If you’re a blogger looking to monetize your content, you’ve likely considered two popular platforms: Substack and WordPress. Substack is a go-to choice for writers who want to focus on email newsletters and subscription-based content. On the other hand, WordPress is a powerhouse of a platform. It offers incredible flexibility and scalability. With thousands of plugins and themes available, WordPress can be tailored to fit any business or blog, from small personal sites to large enterprise platforms.
But which one is better for monetizing your blog? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each platform to help you decide.
What is Substack?
Substack is a platform for writers and content creators to publish content through email newsletters and build subscription-based audiences. It simplifies the process of sending newsletters, offering built-in tools for monetization through paid subscriptions. Substack is particularly good for writers who want a simple way to monetize their content without dealing with the complexities of running a full website.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is the world’s most popular open-source content management system (CMS), used by millions to create and manage websites. WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites on the internet. It’s known for its ease of use, flexibility, and scalability, making it suitable for everything from personal blogs to large e-commerce sites. WordPress is free and highly customizable, making it a favorite among developers and non-technical users alike. Its versatility and extensive plugin library allow it to adapt to any project’s needs. If you write regularly on WordPress site, managing your content schedule can be efficient, consider using Strive Calendar, a powerful editorial plugin for WordPress.
Key differences between Substack and WordPress site
Let’s discuss how Substack is different than WordPress site. Which one should you use for turning your blog into a profitable business?
Ease of use and setup process
Substack setup
When it comes to ease of use and setup, Substack and WordPress cater to different needs. Usually email services require users to have understanding of the tool. But Substack is incredibly straightforward. It requires only a simple registration process to get started. Its has a minimalist and user-friendly interface, making it perfect for non-technical users who want to focus on content creation without dealing with complex settings.
WordPress setup
In contrast, WordPress offers more control over design and functionality but requires a slightly more involved setup process. There is a steep learning curve. You need to purchase web hosting with custom domain and install plugins to achieve the desired features, which can be overwhelming for beginners. However, the setup is still simple as it doesn’t require any knowledge of web development.
Related: Top WordPress Alternatives in 2025: Wix, Squarespace, Drupal, and More!
Content creation and customization
Substack customization options
Substack is designed specifically for newsletter creation, with an editor that prioritizes simplicity and speed. It’s ideal for writers who want to focus on content without distractions, allowing them to quickly create and publish newsletters.
WordPress customization options
On the other hand, WordPress boasts of a block editor that provides extensive customization options, enabling creators to craft visually rich content with ease. WordPress supports a wide range of content types, including multimedia integration, making it suitable for diverse content needs.
Monetization strategies
Substack monetization options
Substack is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for writers to monetize their content through a subscription-based platform. You can offer free or paid newsletters, and Substack handles the payment processing and subscriber management. However, this convenience comes with a cost: Substack takes a 10% cut of your membership subscriptions, plus Stripe’s same payment processing fees. Despite these fees, Substack remains ideal for writers who want a straightforward way to get paying subscribers and earn monthly subscription fee from their newsletters without dealing with complex technical setups.
WordPress monetization options
WordPress offers various monetization methods compared to Substack. You can use WordPress to create a membership site, sell digital products, display ads, engage in affiliate marketing, or even set up an e-commerce store. Plugins like MemberPress and WooCommerce allow you to sell memberships and products directly from your site. Unlike Substack, WordPress doesn’t take a commission on your earnings, though you’ll still need to pay payment processing fees. This flexibility in monetization strategies, combined with the ability to choose your own payment processing options, makes WordPress a more versatile platform for creators looking to diversify their income streams.
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Web hosting and infrastructure
Substack hosting
When it comes to web hosting, Substack and WordPress differ significantly. Substack is a hosted platform, meaning it handles all your hosting needs (like a free domain name) without requiring any technical expertise. This makes it perfect for those who want to focus solely on content creation.
