Should I Start a Substack? (The Honest Answer for Coaches & Service Providers)
Links and resources
- ActiveCampaign: https://activecampaign.referralrock.com/l/1D9Y6AJJ5DI/
Email marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially if you’re a coach, creative, or service provider building a personal brand. With Substack growing in popularity and traditional platforms like ActiveCampaign, Kit, or ConvertKit still dominating the business side of email, it’s no wonder so many entrepreneurs are asking: Which one is right for me?
In this guide (based on our latest podcast episode), we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each option and helping you choose what fits your business best—whether you’re just starting out or scaling a growing offer suite.
Why Substack Is Trending (and Who It’s Actually Great For)
Substack is having a moment and we get why. It’s clean, easy to use, and built for people who love to write. If your primary focus is sharing long-form ideas, building thought leadership, or growing a community around your writing, Substack can be a great fit.
It’s especially ideal for creators who want a no-fuss way to publish consistently and even monetize through paid subscriptions. You don’t need to worry about designing flashy emails or setting up complex automations. Just write, hit send, and build connection.
That said…
Where Substack Falls Short (Especially for Business Owners)
Substack isn’t built for traditional online business needs and that’s where a lot of folks get stuck. If you’re a coach or service provider who needs…
- Lead magnet delivery
- Welcome or nurture sequences
- Segmented lists
- Launch automations
- Sales funnel support
…then Substack might leave you frustrated. There’s no visual email builder, limited customization, and zero automation beyond basic scheduling. It’s made for content, not conversion.
If you're running programs, building a client journey, or selling services—not just ideas—you’ll likely outgrow Substack quickly.
When a Traditional Email Platform Makes More Sense
If you’re actively building a sales ecosystem and want more control over the buyer experience, traditional email platforms (like ActiveCampaign, Kit, ConvertKit, or Flodesk) are your best bet.
These platforms give you:
- Automations to onboard, sell, and re-engage clients
- The ability to tag and segment based on interest, behavior, or offer
- Visual workflows so you can map out your entire customer journey
- Better reporting and analytics to track what’s actually converting
In short, traditional platforms are made for running and scaling a business—not just writing a newsletter.
So Which One Should You Choose? Here's Our Honest Take:
It all comes down to your goals, capacity, and marketing style.
Go with Substack if…
- You’re focused on growing your writing or thought leadership
- You want a simple platform with built-in discoverability
- You’re experimenting with paid content or building a personal brand
Stick with a traditional platform if…
- You sell coaching, services, or programs
- You need automations, tagging, or lead magnets
- You’re actively launching, nurturing leads, or managing multiple offers
Think of it like this: Substack is a great publishing tool. But if email is a core part of your marketing strategy—and especially your revenue—you're going to need more than Substack can offer.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “wrong” choice here—only what’s right for where you are and where you’re headed. If you’re just getting started and writing consistently sounds exciting, Substack might be your launchpad. But if your business is built on systems, client journeys, and strategy, a traditional platform will serve you far better.
The key is clarity. Know what your email marketing needs to do for you, and choose the platform that can support that without overcomplicating your workflow.
