Choosing the perfect name for your Substack newsletter can be a powerful step in shaping your brand identity and engaging your audience. However, sometimes the name you initially picked no longer fits your evolving content or creative vision.
Whether you want to refresh your newsletter’s identity, correct a typo, or simply rebrand, knowing how to change your Substack name efficiently can save you time and frustration. The process is straightforward, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition without confusing your subscribers.
Substack offers flexibility in managing your newsletter’s identity, but changing your name isn’t just about swapping words. It involves understanding the difference between your display name and your unique URL handle, how the change impacts your readers, and the technical steps you must follow.
Additionally, it’s wise to consider how this change aligns with your long-term content strategy and marketing efforts.
In this comprehensive overview, I’ll walk through the nuances of changing your Substack name, practical steps, potential challenges, and tips for communicating the update to your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned publisher or just starting, mastering this small but significant detail can elevate your newsletter’s presence and connection with readers.
Understanding the Difference Between Display Name and URL Handle
Before diving into the change itself, it’s crucial to understand that your Substack newsletter name generally refers to two distinct elements: the display name and the URL handle. Knowing the difference helps clarify what exactly you want to change and the implications of each.
The display name is the title that appears on your newsletter emails, your Substack homepage, and subscriber notifications. It’s the branding your readers most often see and associate with your content.
On the other hand, the URL handle is the unique web address for your newsletter, for example, yournewsletter.substack.com. This handle is how subscribers directly access your newsletter on the web.
Changing this can have more significant consequences than changing the display name.
Display Name vs. URL Handle
| Element | What It Affects | Ease of Change | Impact on Subscribers |
| Display Name | Visible newsletter title, email headers, branding | Easy to change anytime | Minimal impact, mostly cosmetic |
| URL Handle | Newsletter web address, direct access links | More complex; can be changed but with caution | High impact, may confuse readers if not communicated |
“Changing your URL handle is like changing your home address — you need to ensure everyone who visits knows where to find you.”
Understanding this distinction helps you plan your name change to minimize disruption and maintain your newsletter’s professionalism.
How to Change Your Substack Display Name
Changing your display name on Substack is the simplest part of rebranding your newsletter. This name appears prominently on your emails and your newsletter’s homepage, so it’s important to pick something memorable and relevant.
To change your display name, log into your Substack dashboard and navigate to the Settings section. Here, you’ll find an option labeled “Publication name” or similar, where you can update the display name directly.
Once updated, your new name will appear on all outgoing emails and your main page immediately.
Keep in mind the following tips when selecting your new display name:
- Keep it concise. Long names can be difficult to remember and may get truncated in email headers.
- Reflect your content. Your name should align with your newsletter’s theme and tone.
- Be unique. Avoid common names to stand out and improve searchability.
After changing your display name, your readers will see the updated branding in their inbox, but your URL will remain the same unless you change that as well.
Changing Your Substack URL Handle: What You Need to Know
Modifying your newsletter’s URL handle is more involved and carries greater risks. Your URL is the permanent web address where subscribers and potential readers visit your newsletter.
Changing it can affect your traffic, search engine rankings, and accessibility.
To change your URL handle, you need to reach out to Substack’s support or adjust your settings if the option is available in your account dashboard. However, not all accounts allow direct URL handle changes, so it’s essential to confirm your ability to make this change before proceeding.
Important: Substack advises caution when changing your URL as it may break existing links and confuse your audience.
Here are important considerations before changing your URL handle:
- Notify subscribers. Communicate the change clearly to avoid losing loyal readers.
- Redirects. Ask Substack if they can set up redirects from the old URL to the new one.
- Update links. Change your URL wherever you have shared it — social media, websites, and other platforms.
If you decide to proceed, prepare a communication plan and ensure all your channels reflect the new URL promptly.
Steps to Change Your URL Handle on Substack
If your account permits, here is a general sequence of steps to follow to update your URL handle effectively:
Step 1: Check Availability
Before selecting a new URL, make sure that the handle you want is available. Substack doesn’t allow duplicate URLs, so you may need to try variations or add unique elements to your name.
Step 2: Backup Your Content
It’s wise to export your subscriber list and backup your content before making any significant changes. This ensures you have a copy of your data in case of any unforeseen issues.
Step 3: Change the Handle
Access the settings area in your Substack dashboard and look for the option to edit your URL handle. If it’s not visible, contact Substack support directly with your request.
Step 4: Communicate the Change
Send an email to your subscribers explaining the reason for the change and provide the new URL. Transparency builds trust and helps maintain your readership.
