe?)
Plateaus (where did momentum stall and why?)
One writer noticed that almost 40% of her new subscriptions came on Sundays, despite publishing on Wednesdays. This discovery led her to shift her publishing schedule to capitalize on when her audience was most receptive to subscribing.
Traffic Sources
Understanding where your subscribers come from reveals your most effective growth channels.
A technology writer was spending hours promoting his newsletter on Twitter, only to discover through the traffic sources data that 65% of his new subscribers were coming from Substack recommendations and cross-promotions. He reallocated his promotion efforts accordingly and saw immediate growth improvement.
Paid Conversion Insights
For those with paid subscriptions, the conversion data reveals which content drives monetization.
"I was shocked to discover that my deep analytical pieces rarely converted free readers to paid," one finance writer told me. "But my behind-the-scenes posts about my personal investment decisions had a 3x higher conversion rate. That completely changed my content strategy for the paid tier."
The dashboard becomes particularly powerful when you combine metrics to identify patterns:
Which topics both retain readers (high read rates) and attract new subscribers?
What publishing times maximize both opens and engagement?
Which traffic sources bring subscribers who are most likely to convert to paid?
These insights aren't just interesting—they're actionable intelligence that can transform your newsletter's trajectory with no additional creation effort. You're simply optimizing what you're already doing based on evidence rather than assumptions.
The most successful writers I spoke with had a regular "data review" session, usually monthly, where they deliberately analyzed these patterns and adjusted their strategy accordingly.
Rather than creating more, they were creating smarter. And the dashboard was their guide.
21. Substack’s Custom Domain Feature
First impressions matter. And for many potential subscribers, your domain is their first impression.
"yourname.substack.com" signals one thing. "yourname.com" signals something entirely different.
"I was hesitant to spend the extra money on a custom domain," a writer told me. "But it was probably the highest ROI investment I've made in my newsletter."
Substack's custom domain feature lets you replace the default substack.com address with your own professional domain. While it comes with a small additional cost, the benefits extend far beyond mere aesthetics:
Professional credibility. Many writers reported that switching to a custom domain noticeably improved conversion rates from external traffic. When people click a link to "newsletter.yourname.com" instead of a Substack address, they arrive with different expectations about the content's quality and the creator's commitment.
Platform independence. A custom domain creates a consistent identity that can move with you regardless of which platform hosts your content. If you ever decide to leave Substack, your links and brand remain intact.
Simplified branding. Custom domains make your newsletter address more memorable and shareable in offline contexts like podcasts, speaking engagements, or casual conversations.
SEO benefits. While subtle, having your own domain can improve search visibility over time as you build domain authority around your specific niche.
The setup process is remarkably straightforward. Substack handles most of the technical configuration—you just need to purchase your domain (typically $10-15/year from providers like Namecheap or GoDaddy) and follow Substack's step-by-step connection process.
One particularly effective approach I observed: writers using domain structures like "newsletter.theirname.com" or "letters.theirbrand.com" rather than making their newsletter the primary domain. This maintains flexibility for expanding into other projects under their main brand umbrella.
Is a custom domain absolutely necessary for success? No. Many thriving newsletters use the default Substack address. But for writers looking to build a long-term brand or position their newsletter as a premium publication, the custom domain feature offers significant upside for minimal investment.
22. Publication Homepage Customization
When I first started testing Substack features, I almost skipped homepage customization entirely.
"Who cares what my homepage looks like? People read the posts in their email anyway."
That assumption couldn't have been more wrong.
After diving into my analytics, I discovered something surprising: many of my new subscribers were making their decision based on my publication homepage, not from reading an individual post.
These were people coming from links, search results, or recommendations who wanted to get a sense of my publication before committing. And I was greeting them with the default, generic Substack layout that did nothing to showcase my unique value.
Once I recognized this blind spot, I spent a few hours testing different homepage configurations. The results were immediate and significant.
Here's what I learned works best:
Featured posts matter enormously. The default setting shows your most recent posts, but that's rarely optimal. When I switched to manually selecting my highest-value content as featured posts, subscription conversion from homepage visitors increased by about 20%.
The "About" section is crucial. Many visitors scroll straight to this section to understand who you are and what your publication offers. Taking time to craft a compelling, benefit-focused description (rather than just a bio) made a noticeable difference in conversion rates.
Section organization creates clarity. Breaking my content into logical sections (Growth Strategies, Monetization, Case Studies, etc.) not only made the homepage more navigable but also instantly communicated the scope of my expertise to new visitors.
Social proof helps conversion. Adding testimonials and subscriber count to my homepage provided important validation for visitors considering whether to subscribe.
