There comes a time in every business owner’s journey when you think, Do I really need to be on ANOTHER platform?
For me, that moment arrived after months of quietly hanging out on Substack. Watching. Reading. Voyeur-ing, really.
I had questions.
Could I truly justify adding yet another platform to my already-full digital life? Did I have the capacity to show up authentically on yet another stage when I was already managing a website, podcast, blog, socials, coaching, running multiple businesses, and ... life?
The short answer: Yes.
And the reason? Because Substack is not "just another social media platform."
It’s more like if a blog, a newsletter, and a social network had a baby — and now in 2025, that baby has grown into a discovery-friendly, community-building, algorithm-free zone that actually wants you to succeed.
And that’s why I’ve launched Hello Uncomplified Biz + Life — my very own Substack publication that merges real-life reflections, digital marketing insights, and business growth strategies for people who want visibility without the overwhelm.
So what is Substack, really?
Substack is:
- A newsletter platform (your content lands directly in subscribers' inboxes)
- A blog (you can link to it, post to it, and build a searchable content hub)
- A social media alternative (with a feed called Notes, a chat feature, and now even video + reels-style Shorts)
- A place to build a loyal, engaged community ... I've been loving following people/accounts over the last few months and really curating my feed. It's actually a JOY!
- A way to grow your email list while also being discoverable
- It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it’s completely refreshing. I kid you not!
Why I made the leap (despite being stretched!)
I already have a blog (helllooo, you're here reading this one!). I already have a newsletter (and I enjoy writing my newsletters, and I get really great responses, open rates and feedback!). I already have (too many!) social media accounts. So why Substack?
Because Substack is:
- Algorithm-free – every subscriber gets my post directly in their inbox
- Email and community in one – without the juggling act
- A perfect home for long-form content – ideal for the deep, human, helpful content I love to create. Plus my first love was/is W R I T I N G ... it's my jam! Naturally, it's a great fit!
- Built for discoverability – readers can find me through tags, recommendations, and shared interests
Plus, I was inspired by my niece, who started hers to share her writing and musings — and I loved the space she created, and her updates appear in my email inbox, I don't even need to be on Substack to see she's written a new post (aka blog post)!
But the real winner for me? Substack lets me show up as me. Not as a content machine, not as a trending reel, not as a polished persona. Just me. Words, thoughts, value, vibe, voice.
What I’ll be sharing on Hello Uncomplified Biz + Life
- Simple, human-first ways to grow your business online
- Digital marketing made un-scary, un-fluffy, and uncomplified
- Visibility tips for small business owners (especially those over 45 who didn't grow up with a smartphone in their hand!)
- Thoughts on accessibility, disability and inclusion
- Lived experience as a carer, neuro-sparkly thinker, and mumma.
- How to embrace AI (without losing the magic or your mind)
- Behind-the-scenes moments, reflections, and lessons learned
Basically? It’s business and life, uncomplified.
And you’re invited.
2 Substack Features I LOVE (that most people miss) ... and remember, I've been learning while I've been voyeuring, so I'm here to share tips, that I'm about to implement myself! Woohoo!
1. Timeless Content Is Queen
You're not here to chase trends or go viral. You're here to be found.
Substack content gets indexed by search engines, lives forever, and isn't subject to the 24-hour Instagram feed wipeout. That means every post you publish becomes part of your discoverable legacy. Nice!
Write timelessly. Serve generously. You never know who'll be Googling their way to your brilliance months from now. You also never know when you'll be showing up in an AI search, as the expert in your niche!
2. Hidden Gem: Email Segments
It appears most creators don’t even know this exists: you can send targeted emails to specific subscriber segments without publishing them publicly.
Why this is a game-changer:
- Send exclusive offers to your most engaged readers
- Ask targeted questions for direct feedback
- Reach out personally to readers who’ve gone quiet
- Share early access or ideas before going public
- Deepen relationships with your community in a way that feels personal
I’ll be using this to check in, celebrate wins, and deliver the right value to the right people at the right time. Watch this space! Yes please.
Why Substack makes sense for business in 2025
If you’re a founder, coach, creative, or consultant, here’s why I think Substack is worth your attention:
✅ Visibility without the burnout
Substack is an antidote to algorithmic exhaustion. You can be thoughtful, not just "fresh." I like it!
✅ Grow your email list and your following
Your Substack subscribers are your mailing list. And you can export/import them anytime.
✅ Thought leadership in your voice
Write the way you talk. Go deeper. Build trust. It’s the opposite of fast content — and it works.
✅ Built-in monetisation
Start free, stay free, or go paid when you're ready. Tips, paid posts, subscriber-only access — it's all built in. Substack says that 86% of subscription fees are paid to the content creator. I like that! If it feels like a good fit for you to have a paid subscription, what have you got to lose??!!
✅ Community-first connection
Start chats, create threads, DM your readers. It’s human-first and connection-rich.
✅ SEO and discoverability
Your posts are searchable by Google, AI and Substack’s internal network. It’s low-key, high-reward visibility.
Sneaky tips for getting started on Substack (from my voyaging phase)
- Use keywords in your profile, tagline, and posts (if you were me, and you had my business, you'd consider: "digital marketing coach," "AI for small biz," "women over 50," etc.). What could you use for your business?
- Add tags to every post (you can do this on desktop before publishing, but NOT on the app. Not sure why you can't, but that's definitely annoying!)
- Be active in Notes — the social feed where you can share snippets, ideas, and connect with other creators
- Start Chat threads — a fab way to build real-time community
- Recommend other Substacks you love (and often, they’ll return the favour)
- Re-share your Substack to your socials, your email list, and anywhere your people already hang out. I did that here. And here.
Ready to uncomplify your own marketing?
If you're a small business owner looking to grow online without the fluff, the hustle-culture pressure, or the "how do I even start?" fog, this is the place for you.
I'm building a space that feels more like a cuppa on the verandah than a webinar funnel. Come along!
👉 Subscribe to Hello Uncomplified Biz + Life: https://hellomedia.substack.com/
And if you have questions about starting your own Substack? Hit me up. I’m learning as I go, but loving every minute.
See you over there — uncomplified, of course.