A practical breakdown of why most creators stay stuck — and how a clear branding strategy can finally help your Substack stand out, grow, and reach the right audience.
Finally, someone showcased branding in all its glory! Your idea with examples is amazing. I’d love it if you could also include an example from film, for instance, because my friend @johnathonhaney writes in a very specific niche, and I believe it would really help him.
What about those who is still figuring about their identity like which ideas are working for their audience or if they have interest in multiple topic.
In fact, you don't have to limit yourself to one 'niche'. Rather, focus on one problem that you solve.
Let me explain it this way: You can write about five topics. But if they all solve the same type of problem, then you already have a direction.
You can write about psychology, productivity, books, and personal stories. But if everything helps, for example, people who feel invisible to find their voice, that's already positioning. We just need to understand what type of problem your content solves.
From what I've read, your content is about exploring the human condition.
Your identity on Substack could be that of a reflective writer who explores what it means to be human.
Your content is not for everyone, but for deep thinkers. In my opinion, the audience you write for, or your so-called "ideal reader," are people who are introverted readers and seek meaning. They also have a more philosophical outlook on life.
Although your topics are different, they all ask the same question: "What does it mean to be human?"
I'd be happy to give you some advice, but in DM, because it would take too long to comment here, haha.
I can't send messages on chat due to not verified phone number that I tried to do multiple time. But you can dm me with your advice..it would be very helpful to me how to make my own brand on Substack.
Thank you for reading <3 Of course you have a brand. The word 'brand' just feel too corporative and some people don't understand that you don't have to be a big company to call yourself a 'brand'.
The first thing I always pay attention to is the audience. I believe that this is the first important step — to understand what type of people read your work and who needs it. This way, you can know how to promote your work to attract the right people — those who actually read and engage with your content.
If you share your thoughts in your newsletter, these are probably people who have a problem with being understood and find comfort in your work that they are not alone. Their problem at first glance is that no one understands their feelings and thoughts, but the deeper problem is that because of this, they feel isolated and alone. And the reason this upsets them is that no one should feel alone in this world. The real reason people return to your content is that you solve their deeper problem — that they feel isolated and alone.
If you want to clarify your newsletter so that you can better position yourself in front of your audience on Substack, I'd be happy to help :) I hope i didn't bore you with the long explanation haha.
I think that there’s also some who do not want to be in just one category. A lot of people say that to monetise, one needs to have one niche. I’m hoping to work towards not just having one niche! I don’t want to be put into just one category or one box. One box is too small and too few! 😜
Yay! Glad I have company. I write mostly about parenting, pop culture and though I only wrote my first travel related article, I used to write more of that previously.
Excuse me, I am trying to grow and get subscribers! If you are interested, check out my work, say hi and tell me what you think! I love the community here, and I want to see what you have to offer as well!
Yes, to me it felt too abstract. I was drawn into the piece, hoping to gain something from it, but for me—much like the example in the philosophy category—it doesn’t actually offer anything helpful or substantial. That’s my honest experience. Perhaps this feedback can help you navigate future writing. Please see it not as criticism, but as valuable input from someone who is likely part of your ideal audience.
Thank you so much — and I understand your intention. I do still think though it might have been stronger if you had included one powerful example for each category.
That said, I genuinely appreciate that you make a distinction between the different categories, because marketing professionals often tend to focus mainly on businesses rather than creators and creative individuals.
Finally, someone showcased branding in all its glory! Your idea with examples is amazing. I’d love it if you could also include an example from film, for instance, because my friend @johnathonhaney writes in a very specific niche, and I believe it would really help him.
Thank you , Ana! ❤️Your support means everything to me!
You are welcome, darling❤️
What about those who is still figuring about their identity like which ideas are working for their audience or if they have interest in multiple topic.
That's a great question!
In fact, you don't have to limit yourself to one 'niche'. Rather, focus on one problem that you solve.
Let me explain it this way: You can write about five topics. But if they all solve the same type of problem, then you already have a direction.
You can write about psychology, productivity, books, and personal stories. But if everything helps, for example, people who feel invisible to find their voice, that's already positioning. We just need to understand what type of problem your content solves.
I'd be happy to help if you need it :)
“Okay, you’ve seen my work. How would you describe my identity on Substack? And how can I present my content on Substack?
From what I've read, your content is about exploring the human condition.
Your identity on Substack could be that of a reflective writer who explores what it means to be human.
Your content is not for everyone, but for deep thinkers. In my opinion, the audience you write for, or your so-called "ideal reader," are people who are introverted readers and seek meaning. They also have a more philosophical outlook on life.
Although your topics are different, they all ask the same question: "What does it mean to be human?"
I'd be happy to give you some advice, but in DM, because it would take too long to comment here, haha.
I can't send messages on chat due to not verified phone number that I tried to do multiple time. But you can dm me with your advice..it would be very helpful to me how to make my own brand on Substack.
Done :)
Thank you for your advice and definitely going to email you for more suggestions.
I appreciate this so much. I thought that I had a brand, but maybe I don’t. You’ve made me think here…. Any insight to provide?
Thank you for reading <3 Of course you have a brand. The word 'brand' just feel too corporative and some people don't understand that you don't have to be a big company to call yourself a 'brand'.
The first thing I always pay attention to is the audience. I believe that this is the first important step — to understand what type of people read your work and who needs it. This way, you can know how to promote your work to attract the right people — those who actually read and engage with your content.
If you share your thoughts in your newsletter, these are probably people who have a problem with being understood and find comfort in your work that they are not alone. Their problem at first glance is that no one understands their feelings and thoughts, but the deeper problem is that because of this, they feel isolated and alone. And the reason this upsets them is that no one should feel alone in this world. The real reason people return to your content is that you solve their deeper problem — that they feel isolated and alone.
If you want to clarify your newsletter so that you can better position yourself in front of your audience on Substack, I'd be happy to help :) I hope i didn't bore you with the long explanation haha.
Not at all, I appreciate the feedback so much.
i really liked that kind of post and you write it really well
Thank you <3
Nice adaptation to the stereotype of branding! Was great to see your take on this topic:)
Thank you Miles! I appreciate the read <3
An interesting read. I just started at the end of December. Sometimes I think about rebranding.
Thank you for reading! The right positioning really does make wonders! Hope i can help ❤️
I feel that my category is more social work or education related. I still value having a consistent brand.
Your mission here is truly special, and I fully support the work you’re doing!🤍 What’s your Substack goal for 2026?
Thank you for supporting me throughout my advocacy journey. My goal is to reach 1,000 loyal free subscribers who want to join my mission.
That’s a wonderful goal! I am sure it will come true this year ❤️ I will make sure it will happen. You are amazing!
I think that there’s also some who do not want to be in just one category. A lot of people say that to monetise, one needs to have one niche. I’m hoping to work towards not just having one niche! I don’t want to be put into just one category or one box. One box is too small and too few! 😜
Haha, I completely understand you! Sometimes we want to write about so many things - and I truly believe it’s possible to manage it all.😁
What topics are your favorite to write about?
Yay! Glad I have company. I write mostly about parenting, pop culture and though I only wrote my first travel related article, I used to write more of that previously.
Excuse me, I am trying to grow and get subscribers! If you are interested, check out my work, say hi and tell me what you think! I love the community here, and I want to see what you have to offer as well!
Of course I’ll support you! 🥹Which niche do you write in?
Of course, let’s grow! I write about ideas and exploring better outcomes
Amazing ❤️Well said. Branding is important
Thank you ❤️
my pleasure 🤗❤️
Thanks for this! It’s extremely beneficial, even if it’s only a framework, as a creative and a strategist I can build on this for my own substack.
Thank you! In my next article, I’m planning to include a practical application. 🩷I’m curious - which niche do you write in?
Culture and philosophy-ish I guess you could say.
Your insights on branding are incredibly valuable, especially for creators just starting out.
I hope i will help more people here ❤️
I'm sorry, but she actually says nothing here, right?!
That’s fair if it felt abstract.
This piece was meant to introduce the framework, not break down the full strategy. Thank you for joining the conversation <3
Yes, to me it felt too abstract. I was drawn into the piece, hoping to gain something from it, but for me—much like the example in the philosophy category—it doesn’t actually offer anything helpful or substantial. That’s my honest experience. Perhaps this feedback can help you navigate future writing. Please see it not as criticism, but as valuable input from someone who is likely part of your ideal audience.
Thank you for your feedback!
The purpose of this post is to provide a framework for me to explain why and how branding can be used as a tool.
Subsequently, I plan to demonstrate how it is correctly applied in certain categories.
I can start with philosophy in the next article, where I will outline specific actions and steps.
Thank you so much — and I understand your intention. I do still think though it might have been stronger if you had included one powerful example for each category.
That said, I genuinely appreciate that you make a distinction between the different categories, because marketing professionals often tend to focus mainly on businesses rather than creators and creative individuals.
I’ll look forward to your next post then.
Thank you. Useful post.
Thank you for reading! <3
I love this. Definitely struggle with the categories!! Why is there no poetry? Thinking of using philosophy my niche is weird
Excellent advice for old and new content creators alike, thanks for sharing!