Substack

Website

substack.com

Categories

#Creators #Blogging #Paid Newsletters #CMS

Startup details

Country

United States

Instructables

Website

instructables.com

Categories

#Education #Online Learning #Online Courses #Online Education

Substack features and specs

• Ease of Use
  Substack offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for writers to publish and monetize their newsletters.
• Built-in Monetization
  Writers can easily charge readers for subscriptions, allowing for straightforward monetization.
• Direct Audience Connection
  Substack allows writers to build a direct relationship with their audience via email, which can lead to a more engaged readership.
• Discovery and Community
  Features like staff picks and recommendations help writers get discovered by new readers.
• No Upfront Costs
  Substack does not charge upfront fees; instead, it takes a percentage of subscription revenues, making it easier to start.
• Content Ownership
  Writers retain full ownership of their content, giving them more control over their work.

Possible disadvantages of Substack

• Revenue Share
  Substack takes a 10% cut of subscription revenues, which can add up for writers with a large subscriber base.
• Limited Customization
  The platform has limited customization options compared to building a custom website or using more flexible CMS options.
• Dependency on Platform
  Relying on Substack means depending on its policies and infrastructure, which could pose risks if the platform changes its terms or features.
• Competition
  As more writers join Substack, it can become challenging to stand out amidst the growing competition.
• Email Deliverability
  Writers may face issues with email deliverability, as some newsletters may end up in spam folders.
• Payment Processing Fees
  Besides Substack's fee, payment processors like Stripe also take a percentage, further reducing net earnings for writers.

Instructables features and specs

• Diverse Range of Projects
  Instructables offers a wide variety of projects across multiple categories, including technology, crafts, cooking, and more, catering to diverse interests and skill levels.
• Community Engagement
  The platform fosters a strong sense of community with user-generated content, allowing individuals to share their projects, comment on others, and collaborate with like-minded hobbyists.
• Step-by-Step Instructions
  Most projects come with detailed step-by-step guides and pictures, making it easier for users to follow along and successfully complete projects.
• Educational Resource
  Instructables serves as a valuable educational tool, providing tutorials that can help users learn new skills and gain knowledge in various fields.
• Free Access
  A significant portion of the content on Instructables is accessible for free, allowing users to explore and create without any financial commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Instructables

• Quality Variation
  The quality of projects can vary greatly, as the content is user-generated. Some instructions may lack clarity or be incomplete, leading to potential frustration.
• Ad Distractions
  The free version of the site includes advertisements, which can be distracting and hinder the user experience while browsing or following instructions.
• Premium Membership
  Access to some of the more advanced features or ad-free browsing requires a premium membership, which can be a downside for users looking for a completely free experience.
• Overwhelming Choices
  With a vast number of projects available, users might find it overwhelming to locate the most suitable or high-quality instructions for their needs.
• Inconsistent Updates
  Not all categories or projects are consistently updated, which might lead to outdated information or limited new project inspirations in certain areas.

Analysis of Substack

Monetizing Podcasts and Newsletters - Chris Best of Substack and Jonathan Gill of Backtracks

More videos:

Instructables Electronics Class: Project Review