How to Use the CollabStack Directory
Ready to dive into the CollabStack Directory and find potential collaborators? Here’s a few tips to get you started and to help you connect with your ideal collaborators!
Browsing the Directory
The directory listings are broken out by categories. Most creators and publications belong to more than one category.
You can browse by the standard Substack categories (the ones you choose from when you create your publication/newsletter, which you can find in your settings) OR you can browse by member-created categories. The member-created categories are the subcategories that members listed for their publications, and if more than one person listed a category, I included it in the directory.
You can browse a category you’re interested in or stick to the categories that are the same or related to the ones you chose for your publication.
Viewing Profiles/Listings
When you land on a publication’s profile, you’ll see a link to their publication or newsletter right off the top of the page, followed by key details:
The approximate number of subscribers they have
The categories they write in
A summary of their publication
Following that, you’ll see which types of collaboration they are open to exploring. There were four options for them to choose from on the form, and only they ones they selected will appear. The options were:
Guest posting or cross-posting
Podcast guests
Interviews or profiles
Co-written article/post
Other
The creator, if they wanted to, then provided more specifics around the types of collaborations they’re looking to do as well as who their ideal collaborators would be. If they had a target for how often to do these collaborations, that is also included.
Next, if they have any examples of collaborations they’ve done, links are shared.
Finally, the preferred contact method is listed at the bottom of the listing.
How to Know if Someone is a Good Fit
There’s a lot of little things that go into whether someone could be a good match for you, but in general, reach out if:
They’re interested in and write about similar topics
They’re audience/community is interested in the same categories and topics as yours
They offer a unique perspective that compliments or adds to yours
They’re open to collaborating in a format or through a method that you’re comfortable with
One thing not to worry so much about:
The number of subscribers they have. There are benefits to collaborating with someone who has a big list and someone who has a small list. Why? Everyone who has a big list now started with a small one. Worry less about the numbers and more about if their style and values are a fit with yours.
Tips for Connection
Find someone you’d really like to connect with? Here’s a few things you can do before reaching out, to help ensure a successful collaboration:
Subscribe to their newsletter
Read at least 3 posts or articles, or listen to a couple podcast episodes if you’re exploring the podcast option
Familiarize yourself with other collaborations they’ve done on Substack
Develop an idea or pitch as to how you’d like to collaborate. Coming in with an idea or pitch ready can make the process flow faster. (If someone’s schedule is already overloaded, they might not have the bandwidth to brainstorm something fresh with you.)
When reaching out with a pitch, include a link to your publication and any other relevant successful collaborations you’ve done as examples.
If you don’t have an idea or pitch yet, simply start by telling them why you enjoy their publication and will either recommend it or restack/share their posts. Let them know you’d love to connect and collaborate sometime if it feels right, and let the relationship develop from there.
Remember that the best collaborations are mutually beneficial.
You are both sharing and promoting the work you do together, and you both make an effort to support one another, through whatever means you agree upon. This is not just about you promoting your work or membership or latest launch to someone else’s audience—it’s about building meaningful relationships on Substack. The goal is real connection, and that’s how growth happens.
By the way, this does not mean you have to swap guest posts if you aren’t open to that, but if you do guest post on someone’s publication, be sure to promote that piece and share or recommend the creator’s other posts or work as well. Don’t post and ghost!
I hope these tips help you get started and connect you to the right friends and collaborators!
If you want more input or support on your collaboration efforts, join the CollabStack Premium Membership to connect with me and the community.
Ready to browse and connect? Get started now!
