So you want to start a substack

A mellow-ish structure for your first month (or your next one).

So, apparently, we're all becoming newsletter people now. I (not so) secretly love it.

I started mine less than a year ago, and honestly, it's been one of the most rewarding moves I've ever made. It's become this whole space that makes me more confident, keeps me writing, and has introduced me to some incredible people (online and off). It’s even opened doors to new career opportunities—ones that feel more aligned than ever. And all of it started because I finally stopped overthinking and hit publish.

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getting crystal clear on your why

Before you even set up your page, pause for a second. What’s pulling you here? Craving community? Wanting a creative practice? Sharing your expertise? Hoping for an extra income stream?

Whatever it is, your “why” becomes the thread that runs through everything—how you position yourself, the kind of posts you write, and eventually how (or if) you choose to monetize.

this could be you | source

is substack right for you?

Maybe you miss the days of blogging, feel more alive with words than video, or want a place to document your life and creative work in real time. Or maybe you’ve been looking to build community around your work and share your perspective in a space that feels less competitive than other platforms. If that’s you, the best way to start is by seeing how others are already using it.

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substackers who get it

One of the best ways to learn is by reading. Before (or while) you start writing, spend some time engaging with other publications. Pay attention to their tone, how they structure posts, how they use Notes, what feels consistent, and what you’re naturally drawn to. A few of my favorites:

Take Your Time by Dianna Cohen: I’m endlessly fascinated by Dianna. She shares so openly about the challenges and joys of building Crown Affair, alongside travel and the little things she loves. It feels like a full founder lifestyle diary. I can’t get enough.

How To Go Freelance by Grace Abbott: My go-to for self-employed wisdom. She mixes sharp, actionable advice with a lightness that makes everything more fun. PS: Grace’s how she got here feature on my Substack is one of my most-referenced to date.

Long Live by Erika Veurink: Erika really gets Substack. I love how she’s poured herself into it over the past several years—now even coming out with a book (!), and how she combines growth insights with super niche (yet wildly helpful) fashion content.

I’d also recommend picking at least two or three to invest in as a paid subscriber. It shows you how writers package value, what kind of bonus content they offer, and it supports the creators you admire. Plus, it’s inspiring—you start to see what’s possible.

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the 30-day roadmap

mentally here right now | source

Without further ado! Here’s the 30-day roadmap I‘ve been walking clients through—designed to take you from “idea” to a live, consistent Substack in one month (or less).

Inside, I’m sharing:

• A simple setup checklist

• A template for your first three posts

• A month-long container to guide you from idea to launch

• How to show up in notes + small habits that make it sustainable

Ps: this is the same process I use in my 1:1 coaching—if you’d like more personalized support, you can book a call with me here.

Before I dive into the framework, I’ll just say: less than a year in, this space already feels like such a gift. It’s given me new friendships, more confidence in my writing, and a way to pour time into what I truly care about. I’m its biggest fan, genuinely.

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