So you want to repurpose your content from Facebook to Substack?
I get it. You’ve been creating engaging posts on Facebook, but wonder if that same content could shine on Substack’s growing platform.
You’ve put in the work crafting thoughtful Facebook updates. Why limit their reach to just one platform when they could be building your authority and audience on Substack too?
The truth is, content that barely gets noticed on Facebook could become your star performer on Substack. And you’ll never know unless you try.
Why you should repurpose from Facebook to Substack
Most creators make the mistake of creating separate content for each platform. That’s exhausting and unnecessary.
Back in 2020, I created YouTube videos about note-taking that weren’t getting much traction. On a whim, I decided to repurpose that content for Medium articles.
The result? Those repurposed pieces helped me launch a profitable 5-figure course and add 3,000 email subscribers to my list in just 12 weeks.
This difference in performance happens because of various factors:
- Different audience demographics
- Platform-specific algorithms
- Timing and context
- Content format preferences
What bombs on Facebook might resonate deeply with Substack readers. You simply won’t know until you try.
The main differences between Facebook and Substack
Facebook is designed for quick consumption and social interaction. Posts are typically short, visual, and fighting for attention in a crowded feed where users scroll quickly.
Substack, however, is built for deeper engagement:
- Longer-form content (500-2000+ words)
- Direct delivery to subscribers’ inboxes
- Readers who have specifically opted in to your content
- A platform that values depth over virality
- Monetization options built directly into the platform
Why you should post on Substack
Substack gives you direct access to your audience’s inbox – the digital equivalent of being invited into someone’s home.
The platform has grown exponentially, with writers earning millions collectively each year. It combines the best of blogging and email newsletters in one platform.
Unlike Facebook where algorithm changes can tank your reach overnight, Substack puts you in control of your relationship with readers.
What makes good Substack content
Successful Substack posts typically share these characteristics:
1. Depth and substance – Substack readers expect more than quick thoughts or observations.
2. Personality and voice – The most successful Substacks have a distinctive writing voice.
3. Consistency in topic and style – Subscribers sign up for a specific type of content.
4. Value-first approach – Educational, informative, or entertaining content that stands on its own.
For example, a quick Facebook post about a new marketing trend could become a Substack article that:
- Explains the trend in depth
- Provides specific examples
- Offers practical applications
- Includes your personal take or experience
Build Your Swipe File Of Winning Substack Content
The best way to create content for Substack is to find posts that are already performing well there. Each platform has its own unspoken rules and expectations.
Create a collection of successful Substack posts that resonate with you. Study their:
- Headlines
- Opening paragraphs
- Structure and flow
- Call to actions
- Overall tone
PRO TIP: Look for creators who are relatively new to Substack but generating significant traction. The biggest names can get away with breaking platform norms because of their existing audience. Newer successful writers are likely following the current best practices more closely.
This research takes time upfront but will save you countless hours of trial and error.
Download my free templates of winning Substack content formats here.
Set up an automation to turn Facebook posts to Substack articles
Okay, so now that you have these fundamentals laid out…
You could either do this manually like a monkey.
Hire a VA that you need to train for weeks on Fiverr…
Or (my favorite way):
You could use AI and automation tools to make this process as smooth as butter.
Here’s an example:
As soon as you post on Facebook, an automation could extract that content, expand it using AI, and prepare a draft for your Substack newsletter.
You can create these automations using tools like:
- Zapier
- Make (formerly Integromat)
- n8n
A simple workflow might look like:
1. Facebook post is published (trigger)
2. Zapier captures the post content
3. Content is sent to ChatGPT API with a prompt like:
“Transform this Facebook post into a comprehensive Substack article. Expand on the main ideas, add relevant examples, and maintain the original voice and perspective. Format with appropriate headings and create a compelling title.”
4. Generated draft is sent to your email for review
5. After your edits, it’s scheduled on Substack
This way, you’re leveraging your existing Facebook content while adapting it to Substack’s format – all with minimal manual effort.
Stop treating content creation like it’s 2010. Use the tools available to repurpose effectively and reach more people with less work.
For more tips on how to repurpose your content and grow your audience with less work, sign up for my free emails below: