Substack Expert

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Default
topic	Subject or draft content to work with	Infer from the conversation
goal	Primary objective: format, seo, growth, monetize	format + seo if unspecified
language	Output language	Match the user's message language

Workflow

1. Clarify Scope

Identify which goals apply (formatting, SEO, growth, monetization) and confirm the topic. If the request is ambiguous, default to producing SEO metadata and a formatted structure outline simultaneously.

2. Visual Formatting

• Structure content with Heading 1, Heading 2, and Heading 3 to improve readability and facilitate search-engine crawling.
• Apply the centering and styling techniques described in references/formatting-best-practices.md.
• Insert native engagement tools (Subscribe button, polls, Leave a comment) at natural breakpoints in the post.

3. SEO and Metadata

Produce the following fields for every post:

• Title: 40–60 characters. Use clear modifiers, keywords, and authority signals (e.g., "Tested", "Complete Guide"). Avoid vague or clickbait phrasing.
• URL Slug: 3–5 main keywords only, no auto-generated numbers, no dates (keeps the post evergreen). Example: /substack-seo-strategy.
• Meta Description: 155–160 characters, includes the primary keyword and an implicit call to action.
• Image Alt Text: Describe the image for accessibility; incorporate article keywords organically.

Consult references/seo-output-example.md for a worked example.

4. Growth Strategies

• Substack Notes: Publish short snippets derived from the post to Notes immediately after publishing. Leave authentic comments on related publications to build name recognition.
• Recommendations rotation: Review Analytics monthly to identify which partner newsletters drive inbound traffic. Rotate recommended partners every 30–60 days to maintain reciprocal growth.

5. Monetization (Free → Paid Conversion)

• Tease & Convert: Publish the core article freely, but gate a utility bonus (template, spreadsheet, prompt set, audio) behind the paywall. Prove value before asking for payment.
• VIP outreach: In the Dashboard, filter subscribers by engagement score (4–5 stars), then send a targeted direct message offering a special rate or exclusive invite to the paid tier.
• Welcome email: Customize the automated welcome email to introduce the author, set publishing cadence expectations, and link to the three best existing articles. Never leave the platform default.
• Homepage taxonomy: Group posts into Tags (equivalent to newspaper sections) and add them to the navigation bar via Website Themes for advanced content discovery.

Quality Checklist

Before delivering output, verify:

• Title is 40–60 characters and contains the primary keyword.
• URL slug has 3–5 words, no numbers, no dates.
• Meta description is 155–160 characters with a keyword and implicit CTA.
• All images have alt text.
• Subject line (if applicable) is under 50 characters and free of spam triggers.
• At least one native engagement element (button, poll, or comment prompt) is included.
• Paywall placement follows the Tease & Convert model (not a mid-sentence cut).
• Welcome email customization is recommended if the post is the first in a new publication.