Substack is quickly becoming a favorite platform for food creators who want to build a newsletter-based business and connect more deeply with their audience.
Unlike traditional social platforms, Substack allows creators to own their email list, communicate directly with subscribers, and build a more loyal community without relying on algorithms. Plus, it also offers an alternative to SEO and ad-based monetization, making it perfect for those who don’t want to rely on blog traffic or search rankings to earn income.
And the best part? Unlike traditional email platforms, Substack is free no matter how big your list grows, making it an accessible choice for creators at any stage!
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to level up your existing Substack, here are five key strategies to help you grow and succeed as a food creator on the platform. ⬇️
1. Get Clear on Your Newsletter’s Purpose
Before anything else, decide what and who your Substack is for. Is it an extension of your blog or a replacement of your blog? A place to share personal stories behind your recipes? A place for exclusive recipes for readers who want more? Your clarity will shape your writing, audience, and growth.
When readers subscribe, they want to know what to expect. The more defined your purpose is, the easier it will be to build trust and grow.
Examples:
- Behind-the-scenes content on your recipe testing process.
- An exclusive gluten-free breakfast recipe each week.
- A weekly meal prep series under $50.
Think about what kind of content you want people to come back for each week. Recipes? Inspiration? Storytelling? Choose your voice and purpose intentionally!
2. Offer Something Consistent and Valuable
One of the biggest factors in growing a successful Substack? Offering your readers a sense of reliability. When you pick a posting schedule (whether that’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly), think about what you can realistically sustain, and stick to it as closely as possible. Consistency builds trust and trust builds a loyal readership.
But consistency alone isn’t enough, you also want to make sure that what you’re offering is valuable. “Valuable” doesn’t just mean educational, it can also mean inspiring, entertaining, or a combination of all three.
Think about what your ideal reader is looking for when they subscribe to your newsletter: Are they looking for fresh recipe inspiration? Tips for cooking with specific ingredients? Personal stories that help them feel connected to you?
By showing up reliably with content that your readers find genuinely entertaining, you’ll stand out in a crowded inbox and build a community that keeps growing over time!
Psst: We have a ton of podcast episodes all about Substack! Be sure to give the following episodes a listen.
- Why David Lebovitz Switched from Blogging to Substack: In this interview, Bjork and David chat about David’s recent pivot from food blogging to his Substack newsletter.
- ChatGPT, Substack, and the Changing Landscape of Food Writing with Dianne Jacob: In this episode Dianne shares more about her Substack newsletter and why she prefers writing for her newsletter to blogging.
- How Leslie Stephens Grew Her Substack Newsletter to Thousands of Paid Subscribers: Listen as Bjork interviews Leslie, the writer behind morning person newsletter, which has thousands of paid subscribers.
3. Repurpose and Link Back to Your Blog
Your Substack can (and should!) work hand-in-hand with your blog. You can repurpose existing content in new ways. For example, turn blog posts into meal prep guides, roundups, orSubs add personal stories behind the recipes and always include clear links back to your site.
Example: Turn your soup blog post recipes into a Substack titled “The 5 Coziest Soups for Winter” with a story about your favorite to make, plus links to each recipe.
4. Use Notes and Recommendations to Grow
Substack’s built-in tools can help you get discovered:
- Notes: Like a Twitter-style feed, it’s perfect for sharing kitchen thoughts, quick cooking tips, or even asking your audience questions. It’s also a great way to tease upcoming newsletters.
- Recommendations: Substack allows creators to recommend other newsletters (and be recommended back). This can be a great opportunity to interact with other like-minded individuals and help you both grow your list organically.
Showing up in Notes consistently increases your visibility and helps new readers find you. And, Substack even emails readers when their favorite writers recommend someone new.
5. Be Personal — Not Just Promotional
Substack is a place where readers expect you, not just your recipes. Without the confines of SEO, you can feel free to write… whatever you want! Don’t be afraid to share the little moments whether it be your failed cookies, your favorite Sunday routine, or what inspires you. These details are what keep people subscribed.
Ideas to weave in personal storytelling:
- The memory behind a family recipe.
- What inspired a new recipe you developed.
- What your spring grocery haul looks like.
This platform is about connection. Bring your voice, your perspective, and your style, that’s your biggest asset!
And while food is often the focus, don’t forget to let your personality shine. Readers subscribe because they like you, not just your content.
Want to learn more about Substack?Success on Substack doesn’t mean chasing virality, it means showing up, writing from the heart, and building something that feels good and sustainable. To see success start small, stay consistent, and let your passion guide you!
Want more help growing your food brand across platforms? Join the community at Food Blogger Pro where you’ll find courses, expert interviews, and other creators on the same path.
Have a Substack newsletter you love? Share it in the comments below!