7 Powerful Substack Alternatives for Serious Creators

For many creators, Substack has offered a straightforward way to build a newsletter audience and monetize content. However, as subscriber numbers grow, certain limitations become harder to overlook. 

Substack’s model, while simple, comes with high fees (taking 10% of revenue) and lacks customization options for creators looking to differentiate their brands. Beyond that, Substack doesn’t promote content externally, leaving creators responsible for driving new readership on their own.

We want to give you seven alternatives to Substack, each designed to solve these common pain points with features like flexible monetization, advanced audience targeting, and enhanced customization. These options cater to serious creators ready to scale their work and reach new income heights.

For those thinking about a full transition, Multidots can help set up a powerful, scalable WordPress platform that gives you full control over your content!

Don’t have time to read the whole thing? Check out our TL;DR comparison!

Why Serious Creators Are Exploring Substack Alternatives

As creators see their subscriber lists grow past the 10,000 mark, many find Substack’s structure limiting. While it’s a great starting point, Substack’s 10% revenue cut can quickly eat into earnings, burdening those generating substantial revenue. Serious creators need alternatives that allow for both financial scalability and a stronger brand identity.

Substack’s limitations on customization only add to the frustration, making it difficult for creators to tailor their newsletters and differentiate their brands. Essential tools like A/B testing, audience segmentation, and in-depth analytics (a must for scaling operations and enhancing engagement) are also missing from Substack. Along with this, recent controversy around content moderation has led some to consider platforms that offer more control over their content and community dynamics.

As new platforms emerge with referral programs, AI-powered content tools, and SEO features, creators are drawn to options that support growth without restrictions. For those looking to unlock the full potential of their newsletters, WordPress-based solutions offer customization, diverse revenue streams, and greater control over the brand experience. With Multidots’ expertise in WordPress migrations, creators can transition to a platform tailored to their growing needs!

Top 7 Substack Alternatives

For those ready to gain more control, increase customization, and optimize revenue, several powerful alternatives offer advanced features that address Substack’s limitations head-on. From platforms with monetization options to tools focused on enhanced audience segmentation, these alternatives cater to creators looking for platforms that scale with their ambitions.

Here are seven top choices for serious creators aiming to expand beyond Substack’s confines and unlock new growth opportunities.

1. WordPress: For the Ultimate Customization and Scalability

WordPress homepage

If you’ve been in the game for a while, you’ll have most certainly heard about WordPress. Powering 62.3% of websites using a known CMS, it’s a highly flexible platform for creators looking to go beyond newsletters, offering full content ownership and customization that Substack can’t match. WordPress can be transformed into a content hub, combining newsletters, blogs, eCommerce, and even membership sites – all from a single platform! This flexibility enables creators to build a unique, brand-aligned experience tailored to their audience.

One of WordPress’s biggest advantages is its integration capability with various email service providers, allowing creators to choose the best email tools for their needs. This level of control is ideal for those who want to craft personalized email journeys, automate sequences, or segment their audience for targeted campaigns, which Substack’s built-in email system doesn’t support. Along with this, WordPress’ one-time setup and hosting fees can be more cost-effective over time compared to Substack’s 10% revenue cut, especially as your audience grows.

Though WordPress does require a bit of learning (especially for customization and plugins), it provides unmatched potential for a powerful and personalized site. And, as we’ve mentioned before, Multidots can help with this transition, assisting with WordPress setup, migration, and development to ensure a smooth switch that helps creators make the most of their new platform.

2. Ghost: Open-Source Flexibility with a Learning Curve

Ghost homepage

Ghost is a powerful, open-source platform that gives creators full control over their content, branding, and data. Ghost is designed for those who prioritize ownership and independence, offering a sustainable option outside a central ecosystem. Ghost’s newsletter and membership tools allow for updates, tiered subscriptions, and payments – without the 10% revenue cut seen with Substack.

While it provides hundreds of themes and full customization options, Ghost requires setup and technical knowledge, with a learning curve that may not be beginner-friendly. Subscription costs are also tied to audience size, which can become costly as the subscriber base grows. 

Pricing for Ghost(Pro) starts at $9/month for up to 500 members, and tiers increase with larger audiences, making it a better fit for creators seeking flexibility with a moderate budget.

3. Kit: Email Marketing-Focused Platform

Kit homepage

ConvertKit (now just known as ‘Kit’) is a creator-centric, email-focused platform designed to streamline audience engagement and growth. Kit includes advanced tools like a visual automation builder, making it easier to create personalized email sequences that can improve audience engagement.

Kit’s segmentation and tagging capabilities allow for targeted messaging, helping creators connect with specific subscriber groups. The platform also includes a basic landing page and form builders, which offer simple ways to attract new subscribers without needing a full website. However, the platform’s focus on email means it’s less versatile for those looking for an all-in-one content solution.

