Squarespace adds a blog paywall feature
Content marketing continues to be a pivotal strategy for brands and individual creators. The emergence of blogging platforms that offer mechanisms for gating content and generating income through subscriptions has marked a significant shift in how content is monetized and consumed online.
Among these platforms, Substack stands out as a notable example, having gained substantial popularity for its straightforward model and supportive ecosystem for writers and creators. Iām a fan, if you couldnāt tell.
But Iām also a big fan of Squarespace. And theyāve recently unleashed a feature that makes them a potential alternative, albeit late to the party. All Squarespace users should see the option added to their existing and new blogs by March 15th.
First - why Substack reigns supreme
Substack enables writers to publish newsletters directly to their subscribers, offering both free and paid content. This dual-structure allows creators to build a dedicated readership while also earning revenue from those willing to pay for premium insights.
The simplicity of Substackās modelāemphasizing direct communication and the elimination of intermediariesāresonates well with both creators and subscribers. It strips down the barriers between the two, fostering a more intimate and engaged community.
The platform has attracted a wide array of writers, from journalists and experts to hobbyists and thought leaders. Successful creators on Substack often share a common trait: they provide unique, high-quality content that caters to niche interests.
This could range from deeply investigative journalism and industry-specific insights to personal development and niche hobbies. Examples abound, from Dr. Jen Gunterās
to by Bill Bishop. These success stories highlight the potential for writers to thrive by focusing on specialized content that resonates with a specific audience.For content marketers, Substack offers a compelling platform to build and monetize a loyal audience. It encourages fostering a community around a brand or individual. The subscription model also provides a predictable revenue stream, allowing creators to focus on producing quality content without the constant pressure of ad-based revenue models.
Substack isnāt the only player in the game, of course
Just this week, Squarespace launched a paywall blog feature, adding a new dimension to its suite of services. This feature allows creators to gate content directly on their Squarespace websites, offering a seamless way to combine content marketing with subscription revenue.
The Squarespace paywall is integrated directly into the site builder, making it a straightforward option for those already using the platform for their website needs. Creators can designate specific posts as subscriber-only, creating an incentive for readers to sign up for a subscription.
This feature can be particularly useful for businesses and creators who want to keep all their content and digital presence under one roof, providing a more cohesive brand experience.
Which is better?
Comparing Squarespaceās paywall to Substack, each has its unique advantages. Squarespace might be more appealing for creators seeking a comprehensive website solution with blogging, e-commerce, and subscription features integrated into a single platform. This approach could simplify operations but might lack the focused community and discoverability aspects that Substack offers.
On the other hand, Substackās platform is specifically designed for subscription-based newsletters, providing a focused environment that may better for building a dedicated readership. Yet, it doesn't offer the broad website-building functionalities of Squarespace, potentially necessitating additional tools for creators with more extensive digital presence needs.
Keep in mind, that Squarespaceās blog paywall is only version 1.0. We can expect upgrades on the horizon as they take notes about whatās working (and not) here on Substack and elsewhere.
And then take note of Substackās recent rollout of Advanced Layouts, bestowing writers with more custom design power than ever before.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these platforms represent valuable opportunities for content marketers to monetize their work and deepen their connection with their audience.
Are you currently or aspiring to add a paywall to some of your content? Share your publication with us in the comments and let us know why you chose your platform.
This is great content, Cynthia! As a creator, an artist who makes paintings and a writer, I have been trying to figure out how to move my entire website to Substack. This would include my galleries of paintings. But, Substack is not an easy fit for that. Squarespace would be. I think I will hang with Substack a bit longer and see if I can make a round peg fit a square(space) hole, or see if they make changes that will better accommodate those who are writers and also visual artists. My website: https://www.markgranlund.com/oil-landscapes, my Substack: https://markgranlund.substack.com/