Well. . . my comment is more of a HELP! message. How do I get started with an email marketing list, without violating any of substack rules? Could be a robot in chat support that may get me nowhere. I've been posting for some time but lack the know how and know what for this essential next step in the process to generate an audience. Please reply to my email if that's okay, christinamherlofson@gmail.com
You exported your list FROM Substack...but when you imported it back in, Substack thought it was "sus." 😁
That's hilarious.
I also got a nice laugh about the roundabout way the chatbot explained it to you.
Sounds kinda... self-defeating!
Pointless, even?!
Well, when I started out, I had rounded up FOUR emails to import. I got 'em by accosting ppl at the barber shop (after I got my hairs cut!)
First, I'd back someone into a corner & ask 'em if they like to read. If they said "no" I'd look 'em over very critically, and decide if I even wanted to bother with them. (Usually not.)
If they said "yes," I'd tell 'em they needed to read my new blog (that was "called a newsletter). Then I'd ask 'em for their email address, so I could sign them up.
In that crowded barber shop, I walked away with 4 emails.
Seriously though, I actually charmed several "little old ladies" into giving me their email address. And one guy.
Anyeay, at the time, I was just starting out, and didn't know how Substack worked. I actually thought I could import my whole contact list.
But THAT didn't fly! (As you know.)
But, y'know, I'm up to about 30 or so now, and ALL of the rest who've signed up have been genuinely interested. They've either come from the app or from a Google search.
But truthfully, I haven't been marketing it. I'm just now starting to do that, because now I'm on a mission.
When I started out, I was mostly writing "for me."
NOW I have a purpose, a mission.
(BTW, I've exaggerated the barber shop scene somewhat, just for fun!)
If anyone else is interested, see my new mission at:
Yah, after all this runaround with import/export I kind of wish I'd just emailed my entire list and let them know about the switch. I definitely learned my lesson!
That's awesome you're out there in real life pounding the pavement and rounding up subscribers! That is actually on my list of things to do. I'm going to make a QR biz card for my new pub and hand them out (as if I ever leave my house 😆😆)
Hey Kristi! About opting in… I think I know what they mean. Opting in is a privacy term. “The part about: Substack requires explicit opt-in for each publication doesn’t make much sense to me because how can they be opted in if they haven’t been imported or subscribed yet? So, why is there an option to send a welcome email to imported subscribers if they aren’t considered opted in? So confusing.”
The rule is you cannot add people to a newsletter just because you have your email that have to have agreed to the transfer.
Yah I understand the terminology. The part I do not understand is why do they give us the option to send a custom welcome email to imported subscribers if importing subscribers have not technically opted in? WHERE are they supposed to opt in as an imported subscriber?? This is super unclear.
I really wish that Substack would offer subscriptions for non-bestsellers to provide human support. I don't like these companies where you can't get a hold of a real person. What happened to customer service?! Anyway, hope you get things straightened out.
Very interesting you should say that because I’m on a beta panel for another writing platform (not launched yet) and they asked me if I think people would pay a nominal monthly fee for human support. I said unequivocally YES.
My position is that I never import a list from another source. Just because someone signs up for one list, doesn't mean they want to be on a new list. My system, which also follows your advice, is to send an invitation to the current list, to join the new list. It's the person's choice, giving me permission to send them emails from a new source.
Yes, not everyone on the "old" list will sign up for the "new" list.
I realize this is not a popular move for most newsletter publishers. I've been added to new newsletter lists from people I subscribe to and I don't appreciate it. I didn't have the choice.
My 2 cents. I'd prefer to have permission from fewer people than spam complaints.
I have found that customer service is non-existent on Substack. I cannot reach a live agent and must deal with chat bots, and never receive a response back. Thank you for alerting us to yet another pointless glitch.
Gail, I have experienced the same problem with support. Even with bestseller access to human support, it has been several days since they received my query and I've still not heard back. Perhaps my name needs to be Dan Rather to be prioritized?? 😁🙄
Regarding the statement: "Substack requires explicit opt-in for each publication doesn’t make much sense to me." I think I can at least explain the "explicit opt-in" part of the policy.
One reason for this is that Substack has an international subscriber base, and anyone from the EU/EFTA region is protected by the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, which requires explicit consent for any new use of their private information--which includes name, email and other details that might exist in Substack's (or some other platform's) metadata. New use would include the type of process you describe in this post.
You can read elsewhere about the GDPR; there are several posts on Substack about the constraints it imposes. I've written about it and its implications for Substack authors here: https://bit.ly/Privacy-DataProtection. I hope this helps!
John, thanks for expanding on GDPR a bit. I've never quite understood it.
