How Substack finally helped me grow my email list

Sick and tired of the social media hustle? There's a better way. In my guide + workbook Calm Marketing, I show you how to effectively market your creative business, without overwhelm or burnout: www.louisestigell.com/product...
I write a weekly newsletter about becoming a better creative, without burning out or going insane. Subscribe here: www.louisestigell.com/subscribe
RELATED VIDEOS
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TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - The problem with social media
01:58 - Why you should build an email list
02:49 - What is Substack?
03:32 - A tour of my Substack account
07:39 - The "human algorithm" on Substack
08:39 - The built-in monetization features of Substack
09:37 - 3 things that have happened since I moved to Substack
12:33 - Conclusion
ABOUT
Hi, I’m Louise: an artist, writer & creative solopreneur from Sweden. As a multi-passionate creative, I have spent my entire adult life avoiding traditional employment and instead making a living off of my art.
On this channel, I talk about everything I've learned along the way: About art making, creativity, mental health, and making a living as a creative. Dealing with perfectionism, fears, and overwhelm. Staying sane and productive among stress and distractions. And much more.
LEARN WITH ME
Pencil Sketching for Beginner Artists - A simple, stress-free roadmap to radically improve your sketching skills. In weeks, not years: www.louisestigell.com/pencil-...
Portrait Drawing for Beginners -
Learn how to draw any face you want, quickly, accurately, and in your own style: www.louisestigell.com/portrai...
Watercolor For Absolute Beginners - Learn the basics of watercolor in a playful, relaxing, and non-intimidating way: www.louisestigell.com/waterco...
Watercolor Birds - Learn all of my tips and tricks for painting birds in watercolor: www.louisestigell.com/waterco...
SHOP MY ART
Fine art prints: www.louisestigell.com/shop/fi...
Canvas prints: www.louisestigell.com/shop/ca...
Originals: www.louisestigell.com/portfolio
MUSIC
All music is from Epidemic Sound.

[@FinePickens]

Louise, you have a special talent. Your presentation style is inviting and encouraging. I am an old man just getting started. I figure that I can help other people learn from my learning. As my father told me, "You must learn from other people's mistakes; you won't have time to make them all yourself." --FinePickens

[@InTheStudioWithMyrna]

I'm researching in preparation for starting a newsletter and this was exactly the information I needed. Thank you. Your way of doing business really resonates with me and I appreciate that connection.

[@rebelholiday]

You are making useful distinctions and I can relate to a lot of what you are saying! I have a blog, but very much like the social, artistic, and creative aspects of this. I just subscribed to your Calm Creative Show! Will check out your substack. Thank you, Louise.

[@TheRectangleShow]

YES!!!!!! I have been having problems with getting my email list "off the ground" and frankly, my website needs some serious work. I've been working on strategizing all this for more than a week now, and I see you've addressed some major pain points just today! Thank you so much, Louise. Your work is a life-saver!

[@yessicapaternoga2621]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I have been struggling so hard during this year to create art or post on social media just because I felt so overwhelmed and that I spend hours on a piece just to get only little engagement. In 2021 I had a break through with me art business but I had a burnout this year and couldn't create a s frequently anymore. I'm so glad to hear from a fellow creative that I don't have to use Instagram or Tik Tok. I will focus on building an email list, making quality youtube videos and getting my website up to date in 2023. No more hustling for social media.

[@lawsdraws]

Quality content as usual, Louise! Thank you.

[@francineh.7825]

Thank you for this information! I'm currently navigating the ins and outs of starting to promote my art and what I need to know about starting a website, newsletter and all the things haha so this is extremely helpful 💕

[@awberyart5796]

Loved this! I already mentioned to you that I got started on Substack due to one of your previous videos but it was great that you showed how modest beginnings can grow. Your genuine gratefulness for your subscribers, and your paid subscribers, is truly endearing. I also loved your video on how to do videos - I have been inspired to have a go myself! Keep up the great work.

[@Jowi6SN]

That was one of the most genuine and helpful things I've watched recently. You've inspired me to make a move!

