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The Business of Email: How Substack Changed Everything

Overview

Shownote

Highlights

Transcript

Chapters

Pins

The Business of Email: How Substack Changed Everything

The Colin and Samir Show

Nov 05
The Colin and Samir Show

The Colin and Samir Show

Nov 05
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

You probably don’t think of your inbox as part of the creator economy, but email is a big business, and Substack is leading the charge. In this episode, Colin and Samir sit down with Rachel Karten, writer of the Substack newsletter Link in Bio, which cove...

Highlights

Email is quietly becoming one of the most powerful tools for creators to build independent businesses, bypassing social media algorithms and reclaiming control over their audience relationships. In this conversation, a rising voice in the newsletter world shares how she transitioned from traditional media to forging her own path—using nothing more than a compelling perspective and an inbox.
05:56
60% of free subscribers came from Substack's network in 90 days
13:31
Newsletters thrive on personal voice and consistency to build reader loyalty
16:17
Direct subscriber revenue is reshaping creator sustainability
19:04
Audience is the boss in direct creator relationships
31:59
People follow individuals, not brands or formats.
40:04
Rachel refuses to return to a big media company due to independence.

Chapters

How did Substack help a writer turn her newsletter into a thriving independent business?
00:00
Why are creators leaving traditional media for direct audience relationships?
10:55
Can authentic writing survive the rise of AI and automated content?
16:17
What makes email newsletters a sanctuary from social media pressure?
19:04
Is it still possible to make a living writing about passion topics?
31:59
Why are some creators choosing creative freedom over fast growth?
40:04

Transcript

Colin: You probably don't think about your inbox as part of the creator economy, but sending emails is actually a billion-dollar business. And that business is being led right now by one platform, Substack. Rachel Karten: Talk to us about what you have to...