Choosing the perfect name for your Substack newsletter is a significant step in creating a unique identity and building your audience. But what happens if you decide your current Substack name no longer fits your evolving content or brand?
Whether you’re rebranding to reach a broader audience or simply want a fresher look, the question arises: can I change my Substack name? This is a common concern for many creators who want to maintain flexibility without losing their existing subscribers or online presence.
The good news is, while the process has some limitations, there are ways to navigate a name change effectively.
Understanding the intricacies of Substack’s naming conventions and the impact a name change can have on your subscriber base is crucial. From the technical steps to the strategic considerations, we’ll explore everything you need to know to confidently approach renaming your Substack.
Understanding Substack Names and Their Importance
Your Substack name is more than just a label; it represents your brand’s identity and how readers perceive your newsletter. It’s the first impression and often the key to attracting new subscribers.
Substack names appear in URLs, email headers, and social media shares, making them a vital element of your content’s visibility. Choosing the right name initially can save you headaches later, but sometimes changes are necessary as your vision evolves.
Here are key reasons why your Substack name matters:
- Brand Recognition: A consistent name helps readers remember and recommend your newsletter.
- Searchability: Your name affects how easily people find your content through search engines.
- Professionalism: A polished, relevant name adds credibility to your work.
“Your newsletter’s name is your digital handshake—it should be firm, memorable, and welcoming.”
How the Name Integrates with Your Substack URL
Your Substack name directly influences your website’s address (URL). For example, if your newsletter is called Daily Insights, your URL might be dailyinsights.substack.com.
This URL is permanent once set and plays a critical role in how people access your newsletter.
Changing your public-facing name doesn’t automatically change your URL, which can cause discrepancies between your brand and your web address. This is important to understand before making any changes, as your URL is fundamental to your newsletter’s identity online.
Is It Possible to Change Your Substack Name?
Technically, Substack does not allow users to change their primary newsletter URL once it’s set. This URL is tied to your original newsletter name and remains fixed.
However, you can change your display name and profile information to better represent your brand.
Changing the display name alters how your newsletter appears to readers without affecting the URL. This can be a useful workaround if you want to refresh your newsletter’s identity without losing search engine rankings or subscriber access.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what can and cannot be changed:
| Element | Changeable |
| Newsletter URL (e.g., yourname.substack.com) | No |
| Display Name (shown to subscribers) | Yes |
| Profile Picture & Description | Yes |
“While the URL anchors your newsletter’s location, the display name lets you steer your brand’s tone and personality.”
How to Change Your Substack Display Name
Adjusting your display name is straightforward and can be done directly through your Substack dashboard. This change updates what subscribers see in emails, your profile, and the website header.
To change your display name, navigate to your account settings, then update the name field. Remember to save your changes before exiting.
Changing the display name is a great way to refresh your brand if your content direction has shifted or you want a more professional appearance.
- Log in to your Substack account
- Go to Settings and locate the Publication Name field
- Enter your new display name
- Save changes
This method maintains your existing URL while giving your newsletter a new face. Just keep in mind that your URL will still reflect your original name, which might confuse some subscribers.
Impact of Changing Your Substack Name on Subscribers and SEO
Changing your display name has minimal impact on your existing subscribers, but it can affect new readers discovering your newsletter. Since the URL remains the same, links and bookmarks will still work, preserving your audience’s access.
However, inconsistencies between your display name and URL might cause confusion or affect your search engine optimization (SEO). Your URL is a critical ranking factor, so if your display name diverges too much, it could dilute your brand’s discoverability.
Consider these factors when deciding to change your name:
- Subscriber Recognition: Regular readers might be confused by a name change if it’s dramatic or unexplained.
- Search Engine Rankings: Your original URL carries SEO value that doesn’t transfer if you start a new Substack.
- Brand Consistency: Maintaining harmony between your URL, display name, and content is vital for long-term growth.
“SEO isn’t just about keywords; it’s about consistent signals that help your audience find and trust your content.”
Strategies to Rebrand Your Substack Without Losing Followers
If you want to change your brand but keep your subscriber base intact, rebranding your Substack carefully is essential. Since you can’t change the URL, you’ll need to focus on other brand elements.
Start by announcing your intention to your subscribers. Transparency helps maintain trust and excitement around the new direction.
