Substack is a popular platform for writers and content creators to run newsletters, but as you start to make money from your newsletter, the costs can quickly add up. Substack takes a 10 percent cut of your revenue, which can become expensive as your subscriber base grows. Many successful newsletter publishers have started looking for more cost-effective alternatives to Substack.
One popular alternative is Ghost, which is open source and run by a nonprofit. Ghost offers plans starting at $9 a month for up to 500 subscribers, making it a more affordable option for many writers. Some well-known newsletters, like Forever Wars and Welcome to Hell World, have already migrated from Substack to Ghost.
Buttondown is another alternative to Substack, run by one person, Justin Duke. Buttondown offers plans starting at $9 a month for up to 1000 subscribers, making it a cost-effective option for writers looking to save money on their newsletters. Newsletters like The Hypothesis have already made the switch from Substack to Buttondown.
Beehiiv is another option for writers looking to move away from Substack. Beehiiv offers one of the most generous free versions of any application on the list, supporting up to 2,500 subscribers. With plans starting at $42 a month for up to 10,000 subscribers, Beehiiv is a more affordable option for writers with growing subscriber bases.
Revue, owned by Twitter, is a platform that offers a 5 percent fee on all premium subscriptions. While this fee may increase as your newsletter grows, Revue is still a more cost-effective option compared to Substack. If you have a large audience on Twitter, Revue’s integration with the social network may benefit you.
In conclusion, while Substack may be a popular platform for newsletters, there are more affordable alternatives available for writers and content creators. By exploring options like Ghost, Buttondown, Beehiiv, and Revue, you can find a platform that suits your needs and helps you save money in the long run. It’s important to consider the costs and benefits of each platform before making the decision to migrate your newsletter.
