Should I Start a Substack? (The Honest Answer for Coaches & Service Providers)

In this episode of the Deeply Rooted Business Podcast , we're diving into a question we’ve been hearing a lot lately—should you use Substack or stick with a traditional email platform like Flodesk, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign? Rachel, our go-to email marketing strategist, breaks down the pros and cons of each. We talk about why Substack is trending, especially among thought leaders and content creators who want a low-maintenance platform with monetization built in. But we also highlight where traditional platforms shine—think advanced automations, segmentation, lead gen, and more robust control over your strategy. If you’ve ever felt torn between the simplicity of Substack and the power of traditional ESPs, this episode will help you get clear. We’re comparing usability, design flexibility, audience targeting, and overall business goals to help you choose what fits best for the season you’re in. In this episode, we cover: 00:56 Why Substack is gaining traction (and who it’s best for) 01:27 The biggest pros and major limitations of using Substack 07:44 When traditional platforms make more sense 13:51 Our take on how to choose based on your goals and capacity Links and resources ActiveCampaign: https://activecampaign.referralrock.com/l/1D9Y6AJJ5DI/ Meet Your Hosts Jessica Walther is the founder and CEO of The Launch Collaborative and Sustainable Success Systems . As a launch strategist and systems consultant, Jess is dedicated to helping solo business owners and small-but-mighty teams build businesses that deliver both peace and profit. She specializes in creating sustainable growth strategies that align with her clients' values and lifestyles. Rachel Lopez is the founder and CEO of Gal Marketing Agency , a boutique email marketing and strategy firm. With over a decade of experience, Rachel helps heart-driven entrepreneurs craft intentional marketing strategies that attract, nurture, and convert leads sustainably. Her human-first approach ensures that marketing efforts feel authentic and effective . Together, Jess and Rachel blend systems, storytelling, and soulful strategy to help you grow a business that's deeply aligned with your life—not just your revenue goals. Connect With Us: Jess Website Rachel's Website Learn with Us Get Jess's Sustainable Success Systems Starter Kit, a Notion Business Management Systems that takes your business from overwhelmed to organized with 4 foundational workflows. <<Learn More Here>> Diagnose Common Launch Problems and Fix Them Fast! Get the Launch Cure Guide : https://www.thelaunchcollaborative.com/launch-cure Get Rachel's Guide to a High-Converting Email list to learn 4 shifts to elevate your emails & embrace sustainability in your marketing. <<Get it Here>> _________________ Hang Out & Say Hi! Deeply Rooted Business Instagram Jess Instagram Rachel's Instagram