[@pamelaharris1183]

Louise -- this was great. You read my mind on so many topics. I'm going to check out Substack today. Thank you!

[@JessePhoenix]

I've tried for so long to put together a newsletter but I've always struggled to figure out how to go about it, especially since I do such a wide variety of things (art, crochet/knitting, gaming, streaming etc etc) that it's been so hard to make anything work. I didn't know that Substack had sections, which might be a game changer for me! That and the sort of blog-style may actually help me get writing again. I've been enjoying your newsletters a lot since I signed up and they've inspired me in a lot of ways and this is another one of those. I'm going to go look at setting up my own substack and see if I can integrate it into my website in a smart way, just so I can keep my online presence nice and tidy as I inch off of social media.

[@studiokayley]

This sounds absolutely AMAZING!! Because I’ve been struggling with an email list with Klaviyo and I’ve been thinking of creating a blog but this is both together and I love that idea! I’m sooo joining Substack and thank you for sharing this with us! ❤️

[@scottedwards5191]

This was excellent - thank you for your thoughtful guidance and your comments about keeping such a platform open. Best of luck as you continue to grow and prosper.

[@ladsr777]

Thank you for your encouragement!

[@thedavidmcilroy]

Louise, you have a ridiculously calming voice!

[@Tribe-of-Enoch]

Thank you so much Louise for this illuminating and informative video. Very encouraging, very helpful and much appreciated. You're a kind soul. God bless you!

[@steveclisbymusic]

Hey Louise, I've just been watching a few of your videos and wanted to compliment you on your views and let you know it's helped me to make a few changes to my online presence. Your sincerity shines and your suggestions resonate. But you've caused a big problem for me, now I'm going to change everything : ) or at least rearrange things. I hope to create a mentoring and coaching course for up and coming artist (music) to save them from the "kiss of death" record companies, reality TV singing shows and more. I do hope to connect with you and others on KZbin and elsewhere. Love your art, attitude and channel. A new happy subscriber!

[@forthecuriousbrain]

Louise, thank you so much for sharing this information. I just opened Substack, and already I feel so excited and inspired!

[@rahulshendre7089]

your voice is so peaceful, thank you so much for this video

[@pearlgrey9419]

Thanks Louise. I enjoyed watching this and it turned out to be just what I needed to get myself going with a writing project I've thinking about for awhile. I had inadvertently created a substack acct (I don't even know how) and then they began sending me emails saying ok now you have an account, why not begin writing or posting or whatever. So thanks again to someone who is living and acting on their dream. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks

[@daletedder8825]

This was wonderfully helpful and encouraging. I have only just started a Substack newsletter, and this is just what I needed. Many thanks.

[@_KristinaGod]

Hi Louise, Love your calm voice and video without much editing. I started my Substack 5 months ago and now have 1,000 subs. I also think that publishing videos on KZbin and also writing on another platform such as Medium helps to grow the list. Cool that you already offer a premium newsletter and went paid. Excited to learn more about your journey. All the best, Kristina

[@hardtalknews]

So impressed with your substack, you and your art. :) I am just beginning to meld my page and I am all over the place and mostly I keep reinventing my goals and what I want from this and visavis my other products... Your video was very helpful, thank you.

[@BeyondTheProcess]

Thanks for the video, Louise. Well done.

[@elisendagil]

I feel so inspired right now, Thank you so much!!!

[@HansOey]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I've been thinking about convertkit for the longest time, but now I've found Substack and it feels like a good path to take, explore the wilderness growing my email list and a sweet ride.

[@rafriedman]

I’ve been really enjoying your vids. I took the Substack plunge and thought I have not amassed a huge email list (yet!), the community is so much better than most social media. Will hopefully be in a financial position at some later point to be a paid subscriber to yours. Paint on!

[@arunachulashiva]

Such a wonderful creative gift you offer. Thank you and wow, you're so humble. Amazing talent.

[@dereeektorwhat3829]

Thank you for this. It was extremely valuable. Great vibe 🙏🙏

[@barrycree2203]

Thanks Louise for encouraging me to get started. I am an older guy that will be writing in the health over 65 niche and I believe now that this is the platform I have been looking for.