Step 5: Update External Links
Review all your online profiles, social media accounts, and websites to update your newsletter’s link. This will help your audience continue to find you without interruption.
| Action | Details |
| Check Availability | Search for your desired URL handle on Substack |
| Backup Data | Export subscriber list and save content copies |
| Change Handle | Access settings or contact support |
| Notify Subscribers | Send email with new URL and explanation |
| Update Links | Adjust all external links to new URL |
Potential Challenges When Changing Your Substack Name
While changing your display name is mostly risk-free, altering your URL handle can introduce challenges that may impact your newsletter’s growth and reader retention. It’s beneficial to anticipate these issues to prepare effective solutions.
One common challenge is broken links. If you have shared your newsletter URL across multiple platforms, those links may no longer work after the change, leading to frustration for subscribers and lost traffic.
Another issue is search engine optimization (SEO). Your original URL might have gained search engine rankings over time.
Changing it risks losing that ranking unless proper redirects are implemented.
Finally, there’s the problem of brand confusion. Your audience has become familiar with your original name and address, so sudden changes without clear communication can cause misunderstanding.
- Broken links on social media, blogs, and emails
- Loss of SEO rankings and organic traffic
- Confused or frustrated subscribers
- Interrupted integrations with third-party tools
“Communicating clearly and planning redirects are your best defenses against these challenges.”
Tips for Communicating Your Substack Name Change to Subscribers
Once you decide to change your Substack name, especially the URL handle, communicating effectively with your subscribers is essential. This maintains trust and keeps your audience engaged during the transition.
Start by sending an announcement email explaining the reasons for the change. Be transparent about the benefits, such as improved branding or clarity, and reassure readers that the content they love will remain consistent.
Follow up with a few reminder emails as the change approaches and after it has taken place. Include the new URL prominently and provide easy instructions on how to continue accessing your newsletter.
- Explain the reason for the change clearly
- Highlight benefits to your readers
- Provide the new URL repeatedly across communications
- Encourage questions and feedback to stay connected
Additionally, update your social media profiles and any websites linked to your newsletter to display the new name and URL simultaneously. This consistency helps readers find you without hassle.
Branding Considerations When Changing Your Substack Name
Your newsletter’s name is a core component of your brand identity. Changing it offers a unique opportunity to align your newsletter’s image with your evolving content or audience.
However, it also requires thoughtful planning to avoid alienating your existing readers.
Consider how the new name reflects your newsletter’s mission, tone, and target audience. A well-chosen name can boost recognition and attract new subscribers.
Conversely, a poorly considered name change might dilute your brand equity.
Here are some branding tips when changing your Substack name:
- Audit your content: Ensure the new name fits your current and future topics.
- Keep it memorable: The name should be easy to recall and spell.
- Check availability: Confirm the name isn’t already in use on social platforms or other newsletters.
- Consistency: Align your new name with your logo, color scheme, and overall design.
By treating your name change as a strategic branding exercise, you can enhance your newsletter’s market position and subscriber loyalty.
How Changing Your Substack Name Compares to Other Platforms
Changing a newsletter or profile name is common across digital platforms, but Substack’s approach has some unique traits. It helps to understand how it stacks up against other services like Medium, Mailchimp, or traditional blogging platforms.
| Platform | Name Change Flexibility | URL Change Options | Impact on Subscribers |
| Substack | Easy for display name, limited for URL | Possible but requires support; risky | Minimal for display name, substantial for URL |
| Medium | Flexible display name change | URL tied to username, hard to change | Low for display name, high for URL |
| Mailchimp | Flexible sender name change | No URL change (email-based) | Minimal impact on subscribers |
| WordPress | Flexible site and display name | URL can be changed but requires technical steps | Depends on redirects and communication |
Each platform handles name and URL changes differently, so knowing Substack’s specifics can save headaches.
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Substack Name
Changing your Substack newsletter name can be a refreshing way to realign your brand and connect better with your audience. While updating your display name is a quick and risk-free process, altering your URL handle demands careful consideration and planning.
It’s essential to weigh the benefits against potential disruptions like broken links, SEO impact, and subscriber confusion.
Preparation is key. Make sure to back up your data, verify the availability of your new name, and communicate transparently with your subscribers.
A well-executed name change can invigorate your newsletter’s identity and open new doors for growth. However, neglecting the details can lead to lost readers and diminished trust.
If you want to explore more about names and their meanings, you might find interesting insights in articles like What Name Means Dragon? Discover Powerful Dragon Names or explore related naming strategies in What Is the Best Clan Name?
Top Ideas and Tips. These resources can inspire your naming decisions and help craft a compelling identity for your Substack newsletter.
Ultimately, your newsletter’s name is more than just a label—it’s the gateway to your content and your connection to readers. Treat it with care, and it will serve you well as you continue to build your voice and audience.
