How do I create your substack account and publication?

**Visit Substack and sign up:** - Go to [substack.com](https://substack.com) and click 'Start writing' or 'Sign up'. - Use email, Google, or Apple to create an account and select a unique handle (e.g., @yourhandle). **Set up your publication:** - From your profile, access the publisher dashboard via the three dots menu > 'Publisher dashboard'. - Enter publication name, subdomain (e.g., yourpub.substack.com), short description, and logo. - Ensure it's not in private mode to display publicly. 85 55

How do I customize your publication profile and settings?

**Edit profile details:** - In dashboard settings, update name, bio, profile photo, and add social/website links. - Customize publication: upload logo, write 'About' section, set theme to match profile or custom. **Review basics:** - Check email settings, enable recommendations, and explore app integration. - Visit [Creator Resources](https://substack.com/resources) for setup tips. 57

How do I draft and publish your first post?

**Start writing:** - In dashboard, click 'Create new' from Home or Posts tab. - Add title, body text, and preview. **Publish:** - Schedule or send immediately; posts appear on your profile/publication. - Use web or app editor. Follow [essentials guide](https://substack.com/resources). 57 85

How do I format posts and add multimedia?

**Basic formatting:** - Use editor toolbar for bold (**text**), italics, lists, headings, links. **Add media:** - Upload images, embed videos, record audio/video directly. - Learn styling from [resources](https://substack.com/resources). Test podcasts/video posts. 57

How do I engage with notes and community features?

**Use Notes:** - Tap '+' in app/web, post short ideas/quotes; like, reply, restack. - Explore feed for discovery. **Community:** - Enable comments, use Chat for subscribers. - Follow [Notes guide](https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/14564821756308). 61 58

Master Substack Publishing in 5 Practical Steps

🧰

Instant Toolkit

2 artifacts

📋
Step-by-Step Guide

1

Visit Substack and sign up:

Go to substack.com and click 'Start writing' or 'Sign up'.
Use email, Google, or Apple to create an account and select a unique handle (e.g., @yourhandle).

Set up your publication:

From your profile, access the publisher dashboard via the three dots menu > 'Publisher dashboard'.
Enter publication name, subdomain (e.g., yourpub.substack.com), short description, and logo.
Ensure it's not in private mode to display publicly.

Why this step matters:

-Builds the core foundation for your publishing presence
-Enables hands-on practice with Substack's dashboard immediately

15-30 minutes

Web browser, Email account, Substack.com

$0

Definition of Done

•Account and publication created
•Publisher dashboard accessible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Selecting a subdomain already taken

→Check availability and add numbers or variations like 'yourpub2026'

❌ Leaving publication in private mode

→Toggle to public in settings for visibility

2

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4

5

🎥
Suggested Videos

Substack for Beginners: The Complete 2026 Tutorial

Substack Tutorial For Beginners in 2025

Substack Tutorial For Beginners

📚
Learning Resources

📖 Online Courses

Substack Grow

beginner

Substack

🌐 Helpful Websites

Substack Creator Resources

documentation

Essentials for publishing, growth tips, and guides

Substack Support for Creators

support

Articles on publishing, settings, and features

Getting Started on Substack Notes

guide

Guide to using Notes for engagement

🛠️ Useful Tools

Substack App

Mobile App

Mobile access to dashboard, Notes, and Inbox

Master Substack Publishing in 5 Practical Steps