[@RajeshMenontechnospirituality]

Thanks, Louise. Very helpful video. Thinking of getting started on Substack. You are an angel. Thanks again ...

[@DayoClinckspoor]

I love your voice, Louise. Literally and figuratively.

[@PlanningwithChloe]

Ooo 😃great video, loved the points you shared. I just started my Substack this week. I have an email list on Mailchimp but have become disillusioned by having to 'bribe' folks to join it (who turn out not to be my idea person anyways), plus I'm rubbish at regularly emailing my list. I'd also tried writing on Medium, which I like but it's not really benefiting me as much as I think Substack will. I love producing content for my KZbin channel and I also love writing which lead me to choosing to experiment with Substack. I initially deliberated switching to Substack (and got switchers remorse after taking the plunge), but all of the points you shared in this video 100% resonated with me and were very encouraging as why the switch was a great idea - thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@CynthiaWintonHenry]

Thank you. My sentiments exactly. I am just now starting my newsletter, The Dancing Center, but have already recommended it to numerous friends who have important and creative things to share.. I'll share your youtube instead of try to explain why! Also I'm a practicing visual artist.

[@mikeacerra3960]

What a wonderful video. It has been super helpful! Thank you Louise!

[@uzimatele]

This is very insightful. Thank you.

[@LuSantos-vu7ik]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Dommesadieu]

Wow this is very informative, I feel like most artist are getting tired of these social media brands, thanks for the plug 👍🏾

[@AndreiB2]

Great review, thanks!

[@adityabajaj9001]

Was contemplating between Revue and Substack. You sold me on Substack. Great video

[@joyfulmindstudio]

This video is so well-done, so informative, and so inspiring! Thank you.

[@Sukanya-ld8yb]

Awesome review about substack ! Thank you for the effort taken ! :)

[@wealthofwisdom247]

❤That was wonderful and answered so many of my challenges and questions also!Thank you 🎉

[@HelloBrellow]

Came here right after watching the mailchimp video lol. This one is also very insightful. Thanks for sharing your experience! I probably never would’ve known Substack existed

[@paulcable1550]

Lovely and helpful video - thank you 🙏🌹

[@bluejeanspublishing9255]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful.

[@idahuizing7175]

Thanks, I didn't know it exists. I will check it out!

[@megamaster0]

This is super helpful!!! I just signed up and put you under my recommendations :) I was looking for something simple like substack to keep in touch with fans. This will be perfect💯

[@sprinvntrdd]

Very helpful Louise. Thank you.

[@micheleyoung9292]

Hi Louise, This was very informative. Thank you!

[@BookMattic]

First, I absolutely love how calming your voice is. Second, I have subscribed to your KZbin channel through your video about Substack. Third, I have subscribed to your Substack because of this video about Substack. Fourth, I am in love with Substack and pumped to meet like-minded people such as yourself because of this amazing platform.

[@stratumaesthetics]

This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this. I appreciate your authenticity and this video has been so helpful. I'm heading over to subscribe now~

[@AccordingToAyak]

First time here & I appreciate your presentation style. Im super interested in this kind of platform that doesn't feel like it's sucking your soul. Great video

[@HeartAndSoulCenteredAstrology]

This was the best video ever. Loved your insights, I think I’m about to switch to Substack!

[@rafael_pereira_20]

What a beautiful and peaceful voice!!!

[@brunabelfortartist]

Oh, this is great! I had kind of heard about substack before, but didn't even know what it is. Thanks for the video explaining. Now I'll head to see your other videos about it to help me decide if I should hop on substack or not 😆

[@hayati6374]

This is soo interesting! Thank you!

[@aadvertes]

Pure valid information. Thank you!

[@LiamMediaUG]

Thank you for sharing this insightful info. The best honest review.

[@phoebesinclair1007]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@abrahamkeleta]

this is awesome. thanks for sharing!

[@karladuterlooart5951]

That was good I will check it out as well as your other videos.. Thanks

[@jenavevesnowolf13]

Thank you for this!

