Substack Expert

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.

Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: fabricioctelles
• Source: fabricioctelles/skills
• License: Apache-2.0
• Homepage: https://skill.dev.br

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.