There comes a point in every creator’s life when the platform that helped you grow… starts to feel like a box.
Maybe the analytics are shallow. Maybe the formatting is limited. Maybe you’re craving a space where your voice feels more you. So what happens when your newsletter outgrows LinkedIn?
Most creators stall.
They’re afraid to lose reach, burn trust, or start over. But if you handle the transition with intention, you won’t have to start over at all.
1. Don’t make it about you.
Make it about the reader.
Don’t announce your platform change like it’s a breakup. Announce it like a level-up. Instead of “I’m switching to Substack,” try:
“I’ve moved to a format that gives me more freedom to share deeper insights, behind-the-scenes strategy, and exclusive resources. It’s still me, just better equipped.”
This isn’t a leaving. It’s a growing.
2. Keep the bridge open.
Don’t shut down your LinkedIn newsletter immediately. Use it as a bridge for at least 3–6 issues:
- Offer excerpts or summaries from your new newsletter.
- End each LinkedIn post with a CTA to read the full version on your new platform.
- Bonus points: personalize each teaser to the LinkedIn audience, so it never feels copy-pasted.
This keeps your list warm and gives people time to make the switch when they’re ready.
3. Make the value unskippable.
Don’t just link your Substack. Make them want to click it.
Try one of these angles:
- “Behind-the-scenes”: Give them what they can’t get on LinkedIn.
- “Strategy deep-dives”: Go longer, smarter, bolder.
- “Subscriber-only resources”: Templates, checklists, or bonus stories.
Even if only a fraction of your readers migrate, you’ll be left with the ones who actually care.
I’m still testing this process myself. And no, I haven’t shut this newsletter down. Yet. But if you want the version of me with fewer limits and more context…