The most effective approach turned out to be treating my homepage like a landing page rather than just an archive. Instead of showing everything chronologically, I organized content strategically to guide new visitors toward subscription.
I now update my featured posts monthly and revisit my homepage design quarterly to ensure its optimally aligned with my current focus and offerings.
For a feature that takes minimal time to optimize but influences a significant percentage of subscription decisions, homepage customization delivers exceptional return on effort.
23. Publication Teams Feature
I initially dismissed the Teams feature as irrelevant to my solo newsletter operation.
"I don't have co-writers. Why would I need team functionality?"
That narrow thinking cost me months of potential collaboration opportunities.
After seeing how other writers were leveraging this feature, I decided to test it properly - and discovered it has valuable applications far beyond the obvious use case of multi-author publications.
The Teams feature allows you to add additional contributors to your publication with different permission levels:
Admin: Full control of the publication (equivalent to the owner)
Writer: Can create and publish posts, but can't change settings
Contributor: Can draft but needs approval to publish
Here's how I found innovative writers using this functionality:
Guest post management. Rather than copying and pasting submissions from guest writers (and losing their voice in the process), several publications give temporary contributor access to guest writers. This preserves the author's unique voice while maintaining editorial control.
Editor collaboration. One writer partnered with a professional editor who had writer-level access. The writer created content, and the editor polished it before publication - all within the same seamless workflow.
Virtual assistant integration. Several successful newsletters granted limited access to VAs who handled formatting, image selection, and scheduling, freeing the primary writer to focus exclusively on content creation.
Specialized expertise. One finance publication maintained a roster of specialist contributors who each wrote on their specific area of expertise (taxes, real estate, retirement, etc.), creating a more comprehensive publication than any individual could produce alone.
After seeing these examples, I experimented with the feature myself, bringing in an occasional guest expert with contributor access and partnering with an editor friend who helped polish my work before publication.
The impact was noticeable - both in content quality and in my own bandwidth. The ability to collaborate within Substack's native environment, rather than juggling drafts across email or other platforms, streamlined the entire process.
For solo creators, the Teams feature isn't about building a media company - it's about selectively incorporating other perspectives and skills to enhance your publication without sacrificing control or authentic voice.
This feature turns out to be one of Substack's most flexible tools, limited more by your creativity than by its technical capabilities.
Bonus Features Most Writers Miss
Beyond the core 23 features I tested, I discovered four additional tools that most writers completely overlook. These "hidden gems" can provide significant advantages with minimal effort.
24. Subscription Discounts & Trials
Subscription discounts aren't just a pricing strategy—they're a powerful conversion tool when used strategically. Rather than offering generic discounts, I tested targeted approaches:
Time-limited launch offers create urgency and help convert your most engaged free subscribers when you first introduce a paid tier.
Anniversary discounts for publication milestones give you a natural reason to promote without feeling sales-y.
Group discounts for organizations or teams can unlock bulk subscriptions you'd otherwise miss.
The key insight? Discounts work best when tied to a meaningful reason rather than appearing desperate for conversions.
25. Thread/Discussion Feature
The Thread feature lets you create focused discussion spaces within posts—essentially mini-forums on specific topics. This creates several unique advantages:
Deeper engagement on complex topics that benefit from structured conversation.
Community knowledge sharing where subscribers help each other (reducing your support burden).
Content ideation as threads naturally reveal what your audience wants to learn more about.
I found this particularly valuable for controversial topics where keeping discussions organized prevented comment sections from becoming chaotic.
26. Archive & Library Organization
Most writers treat their publication archive as an afterthought, but strategic organization can significantly increase the value of your back catalog:
Topic-based collections make it easy for new subscribers to find relevant content.
Cornerstone content highlighting ensures your best work doesn't disappear into the archive.
Progressive learning paths that organize content in logical sequences help readers navigate complex topics.
When I reorganized my archive into clear categories, page views of older content increased by approximately 30%, extending the lifespan and impact of work I'd already created.
27. Writer's Interface Customization
Few writers take time to optimize their actual writing environment, but small adjustments can significantly improve your creation experience:
Keyboard shortcuts for common formatting tasks save surprising amounts of time over months of writing.
Default settings for fonts, spacing, and formatting create consistency without manual adjustment.
Distraction reduction through fullscreen mode and other focus-enhancing options.
After customizing my writing interface to match my workflow preferences, I found both my writing speed and enjoyment measurably improved.
These "bonus features" may not be as flashy as some of Substack's more promoted tools, but they offer significant incremental advantages that compound over time—often with just a few minutes of setup effort.
