Substack vs WordPress, Which Platform Is Best For Your Needs?

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When starting a business blog, one of the first decisions is choosing the right platform.

One of the first decisions you'll need is which platform to use. Substack and WordPress are two popular options. Substack simplifies newsletter creation, while WordPress offers more control and flexibility for building a comprehensive business blogging experience. This article compares Substack and WordPress to help you decide which fits your blogging goals best.

Feather’s notion to blog tool can help you quickly get started on either platform. It allows you to organize your blog in Notion before exporting it, ensuring clear structure and organized content for a smoother transition.

Substack vs WordPress at a Glance

Substack and WordPress are distinct platforms. While they share some similarities, they’re completely different in any way, such as:

Ability to share content

Monetize your content

Allow your readers to access your content on a web platform.

One platform is built solely to create and deliver an audience's email newsletters, while the other is a website builder designed with versatility, enabling you to create whatever pleases you. This is interesting about both platforms. Their features overlap in the ability to create and distribute email newsletters. While Substack has this feature built-in, WordPress requires a plugin to carry out the functionality.

Hosted vs Self-Hosted: What’s the Difference?

In other ways, they differ. Substack is a hosted platform, while WordPress is a self-hosted platform. This means that if you’re using Substack, the platform caters to your hosting. If it experiences downtime, your content and files go down, too. You have limited control over what happens to your:

Content

Files

Subscribers

Self-Hosting Flexibility with WordPress

On the other hand, WordPress, as a self-hosted platform, gives you maximum control over where your website and content should be housed. This means you can choose your own WordPress host, for example, based on performance or cost. You have complete control over your website and content hosting and can’t lose them, even if WordPress experiences a breakdown.

Monetization Features on Substack vs WordPress

Monetization on both platforms is similar in one way-you can offer paid subscriptions to your audience. However, WordPress offers more here because it allows you to monetize in many other ways, such as via ads, affiliate marketing, e-commerce, and any other way you can conceive.

What Is Substack?

Substack is mainly a newsletter tool, but it is trying to become a place to publish all kinds of content, such as:

Blogs

Podcasts

Chats with subscribers

They even have a Twitter clone called Notes. Since its creation in 2017, the platform has significantly impacted media by popularizing paid newsletters. Substack is one of the main reasons newsletters are becoming so popular again, as it makes monetizing content easy.

Empowering Writers with Substack

Substack's platform's primary focus is to empower writers and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. The platform offers various features catering to independent content creators' needs, from monetization opportunities to audience ownership. Substack allows writers to take charge of their creative journey and build a sustainable career.

Marketed as a place for independent writing, Substack allows writers to:

Start a paid newsletter/blog business

Build community

Make money from subscriptions

They claim that zero tech knowledge is required and aim to take care of everything except the hard part, the writing itself. They promise true independence where the writer keeps the copyright to all their content. How it works is pretty simple, so it now boasts more than 35 million active subscriptions, three million of which are paid.

Writers can import existing content they wrote on other platforms, such as:

Mailchimp

WordPress

Tinyletter

Medium

Tumblr

Some custom-built sites

They can set up a new site from scratch in a few minutes. Once live, the creator chooses which posts are free and which are gated behind the Substack paywall.

Feather's subfolder blog setup ensures optimal SEO performance, making it a great option for companies looking to enhance their online visibility.

Discover How Feather Can Help Your Business Grow

Feather offers a range of advantages for those new to blogging, making it an attractive choice.

By utilizing Feather's SEO-friendly practices and user-friendly interface, beginners can easily create and publish blog content without coding or design skills.

Feather's collaborative publishing process allows teams to work together seamlessly, ensuring a smooth and efficient content creation process.

With Feather, beginners can effortlessly navigate the complexities of blog management, focusing on creating high-quality content without the hassle of traditional blog platforms.

Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today — create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes!

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What Is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system for creating and managing websites and blogs. With a highly customizable interface, WordPress offers a range of plugins and themes to help users tailor their sites to their specific needs.

WordPress boasts an array of:

Templates

SEO tools

eCommerce integrations

It is a versatile platform that supports free and paid plans, allowing users to choose a plan that suits their budget and requirements.

WordPress has become a preferred choice for:

Bloggers

Businesses

Developers

This is due to its extensive features and robust community support. Users can generate income through various monetization methods, such as:

Advertising

Affiliate marketing

Selling products or services

WordPress also provides a collaborative space for users to share ideas and engage with their audience.

