# Substack vs Paragraph

*A quick conclusion to my short experiment over a week*

By [The Web3 Engineer](https://paragraph.com/@theweb3engineer) · 2023-10-25

web3, writing

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In my [previous discussion](https://theweb3engineer.substack.com/p/web2-vs-web3-writing-platforms), I explored my journey to select a platform for my new writing venture, ultimately narrowing my options down to two contenders: Substack and Paragraph. Struggling to make a definitive choice, I conducted brief experiments with both platforms to identify the most suitable option. I am delighted to announce my decision: **Substack**, a choice that didn't come as a surprise. Hence, unfortunately, this would be my last post on this series on Paragraph, to focus my writing & follow-on efforts in a single place.

My choice was based on concrete data:

*   Substack enabled me to achieve ten times more views within the same timeframe as a new author compared to Paragraph.
    
*   While I gained a subscriber on each platform, the subscriber on Substack was organic—an unknown individual who found and followed my work.
    
*   Substack offered superior tools, reporting features, and comprehensive documentation, which I consider crucial.
    
*   Although Paragraph boasted features like a block-style editor akin to Notion, Substack's end-to-end writing experience, including email previews, was significantly superior.
    
*   Delving into web3 writing platforms, I found them complex, even with my background in building crypto wallets. Overcoming these complexities as an author requires courage, motivation, and discipline, making Substack's simplicity more appealing.
    
*   Paragraph attempted to simplify web3 complexity but fell short compared to Substack. Additionally, Paragraph did not assist new authors in building an audience, unlike Substack, which offers features like Notes to help new authors gain visibility.
    
*   While web3 content decentralization is essential in certain contexts, it may not be necessary for all content, such as personal blogs. Even if content is stoppable, hosting it on edge locations and embedding web3 functionality into HTML can achieve fast loading speeds, bridging the gap between web1 and web3 protocols.
    

In summary, Substack's streamlined user experience, robust onboarding process, efficient editor, seamless first post experience, excellent follow-up mechanisms, and supportive community won me over. Despite the learning curves of both platforms, I believe focusing my efforts on enhancing my Substack presence is the best course of action. While I intend to explore web3 features in the future, for now, concentrating my efforts on Substack seems prudent, aligning with my goal of reaching a broader audience through my content.

### **Onboarding Experience:**

*   **Speed to First Post:**
    
    *   Both platforms: Within 15 minutes.
        
    *   Learning nuances like design and SEO require additional time.
        
*   **SEO:**
    
    *   Substack: 0.5 vs Paragraph: 0
        
    *   Substack appears more SEO-friendly, considering duplication on a personal blog.
        
*   **Welcome and Survey:**
    
    *   Substack: 1 vs Paragraph: 0
        
    *   Substack’s warm welcome email and survey created a positive onboarding experience.
        

### **Editor Experience:**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Lacks Notion-like commands.
        
    *   Simple and smooth editor.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   Better Notion-like writing experience.
        

### **User Experience (UX):**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Superior UX.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   Inferior UX.
        

### **First Post Experience:**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Simpler and smoother for first-time authors.
        
    *   No complexities like learning web3 concepts.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   More intricate due to web3 features.
        

### **Follow Through:**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Excellent follow-up with emails and notes features.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   Lacks efficient follow-up mechanisms.
        

### **Pricing:**

*   **Both Platforms:**
    
    *   Competitive pricing.
        
    *   Potential adjustments based on author thresholds.
        

### **Tutorials:**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Abundant support from Substack and external sources.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   Limited content strategy and tutorial support.
        

### **Community:**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Smooth community interaction.
        
    *   Engaging, akin to an inbox for writing enthusiasts.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   Less engaging community.
        
    *   Lacks effective audience-building features.
        

### **Web3 Integration:**

*   **Substack:**
    
    *   Awaiting web3 features.
        
    *   Intending to publish on both platforms for varied audience reach.
        
*   **Paragraph:**
    
    *   Current leader in web3 integration.
        
    *   UX complexities in web3 features, potential for improvement.
        

### **Learning Curve:**

*   **Both Platforms:**
    
    *   Learning curve present.
        
    *   Essential to choose a platform and commit to a long-term strategy.
        

### **Interesting Observation:**

*   To optimize SEO and ensure long-term gains, authors can consider mirroring their content and backlinking to their blog. A notable example of this strategy can be found at https://blog.pragmaticengineer.com, which I found smart and plan to implement on my blog too.

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*Originally published on [The Web3 Engineer](https://paragraph.com/@theweb3engineer/substack-vs-paragraph)*