My Recommended Implementation Order
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all these features, you're not alone. The key is approaching them systematically rather than trying to implement everything at once.
After helping dozens of writers optimize their Substack workflows, I've developed a clear implementation sequence that maximizes results while minimizing overwhelm:
Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1)
Focus first on the essentials that will benefit every piece of content you publish:
Create a compelling Welcome Email - This immediately improves the experience for every new subscriber
Set up proper Tags - Ensures all your content is discoverable within Substack
Export your subscriber list - Protects your most valuable asset from day one
Implement basic SEO settings - Makes your content findable beyond Substack
These four actions take less than 2 hours total but establish critical infrastructure for everything that follows.
Phase 2: Growth Engine (Weeks 2-3)
Next, implement the core features that will steadily grow your audience:
Develop a Notes strategy - Start posting 2-3 times daily using the formats that convert best
Set up Cross-Promote relationships - Identify and reach out to 5-10 potential partners
Optimize your Recommendations - Thoughtfully select 3-5 publications to recommend
Activate your Referral Program - Create compelling rewards that motivate sharing
This phase requires a bit more ongoing commitment but establishes multiple growth channels that work in parallel.
Phase 3: Engagement & Retention (Weeks 4-5)
Once your growth channels are running, focus on deepening reader relationships:
Launch a structured Chat strategy - Create regular touchpoints that build community
Implement Strategic Buttons throughout your posts - Guide readers toward specific actions
Organize your Archive - Make your back catalog more accessible and valuable
Set up your Analytics review process - Regular check-ins with your data to guide decisions
These features help convert casual readers into loyal community members.
Phase 4: Monetization Optimization (When Ready)
When you're ready to monetize (or improve existing monetization):
Structure your Subscription Tiers properly - Create clear value differentiation
Consider Paid Chat Access - Add community value to your paid offering
Implement Discount strategies for key moments - Drive conversion at optimal times
The key insight from working with successful writers is that feature implementation isn't about doing everything—it's about doing the right things in the right order.
Start with this foundation, then selectively add other features based on your specific goals and audience needs. This approach prevents overwhelm while ensuring you're leveraging the tools that will make the biggest difference for your publication.
The Blueprint for Substack Success
When I started this 100-hour deep dive into Substack's features, I was looking for magical growth hacks and secret algorithms.
What I discovered was both simpler and more profound.
The writers who are thriving on this platform aren't succeeding because they've found some hidden trick. They're succeeding because they're methodically leveraging the full suite of tools Substack provides – tools that most writers barely touch.
The gap between struggling newsletters and successful ones often isn't about writing quality. It's about implementation. About using the right features, in the right way, at the right time.
This reality is both frustrating and liberating.
Frustrating because you might have been working much harder than necessary – creating more content when the answer was optimizing the systems around that content.
Liberating because the path forward is now clear. You don't need to write more. You don't need to be more talented. You just need to use the tools already at your disposal more effectively.
After helping 100’s of writers implement these strategies over the last few months and watching their results transform, I've seen consistent patterns:
Writers who properly optimize their welcome emails see immediate increases in engagement and conversion
Those who develop strategic Notes habits build consistent, predictable growth
Publications that thoughtfully leverage cross-promotion create powerful growth flywheels
Newsletters that implement proper tagging see dramatic improvements in discoverability
But I also understand that implementing all these features can feel overwhelming when you're already busy creating content and managing your publication.
That's exactly why I created the Six-Figure Substack Growth Masterclass.
📌 Need Newsletter Help? Join the Substack Growth Masterclass
There’s now been 100’s who have joined my masterclass. It's a comprehensive system that walks you through exactly how to implement each of these key features in the optimal order – with templates, workflows, and step-by-step guidance that eliminates the guesswork.
Inside, you'll discover:
Repeatable system to refine newsletter niche and set it up for success
My growth system that helped me grow to 6000+ subscribers in 6 months
Templates for using AI to help you research viral post & note ideas
Complete workflows for every key feature on Substack
This isn't theory or general advice. It's a practical, proven implementation system based on what actually works after 100+ hours of testing.
If you’re ready to start growing on Substack the easy way, click & join below 👇
The window of opportunity on Substack remains open, but it won't stay that way forever. The writers who master these tools now are building advantages that will compound over time.
Don't let another day pass leaving these powerful tools unused. Your next subscriber – and your next level of growth – is waiting on the other side of proper implementation.
Sorry to be a dodo but can someone help me figure out how to tag individual posts?
So much valuable information in one article. Thank you for this Wes 🙏🏽