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org

WordPress.org, often called self-hosted WordPress, is the free, open-source WordPress software you can install on your web host to create a website that’s 100% your own. It is a for-profit, paid service powered by WordPress.org software. It’s simple to use but lacks much of the flexibility of self-hosted WordPress.

When people say WordPress, they usually mean the self-hosted WordPress available at WordPress.org. Self-hosted WordPress.org is the best option for owning your website.

Substack vs WordPress: Detailed Side-By-Side Comparison

Integrations: Expanding Your Reach

Integrations are crucial for expanding your reach and enhancing the functionality of your platform. They can help you grow your business by allowing you to connect with various tools and services that boost your readership and, ultimately, your revenue.

WordPress shines in this area with thousands of free and premium plugins available, covering everything from SEO to social media sharing and email marketing. These integrations can help you increase your newsletter readership and drive more traffic to your site. WordPress has a plugin for almost anything you can imagine, whether you need:

Advanced analytics

Automated social sharing

Membership management

On the other hand, Substack offers a more limited range of integrations:

It includes basic SEO features

Allows you to add social media profiles

Supports Google Analytics tracking

You can also use a custom domain name. However, Substack's integration capabilities could be more extensive beyond these functionalities:

Best for Integrations: WordPress takes the lead here due to its vast plugins that can significantly boost your newsletter's momentum and overall site performance.

Functionality: What's Under the Hood?

Functionality refers to what you can do with each platform. This is a key consideration, depending on what you're looking to achieve.

WordPress is a full-fledged content management system (CMS), which means it’s not just for sending email newsletters but for building complete websites. WordPress offers the tools and flexibility to do so, whether you want to create a:

Blog

Online store

Portfolio

Business site

It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a platform to handle multiple aspects of your online presence.

In contrast, Substack is more focused. It excels in email newsletters, making it a great option if your primary goal is communicating with your audience through regular emails. While you can create a primary site to house your newsletters, Substack doesn’t offer the same customization or functionality as WordPress.

Best for Functionality: It depends on your needs. WordPress offers more comprehensive functionality, while Substack does a great job within its niche.

Ease of Use: Getting Started With Each Platform

Ease of use refers to how quickly and easily you can use the platform to achieve your goals.

With WordPress, the learning curve can be steeper, especially if you're new to web development. However, many WordPress newsletter plugins offer drag-and-drop functionality, making it easier for beginners to get started. That said, there’s still the extra step of installing and setting up these plugins.

Substack, by contrast, is highly user-friendly. You can start writing and posting newsletters almost immediately, with no need for additional installations. It’s a straightforward platform designed to minimize barriers, making it perfect for users who want a hassle-free experience.

Best for Ease of Use: Substack wins in this category thanks to its simplicity and no-fuss setup.

Monetization Options: Making Money with Your Content

Monetization is crucial for many content creators, and both platforms offer different ways to generate revenue.

Substack comes with easy-to-use built-in subscription systems. You can offer paid tiers with the following:

Exclusive content

Early access or bonus features

Substack takes a 10% cut plus payment processing fees. Readers can also make one-time contributions or donations, and you can partner with brands for sponsored content within your newsletter.

WordPress, while slightly more complex, offers a broader range of monetization options. Through various plugins. You can:

Implement paid memberships

Premium content

And more

Using plugins like WooCommerce, WordPress allows you to:

Display ads

Engage in affiliate marketing

Turn your site into an eCommerce store

This flexibility can cater to different income streams but may require more setup and management.

Best for Monetization Options: WordPress stands out for its variety of monetization methods, although it may require more effort to manage compared to Substack’s straightforward system.

User Base: Who's Using Each Platform?

Understanding each platform's typical user base can help you decide which is the best fit for your content.

Substack is a haven for writers, journalists, and independent voices who want to connect directly with their audience through newsletters. It's also popular among artists, podcasters, and creatives who wish to build communities around their work.

Versatile Platform for Everyone

WordPress, on the other hand, is used by a much broader audience. It’s the go-to platform for bloggers, businesses, developers, and creatives. WordPress offers the flexibility and tools needed to build almost any site, whether creating a personal blog, an online store, or a portfolio.

It’s particularly favored by those who value customization and SEO capabilities.

Best for User Base: WordPress caters to a more diverse and extensive user base, while Substack is ideal for those focused on direct reader engagement through newsletters.

