Start Messy: Your First Post Isn’t the Whole Story

Your first Substack post doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be real. Here’s how to start without overwhelm.

I am honest. I can barely remember the first blog post I wrote when I started my blog over six years ago. And I’m pretty sure none of my readers do either.

I don’t remember the topic, the style, or how it performed.

And you know what?

It doesn’t matter.

Because after all this time blogging and writing, I can confidently say this:

Your First Post Doesn’t Matter (and That’s Good News)

If you're wondering how to start a Substack newsletter, you might feel pressure to make your first post perfect.

You’ve been thinking about starting a newsletter for weeks. Maybe months.

You’ve picked a name, created your Substack, maybe even designed a simple header.

But every time you sit down to write that first post, you freeze because of self doubt creeping in.

“What if it’s not good enough?”

“What if people unsubscribe right away?”

“What if this one post ruins everything before it begins?”

Let me stop you right there:

Your first post doesn’t matter. And that’s the best news ever.

Because once you realize that, you’re free to actually begin.

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The Myth of the “Perfect First Post”

Yes, we often think our first post has to be a masterpiece—like we’re still being graded in school or college.

We imagine that one post will be our big entry into something new and exciting. That it will attract a wave of followers and subscribers.

As if it needs to be a brand-defining statement or a “wow” moment that makes everyone fall in love with our writing instantly.

That’s a lot of pressure for just one post.

But here’s the truth: The pressure of getting it “just right” is actually harder than writing the post itself.

Because in the end? Almost no one remembers your first post—not even you.

And that’s okay.

Most successful creators cringe when they look back at their first posts. Why? Because those posts were simply the first step.

When I launched my blog and my newsletter, not a single first post predicted where the project would eventually go.

My voice changed.

My audience helped shape the content.

My rhythm developed with time.

When I look at those early posts (yes, I’ve saved a few), I don’t see perfection—I see growth.

And that’s the point.

So if you’re wondering how to start a Substack newsletter, remember this:

Your first post isn’t a final draft. It’s an introduction to a journey.

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What Actually Matters When You Start

Instead of chasing perfection, focus on momentum.

Here’s what really matters when you're beginning:

• Your “why.” You don’t need a niche nailed down, but it helps to know why you want to write. Expression? Connection? Income? Clarity?

• Hitting publish. You build confidence by doing, not by thinking about doing.

• Showing up again. The second post is more important than the first. Then the third. Then the fifth.

• Getting comfortable. The more you write, the more your voice sharpens. The tech gets easier. The fear fades.

Ditch overwhelm. Build your Substack step-by-step!

How to Start a Substack Newsletter Without Overwhelm

Now that we’ve taken the pressure off, let’s keep things simple.

Here’s how to start a Substack newsletter in a way that feels light, doable, and not overwhelming:

1. Pick one small, honest topic:

Not your whole life story. Not your complete backstory. Just one thought, lesson, or moment.

Something you enjoy talking about—something you’d share with a friend over coffee.

2. Keep it short:

A few paragraphs are enough. Aim for 300–500 words. My first posts weren’t essays, and they didn’t need to be.

3. Write like you speak:

Don’t overthink the tone. Just be yourself—your real voice connects faster than a polished version ever could.

Start writing without judgment. You can always edit later.

4. Resist the urge to explain everything:

This isn’t your only post. You’ll have plenty of chances to dive deeper into your story, your message, or your ideas.

You might even find new post ideas while writing this one.

5. Give yourself a deadline:

Set a timer for one hour. Write one draft. Hit publish. Done.

(Think back to school—remember how a deadline helped you finish? A little pressure can be a good thing.)

You don’t need a welcome series, fancy design, or perfect branding to begin.

You just need to write—and then build from there.

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Why This Is Good News

Perfection is a trap. The longer you wait to get it “right,” the longer you delay your growth.

The real magic happens once you’re in motion:

• You find your voice by using it.

• You find your audience by showing up consistently.

• You find your message by writing your way toward clarity.

None of this can happen until you hit publish.

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Start Before You’re Ready: Your First Post Is Allowed to Be Imperfect

You don’t need to impress anyone with your first post. You just need to begin.

Let it be messy. Let it be short. Let it be imperfect. Let it be you.

Just let it be published.

You can tweak your structure, improve your design, and evolve your strategy later.

Right now, the only thing standing between you and your newsletter dreams is fear—and fear loses its power the moment you take action.

So aks yourself: 👉 What’s stopping you from starting your Substack newsletter today?

✨ Ready to grow your Substack side hustle—without burnout?

These are the two resources I recommend to every creator getting started:

📘 How to Win on Substack – The go-to course for building a clear, intentional publication that attracts loyal readers.

🕓 The 4-Hour Creator – A simple weekly workflow to plan, write, and grow your Substack in just one focused morning.

Whether you're just starting or need a system that actually fits your life, these are the tools that make it possible.

👉 Check them out and start building your Substack with more clarity, consistency, and ease.

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P.S.: If you’re stuck and want help building early momentum, grab my free guide:
📥 From 0 to 50 Subscribers: A 30-Day Jumpstart for Busy Creators

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