I just dont understand why there's an option to write a custom email for imports AT ALL if we're not supposed to be importing people who haven't "opted in". Nobody who has been imported has opted in, right? They were imported. And anyway none of that explains why some people received my custom welcome email and some received the spammy generic one.
This must be more than frustrating for you! Thanks for the reminder to export the email list, which I've been neglecting. I used to just click on my subscribers and had the option to export just the email list but that option seems to be gone? I never had to go to settings before.... Is what you outline here the only way now, with all your posts to a zip file? It used to save as an Excel spreadsheet...
Tamsin, this is the only way I know of to export your list. When you follow these steps, you receive one zip file containing two files: one with your list on a spreadsheet and the other with your post data.
Update: Seems to be a glitch on my laptop. On my desktop there is indeed a 'subscribers' in the left hand column, and you can save your list by going to the three dots at the top on the right. It only exports your subscriber email list, not your posts.
LOL NO not at all!! This publication exists for the greater good to help all Substackers! If they read your comments they'll definitely learn something, so thank you!
I used to be able to see a list of subscribers and export it without going to settings, just clicking on ‘subscribers’ or something. Now I can't find ‘subscribers’ anywhere except as a total number. I googled it and got a substack help page updated 4 months ago saying to go to my subscribers button on the left but there is no such button. Weird. I'll keep looking, thanks (I tried what you suggested but it never stopped downloading….)
Ypu should be able to see your list of subscribers if you go to your Dashboard (not in settings), then scroll down a little in the left sidebar and click "subscribers"
Seems to be a glitch on my laptop. On my desktop there is indeed a 'subscribers' in the left hand column, and you can save your list by going to the three dots at the top to the right. It only exports your subscriber email list, not your posts.
Well. . . my comment is more of a HELP! message. How do I get started with an email marketing list, without violating any of substack rules? Could be a robot in chat support that may get me nowhere. I've been posting for some time but lack the know how and know what for this essential next step in the process to generate an audience. Please reply to my email if that's okay, christinamherlofson@gmail.com
Thank you. https://christinaherlofson.substack.com/
Wow, Kristi.
You exported your list FROM Substack...but when you imported it back in, Substack thought it was "sus." 😁
That's hilarious.
I also got a nice laugh about the roundabout way the chatbot explained it to you.
Sounds kinda... self-defeating!
Pointless, even?!
Well, when I started out, I had rounded up FOUR emails to import. I got 'em by accosting ppl at the barber shop (after I got my hairs cut!)
First, I'd back someone into a corner & ask 'em if they like to read. If they said "no" I'd look 'em over very critically, and decide if I even wanted to bother with them. (Usually not.)
If they said "yes," I'd tell 'em they needed to read my new blog (that was "called a newsletter). Then I'd ask 'em for their email address, so I could sign them up.
In that crowded barber shop, I walked away with 4 emails.
Seriously though, I actually charmed several "little old ladies" into giving me their email address. And one guy.
Anyeay, at the time, I was just starting out, and didn't know how Substack worked. I actually thought I could import my whole contact list.
But THAT didn't fly! (As you know.)
But, y'know, I'm up to about 30 or so now, and ALL of the rest who've signed up have been genuinely interested. They've either come from the app or from a Google search.
But truthfully, I haven't been marketing it. I'm just now starting to do that, because now I'm on a mission.
When I started out, I was mostly writing "for me."
NOW I have a purpose, a mission.
(BTW, I've exaggerated the barber shop scene somewhat, just for fun!)
If anyone else is interested, see my new mission at:
https://jeffro55.substack.com especially the article, "What was lost between generations."
I'm also inviting collaborators. It's a mission, I'm gonna make it a revolution.
👍 😎
Yah, after all this runaround with import/export I kind of wish I'd just emailed my entire list and let them know about the switch. I definitely learned my lesson!
That's awesome you're out there in real life pounding the pavement and rounding up subscribers! That is actually on my list of things to do. I'm going to make a QR biz card for my new pub and hand them out (as if I ever leave my house 😆😆)
Hey Kristi! About opting in… I think I know what they mean. Opting in is a privacy term. “The part about: Substack requires explicit opt-in for each publication doesn’t make much sense to me because how can they be opted in if they haven’t been imported or subscribed yet? So, why is there an option to send a welcome email to imported subscribers if they aren’t considered opted in? So confusing.”
The rule is you cannot add people to a newsletter just because you have your email that have to have agreed to the transfer.
Yah I understand the terminology. The part I do not understand is why do they give us the option to send a custom welcome email to imported subscribers if importing subscribers have not technically opted in? WHERE are they supposed to opt in as an imported subscriber?? This is super unclear.
You can manually import subscribers because of Substack- built functionality.
To do so, you also need to tick a box saying the subscribers actually opted in to being added.
