Substack- How Your Favorite TV Anchors Are Building Their Brands and Why Every Entrepreneur Might Want To Follow Their Lead
In an era where social media algorithms dictate visibility, many journalists and business leaders are making a strategic pivot—embracing Substack as a direct line to their audience. This shift isn’t just for reporters looking to escape network constraints; it’s a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs, business owners, and content creators who want to build authority, engage their audience, and monetize their expertise—without the unpredictability of traditional social media.
If you haven’t heard of Substack yet, it’s time to get curious. From CNN’s top names to independent journalists and now small business owners, this platform is becoming a go-to space for storytelling, connection, and even video marketing. As someone who’s spent years producing for television and guiding professionals on the power of media, I can tell you—this shift isn’t just a trend. It’s a turning point.
One of Substack’s most exciting features? Video. Unlike platforms where your content disappears in a fast-moving feed, Substack allows you to embed video directly into newsletters, turning each edition into a high-value, personal, and engaging brand experience.
Let’s dive into why Substack’s video capabilities are a game-changer and how you can use them to grow your brand.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Pay Attention to Substack
If you’ve relied on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube for marketing, you’ve probably noticed the ever-changing algorithms making it harder to reach your audience organically. Substack flips that model—instead of competing for attention in a crowded news feed, your content lands directly in your subscribers’ inboxes.
Key benefits of Substack for business owners and entrepreneurs:
- Full Content Control – No algorithms deciding what gets seen; your audience receives your content every time.
- Owned Audience – Unlike social media followers, email subscribers are yours, and you’re not at risk of losing them if a platform changes its rules.
- Subscription-Based Monetization – Offer free content or create a paid newsletter with exclusive videos, premium resources, or behind-the-scenes insights.
- Multi-Format Storytelling – Combine text, audio, and video to engage different audience segments in the way they prefer to consume content.
- Community-Driven Engagement – Foster deeper connections through comments, discussions, and direct interactions with your audience.
How Entrepreneurs Can Use Substack Video to Market Their Brand
Video isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful business tool. Whether you’re a thought leader, coach, consultant, or small business owner, video helps you connect with your audience on a personal level, build trust, and drive conversions.
Here’s how to integrate video into your Substack strategy:
- Welcome New Subscribers with a Personal Video
- First impressions matter! Instead of a standard welcome email, record a video greeting thanking subscribers for joining. Introduce your brand, set expectations for your newsletter, and invite them to engage with your content.
- Teach, Inspire, and Showcase Expertise
- Position yourself as an industry authority by sharing:
- Video tutorials that educate your audience on your niche.
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes content from your business operations.
- Customer case studies highlighting success stories and testimonials.
- Example: A marketing consultant could create a weekly “Quick Tip Tuesday” video series, offering insights on content strategy or branding.
- Position yourself as an industry authority by sharing:
- Embed Videos for Product Launches & Announcements
- Have a new service, digital course, or product launching soon? Use video to bring your message to life. Unlike social media posts that get buried, an embedded video in your Substack newsletter ensures your audience sees—and acts on—your offer.
- Repurpose Content for Maximum Impact
- Turn existing content into video:
- Summarize a blog post with a short video recap.
- Repurpose a webinar into a mini-series for your Substack subscribers.
- Transform social media lives into exclusive newsletter content.
- Example: A coach who runs a weekly LinkedIn Live can repurpose key takeaways into a Substack video newsletter, keeping the content evergreen and monetizable.
- Turn existing content into video:
- Offer Exclusive Paid Video Content
- Substack allows creators to monetize their work through paid subscriptions. If you offer high-value insights, consider creating:
- Members-only training videos
- Exclusive interviews or expert Q&As
- VIP coaching content
- This premium strategy works exceptionally well for consultants, authors, educators, and industry leaders looking to build a dedicated community while generating income.
- Substack allows creators to monetize their work through paid subscriptions. If you offer high-value insights, consider creating:
- Host Live Video Events & Q&As (Coming Soon to Substack!)
- Substack is rolling out live video features, allowing creators to interact with their audience in real time—without needing social media.
- Possible use cases:
- Monthly subscriber Q&A sessions
- Live coaching and office hours
- Behind-the-scenes product demos
- Possible use cases:
- Substack is rolling out live video features, allowing creators to interact with their audience in real time—without needing social media.
Imagine running a private, high-value live-stream in which only your most engaged audience members participate. That’s next-level brand loyalty.
Why Substack Might Be Better Than Social Media for Video Marketing
Many entrepreneurs default to social media for video marketing, but here’s why Substack might be the smarter choice:
- No Algorithm Guesswork – Every video goes directly to your subscribers instead of getting lost in a crowded feed.
- Higher Engagement Rates – Emails and newsletters tend to have higher open and click rates than social media posts.
- More Monetization Options – You can create paid tiers for exclusive video content, something most social media platforms don’t offer without ad revenue.
- Longevity & Ownership – Unlike Instagram Stories or TikTok posts that vanish, your Substack content lives permanently in an easily accessible archive.
- Stronger Community Building – Subscribers are opting in because they value your insights, leading to more meaningful interactions than casual social media follows.
Deborah’s Final Take
Substack is more than just a newsletter platform—it’s a content powerhouse that allows entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders to establish themselves as trusted voices in their field. With video, it becomes even more powerful, giving you direct access to your audience without relying on the ever-changing rules of social media.
If TV anchors are using Substack to reclaim their voice, why shouldn’t business owners do the same? Your brand, your message, your audience—without the noise. It’s time to start using Substack to build, engage, and monetize on your own terms.
Ready to get started? Hit record, share your expertise, and let your audience connect with the real you. Your inbox—and your business—will thank you.
