#199 - The One About Substack

Big news this week, the ReWild Your Business podcast has a new home. I've moved it over to Substack, and in this episode I'm sharing exactly why, what I've changed my mind about, and how I'm planning to use Substack as my central media hub going forward.If you've been curious about Substack, whether it's worth exploring, whether the SEO issues are still a thing, whether it's actually just for writers, then this episode is for you. I'm coming at it as someone who dismissed it for years and has now done a complete 180.Why I Changed My Mind About SubstackFor a long time I was repeating other people's opinions about Substack as if they were my own - the closed shop problem, the SEO limitations, the "it's only useful if your clients are writers" narrative. I hadn't done my own due diligence, and I'm calling myself out on that. Because Substack has evolved enormously, and it's time to update the story.The LinkedIn ThingI'm not deleting my account, but I'm being honest: I'm over trying to crack the LinkedIn algorithm. Six and a half thousand followers and I still can't reliably reach the people I'm connected to on purpose. I don't create content to please algorithms, and Substack feels like a breath of fresh air by comparison.What's Actually Changed on SubstackThe SEO has improved significantly, it's no longer the closed shop it once wasYou can use it as a full media hub - newsletter, podcast, video, live events, communityNotes gives you a social media-style space without being fully algorithm-dependentYou can go as simple or as complex as you likeHow I'm Using ItThe podcast now lives inside Substack (you can still listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, nothing changes for you there). I'm also experimenting with going live, including a four-part collaboration series with the brilliant Deb D. And I've opened a paid membership - the most accessible and simple way to work with me, with resources and monthly Zoom calls, without the over-engineered complexity that's put me off memberships in the past.Why Substack Feels Right For Me Right NowIt's where I can show up as my whole self without performing for an algorithm or shrinking to fit a platform's rules. It's where the writers I most admire are doing their most generous, accessible work. I want to create that same sense of depth and connection for you.And with my book in progress, Substack feels like the natural home for the writing side of everything I'm building.Subscribe to ReWild Your Business on Substack: https://gillmoakes.substack.com/Come and have a dig around, it's still a work in progress and I'd love your company as it evolves. Free subscribers get all the newsletters and the podcast. Paid members get a more personal layer of access, including 2 monthly Zoom calls.https://gillmoakes.substack.com/If anything on the Substack feels confusing or you think the navigation could be clearer, please do drop me a line: [email protected] - genuinely helpful feedback very welcome.Substacks Mentioned in this episode:Deb D - The Intuitive HERoine - For the women who dare to lead their lives from within. https://thebehercollective.substack.com/Claire Venus - Sparkle on Substack - If you're thinking of starting or growing a Substack, she is the resource. Down to earth, practical, zero gatekeeping. Highly recommended. https://sparkleon.substack.com/Beth Kempton - SoulStack - Beautiful, generous writing for anyone interested in developing their writing practice. https://bethkempton.substack.com/Rebecca Campbell - For the spiritual among you, Rebecca is the real deal - I love her work. https://rebeccacampbell.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gillmoakes.substack.com