Design and Customization: How Much Control Do You Want?

Design and customization are about how much control you have over the look and feel of your site or newsletter.

Substack offers a clean, consistent design with pre-designed templates. You can adjust colors fonts, and upload a logo, but customization is limited beyond these basic options. The platform emphasizes a distraction-free reading experience, which is excellent for ensuring content clarity but doesn’t allow for much individuality.

WordPress, in contrast, is a powerhouse of customization. You can design your site to match your brand perfectly with:

Countless themes

Plugins

Custom code options

WordPress allows you to tailor every aspect of your site’s appearance and functionality, whether you want to create a minimalist blog or a complex online store.

Best for Design and Customization: WordPress offers unparalleled customization options, making it the better choice for users who want complete control over their site’s design.

Data Portability: What If You Want to Move?

Data portability is essential if you ever decide to move your content to another platform.

Substack and WordPress offer data portability, allowing you to download your posts, pages, and subscriber lists.

Content and Subscriber Export with Substack

Substack allows you to export your content and email subscriber list quickly. The subscriber list is provided in CSV format, making it simple to import into other email services. However, be aware that most email services require users to opt in again, which could lead to some subscriber loss.

WordPress also offers robust export tools that allow you to download all your site data, including posts, pages, comments, and user information. This comprehensive export capability makes WordPress a strong contender if you value data portability.

Best for Data Portability: Both platforms offer strong data portability features, but WordPress provides more comprehensive options due to the broader range of data it can export.

What Do Users Think? Real User Opinions on Substack vs. WordPress

Considering user opinions can offer valuable insights. On platforms like Reddit, many users suggest starting with Substack if you're a non-technical user looking to ease into content creation without a steep learning curve. However, WordPress is recommended for those who are comfortable with a bit more complexity and want the flexibility to build a full website alongside their newsletter.

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Substack vs WordPress: Pricing Comparison

Substack and WordPress are two solid platforms for bloggers who want to build a website for their newsletter. But they approach pricing in very different ways.

Substack is free to use. You can create an account, publish newsletters, and grow your audience without spending a dime. The only exceptions to this are optional costs associated with customizing your account and monetizing your content.

Costs Associated with Substack

If you want to connect a custom domain to your Substack account, you’ll pay a one-time fee of $50. The other cost is related to monetizing your newsletter. Substack will take a 10% cut of your revenue if you sell paid subscriptions. You’ll also need to pay Stripe standard credit card processing fees.

WordPress Cost Structure

WordPress has the opposite approach to billing. You’ll need to pay flat costs to run your WordPress site and add key features. But once you pay those costs, there are no ongoing commissions based on the number of memberships you sell.

If you want to accept credit/card debit card payments, you must pay the same payment processing fee to Stripe or another payment processor – 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. But again, this fee is unavoidable if you want to accept online credit card payments. What are the fixed fees for making a WordPress website? Here’s a quick rundown:

Web Hosting

This is what powers the WordPress software. When you’re just starting, you can pay $33 per year ($1.99 monthly) for cheap hosting. But as your platform grows, you’ll probably want to upgrade to more expensive hosting that costs $30+ per month.

Domain Name

$10 to $20 per year, with some hosts giving you a free domain name in the first year.

MailPoet Plugin

If you want to be able to create your newsletters directly inside WordPress, you’ll need a third-party plugin to do that. MailPoet is the most affordable beginner option. There’s a free plan that supports up to 1,000 subscribers, and after that, the paid plans start at $20 per month (or $16 if you use your email marketing service).

Membership Plugin

You need this to manage your subscribers and charge them their monthly subscription fee. You can find free solutions, or you might need to pay ~$150 per year for a paid plugin.

Put that together, and you get a bare minimum cost of around ~$70 per year for a straightforward solution but a more realistic price of $150 to $600, depending on the hosting you need and whether you need a premium membership plugin and email marketing service.

Is WordPress Better Than Substack?

Whether WordPress is better than Substack depends on what you’re trying to achieve. WordPress and Substack have fewer similarities than differences since one is a CMS, and the other was explicitly created to disperse email newsletters. Still, both can help your business achieve similar goals.

Both digital publishing platforms allow you to quickly and efficiently share content with your readership. They also provide a place for the content to live online, though what that looks like varies per platform.