Here are some helpful strategies:
- Use your display name update to reflect your new brand identity.
- Update your profile image and description to align with changes.
- Publish a newsletter explaining the rebrand so readers understand the shift.
- Maintain content consistency during the transition period to avoid alienating followers.
When to Consider Starting a New Substack
Sometimes, a complete rebrand requires starting fresh with a new Substack newsletter. This option lets you choose a new URL and build a brand from scratch, but it comes with challenges.
Starting anew means you’ll lose your current subscriber list unless you actively invite them to subscribe to your new publication. It’s a big decision, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.
“A new Substack means a new beginning, but also a new audience-building journey.”
Technical Considerations and Limitations
It’s important to understand the technical boundaries Substack places on name changes. Because your newsletter’s URL is permanent, any name change cannot alter the web address, which is a core limitation.
Substack also restricts username changes that affect the URL, meaning you can’t simply rebrand your web address without creating a new account.
Here are some technical facts to keep in mind:
- Your Substack URL is permanent and unique.
- Display names, profile pictures, and descriptions are fully editable.
- Custom domains can be connected for flexibility, but the underlying Substack URL remains unchanged.
If branding is critical to your growth, consider linking a custom domain to your Substack. This allows you to present a consistent URL that aligns with your brand, even if your Substack name stays the same.
Using Custom Domains to Enhance Your Substack Branding
One of the most effective ways to bypass the URL limitation is to use a custom domain. A custom domain replaces your default Substack URL with a personalized web address that matches your brand.
This approach offers greater control over your newsletter’s online presence and can simplify future rebranding efforts.
Benefits of using a custom domain include:
- Professional appearance: A branded URL looks more credible and trustworthy.
- Brand consistency: Your domain can perfectly match your newsletter name.
- SEO advantages: Custom domains can improve your search engine rankings.
| Feature | Default Substack URL | Custom Domain |
| Brand Alignment | Limited to original name | Fully customizable |
| Flexibility in Name Changes | No URL change possible | Can redirect to new branding |
| Professionalism | Standard Substack branding | Highly professional and unique |
Setting up a custom domain requires purchasing a domain name and configuring DNS settings, but many creators find the investment worthwhile for long-term branding success.
Common Questions About Changing Your Substack Name
Many creators have additional questions when considering a Substack name change. Addressing these common concerns can help clarify the process and set realistic expectations.
Can I Transfer Subscribers to a New Substack If I Change the Name?
If you decide to start a new Substack with a different name and URL, transferring subscribers isn’t automatic. You must export your subscriber list and invite them to subscribe to the new newsletter.
This process requires clear communication and may result in some subscriber loss, so it’s generally recommended only for major rebrands.
Will Changing My Display Name Affect My Email Deliverability?
Changing your display name does not typically impact email deliverability. Your emails will still reach your subscribers as usual, but consistency in sender identity helps maintain trust and open rates.
Are There Alternatives to Changing My Name on Substack?
If changing the name isn’t viable, consider these alternatives:
- Use a tagline or subtitle to clarify your content focus.
- Refresh your newsletter design and branding without changing the name.
- Connect a custom domain for better brand alignment.
For those interested in learning about name changes beyond Substack, exploring topics like how to change a newborn’s last name or How to Change Circle Name on Life360 Easily offers broader insights into the importance and nuances of name changes in different contexts.
Final Thoughts on Evolving Your Substack Identity
Changing your Substack name is not as straightforward as it might seem due to URL permanence, but it’s far from impossible to refresh your brand identity. By understanding the difference between your display name and URL, you can make strategic decisions that keep your audience engaged and maintain your newsletter’s accessibility.
Rebranding through display name changes, profile updates, and custom domains offers flexible solutions that help you adapt without losing your hard-earned subscribers. Clear communication throughout the process is key to preserving trust and excitement among your readers.
Remember, your newsletter’s success comes from the value you provide, and a name is just one part of the story. Thoughtful planning and creative branding will ensure your Substack continues to grow and resonate with your audience, no matter what name it carries.
If you want to explore how to manage other types of name changes or branding strategies, you might also find value in reading about How Do You Name Your Phone for Easy Identification or discovering how many have your name?
discover the surprising stats to see how names impact identity in various spaces.