[@cosmicfxx]

Its very pleasant listening to and watching your videos

[@sofilind6037]

💖Thank you for this!

[@kevingeorge4108]

Excellent video and very well presented .... well done and good luck on your journey ....

[@alfredoj1349]

i don't know why but your voice is really calmning, great video and great art btw!

[@nadjadavidson411]

Hey Louise, thanks for this great video. I have been looking for a way to share my lifelong learns and passions, and Substack sounds really good for that.

[@stevieoftheg]

Thanks for the video: it was really helpful and I like your communication style too

[@EconWithDrA]

Substack has been helpful for me too. Thanks for this video

[@bysarahgerbers]

Aah I wish I had this video two weeks ago haha. I just started my own newsletter and blog and chose Squarespace over Substack because I got confused on how to use it 😅 well, at least I know how it works now, just in case Squarespace doesn't work out the way I imagined. Thanks for the video! 💛

[@delphinebodet1891]

wow... seems too good to be true ! :) thank you Louise

[@Kumar-rq9ro]

Thanks.

[@ResellDecadence]

My god your Substack shows a plethora of options! I just joined 😊

[@DavidBelliveau]

For a minute there, I thought I was watching 1970s actress Geneviève Bujold talk about SubStack.

[@ndz7372]

Soo nice.

[@lgp423]

Hej Louise! I didn't even know such a thing as Substack existed?! I've been telling myself that I'm not ready for a website yet and even less ready for a newsletter but maybe I need to reconsider both of them? Everybody says you need to have a cohesive body of work in order to publish your portfolio but I like to paint different subjects and therefore find it hard and slow to produce enough of those painting series that would be good to have for setting up a website. Or am I just too self-critical? I guess many of us creatives ponder this "are we ready dilemma" especially as we sit alone by our easels in the solitude of our studios. I'm glad I found your channel 😊!

[@fuzzydragons]

ooh really have to look into this site, looks very handy for many things😃

[@LolaMarigold]

Hi Louise. This was very encouraging. I am a visual artist and my website is hosted by a popular artist only platform but I pay and I'm only allowed so many subscribers and images due to the plan i can afford. I don't get much engagement. I used to blog years back and last year I started a new one on wix which I can't be bothered with anymore as it is also limiting. Not much reach. I'm not great at marketing myself. I let the gallery do that. I used to like writing but the more people I read the more I feel inadequate to do so. I'm a very solitary person with an insular life. I can get excited about substack though. I need to brainstorm with myself LOL. I love the idea of community as well.

[@katies8080]

This has been most helpful, I have been thinking about starting a blog for awhile but I don't have the money right now to buy a domain name, so the idea of substack is interesting - I'm also considering the Medium platform which is similar.

[@LouiseStigell]

I recommend Substack over Medium a thousand times. Medium is the algorithm-hustle-platform number one for writers, and can be very damaging to your creativity and morale. Speaking from experience... 😅

[@BillSklodowski]

Thanks for a great intro / explainer of the whole Substack system. I've been thinking about using it for my own newsletter. Now I see it's definitely in my future. I know you can "monetize" your newsletter through paid subscriptions. Does Substack also allow links to outside sites... affiliate offers, etc? I guess - since they allow adding KZbin videos - I could simply have those links on my YT descriptions...

[@thestellarelite]

It's weird I saw two videos today telling me very similar things about building art business as a community outside "the socials". You are very informative as always. I'm noticing the shift to newsletters and I like it. I'm more interested in a return to blogs to be honest. I miss the blog/message board days! I'm not really a writer and I ramble stupidly so not sure if the newsletter thing is for me. Do you think bundling substack with youtube may be the way to go? I've been wanting to start my channel properly since 2016 sigh. Subscribed!

[@LouiseStigell]

Definitely! KZbin for the added reach, and for new people to discover you. And Substack to nurture those relationships and build a more loyal audience. You don't have to be writer-focused in order to use Substack, you could use images, a little bit of text, and the audio functions instead. You could even publish your videos to Substack as well, as an added bonus for subscribers (who can watch them ad-free.) Newsletters nowadays can be multi-media. 😊 Wishing you best of luck!