Use case that includes opt in: You offer a free guide, webinar or download and say if you download or join you agree to be added to my newsletter.
Then and you collect all those mails of the people that took you up on your offer and manually add them.
Not Substack and no one else can ensure opt in for you.
They just build flexible functionality.
But I agree the email mess is exactly that-> a mess!
The matter is quite complex and many privacy practitioners don’t fully agree how it’s done!
Happy to have a chat about this 1:1 or over a live.
I imported my email list with success today
Did every single one come through?? That’s awesome!
Yes it looks like they are all there
I really wish that Substack would offer subscriptions for non-bestsellers to provide human support. I don't like these companies where you can't get a hold of a real person. What happened to customer service?! Anyway, hope you get things straightened out.
Very interesting you should say that because I’m on a beta panel for another writing platform (not launched yet) and they asked me if I think people would pay a nominal monthly fee for human support. I said unequivocally YES.
How exciting for you and me! Keep us posted on any developments with this new project.
I wondered if it had to do with GDPR. Dang. But it does feel like they’ve already opted in.
You are so welcome.
My position is that I never import a list from another source. Just because someone signs up for one list, doesn't mean they want to be on a new list. My system, which also follows your advice, is to send an invitation to the current list, to join the new list. It's the person's choice, giving me permission to send them emails from a new source.
Yes, not everyone on the "old" list will sign up for the "new" list.
I realize this is not a popular move for most newsletter publishers. I've been added to new newsletter lists from people I subscribe to and I don't appreciate it. I didn't have the choice.
My 2 cents. I'd prefer to have permission from fewer people than spam complaints.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks for this Denise. I definitely should have taken my own advice on this one!
I have found that customer service is non-existent on Substack. I cannot reach a live agent and must deal with chat bots, and never receive a response back. Thank you for alerting us to yet another pointless glitch.
Gail, I have experienced the same problem with support. Even with bestseller access to human support, it has been several days since they received my query and I've still not heard back. Perhaps my name needs to be Dan Rather to be prioritized?? 😁🙄
Regarding the statement: "Substack requires explicit opt-in for each publication doesn’t make much sense to me." I think I can at least explain the "explicit opt-in" part of the policy.
One reason for this is that Substack has an international subscriber base, and anyone from the EU/EFTA region is protected by the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, which requires explicit consent for any new use of their private information--which includes name, email and other details that might exist in Substack's (or some other platform's) metadata. New use would include the type of process you describe in this post.
You can read elsewhere about the GDPR; there are several posts on Substack about the constraints it imposes. I've written about it and its implications for Substack authors here: https://bit.ly/Privacy-DataProtection. I hope this helps!
John, thanks for expanding on GDPR a bit. I've never quite understood it.
I just dont understand why there's an option to write a custom email for imports AT ALL if we're not supposed to be importing people who haven't "opted in". Nobody who has been imported has opted in, right? They were imported. And anyway none of that explains why some people received my custom welcome email and some received the spammy generic one.
I hope in time your numbers will be resurrected Kristi!
It probably won't happen on its own. I may have to email everyone on my WW list and tell them about this move 🤷♀️
Definitely worth it !
This must be more than frustrating for you! Thanks for the reminder to export the email list, which I've been neglecting. I used to just click on my subscribers and had the option to export just the email list but that option seems to be gone? I never had to go to settings before.... Is what you outline here the only way now, with all your posts to a zip file? It used to save as an Excel spreadsheet...
Tamsin, this is the only way I know of to export your list. When you follow these steps, you receive one zip file containing two files: one with your list on a spreadsheet and the other with your post data.
Update: Seems to be a glitch on my laptop. On my desktop there is indeed a 'subscribers' in the left hand column, and you can save your list by going to the three dots at the top on the right. It only exports your subscriber email list, not your posts.
Well I just learned something new today! Thanks! 😀 I wish it solved the problem in today's post lol.
Yes, sorry about that, I hijacked your post. :-(
LOL NO not at all!! This publication exists for the greater good to help all Substackers! If they read your comments they'll definitely learn something, so thank you!
Really appreciate what you do, thank you
I used to be able to see a list of subscribers and export it without going to settings, just clicking on ‘subscribers’ or something. Now I can't find ‘subscribers’ anywhere except as a total number. I googled it and got a substack help page updated 4 months ago saying to go to my subscribers button on the left but there is no such button. Weird. I'll keep looking, thanks (I tried what you suggested but it never stopped downloading….)
Ypu should be able to see your list of subscribers if you go to your Dashboard (not in settings), then scroll down a little in the left sidebar and click "subscribers"
Seems to be a glitch on my laptop. On my desktop there is indeed a 'subscribers' in the left hand column, and you can save your list by going to the three dots at the top to the right. It only exports your subscriber email list, not your posts.