1. Estragon64

    Estragon64 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2021
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    6

    Blog vs. Substack for promotion

    Discussion in 'Marketing' started by Estragon64, Mar 24, 2024 at 6:12 PM.

    If/when my novel gets published, I will have to promote it online.

    I had a blog which I suspended in 2022. I am thinking of reviving it, both as a general lit blog with book reviews and similar items, and to promote my book.

    However, Substack is also an option. As a newsletter, it seems like it could be more effective at targeting readers. There is also the possibility of making some money by offering exclusive content. I know that bloggers sometimes make money, but it seems more hit-and-miss.

    But with regard to promoting a book specifically, which do you think is a better platform?
     
  2. Xoic

    Xoic Prognosticator of Arcana Ridiculosum Contributor Blogerator

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2019
    Messages:
    12,458
    Likes Received:
    13,502
    Location:
    Way, way out there
    Is this Highlander-world, where there can be only one? How about both? There's also Tiktok, Youtube, Facebook, and on and on. A blog doesn't draw people to itself ya know. You need exposure on big sites where it'll get lots of views.
     
  3. Le Panda Du Mal

    Le Panda Du Mal Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2020
    Messages:
    588
    Likes Received:
    623
    Can’t Substack work as both blog and newsletter?
     
  4. Estragon64

    Estragon64 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2021
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    6
    I believe it can; certainly Substacks I've read function like that. I'm wondering what specifically are the advantages of Substack over old-fashioned blogs when it comes to promoting one's book.
     
  5. Not the Territory

    Not the Territory Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2023

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Messages:
    1,240
    Likes Received:
    1,674
    I'll say of all the media I come across as a consumer, it's basically never someone's Substack. Of course the Internet has lots of disparate corners; my experience doesn't speak for all.

    The hard part either way is directing traffic to your platform, which probably means having a presence on the established ones Xoic alluded to. You're competing with a lot of hungry content creators and terrible search algorithms there, but that's just the nature of the game today.

    I'm cynical enough to say that, all methods considered, video format might be the far more realistic way to build audience, which seems so silly when we're trying to collect an audience that will read our books. Or maybe audiobook format is basically a mandatory option now. Hey, I don't make the rules.
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2024 at 5:07 AM
    Estragon64 and Xoic like this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice