Starting a Substack is easy.
Setting it up well is where most new writers get stuck.
Not because they lack ideas, but because there are dozens of small decisions to make, and no clear order to make them in.
This post walks you through the essentials of getting your Substack set up properly.
At the end, you can download a one-page printable checklist to keep beside you while you build.
Why Most New Substack Authors Stall Early
Most newsletters do not fail because the writing is bad.
They stall because:
The positioning is unclear
The About page does not convert
There is no content ready when people arrive
Promotion feels awkward or inconsistent
A simple setup checklist removes friction and keeps you moving forward.
What This Checklist Is Designed to Do
This checklist is not about hacks or growth tricks.
It helps you:
Clarify what you are building
Set up your publication correctly the first time
Publish your first posts with confidence
Avoid the most common beginner mistakes
Stay consistent long enough for momentum to build
Think of it as scaffolding, not a rulebook.
The Core Areas Every New Substack Needs
1. Foundation and Positioning
Before touching settings, you need clarity.
You should be able to explain:
Who this newsletter is for
What problem it helps with
Why someone should care right now
The checklist starts here because everything else depends on it.
2. Publication and Profile Setup
Your publication name, tagline, About page, and author bio quietly do the selling for you.
The checklist walks you through:
Setting clear expectations
Writing a high-conversion About page
Creating a human, credible author profile
Most readers decide whether to subscribe before reading a full post.
3. Content Readiness
Publishing without content ready is a common mistake.
The checklist ensures you:
Have at least three posts live
Include a welcome or origin story
Give new readers something practical or foundational to explore
This builds trust immediately.
4. Distribution and Growth Basics
You do not need a massive audience to grow.
You do need:
Substack Notes enabled
Light, consistent visibility
A simple promotion habit
The checklist focuses on what actually moves the needle early.
5. Retention and Consistency
Growth comes from staying in the game.
The final section helps you:
Set a realistic publishing rhythm
Use a welcome email properly
Commit to the first 90 days
Most success on Substack is earned after that window.