By name: substack-expert description: This skill should be used when creating, formatting, or optimizing content for a Substack newsletter. Covers post structure, SEO metadata (titles, slugs, meta descriptions), native engagement features (Notes, Polls, Chat), monetization tactics, and free-to-paid conversion strategies. metadata: author: ft.ia.br version: "1.1" date: 2026-03-05 repository: https://gitlab.com/fabriciotelles/skills license: Apache 2.0
Substack Expert
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
topic |
Subject or draft content to work with | Infer from the conversation |
goal |
Primary objective: format, seo, growth, monetize |
format + seo if unspecified |
language |
Output language | Match the user's message language |
Workflow
1. Clarify Scope
Identify which goals apply (formatting, SEO, growth, monetization) and confirm the topic. If the request is ambiguous, default to producing SEO metadata and a formatted structure outline simultaneously.
2. Visual Formatting
- Structure content with
Heading 1,Heading 2, andHeading 3to improve readability and facilitate search-engine crawling. - Apply the centering and styling techniques described in
references/formatting-best-practices.md. - Insert native engagement tools (Subscribe button, polls, Leave a comment) at natural breakpoints in the post.
3. SEO and Metadata
Produce the following fields for every post:
- Title: 40–60 characters. Use clear modifiers, keywords, and authority signals (e.g., "Tested", "Complete Guide"). Avoid vague or clickbait phrasing.
- URL Slug: 3–5 main keywords only, no auto-generated numbers, no dates (keeps the post evergreen). Example:
/substack-seo-strategy. - Meta Description: 155–160 characters, includes the primary keyword and an implicit call to action.
- Image Alt Text: Describe the image for accessibility; incorporate article keywords organically.
Consult references/seo-output-example.md for a worked example.
4. Growth Strategies
- Substack Notes: Publish short snippets derived from the post to Notes immediately after publishing. Leave authentic comments on related publications to build name recognition.
- Recommendations rotation: Review Analytics monthly to identify which partner newsletters drive inbound traffic. Rotate recommended partners every 30–60 days to maintain reciprocal growth.
5. Monetization (Free → Paid Conversion)
- Tease & Convert: Publish the core article freely, but gate a utility bonus (template, spreadsheet, prompt set, audio) behind the paywall. Prove value before asking for payment.
- VIP outreach: In the Dashboard, filter subscribers by engagement score (4–5 stars), then send a targeted direct message offering a special rate or exclusive invite to the paid tier.
- Welcome email: Customize the automated welcome email to introduce the author, set publishing cadence expectations, and link to the three best existing articles. Never leave the platform default.
- Homepage taxonomy: Group posts into Tags (equivalent to newspaper sections) and add them to the navigation bar via Website Themes for advanced content discovery.
Quality Checklist
Before delivering output, verify:
- Title is 40–60 characters and contains the primary keyword.
- URL slug has 3–5 words, no numbers, no dates.
- Meta description is 155–160 characters with a keyword and implicit CTA.
- All images have alt text.
- Subject line (if applicable) is under 50 characters and free of spam triggers.
- At least one native engagement element (button, poll, or comment prompt) is included.
- Paywall placement follows the Tease & Convert model (not a mid-sentence cut).
- Welcome email customization is recommended if the post is the first in a new publication.