Kit’s pricing structure starts with a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, with costs increasing as your subscriber count grows. Paid plans, starting at $9/month, include monetization options such as ads and digital product sales, but the costs can become significant for larger lists. Kit works well for creators who prioritize email marketing but may be limited to those looking for a broader content platform.

4. Beehiiv: AI-Powered Newsletter Tool

Beehiiv homepage

Beehiiv is a next-generation platform built for creators interested in using AI and automation to grow their newsletters. Beehiiv uses AI-powered content suggestions and optimization tools to help creators create more engaging content. The platform also offers advanced analytics, such as 3D cohort analysis and audience segmentation, allowing creators to understand reader preferences and behavior better for a more personalized experience.

Beehiiv’s growth tools, including referral programs and cross-promotions, help creators expand their reach without needing external promotion channels. With flexible pricing and monetization options like ad network integration, Beehiiv provides alternatives to Substack’s 10% revenue cut model, though its newer status means certain features are still evolving.

However, as a relatively new platform focused specifically on newsletters, Beehiiv’s feature set may be limited for creators seeking broader content options. Along with this, pricing starts free for up to 2,500 subscribers, but paid plans begin at $69/month and increase with list size, which could add up as your audience grows.

5. Patreon: Diverse Monetization Beyond Subscriptions

Patreon homepage

Patreon offers creators a versatile way to monetize their content, going beyond simple subscriptions with a tiered membership system, online shops, and exclusive content. Unlike Substack’s single-tier subscription model, Patreon allows creators to set multiple membership levels, each with unique benefits, giving fans options to support creators at various levels. This flexibility enables creators to cater to a broader audience and diversify their income.

In addition to memberships, Patreon supports direct community engagement through real-time chats, direct messaging, and group discussions, fostering a more interactive experience for fans. Creators can also sell individual content pieces, such as videos or podcast episodes, and set up online shops to further expand monetization options – something Substack doesn’t currently offer.

Patreon’s fee structure includes an 8% cut for its Pro plan and a 12% cut for Premium, plus processing fees, so it’s important for creators to weigh the value of these additional revenue streams against the fees. For those aiming to build a well-rounded creator business, Patreon’s flexibility can lead to higher overall earnings than Substack’s subscription-only model.

6. Medium: Built-In Audience With Partner Program Benefits

Medium homepage

Medium offers a unique advantage for creators who want to reach a large, engaged audience quickly. Unlike Substack, which relies heavily on external promotion, Medium combines blogging and newsletter features with a built-in reader base. Its curation and recommendation algorithms help creators connect with the right readers, making it easier to grow an audience without extensive self-promotion.

Through Medium’s Partner Program, writers can earn money based on engagement rather than charging subscriptions. This allows creators to monetize through reader views and engagement, appealing to those who prefer not to charge their audience directly. Medium’s platform is designed to support thoughtful, long-form content and encourages nuanced discussions, attracting readers who appreciate depth and insight.

However, while Medium offers convenience and reach, it has trade-offs: Customization options are limited, and creators don’t own their audience data or have full control over branding. Pricing for Medium membership is $5/month, and creators can apply for the Partner Program after publishing one story, providing a straightforward path to monetization.

7. MailerLite: Cost-Effective Email Marketing With Customization

MailerLite homepage

MailerLite is an affordable and user-friendly email marketing platform that offers creators a flexible alternative to Substack, especially for those looking for greater customization. Its intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to design dynamic newsletters, providing more creative control than Substack’s basic editor.

MailerLite also includes automation tools, allowing creators to schedule targeted emails based on subscriber actions or special dates like birthdays, enhancing engagement in ways Substack’s simpler tools don’t support. It also enables creators to set up paid subscriptions and sell digital products, opening up new revenue streams beyond what Substack provides.

Pricing starts with a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, with the Growing Business plan beginning at $13.50/month, making MailerLite a good choice for cost-conscious creators who want powerful tools without high fees.

TL;DR: Comparing Substack Alternatives

For creators looking for a personalized, scalable platform, Multidots offers custom WordPress solutions that integrate advanced newsletter features with full website capabilities. A custom WordPress setup gives creators more control, unique design, and performance advantages over off-the-shelf alternatives!

Take Your Newsletter To The Next Level With Multidots' WordPress Expertise

If you’re a creator looking to really boost your newsletter publishing, WordPress offers an unmatched, customizable foundation. With full content ownership, advanced design flexibility, and scalable tools, WordPress enables creators to build a platform that grows alongside their ambitions.

Multidots specializes in making this transition. With extensive experience supporting high-traffic publisher websites, Multidots ensures smooth WordPress migrations, integrates cutting-edge marketing technologies, and optimizes page load times for a top-tier user experience. Our expertise in scaling WordPress sites to handle millions of monthly visits makes us the ideal partner for creators aiming to reach and engage a large audience.

With Multidots’ guidance, you can go beyond the limitations of traditional platforms like Substack, using WordPress to build a dynamic, revenue-generating platform. Ready to take your newsletter to the next level? Contact Multidots today to explore the possibilities.