Substack is a popular platform for writers to create newsletters and build a community around their work. One of the features that Substack offers is Private mode. Private mode allows writers to put their publication behind a permission wall, giving them more control over who can access their content. As the writer, you can choose to approve or decline each subscription request, which can help you build a more engaged and dedicated audience.
To turn on Private mode on Substack, you simply need to go to your publication page and click on Dashboard in the top right-hand corner. From there, click on Settings in the top navigation bar, and scroll down to “Private mode.” Once you turn on Private mode, readers will need to request permission to access your content. As a writer, you can choose to approve or decline each request, which can help you build a more engaged and dedicated audience.
Understanding Private Mode on Substack
Private mode on Substack is a feature that allows writers to put their publication behind a permission wall. This means that readers can request to subscribe to read your posts, and as the writer, you can choose to approve or decline each subscription request.
To turn on Private mode, you need to access your publication page and click on Dashboard in the top right-hand corner. Then click on Settings in the top navigation bar, scroll down to “Private mode,” and turn it on. Once you do that, readers will need to request access to your publication, and you can decide whether or not to approve their request.
One of the significant benefits of Private mode is that it allows writers to create exclusive content for a specific audience. This way, writers can create content that is only available to those who have been granted access to their publication. It’s a great way to build a community of readers who are interested in your work and want to support you.
Benefits of Private Mode
Private mode on Substack offers a range of benefits to writers who want to control who can access their content. Here are a few reasons why you might want to use private mode:
- Control over access: Private mode allows you to control who can access your content. You can choose to host your publication alone or allow readers to request to subscribe. As a writer, you can approve or decline each subscription request, giving you greater control over who can read your work.
- Increased privacy: Private mode ensures that your content remains private and secure. By requiring readers to request access, you can ensure that your content is only seen by those who you have approved. This can be particularly useful for writers who want to share sensitive or personal information.
- More focused engagement: Private mode can help you build a more focused and engaged audience. By requiring readers to request access, you can ensure that your subscribers are genuinely interested in your content. This can help you build a more engaged community and foster deeper conversations around your work.
- Greater flexibility: Private mode gives you greater flexibility in how you publish your work. You can choose to host your publication alone or allow readers to request access. This can be particularly useful for writers who want to experiment with different publishing models or who want to test out new ideas in a more controlled environment.
Overall, private mode on Substack offers a range of benefits to writers who want greater control over who can access their content. By using private mode, you can ensure that your content remains private and secure while building a more engaged and focused audience.
How to Enable Private Mode on Substack
Enabling Private Mode on Substack is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your Substack account and go to your publication page.
- Click on the Dashboard button located in the top right-hand corner of the page.
- From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Private mode.”
- Toggle the switch to the “On” position.
Once you have completed these steps, your Substack publication will be set to Private Mode. This means that only subscribers that you approve will be able to view your content. Any new subscribers will be required to request access, and you will have the option to approve or decline each request.
It’s important to note that enabling Private Mode on Substack does not affect your existing subscribers. They will still have access to your content, and you will not need to approve their access.
Overall, enabling Private Mode on Substack is a great way to control who has access to your content and ensure that your writing remains private.
Limitations of Private Mode
While Private Mode on Substack can be a useful tool for writers who want to control access to their content, there are some limitations that writers should be aware of.
Firstly, Private Mode can limit the growth of a writer’s audience. By restricting access to their content, writers may miss out on potential subscribers who are interested in their work but are unable to read it due to the private nature of their publication.
Secondly, Private Mode can make it difficult for writers to gain exposure and build a following. Without the ability to share their content publicly, writers may struggle to get their work in front of new readers and grow their audience.
Lastly, Private Mode can limit the ability of writers to monetize their content. By restricting access to their content, writers may find it difficult to generate revenue through subscriptions or other means, as potential subscribers may be hesitant to pay for content they have not yet been able to read.
Comparing Private Mode and Public Mode
Substack offers two modes for publications: Private and Public. Here’s a comparison of the two modes:
Public Mode
Public mode is the default mode for Substack publications. In Public mode, anyone can access your publication and read your posts without any restrictions. Readers can also subscribe to your publication by entering their email address.
Public mode is suitable for writers who want to reach a wider audience and build a following. Public mode is also ideal for writers who want to monetize their publication by offering paid subscriptions or sponsorships.
Private Mode
Private mode is a feature that allows writers to restrict access to their publication. In Private mode, readers must request permission to subscribe to your publication. As the writer, you can approve or decline each subscription request.
Private mode is suitable for writers who want to create a more exclusive community or protect their content from being accessed by unauthorized users. Private mode is also ideal for writers who want to offer a more personalized experience to their subscribers.
Best Practices for Using Private Mode
When using Private Mode on Substack, it’s important to keep a few best practices in mind to ensure the best experience for both you and your subscribers.
Firstly, be clear about your intentions for using Private Mode. If you want to create a more exclusive community or limit access to certain content, make sure to communicate this clearly to your potential subscribers. This will help manage expectations and ensure that your subscribers are engaged and interested in the content you are providing.
Secondly, be responsive to subscription requests. As a writer, you have the ability to approve or decline each subscription request. It’s important to be timely in your response to these requests to ensure that your subscribers feel valued and engaged with your content.
Thirdly, consider offering some free content to entice potential subscribers. This can help build trust and establish your brand as a valuable resource in your niche. Once subscribers see the value in your content, they may be more likely to subscribe to your Private Mode publication.
Finally, use Private Mode as a tool to build community and engagement. Host conversations and discussions with your subscribers and encourage them to interact with each other. This can help foster a sense of community and loyalty among your subscribers, which can lead to increased engagement and revenue over time.
By following these best practices, you can make the most of Private Mode on Substack and build a loyal and engaged subscriber base.
Conclusion
Substack’s Private Mode is a powerful feature that enables writers to create exclusive content for a select group of readers. By putting your publication behind a permission wall, you can control who has access to your content and ensure that it remains private. As a writer, you can choose to approve or decline each subscription request, giving you complete control over who can read your work.
I hope you found this guide on Substack Private Mode, useful! If you want to learn more about creating, scaling, and monetizing a Substack newsletter, check out the free content on our blog! If you are still in need of more detailed strategies for making money with Substack, you can also check out my Substack course.