LinkedIn vs. Substack!
A Powerful Combination for Writers and Content Creators
Writers and content creators today have more opportunities than ever to share their work, build an audience, and even monetize their content. Among the many platforms available, LinkedIn and Substack stand out as two of the best options for professionals looking to grow their influence and earnings.
While LinkedIn is a professional networking platform with robust content-sharing tools, including its newsletter feature, Substack is a dedicated newsletter and blogging platform designed for audience building and monetization. The best strategy? Use both.
In this article, we’ll compare LinkedIn and Substack in depth, highlight LinkedIn’s newsletter feature, and explain why combining these platforms can be a game-changer for writers.
1. Overview: What Are LinkedIn and Substack?
LinkedIn: The Professional Networking and Content Hub
A global platform with over 900 million users.
Initially designed for networking and job searching, but now a content powerhouse.
Supports posts, articles, videos, and newsletters for thought leadership and engagement.
LinkedIn Newsletters allow users to send regular updates directly to their followers’ inboxes.
Substack: The Independent Publishing Powerhouse
A newsletter and blogging platform that gives writers full control over their audience.
Supports both free and paid subscriptions, allowing for direct monetization.
Content is delivered via email, ensuring writers own their audience.
2. Key Differences Between LinkedIn and Substack
FeatureLinkedInSubstackPrimary PurposeProfessional networking & content sharingNewsletter publishing & audience monetizationMonetizationIndirect (via job offers, partnerships, LinkedIn newsletters)Direct (via paid subscriptions, sponsorships)Content FormatPosts, articles, videos, newslettersEmail newsletters, blog postsAudience ControlAlgorithm-driven visibilityDirect access via emailBest ForThought leadership, industry engagementIndependent writing, monetized content
3. LinkedIn Newsletters vs. Substack Newsletters
One of the biggest overlaps between LinkedIn and Substack is that both offer newsletter features. However, they serve different purposes:
LinkedIn Newsletters: Visibility & Professional Engagement
Instant subscriber base: Your LinkedIn connections and followers can subscribe with one click.
Higher visibility: LinkedIn promotes newsletters within the platform, leading to fast subscriber growth.
Algorithm advantage: Unlike regular posts, LinkedIn newsletters stay visible longer and continue getting engagement.
Professional credibility: Great for building authority in your niche and attracting job opportunities.
Limited monetization: You cannot charge for LinkedIn newsletters directly, but they can drive readers to paid offers elsewhere.
Substack Newsletters: Direct Monetization & Community Building
Full control: Writers own their email list and are not dependent on a platform’s algorithm.
Monetization: Offers paid subscriptions, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing options.
Longer-form content: Best for in-depth storytelling, essays, and niche writing.
Slower subscriber growth: No built-in promotional boost like LinkedIn, so growth is mostly organic.
Which is better? Use LinkedIn Newsletters for growth and engagement, and Substack for monetization and deep connections.
4. Audience and Reach: Algorithm vs. Email Control
LinkedIn: Fast Growth Through Algorithms
Posts and newsletters can reach thousands—even millions—of people.
The LinkedIn algorithm prioritizes engaging content, so likes, comments, and shares help boost visibility.
However, content lifespan is short—posts fade after a few days, and newsletters need regular promotion.
Substack: Steady Growth Through Owned Audience
No algorithm interference—all subscribers receive your emails directly.
Highly engaged audience—subscribers choose to receive your content, leading to better retention.
Organic growth is slower, but the audience is more loyal and likely to pay for content.
Winner: LinkedIn for fast visibility, Substack for audience ownership and monetization.
5. Content Format: Short-Form vs. Long-Form
LinkedIn: Bite-Sized Insights and Professional Storytelling
Works best for short-form content, quick insights, and professional updates.
Articles and newsletters allow for longer content, but engagement is generally lower than for short posts.
Ideal for industry trends, career tips, and business-related content.
Substack: Deep Dives and Personal Storytelling
Designed for long-form writing, allowing for deeper insights and niche exploration.
Encourages personal storytelling, essays, and thought leadership.
Writers can experiment with style and tone without platform constraints.
Winner: LinkedIn for quick insights, Substack for detailed storytelling.
6. Monetization: How Writers Can Earn
LinkedIn Monetization Strategies
Indirect monetization: Writers cannot charge for content but can earn through:
LinkedIn newsletters (driving traffic to paid content)
Freelance gigs, consulting, and speaking opportunities
Sponsorships and partnerships
Substack Monetization Strategies
Direct monetization: Writers can earn through:
Paid subscriptions (monthly or yearly)
One-time donations
Sponsorships and affiliate marketing
Winner: Substack for direct income, LinkedIn for career opportunities.
7. Growth Strategy: How to Use LinkedIn and Substack Together
1. Use LinkedIn for Discovery, Substack for Retention
LinkedIn provides instant visibility, while Substack keeps readers engaged long-term.
2. Drive LinkedIn Traffic to Your Substack
Include links to your Substack in your LinkedIn posts and newsletters.
Tease your Substack content in LinkedIn posts to encourage signups.
3. Repurpose Content to Save Time
Turn a LinkedIn post into a detailed Substack article.
Use a Substack newsletter as the basis for a LinkedIn post or article.
4. Build Multiple Income Streams
LinkedIn helps with visibility and credibility.
Substack provides a direct income source.
Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds
Instead of choosing between LinkedIn and Substack, writers should use both strategically.
LinkedIn (especially its newsletter feature) is great for visibility, networking, and professional credibility.
Substack is perfect for deep audience engagement, monetization, and independent publishing.
By combining LinkedIn’s viral potential with Substack’s monetization power, writers can maximize their reach, earn money, and build a sustainable writing career.
FAQs
1. Can I use LinkedIn and Substack newsletters at the same time?
Yes! Use LinkedIn newsletters for broader reach and Substack newsletters for deep audience engagement and monetization.
2. How can I convert LinkedIn followers into Substack subscribers?
Include a call-to-action (CTA) in your LinkedIn posts and newsletters, encouraging readers to subscribe to your Substack.
3. Is LinkedIn better for business writing?
Yes, LinkedIn is ideal for business, finance, marketing, and professional insights, while Substack is better for creative and niche writing.
4. Should I prioritize LinkedIn or Substack?
Start with LinkedIn to build an audience, then direct engaged followers to Substack for monetization and deeper connections.
5. How often should I post on each platform?
LinkedIn: 3–5 posts per week, 1 newsletter per week.
Substack: 1–2 newsletters per week.