How Substack is different from Mailchimp and why small businesses should use it

When it comes to email marketing strategies, there are different platforms that are designed for different purposes. It is very important for a small business to learn about the differences and purposes of each platform before starting to use it.

We have heard a lot about email marketing systems like Mailchimp and we know, more or less, about its main functions. But when it comes to Substack, there are many grey areas that many small business owners may not be aware of them and may simply confuse Substack with Mailchimp.

Here is a list of the 5 most important differences between Substack and Mailchimp that may be of interest to you.

1. Purpose: Substack is a platform for writers and content creators to publish newsletters and subscription-based content, while Mailchimp is an email marketing platform primarily used for sending newsletters and promotional emails to a list of subscribers.
2. Content Types: Substack allows writers to create and publish newsletters, articles, and other forms of written content, while Mailchimp is primarily focused on sending emails and does not have native support for other types of content.
3. Subscription Models: Substack offers a variety of subscription options for readers, including free and paid options, while Mailchimp is primarily focused on sending emails to a list of subscribers and does not offer subscription options for content.
4. Features: Substack offers a range of features specifically designed for writers and content creators, including the ability to customize the layout and design of newsletters, integrate with social media platforms, and track reader engagement. Mailchimp offers a range of features for email marketing, including the ability to create and send newsletters and promotional emails, segment and target email lists, and track the effectiveness of campaigns.
5. Pricing: Substack charges writers a percentage of the revenue generated from their paid subscriptions, while Mailchimp charges users based on the number of emails sent and the size of their email list.

Overall, Substack and Mailchimp are two different platforms with different purposes and features. Substack is primarily geared towards writers and content creators looking to publish newsletters and subscription-based content, while Mailchimp is an email marketing platform focused on sending newsletters and promotional emails to a list of subscribers.

Five reasons small businesses should start using Substack in their digital marketing strategies

We know the importance of email marketing, especially for small businesses. You can read my article about it here:

How a small business or nonprofit in Canada can keep up with the giants?

Now let's see the main reasons why a small business should include Substack in its digital marketing strategies.

1. Easy to use: Substack is designed to be easy to use, even for those with no technical experience. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a range of features and customization options to help small businesses create professional-looking newsletters and other subscription-based content.
2. Cost-effective: Substack offers a range of pricing options to suit the needs of small businesses, including a free option that allows businesses to get started without any upfront costs. Paid options are also available, but they are generally more affordable than other platforms that offer similar features.
3. Flexibility: Substack allows small businesses to publish a wide range of content types, including newsletters, articles, and other written content. This flexibility allows businesses to choose the format that best suits their needs and their audience.
4. Engagement: Substack allows small businesses to build a loyal audience by offering exclusive content and other perks to subscribers. This can help businesses build a strong relationship with their audience and increase customer loyalty.
5. Analytics: Substack provides a range of analytics and engagement metrics that allow small businesses to track the performance of their content and understand their audience. This can help businesses make informed decisions about the direction of their content and marketing efforts.

Overall, Substack is an excellent platform for small businesses looking to publish newsletters and other subscription-based content. It is easy to use, cost-effective, flexible, and provides a range of tools to help businesses build a loyal audience and track their performance.