Let me tell you about a convo I had this week with my marketing besty Rebekah. I’ve always wanted her to start a blog, mainly because, well… passive income, baby! You know how I feel about those sweet, sweet Mediavine ad dollars. But when I brought it up, she hit me with a compelling list of reasons why she’s Team Substack. And honestly? She made some great points!
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We ended up having one of those spirited entrepreneurial debates that only fellow content creators can appreciate. And it inspired this post! Because if YOU’RE sitting there trying to figure out whether to jump on Substack or build a blog, you’re not alone! Let’s break it down, shall we?
1. Ownership is EVERYTHING (And You’ll Only Get That with a Blog)
When you have your own blog, YOU own the content, the site, the design, the domain… all of it. No algorithms, platform changes, or terms of service updates can take your space away. That level of control is HUGE if you're building a long-term business or brand.
Think of your blog as digital real estate. With Substack, you’re renting. With a blog? You’re the landlord!
2. Substack Has No Tech Headaches – Just Show Up and Write
This is one of the things Rebekah LOVES about Substack, and she’s totally right. There are no plugins to update, no hosting problems, no learning curve. It’s a clean, simple space where writers can… well, write.
If tech stuff gives you hives, Substack might feel like a warm hug and a cup of coffee!
3. Make Money While You Sleep? Blogging’s Passive Income FTW
Let’s talk cash. With a blog, you can slap some ads on your site (hello, Mediavine and their new Journey program for blogs with just 10K sessions!) and start earning passive income from your traffic. I make money every single day just from the people who read my posts. That’s not really a thing on Substack unless you start charging subscriptions from day one.
4. Substack’s Built-In Audience = A Fast Track to Readers
This is where Substack shines. There are readers already browsing and subscribing to content on the platform. If you write consistently and pick a niche, you can grow your audience a lot faster than starting a blog from scratch. Plus, Substack readers are used to paying for content, which can make monetization easier early on!
5. Hosting and Email Costs? Substack Wins the Budget Battle
Running a blog costs money. I pay for hosting, themes, and Kit to manage my email list. Substack? Free. Unlimited publications, baked-in email list tools, and no monthly bills unless you're taking payments. Budget-wise, it’s pretty dang appealing!
6. If You Love Daily Writing, Substack Is Your Playground
Substack rewards consistency and regular communication. If you're someone who thrives on writing daily (or at least multiple times a week), it's the perfect platform. Substack readers expect frequent updates and informal writing… so if your vibe is “Hey friend, here's what I'm thinking today,” this might be your jam!
7. Bloggers Get the Stats (and Data Nerds Rejoice!)
Okay, this one's a biggie for me. Substack's stats? SUPER minimal. You can't even see which links people clicked inside your posts. Meanwhile, my blog analytics and Kit reporting tell me EVERYTHING – what's working, what’s not, which posts are bringing traffic, which emails get clicks. If you like to make decisions based on data (and I do), blogging has the edge!
8. Ad Revenue Dreams? Blogging Opens That Door
Let’s revisit those ads. With Substack, there's no way to monetize with ads (yet). If part of your income strategy includes setting up passive revenue streams, then blogging gives you way more options: display ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, digital products… the whole buffet!
While you can do some of those things with Substack, a blog is much more realistic to build a passive income stream!
9. Substack = Practice Ground for New Writers
Starting a blog can feel overwhelming if you're new to the content world. Substack is a great training ground. You learn to hit publish regularly, build an audience, and develop your voice. Once you get into a groove, you might even move those posts to a full-blown blog later on!
10. You Can Build a Brand on Both – Social Media Still Matters
Whether you’re on Substack or WordPress, you’re still gonna want a Facebook page, Pinterest pins, Instagram content, maybe even a TikTok or two. Brand-building doesn’t depend on the platform as much as on consistency and connection.
So don’t think you’re off the hook with marketing just because you’re on Substack!
11. Long Game or Short Game? Pick What Fits Your Goals
Substack is AMAZING for quick wins, building habits, and nurturing a paid audience fast. But blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, yes, but it can become a true asset over time – one that brings in revenue, traffic, and email growth without you having to show up every single day.
Pick the platform that aligns with your season of business, your personality, and your goals!
The Final Word There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, friend. Both Substack and blogging are powerful content creation tools. If you're craving simplicity, community, and fast feedback, Substack might be your new bestie. If you're playing the long game and want control, ownership, and passive income potential, blogging is where it’s at.
Whatever you choose, just START. Publishing regularly is where the magic happens… and whether it’s on a shiny new blog or a spicy little Substack, your voice matters.
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