Paid Membership Subscriptions

Substack and WordPress allow you to decide whether to sell paid membership subscriptions. Whether WordPress is better than Substack depends on your goals. WordPress is how to build a comprehensive online platform with complete control over every aspect. If you’re primarily interested in writing and creating a direct relationship with your readers through newsletters, Substack might be a better fit.

Consider Feather's Notion to blog and newsletter concept if you're seeking more design flexibility and a powerful CMS to run your:

Blog

Newsletter

Other aspects of your business

Bridging Notion and Blogging

With Feather, you can use Notion as your CMS while having your blog published on Feather. By running all my business on Notion, you can enhance productivity and have to switch between tools to run your blog and newsletter. You can have the full Hubspot experience with Notion and Feather, which beats Ghost's expertise.

Can You Use Substack With WordPress?

You can use Substack and WordPress together, which can be entirely complementary. Substack is great for reaching an audience quickly and easily, especially if you want to send out email broadcasts and engage with readers directly. Thanks to its simplicity and the community of active readers, it’s a fantastic platform for growing an audience.

If you're a serious content creator, having your blog is essential. Why? Because a blog gives you complete control over your:

Branding

Content presentation

This is crucial for building a long-term online presence where people can find your work through search engines and explore your content in a structured way that reflects your brand.

Using Substack and WordPress Together for Better Performance

Many creators use Substack to leverage its built-in audience and get initial exposure. Substack is your social blog, where your content is optimized for grabbing attention and fostering engagement without worrying too much about SEO. It's ideal for direct communication with your audience, where you can build a community around your work.

Your website blog serves as the hub of your online presence. This is where you can focus on SEO and build a brand that stands the test of time. By having a WordPress site, you ensure that your content is easily discoverable through search engines, and you can create a more comprehensive user experience with:

Custom design

Navigation

Portfolios or eCommerce

Combining WordPress and Substack for Maximum Impact

The strategy often recommended is to use WordPress or a more easy-to-use platform like Feather for your main content, which drives SEO and builds your brand, and Substack as a complementary tool to reach a wider audience and engage with them more directly and conversely. This way, you get the best of both worlds: Substack's reach and simplicity combined with WordPress's power and flexibility.

Can Substack Replace a Website?

Limited Customization and Branding: Why Substack Might Not Be the Site for You

Substack offers a clean, streamlined interface, but it doesn’t provide the level of customization that a dedicated website does. You can adjust elements like colors and fonts, but you’re still confined to Substack’s overall look and feel. This limits your ability to create a unique brand identity that stands out, which is crucial if you're trying to establish a robust and memorable presence online.

SEO Limitations

While search engines can index Substack posts, the platform lacks the extensive SEO tools and customization options that are standard with websites built on platforms like WordPress. If you rely solely on Substack, you might miss out on valuable search traffic that could be better captured with a fully optimized website.

Functionality and Integration: Why Substack Can't Replace Your Website

A website, especially one built on platforms like WordPress, allows you to add various functionalities through plugins and integrations. A traditional website gives you far more flexibility whether you want to create:

Online store

Integrate advanced analytics

Add interactive elements

Substack is focused on content and email distribution, with limited options for expanding beyond that core functionality.

Ownership and Control: What You Need to Know About Substack's Infrastructure

With a website, especially one self-hosted on a platform like WordPress, you have complete ownership of your content and how it's presented. You can choose your hosting provider and domain name and fully control your site’s design and structure.

On Substack, you’re somewhat dependent on the platform’s infrastructure, and while you can export your content, you don't have the same level of control as you would with your website.

Audience Diversification: Why You Need More Than a Substack

Substack is excellent for engaging a specific audience through newsletters, but it’s primarily geared towards that format. A complete website allows you to diversify your content — blogs, portfolios, landing pages, eCommerce, and more — and reach different audiences through various channels. This diversification is essential for growing a well-rounded online presence.

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Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today with Feather

Feather is a blog and newsletter service that makes writing for SEO easy. The platform lets you create and organize your SEO-friendly blog content on Notion before you publish. This means you can write and collaborate with your team until you’re ready to publish and never feel like you’re under a time crunch. Then, when you’re ready to share your blog with the world, you can automatically publish it to your Feather blog.

Enhance your SEO strategy with Feather’s Notion to blog tool—organize, collaborate, and effortlessly publish directly from Notion to your Feather blog. Start creating your SEO-friendly content today!