You’re probably weighing your options on Substack vs WordPress to determine which fits your new writing journey. Starting a blogging journey often comes with some confusion, especially if you love to cross all Ts and dot all Is before venturing into an unfamiliar terrain.
If you’re struggling to pick between these platforms, know this: One offers ease and an instant newsletter audience, while the other gives complete creative and technical control. However, what’s right for you should be what suits your blogging goals.
Instead of getting lost in hype or platform bias, let’s break down what matters: ownership, audience building, monetization, and long-term growth. You’ll walk away from this with clear direction based on your needs as a writer, not someone else’s success story. Let’s get down to business.
WordPress vs Substack, which is better?
Choosing between WordPress and Substack isn’t just a tech decision—it’s a creative decision that shapes how your writing is presented, shared, and consumed. A WordPress blog gives you the upper hand if you want a platform where you can fully customize your design, use plugins, manage SEO, and own your site and email list. WordPress allows you to build a brand with a custom domain, create multiple pages, and install themes that match your style.
On the other hand, a Substack blog removes all the technical hassle. It’s a plug-and-play system designed to get your words in front of readers fast. You focus on writing, and Substack handles everything else—from design to email distribution. That said, it’s more limiting in terms of branding, SEO flexibility, and long-term content management.
Before you choose, consider how far you want to go with your writing blog. If you want complete control and flexibility, WordPress wins. If simplicity and quick publishing matter more to you, Substack could be a great fit. The next pressing question may have crossed your mind. Keep reading for more clarity.
Should I move from WordPress to Substack?
Suppose you already run a WordPress blog and are considering a shift to Substack. In that case, it may be because you want to simplify your workflow or tap into the newsletter community that Substack nurtures. But the move isn’t always black-and-white.
Ask yourself: Is managing plugins, hosting, and updates draining your creative energy? Are you struggling to build a loyal audience despite having great content? If yes, Substack might help refocus your energy on writing while providing direct access to email subscribers.
However, don’t ignore the limitations. On Substack, you trade control for convenience. You can’t build intricate landing pages, optimize with advanced SEO tools, or fully customize the user experience. If your WordPress blog already has substantial organic traffic and custom features that power your business, moving could cost you more than it gives.
Instead of switching entirely, some writers maintain both—a WordPress blog for SEO and branding, and a Substack for email intimacy and engagement. This dual-platform approach works well if you’re strategic about what content lives where. You may want to know the downside of Substack before you make that switch.
What is the downside of Substack?
Substack is popular for good reason, but it’s not without its downsides, such as:
- Limited customization: You get one template. That’s it. While it’s clean and distraction-free, it doesn’t allow much room for personal branding beyond a logo and header.
- Lack of content ownership: Technically, you own your content, but the platform’s control over distribution and monetization can be a concern. Unlike WordPress, where you own your site and hosting, Substack hosts your content under its own system.
- Audience dependency: Your subscriber list is key, but your growth mainly depends on Substack’s ecosystem. You’re limited to what the platform allows regarding analytics and integration.
- Monetization split: Substack takes a 10% cut from your paid subscriptions, plus payment processing fees. On WordPress, your earnings are yours alone unless you use third-party tools.
In short, Substack helps you start quickly but also boxes you into a framework that may limit future growth.
Also Read: How to come up with blog ideas: Easy tips for endless inspiration
Does Substack integrate with WordPress?
The two platforms aren’t direct competitors in all aspects, and some writers use them in tandem. While Substack and WordPress have no official integration, you can bridge the gap using manual or third-party tools. For example:
Link from blog to newsletter: Add a clear CTA on your WordPress blog encouraging readers to subscribe to your Substack.
Embed signup forms: Use Substack’s HTML embed code to add a subscription box to your WordPress site.
Cross-posting: You can repurpose or syndicate your content across both platforms. Just be mindful of duplicate content issues for SEO.
Here’s my two cents: It’s ideal if you’re already familiar with WordPress and want to enjoy the benefits of email newsletters without leaving your existing blog platform. Therefore, go for it if you can juggle their demands. So it’s time to really weigh Substack vs WordPress for a better-informed decision.
What is the main difference between Substack and WordPress?
At their core, Substack and WordPress serve different blogging goals.
Substack is a newsletter-first platform for writers who want to publish and email their content simultaneously. Its emphasis is on simplicity, community, and subscriptions.
