When managing content on Substack, users have two main options for dealing with posts they no longer want in their immediate view: archiving or deleting. Archiving a post neatly tucks it away for later, allowing the user to remove it from their immediate reading queue or inbox without permanently discarding it. In contrast, deleting a post removes it from the Substack platform entirely, which means it’s no longer accessible to the author or the readers.
Understanding Substack’s Platform Features
Substack offers a flexible way for writers to manage content and audience interaction. Knowing how to delete or archive content is crucial for maintaining an organized, reader-friendly experience.
Deleting Content in Substack
When a writer chooses to delete content in Substack, it removes the chosen newsletter or post permanently from the platform. This action is irreversible and means subscribers can no longer access the deleted content. Writers should consider this option when they want to remove outdated or incorrect information completely.
Archiving Content in Substack
Archiving content on Substack, on the other hand, hides the post from public view but does not permanently delete it. A writer can restore archived content at any time, which is useful for managing seasonal topics or tidying up a newsletter feed without losing past work. Archiving can be a strategic choice for keeping the focus on fresh, relevant content while retaining the option to revisit previous materials.
Comparing Deletion and Archiving
In Substack, users have two distinct options for managing their content: deletion and archiving. Understanding these features is essential for maintaining a tidy inbox and controlling the accessibility of past content.
Purpose of Deletion versus Archiving
Deletion is the process of permanently removing an email or post from Substack. Once a user deletes content, it’s intended to be gone forever, signaling a final severance of the information from the user’s account. On the other hand, archiving is a way to hide emails or posts from the immediate view without completely eradicating their existence. This allows the content to be retrieved or referenced later if needed.
Content Accessibility
When users archive content, it remains accessible to them within their Substack account, typically moved to a separate “Archive” section. The content no longer appears in the active list but can be revisited or reinstated. In contrast, deleted content is not readily accessible through the user’s account. Depending on Substack’s retention policies, there might be a short window for recovery from a “Trash” folder before permanent deletion occurs.
Impact on Subscriber Experience
Archiving content does not change the subscriber experience; subscribers still retain access to the archived emails or posts through their original links or within their inboxes. Deleting content, however, may lead to subscribers encountering errors if they attempt to access the content via old links, as those links will no longer reference live content on Substack.
Data Retention and Recovery
For a user, archiving serves as a safe method to declutter their workspace while ensuring that no data is lost. Recovery is straightforward: archived items can be searched for and restored to their original status. Deleted items face a different fate; they are often permanently removed with no option for recovery after a certain period—such as 30 days in most platforms—or immediately upon manual intervention.
How To Delete or Archive Content
Managing your content effectively is crucial for keeping your Substack newsletter organized. Substack provides straightforward options to delete or archive posts, ensuring your subscribers see the most relevant content.
Steps to Delete a Post in Substack
- Navigate to your Substack dashboard.
- Locate the post you wish to delete.
- Click on the post to open it.
- Look for the ‘Delete’ button, usually found at the bottom of the post.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Steps to Archive a Post in Substack
- Go to your Substack dashboard.
- Find the post you want to archive.
- Open the post by clicking on it.
- Choose the ‘Archive’ option within the post’s settings.
- Confirm that you want to archive the post.
Best Practices and Considerations
Deciding between deleting or archiving a post on Substack depends on the content’s relevance, importance to the audience, and privacy considerations. These actions align a Substack user’s content with their subscribers’ expectations and legal compliance.
When to Delete a Post
Substack users should consider deleting a post when:
- The information is outdated or inaccurate, leading to potential misinformation.
- The content no longer aligns with their current brand or values and could harm their reputation.
- Legal or privacy issues arise, necessitating the removal of sensitive information.
When to Archive a Post
Archiving a post is advised:
- For historical reference: The content is no longer front-and-center but may still provide value to subscribers who seek it out.
- To clean up the main feed: This makes navigating current content easier without permanently losing past work.
- When the content is seasonal: Content relevant for only a specific time of year can be archived and then unarchived when applicable.
Privacy and Compliance
Substack authors should always:
- Respect subscriber privacy: They should maintain confidentiality of any subscriber information presented in posts.
- Follow data retention policies: Ensure archived content complies with legal regulations regarding data retention.
- Stay informed about changes in privacy laws: They affect what content should be visible or removed from the platform.