Launching a Substack on Instructional Design: How to Start and Grow
Starting a Substack about instructional design might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. I get it—building an audience and creating valuable content can feel tricky at first. But don’t worry, if you keep reading, I’ll walk you through simple steps to get started confidently and grow your voice.
By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to launch your Substack, share your knowledge, and connect with fellow learners. Let’s explore how you can turn your passion for teaching into an engaging newsletter that keeps readers coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Starting a Substack on instructional design is easy and suited for all skill levels. Focus on choosing a niche, sharing stories and practical tips, and connecting with your audience regularly.
- Creating valuable content that addresses your readers’ problems helps you stand out. Consistency, authentic sharing, and simple language build trust and keep readers coming back.
- Promote growth by engaging with your audience, collaborating with others, and offering freebies. Track key metrics like open rates and feedback to improve your content over time.
- Avoid common mistakes like trying to cover too much, posting irregularly, or being overly promotional. Keep your writing clear, and respond to your readers’ needs and comments.
- Once established, expand your content with different formats and consider monetization options. Stay connected with the community and adapt based on feedback to grow your newsletter steadily.
Why starting an instructional design Substack makes sense right now
If you’re into creating educational content, starting a Substack can be a game-changer. Anyone can do it, even if you’re just starting out. With over 6 million paying subscribers on Substack, there’s a clear hunger for quality insights and expertise. Top newsletters earn millions annually, and that’s not just luck—it’s about building trust and sharing what you know. Plus, the platform’s recent growth, like adding a million paid subscribers in early 2025, shows there’s real demand. If you’re wondering whether you should jump in, consider that more educators are focusing on learner results, so providing valuable content can really resonate. Finally, creating your own newsletter helps you stand out in a crowded world where learners crave authenticity and practical tips.
What makes a good instructional design Substack stand out
A solid instructional design Substack isn’t just about sharing tips; it’s about sharing stories and real-world experiences that relate to your audience. Think about what problems your readers face—are they new to lesson plans, or looking for ways to engage adult learners? Share approachable advice, like how to create a clear course structure or lesson plan, and include simple, immediate steps. Having a consistent tone and offering actionable tips builds trust fast. For instance, you might start by breaking down how to write a lesson plan for beginners, linking to helpful guides like this one. Remember, the best newsletters add value without overwhelming the reader, and demonstrating your expertise makes folks come back for more.
Steps to set up your instructional design Substack and get started
Getting your Substack off the ground is pretty straightforward, but a few tips can make it smoother. First, pick a clear niche—are you focusing on online course creation, lesson planning, or learner engagement? Next, choose a memorable name and design your newsletter to look professional but approachable. Set up your account and customize your sign-up process to make it easy for people to subscribe. Then, start writing with a consistent schedule—whether weekly or biweekly—so your audience knows when to expect new content. Don’t forget to connect your social channels and promote your newsletter wherever your potential subscribers hang out. A quick tip: include personal anecdotes or case studies about your own journey or students’ successes, which helps readers connect with you. Before going live, consider offering a free resource, like a mini-guide on course design, to encourage sign-ups and build your email list immediately.
How to grow and sustain your instructional design Substack audience
Growing your Substack isn’t just about sending out regular emails; it’s about building relationships with your readers.
Start by engaging with your audience through comments and feedback and show that you value their input.
Share stories from your own experience or lessons learned to create a more personal connection.
Use social media platforms to promote your newsletter, but do it in a way that feels natural and not pushy—think short clips or insights that link back to your main content.
Consider collaborating with other educators or instructional designers—guest posts or joint webinars can bring new eyes to your newsletter.
Offering freebies like downloadable templates or checklists can encourage sign-ups and keep readers coming back for more.
Lastly, pay attention to what topics resonate most—if learners or fellow designers keep asking about course assessments, focus more on that.
Remember, consistency helps — aim for a regular publishing schedule to keep your audience engaged and expectant.
How to track success and improve your instructional design Substack over time
To know if your newsletter is hitting the mark, you need to track some basic metrics—think open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth.
Use the built-in analytics tools from Substack to see which topics get the most attention.
If a particular article on lesson planning gets lots of clicks, consider creating more content around that theme.
Look at reader feedback, comments, and replies to gauge satisfaction and gather ideas for future topics.
Keep an eye on your subscriber retention—it’s better to keep your existing readers happy than solely focusing on new sign-ups.
Experiment with different content types—try adding short videos, Q&As, or case studies to see what your audience prefers.
Regularly review your content performance and ask yourself, “What’s working?” then double down on those areas.
Don’t be afraid to edit or rework old posts that performed well; updating content can breathe new life into your newsletter.
Common mistakes to avoid with your instructional design Substack
One common trap is trying to cover too much at once—stick to a niche and become known for it.
Posting inconsistently can make your subscribers forget about you; aim for a realistic schedule, even if it’s once a month.
Avoid overly promotional content—make sure your newsletter offers real value first, products or services second.
Not engaging with your readers is a missed opportunity—reply to comments and ask questions to spark conversations.
Using jargon or complicated language can turn off your audience—keep your writing simple and relatable.
Ignoring data or feedback means missing chances to improve—pay attention to what your readers tell you.
Don’t compare yourself to the top newsletters and get discouraged; focus on steady growth and authentic content.
Finally, don’t forget to proofread your posts—poor grammar and typos can hurt your credibility and trust.
Next steps to take your instructional design Substack further
Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, it’s time to expand.
Start experimenting with different content formats, like audio clips or short webinars, to engage different learning styles.
Think about creating a dedicated course or mini-series that can be promoted through your newsletter.
Look into monetization options: sponsorships, paid subscriptions, or premium content—just make sure it adds value.
Attend webinars, conferences, or online communities to stay connected with other instructors and get fresh ideas.
If you want to build a brand, consider creating a website or landing page where people can learn more about your work.
Keep up with industry trends, like more educators measuring success by real-world learner results ([source](https://createaicourse.com/can-anyone-create-a-course/)).
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback—your readers’ input can help you refine your approach and stay relevant.
FAQs
Starting a Substack helps you share your expertise, build a community, and showcase your work. It allows you to connect with learners and industry peers, establishing your presence in the instructional design field.
Create an account on Substack, choose a clear name, design your page, and set your subscription options. Then, outline your content plan to start publishing engaging posts regularly.
Publish a mix of how-to guides, industry insights, case studies, and tips on instructional design. Keep your content relevant, practical, and tailored to your audience’s interests and needs.
Promote your content on social media, engage with your readers, collaborate with others, and maintain a consistent publishing schedule to attract and retain subscribers interested in instructional design topics.