Why Every Creator Needs a Substack Audit (and How to Start)
Most creators, don’t perform a Substack audit because it sounds intimidating or “too corporate but in reality, it’s a friendly roadmap to clarity and results.
When I started on Substack, I came here to write. Like most creators, I was full of ideas and excitement. In my first month alone, I published twelve newsletters. Twelve!
But as my publication started to grow, things got messy. My homepage was cluttered, my emails looked different every week and my subscriber flow didn’t make much sense. I was creating a lot but not clearly.
As a tech consultant and marketer who’s audited corporate systems and operations before, I did what I knew best: I ran my own Substack audit.
And here’s what happened.
More readers started subscribing directly from my profile page.
Engagement in Notes increased almost instantly.
I began getting sponsorship opportunities and 1:1 client work through my publication.
My posts started ranking on the first page of Google, which brought new eyes and fresh energy to my content.
Small details compound. If your Substack feels scattered, try it.
A simple Substack audit can completely transform how people find, read, and connect with your work.
Substack Profile & Banner Audit
Substack Profile: Your profile is usually the first thing new readers see and if you check your traffic, it’s often one of the most visited pages. Audit this area first.
Audit checklist:
Profile photo: Clear, welcoming, consistent with your brand.
Bio: In one or two sentences, say who you are, what you write about, and what readers will gain.
Banner: Keep it simple. One clear tagline that speaks to your reader’s needs, not just your own story. Your banner is your headline. See a few examples of effective Substack banners
Substack Homepage Audit
Your homepage is your reader journey map. It shows how you organise your content and guide new readers.
Audit checklist:
Do you have a Hero Post pinned — one evergreen article that represents your best work?
Are your sections clean and clear (2–4 max)? Too many creates confusion; too few limits exploration.
Does your homepage communicate warmth and focus, or does it feel cluttered?
Are images, titles, and snippets consistent in tone and design?
Newsletter Branding Audit
If you want to be recognised and remembered, your newsletter needs a consistent visual identity. Every post should look and feel like it comes from you.
Use the same colours, fonts, logos, icons, and design details across your publication to build brand recognition.
Visual consistency checklist:
Choose 1–2 colours that match your tone and personality.
Create a flagship image style — one design or visual theme that becomes instantly recognisable.
Keep formatting clean: 14–16 px body text, clear headings, and plenty of white space.
Customised Buttons Audit
Your call-to-action (CTA) buttons deserve more attention. “Subscribe” works but it’s forgettable. Everyone uses it.
Audit every button on your Substack — homepage, footer and in-post upgrades.
Ask yourself: Do they sound human? Try alternatives like “Join the fun,” “Let’s get it,” “Heck yes,” “Get inside,” or “Gimme the goods.”
Keep CTAs short (3–5 words), conversational, and true to your tone.
SEO & Social Previews Audit
Substack might not feel like a traditional website, but SEO still matters, especially if you want to appear in Google results.
Audit checklist:
Post titles: Are they clear and keyword-rich without feeling robotic?
Descriptions: Add short meta summaries in your post settings — these show up on Google and social shares.
Alt text: When uploading images, describe them meaningfully (e.g. “Substack homepage audit example”).
Social preview image: Create a consistent branded image (same colours, title overlay).
SEO on Substack is about discoverability. It signals you’re intentional about your work.
Email Format & Footer Audit
Your emails are the bridge between your writing and your readers, so audit how they feel when opened.
Audit checklist:
Short paragraphs (3–4 lines); scannable subheads and bold.
Links embedded naturally (avoid “click here”).
Mobile preview looks clean.
Footer includes a short purpose tagline + one clear CTA (e.g., “Share with a friend”).
Substack Welcome Emails Audit
Your Substack welcome email is your first impression — make sure it clearly tells new readers who you are and what to expect. As part of your Substack audit, review it with fresh eyes.
Audit checklist:
Genuine thank-you.
What to expect: frequency, tone, themes.
Links to 2–3 essential posts.
Invitation to reply (e.g., “Hit reply and tell me where you’re reading from.”)
Update every 3–6 months as your message evolves.
Substack Notes Audits
Many creators underestimate the power of Substack Notes. I had multiple single notes that brought 300+ subscribers. No paid ads, no fancy growth hacks.If you’ve been overlooking Notes, start using them.
Audit checklist:
Post consistently (teasers, excerpts, reflections).
Restack your own posts to extend reach.
Engage peers in your niche (reply, quote, restack).
Aim for five thoughtful interactions a week.
The Power of a Regular Substack Audit
A Substack audit isn’t about chasing perfection, it’s about staying aligned. When you first started, you probably wrote from curiosity and excitement. But as your voice and audience evolve, your setup needs to evolve too.
Taking time every few months to audit your Substack keeps your structure, visuals, and communication in sync with where you are now — not where you began.
Substack grows with you. Most creators don’t stop to audit because it feels unnecessary or even self-indulgent. But it’s the opposite, it’s an act of care.
Clarity attracts subscribers. Alignment keeps them.
And when your space reflects who you are today, readers can feel it.
Are you dreaming for this…
If reading this feels a bit overwhelming that’s exactly why I created the Substack Clarity & Conversion Audit. I’ll walk through every detail for you and record a video showing exactly what to improve.
Your turn
If you’re still reading, I’d love to know:
I’d love to know have you audited your Substack recently or does it feel too overwhelming? What’s the one thing that would make it easier?
Drop a comment. I read each one, and I reply with care.
I so appreciate this! I'm new here and trying to find my way. It's very kind of you to put this out there for all of us to read! :)
Great post! Thank you 🙏🏽