I’M STARTING A SUBSTACK!

Starting a Substack newsletter like Prep Happens is an exciting way to share personal stories and build an authentic connection with readers. Substack offers creators a straightforward platform to publish content, engage audiences, and even monetize their work through subscriptions if they choose. This flexibility suits a variety of themes, from lifestyle and fashion to parenting and travel—as featured in Prep Happens. Many new Substack authors find success by focusing on consistent, genuine content that reflects their evolving perspectives. For example, discussing ‘the beauty of not having it all together’ resonates deeply with readers navigating similar life transitions. Including guest contributors, like in Prep Happens’ plan for mom topics, enriches the newsletter with diverse viewpoints and keeps the content fresh. To grow a subscriber base, leveraging social media channels and encouraging word-of-mouth is key. Sharing posts with hashtags such as #substacknewsletter and #unfiltered—as used here—helps because these communities actively seek new voices and perspectives. Additionally, adding clear calls to action within posts drives subscriptions. For instance, inviting readers to ‘check out the link in bio to subscribe’ creates an easy path for engagement. Travel stories and evolving fashion insights are particularly popular content pillars that allow the writer to connect personally while providing value. Hobbies and life reflections add relatable, UGC-style depth, encouraging readers to see the author as an approachable and genuine person rather than just a content creator. If you’re considering starting your own Substack or refreshing your blogging approach, focus on authenticity, consistent updates, inviting diverse voices, and marketing through social channels using relevant hashtags and clear subscription links. This approach has helped many creators build community and grow readership in meaningful ways, perfectly exemplified by the journey and vision behind Prep Happens.