Everything I know about Substack first impressions — all in one place.

This morning inside the Midstack cohort, we did something I don’t think most writers get to do very often: we explored our Substack first impressions as a reflection of who we actually are right now as writers.

It was the kind of conversation that doesn’t really end when the session wraps up — and I know several of you are still turning things over.

For those of you who weren’t able to join this cohort (there will be more!), I want you to know that what we talked about isn’t locked away. The thinking that underpins this work — the frameworks, questions, editorial instincts that been developing inside the Substack space for the last four years — lives right here in The Publishing Spectrum archive.

Using these resources, you can work through your first impressions on your own time.

Because, honestly, sometimes this work does need a quieter, more spacious place to unfold.

If that’s where you are right now, I want to make sure you have what you need.

If you’re a paid subscriber, start here with these resources:

• Don’t Just List Ingredients In Your About Page — Give Your Readers Something to Savor

• What Do Readers See? Upgrade Your First Impressions on Substack

• What to Say in Your First Email That Makes New Readers Stay

• Live replay: Why These 5 Substack Elements Determine Whether New Visitors Subscribe

• Editorial Branding Checklist: 21 Places Your Words Really Matter on Substack (Updated April 2026)

Not a paid subscriber yet? You can upgrade here or click below to learn more about what’s included in a paid subscription.