[@gubahanrasa]

Still consistent 😁

[@terencesflam]

I am a web3 company cofounder and run an IG talking about crypto. I have just decided to migrate to Substack. Thanks for this sharing! I am not a art person, I hope my like and subscribe can show my gratitude to your effort.

[@yusriramadhana7044]

Wow, your explanation is very gentle and soft, never heard from anyone else before. Btw, can we download our email list database from Substacks?

[@idraw4me181]

Now I am going to have to take a good look at sub stack for this, just have to see if I can integrate it with Shopify.

[@dannydiscovers]

I started my substack after this video

[@i.b.6790]

Thank you for this video, Louise! Very curious about substack now, will check it out. Do you niw only use substack as your newsletter "host", when people subsribe on your page? And do you have any thoughts on substack vs patreon as content monetizing platforms? Love your channel, your art business thinking, and your lovely birds :)

[@Clicks-Prosper]

Thank you for posting your informative video. I just found out about Substack 3 or 4 days ago. I'm still finding it challenging to understand the concept/strategy. How is a newsletter different from writings? Couldn't you just copy and paste? If not, how different should that content be from each other? And also, since there is no algorithm, how do people find you and join your email list?

[@MrYorickJenkins]

This was quite inspirational. Thank you. I am nearly seventy and am lousy at technical stuff but where there is a will there is a way. I have a newsletter and your enthusiasm and those of others is gearing me up to move to substack. A good start would be to subscribe to your substack. BTW can anyone explain the origin of the strange name?

[@mikeburke1993]

Good video. And commentary on stupid social media like Chris Best said, has made people angry and are at each others throat. And instagram portrays False Advertising by its users. Dating apps suck.

[@zunaira12]

I recommended your yt and substack to my friend

[@stephaniewozny3852]

Hmmmm, interesting. I've been considering alternatives to SM. I heard about Substack, but I wasn't sure, since from what I've heard, it was more geared toward writers, not visual artists. I'll need to check it out.

[@lynchamberlin7398]

This is great. One of the best Substack tutorials. Clear, concise, and motivating. But one question -- you say you offer your newsletter for free in order to generate of new subscribers but I can't figure out how to do this. I originally put in a monthly and yearly subscription rate but can't change it. Can you help? Many thanks!

[@JohnnyBlueStar]

I just saw your video on email marketing.. I thought it was great. I have just started working on substack and am confused on a number of things. Is there anyway you know to be able to talk to someone about my questions. One of them is- I am about to start my first post but I can't see any place to post my videos. I also don't quite understand what email address is used for my email list and where it is sent from. I know these questions may seem obvious but I just don't get a few things. Can you advise or help point me to a place I can get specific answsers?

[@kirstenpennington3485]

Thanks so much for this video, great info! Do you think Substack would work for a small product based business as well? I have one that I'm trying to get up and running, would be interested in trying Substack for building my newsletter! ♥️

[@marvinginsberg]

Thank you for that informative video! Honestly! I am not a techie! What is the best way to get started on Substack? I am a writer of whimsical short micro stores that help people overcome! Anything! at all! I don't have a website. I am not doing social media yet. What do you recommend? Thanks.

[@LesterSuggs]

Can you build your substack site without "turning it on"? Not publicly viewed? I work a regular job and will take weeks to get my site ready. AND, dang your art is amazing. One more thing... you've done a wonderful job illustrating the functionalities of Substack. Thank you.

[@BethBarany]

I have a question about your email newsletter and landing page on your website. It looks like I went through Flo desk to confirm. Does that mean you have Flo desk and sub stack? I thought Flo Desk was also a newsletter service. Thanks so much for your very encouraging video. I think you convinced me to switch to Substack. please pardon the typos I am dictating.

[@denisesilvaart]

Hi Louise, How do you manage a blog on your own website with creating content on Substack? Can you link your blog post or do you have to use the Substack platform? I am a bit confused. Right now I have my blog post linked to the email marketing company. How would I do that with Substack so I don't have to write the post in 2 different places? Thanks. Anything that is organic is welcomed.