WordPress hosting
In contrast, WordPress is a self-hosted platform, giving you full control over where your website is hosted. You can choose from a variety of web hosting services and custom domain name based on performance or cost, and you have the flexibility to install WordPress on your own web hosting account. While this requires more technical setup, it offers greater control and customization options for your website.
Read also: Blogger vs WordPress: Which is Better for Blogging Beginners in 2025?
SEO, discoverability, and community engagement
Substack SEO and discoverability
Substack is primarily designed for email newsletters, which limits its SEO capabilities compared to traditional basic websites. While you can optimize titles and descriptions, Substack doesn’t offer extensive SEO customization options, making it harder to reach audiences outside its platform.
As a closed ecosystem focused on email subscriptions, Substack’s discoverability is mainly confined to its existing user and subscriber base only. This means that unless you actively promote your Substack newsletter on other platforms, it may not be easily found by new readers through search engines.
WordPress SEO and discoverability
WordPress, on the other hand, provides SEO tools and various plugins like Yoast SEO, which help optimize your content for better search rankings and increased organic traffic. With a self-hosted WordPress site, you have full control over customizing URLs, meta tags, and optimizing images, all of which contribute to improved discoverability.
Additionally, WordPress sites can be enhanced with custom commenting systems and community-building paid plugins, fostering engagement and encouraging users to share your free content, further increasing visibility. Overall, WordPress offers a more comprehensive approach to SEO and community engagement, making it easier to reach a broader audience beyond your existing subscribers.
Design and customization
Substack design and customization
Substack is an email marketing service known for its clean and consistent design, offering pre-designed templates that make it easy to create visually appealing newsletters. However, its customization options are limited compared to a full-fledged website builder. Since Substack is primarily a newsletter and blog platform, it focuses on simplicity and ease of use rather than extensive design flexibility. You can personalize your publication’s layout, colors, and font styles, but the overall design remains within a set framework
WordPress design and customization
WordPress, on the other hand, offers unparalleled customization options. With thousands of themes available, you can choose one that closely aligns with your brand identity or style. Additionally, WordPress’s vast library of third party plugins allows you to extend your site’s functionality and design further. The block-based editor in WordPress makes it easy to include multimedia elements and create complex layouts without needing coding skills. This flexibility means you can tailor your website to fit any specific design or functional requirement. It’s the right platform for you if you want a highly customizable interface with social sharing features to generate revenue.
Data portability and ownership
Substack data portability
Substack provides data portability features, allowing you to export your posts, pages, and subscriber lists. However, despite these capabilities, Substack’s infrastructure can limit your control over your exclusive content and data. While you can download your subscriber list in CSV format and access your content, migrating to another platform can be challenging due to the lack of seamless integration tools. This means that if you decide to leave Substack, you might face difficulties in transferring your content and subscriber settings to another platform without losing some customization or data.
WordPress data portability
WordPress, particularly when self-hosted, offers complete ownership and control over your own website, content and data. You have full access to your website’s infrastructure, allowing you to export and import content freely. With WordPress, you can easily move your site to a different host or platform if needed, maintaining full control over your data and content. This flexibility is a significant advantage for creators who value independence and the ability to manage their digital assets without restrictions.
Related: WordPress vs Squarespace: Which Platform Is Best for Blogging?
User base
Substack user base
Substack is primarily a platform for writers, journalists, and independent voices who want to connect directly with their audience through newsletters. Its user base is focused on content creation, direct reader engagement, distraction free reading experience, and email marketing. This makes it ideal for those who want to build a subscription-based audience. Substack’s audience is diverse, with a significant presence of young, tech-savvy individuals and high-income paying subscribers. The subscription platform is most popular among individuals aged 25-34, with a balanced gender distribution
WordPress user base
WordPress, on the other hand, has a much broader user base. It is a popular choice for bloggers who want to build a comprehensive online platform, but it also serves small businesses and large enterprises who want ecommerce store. WordPress users span a wide age range, with the largest group being between 35 and 44 years old. The platform is used globally, with a significant presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other developed countries. WordPress’s diverse user base includes individuals from various professions and industries, making it a versatile tool for different types of content creators and businesses.