WordPress, on the other hand, is a Content Management System (CMS). It offers endless options for building a blog and a full website with multimedia, e-commerce, and lead generation tools.
The main difference lies in how much control and functionality you need. Substack offers simplicity and direct audience access, while WordPress provides total freedom and scalability. I hope you understand now. As a new writer looking for a platform to pour that overflowing creativity juice, the following line will help you.
Is Substack better for new writers than WordPress?
For many beginners, Substack is a breath of fresh air. There is no need to set up hosting, worry about plugins, or stress over SEO settings. You just write, hit publish, and it lands in your subscribers’ inboxes.
This simplicity makes it the best platform for writers to blog if their primary focus is consistent writing and audience engagement. In a short time, you get feedback, replies, and a readership.
However, the ease comes with trade-offs. You won’t have much room to learn or control the technical side of blogging, which can be essential for long-term digital growth. WordPress forces you to get familiar with domains, SEO, and web structure—skills that pay off as your blog evolves.
If you’re still deciding between Substack vs WordPress, consider your energy. Are you ready to learn and grow with a flexible platform like WordPress, or do you need to focus purely on your writing for now? While you chew on that, let’s talk about monetization.
Can you monetize a blog on Substack or WordPress?
Both platforms offer monetization paths, but they go about it differently.
On Substack, monetization is straightforward: offer free and paid newsletters. You set a monthly or yearly price, and readers subscribe. Substack handles the payment processing, delivery, and access control.
But remember, they take a 10% cut plus Stripe’s fees. If your newsletter gains traction, this can eat into your earnings.
WordPress, on the other hand, offers multiple monetization options:
- Display ads (e.g., Google AdSense)
- Affiliate marketing
- Selling digital products or ebooks
- Sponsored posts
- Memberships and gated content
Moreover, you’ll have to do the setup yourself (or hire help), but you keep full control of how you earn and what you charge. Blogging on Substack vs self-hosted WordPress shows a clear difference in terms of effort vs flexibility.
For writers who want diverse income streams and full autonomy, WordPress is more powerful in the long run.
Substack vs WordPress—Which platform offers more customization?
This is where WordPress blows Substack out of the water. With WordPress, you can:
- Choose from thousands of themes
- Install plugins to add features
- Customize fonts, layouts, and page structures
- Build landing pages, portfolios, and stores
So, Substack doesn’t compete here. You get one layout with minimal tweaks—logo, colors, and a profile image. That’s it.
WordPress is a better blog platform if you care about a unique experience. It lets you turn your blog into a professional website that reflects your style and ambition. Let’s talk about the tech part because not everyone is techy, and it’s okay.
Do I need technical skills to use WordPress or Substack?
Substack was designed to be beginner-friendly. If you can send an email, you can use Substack. There’s no backend complexity, and setup takes under 10 minutes.
WordPress requires more patience. You’ll need to:
- Buy a domain and hosting
- Install WordPress
- Choose and customize a theme
- Install and configure plugins
The good part is that you gain independence once you go through the learning curve. You’ll understand how websites work, how to fix minor issues, and how to scale your blog without starting from scratch.
Those skills are worth learning if you’re serious about writing online and want a long-term home for your content.
Is it easier to build an audience on Substack or WordPress?
Audience building is easier on Substack initially, especially if you’re tapping into the Substack network. Readers can discover you through recommendations, search, and categories. Plus, each post goes directly into inboxes—a huge engagement boost.
However, this has limits. Substack lacks in-depth SEO features, so discoverability outside the platform is poor. You rely heavily on email and word of mouth.
With proper SEO and content strategy, WordPress can bring consistent traffic from search engines. Combine that with email marketing tools like MailerLite or ConvertKit, and you build a powerful ecosystem.
So, which one wins? Substack is easier to start. WordPress is stronger for sustainable growth.
Final Thoughts
The Substack vs WordPress debate isn’t about which platform is “better” in isolation—it’s about which is better for you. If you’re looking to publish easily, connect with readers directly, and keep tech minimal, Substack will meet your needs. But if you want to grow a brand, control every part of your blogging journey, and diversify your income, WordPress will serve you better in the long run.
Think long-term, consider scalability, and, most of all, consider where you feel most in control of your creativity.
Still unsure which one to choose? Share your blogging goals in the comments—I’d love to help you decide.
