Write Your First Substack Post Easily with A Template
Streamline your writing process and create engaging Substack posts effortlessly with a customizable template that ensures clarity and consistency.
Ready to build your dream life online? Subscribe now & snag your FREE "10-Step Substack Growth Checklist"! 👇
Publishing your first post on Substack can feel intimidating. To be honest, I don’t remember much about my thoughts when I published my very first blog post.
I’ve read several posts here on Substack where successful creators discuss their fears and doubts about hitting publish for the first time, but I can’t recall experiencing those feelings myself.
What I do know is that it’s been six years since then, and during this time, I’ve written and published hundreds of posts and newsletters.
While some of my posts on my website didn’t attract much attention, I know that thousands of my subscribers eagerly read my weekly newsletters.
I love writing and publishing, and I’ve moved beyond worrying about what people might think. For me, that’s a question without a useful answer.
Instead, my focus has been on evaluating how well I’ve done with the post, including the research, outline, and readability. It’s about ensuring the overall format and content are strong, valuable and impactful for my readers, even if just a little.
So, how can using a template—combined with a focus on quality and content—make writing your first Substack post easier and more efficient?
A Template Can Boost Your Creativity, Not Kill It
Indeed, it's a topic worth discussing, and opinions may vary. Using a template for my blog, newsletter, or Substack posts is essential for me.
Reviewing my early posts, I often think, "What was I thinking?" They were simple and lacked depth. But that’s okay; starting was the most important part, and I can always improve them with my current knowledge.
Here’s the thing: Writing is the creative part, but after that, it’s all about consistency, editing, marketing, and including all the necessary components in my posts.
My templates have evolved from basic to more detailed over time. They help ensure I include all necessary elements, from writing and editing to SEO.
My templates, created in Google Docs, keep me organized and accessible from any device.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write Your First Substack Post Using a Template
Step 1: Choose or Create a Template
Templates are useful for any content type—educational, entertaining, or fictional. Your template may vary based on content, and that's okay. You can use my template with AI prompts to simplify writing or create your own.
My template includes sections for the main post content, outline, SEO description, CTA, conclusion, and more, each with subsections for clarity. This structure helps ensure you include all important elements.
You can easily customize the template to fit your specific needs.
Step 2: Write the Post
When starting a new post on Substack, I begin with an idea, which I collect in Google Docs or Evernote. I then think about how the content will help my audience. For example, this post on writing your first Substack post using a template.
Next, I review the User Intent section, a concept from an SEO course, to ensure the content meets readers' needs. I create an outline with an introduction, several H2 sections, a conclusion, and a call-to-action (CTA). Each post has a specific goal, such as selling a product or generating leads, and I focus on one main purpose to stay on track.
Side note: AI can help with understanding user intent and creating outlines.
Once the prep work is done, I fill in the content for each section, aiming to maintain a steady writing flow. Being well-prepared with an outline allows me to write more efficiently and focus on crafting the post.
Step 3: Revise and Edit
After completing your writing, the next crucial step is editing. Review your content to ensure all important information is included and that your message is clear and concise. Eliminate any unnecessary fluff to enhance the readability and relevance of your post.
Utilize editing tools like Grammarly to catch and correct writing and grammar mistakes. Additionally, consider using AI tools to assist with revising and improving your text. This step is vital for refining your content and ensuring it meets the highest standards before publication.
Pro Tip: Read your text on your smartphone as if it’s an email. I often find the most mistakes this way.
Step 4: Final Touches (SEO and Formatting)
Once I've finished writing, I shift focus to the technical aspects of my post.
This includes:
crafting a compelling headline and subtitle
writing an SEO description
incorporating relevant links and images
using various font styles and formatting elements to highlight key messages and ensure my content is easy to read
I complete the formatting in a Google Doc template, which allows me to fine-tune the layout before transferring it to Substack. This method helps ensure I don’t overlook any details or formatting issues.
My template also includes AI prompts to assist with generating ideas for your headlines, subtitle, and SEO description. Feel free to use and customize these prompts to suit your specific needs.
Transform Your Substack Posts: Download Our Essential Template & Boost Your Writing
Using a template for your Substack posts, even your first, can streamline your content creation. It ensures you include all essential elements and lets you focus on crafting engaging content.
Templates enhance consistency, efficiency, and quality.
Try the template I’ve shared or create one tailored to your needs. Download it and make use of the bonus checklist and AI writing prompts.
These tools will help refine your posts and boost productivity.
P.S. Share your experience in the comments and let me know how it helped. If you found this useful, please share it with others who might benefit from using a template for their Substack posts!
Great advice! I love simplifying things 😊👏