Read also: Wix vs. WordPress: Which Platform is Best for SEO?
Comparison table: Substack vs WordPress website
| Feature | Substack | WordPress |
| Primary use | Newsletter and subscription-based content | Versatile content management system (CMS) for websites and blogs |
| Ease of use | Easy setup, minimal technical expertise required | More complex setup, requires some technical knowledge |
| Content creation | Simple, distraction-free newsletter editor | Block editor with extensive customization options for various content types |
| Monetization | Paid subscriptions with a 10% commission | Multiple monetization options (subscriptions, ads, e-commerce, etc.) without commission |
| SEO and discoverability | Limited SEO options, mainly internal discoverability | Advanced SEO tools (e.g., Yoast SEO) for better search rankings |
| Customization | Limited design customization, preset templates | Highly customizable with thousands of themes and premium membership plugins |
| Data ownership | Hosted platform, limited control over data | Self-hosted, full control over published content and data |
| User base | Focused on writers and journalists | Diverse user base, including small businesses and large enterprises |
| Scalability | Suitable for small to mid-sized newsletters | Scalable for personal blogs to large-scale websites |
| Cost | Free to start, 10% commission on paid subscriptions | Free software, requires hosting and potential plugin costs |
Conclusion: should you use Substack or WordPress site?
Choosing between Substack and WordPress depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re a writer or content creator looking for a simple way to monetize your newsletters without the hassle of managing a full website, Substack is a great choice. It offers a streamlined setup process and built-in tools for subscription-based content, making it ideal for those who want to focus on writing and connecting directly with their audience.
However, if you’re looking for flexibility, customization, and control over your content and platform, WordPress is the better option. With WordPress, you can create a comprehensive online presence, manage diverse content types, and explore various monetization strategies beyond subscriptions. If you want to manage your content calendar smoothly, you can use plugins like Strive Calendar. With an easy sign-up process, you can get two weeks free. Additionally, WordPress provides better SEO capabilities, extensive customization options, and full ownership of your content and data.
Ultimately, Substack is a go to platform for those who want a straightforward newsletter platform, while WordPress is suited for creators who need a robust and adaptable website solution. You might even consider using both platforms together—Substack for newsletters and WordPress for your main website—to maximize your reach and engagement.
FAQs about Substack vs WordPress
What is better, WordPress or Substack?
It depends on your needs. Substack is the right platform for writers who want a simple way to create and monetize newsletters through paid subscriptions, while WordPress offers more flexibility and customization options for building a comprehensive website or blog. If you need a straightforward newsletter platform, Substack might be better. However, if you want control over design, search engine optimization, and diverse monetization options, WordPress is the way to go.
Should I move from WordPress to Substack?
If your primary focus is on newsletters and you want a simpler platform, moving to Substack might be a good choice. However, if you value the flexibility and customization options of WordPress, it might not be worth switching. Consider using both platforms: WordPress for your main website and Substack for newsletters.
What is the downside of Substack?
Substack has several downsides. For instance, it offers limited design and functionality customization. It lacks an API, making integrations with other tools difficult. It takes a 10% commission on paid subscriptions, plus payment processing fees. Substack is a closed ecosystem, requiring active promotion to reach new readers.
Should I start a Substack or a website?
If you’re focused on building a newsletter audience and don’t need a full website, Substack is the right platform. However, if you want to create a comprehensive online presence with diverse content types and monetization options, starting a website with a custom domain on WordPress is better. You can also use both platforms together: Substack for newsletters and WordPress for your main website.
How do I manage a paid subscription on Substack and WordPress?
On Substack, managing a paid subscription is straightforward, as the platform handles the subscription process and takes a 10% commission. On the other hand, with WordPress integrations like MemberPress, you can manage paid subscriptions without commission fees, but you’ll need to handle payment processing and integration yourself. WordPress offers more flexibility in terms of payment options and no ongoing commission fees, making it more cost-effective for large subscriber bases.