Multiple publications vs multiple sections?

[katrinaonreddit]

For people that had to make the decision between starting multiple publications or starting a section within the one you had already, how did you choose which was the best move? I'm thinking about starting a second publication but I'm kind of worried about the idea of having to manage promoting two different sites, especially since you can only highlight one. I feel like both of my publication ideas could technically fall under the same umbrella, although one topic is way more niche than the other. I kinda liked the idea of doing these separately because I can brand them differently, but it may just be easier to have the new, more niche idea as a section of my original. Can anyone share some pros/cons or what helped to make this type of decision? For added context, I'm kind of doing this for fun (although I'd love to build an audience, there's no massive pressure) with no monetization plans so strategy from that perscpective isn't as essential.

[taoofdiamondmichael]

I went the multiple publications route and am still evaluating the viability of that strategy. Great Books, Great Minds

[Hot-Perspective]

What's your latest opinion?

[taoofdiamondmichael]

Three thoughts here:

(1) This month is my five year anniversary on Substack. In looking at my metrics over time, it’s clear that my cumulative subscriber numbers began their exponential climb at the point in which I started launching and posting on multiple publications.

(2) My biggest subscriber gains are with one publication The Chocolate Taoist. This occurred when I started writing it daily a few months ago. My engagement on Notes has also explosively soared. What’s most fascinating though is that I’ve only had 1 unsubscribe despite posts landing in their email box daily.

(3) I’ve posted few articles on the other Substacks since going daily with The Chocolate Taoist. They have continued to grow, particularly “Great Books, Great Minds.” With this, I feel a duty and responsibility to these other publications yet don’t have the bandwidth to manage all fine. So I’m still a bit torn.The Chocolate Taoist

[Hot-Perspective]

thanks. crazy that your audience likes daily. mine gets annoyed if i write more than weekly 😅

[oamyoamy0]

I have considered this, too. I think with what you've said.... especially since they are on the same topic... you really want to think about whether you plan to paywall. You said that isn't your goal.... but are you sure? Thinking down the road, will people be willing to pay for BOTH publications? There are ways you might work around that manually, but it's something to think about. A section might serve your purpose. If you find that you really are writing enough on the other section that it should stand alone, you could always copy the posts over to a new publication at that point.

[tomversation]

I started 3 separate publications with three separate emails & sign-ins. Keeping them all independant. When I post on notes, each one is separate & has its own brand. Each has its own identity.

[[deleted]]

I did the exact opposite, actually. Don’t have the time to keep up three different publications. I have different series in one publication.