The Case for a Minimal Tech Stack (Without Substack)

Recently, a value‑aligned business partner I truly enjoy engaging with asked me about Substack. Their thoughtful message sparked this article, and I wanted to share my perspective with you because I know many entrepreneurs wrestle with the same question: Do I really need another app in my business toolkit?

What Substack Is

Substack is primarily a newsletter and publishing platform. It allows creators to send newsletters directly to subscribers’ inboxes, publish blog‑style posts, host podcasts, and even monetize their work through paid subscriptions. It’s especially popular among independent writers and thought leaders who want to grow an audience through Substack’s built‑in discovery features.

Why I Don’t Use Substack

While Substack is a great tool for certain types of creators, I’ve chosen not to add it to my own business. The reason is simple: I’m intentional about keeping a minimal tech stack.

My CRM already includes:

• Newsletter functionality

• Email marketing

• Automation workflows

• Community features

• Subscription and payment management and more...

If my CRM can handle the same tasks that another app does, I don’t add that extra app. Why? Because every additional tool creates inefficiencies, fragments data across platforms, and makes it harder to keep everything streamlined. I’d rather do more with fewer tools, so I can stay efficient and give my clients the best quality without juggling multiple systems.

The Bottom Line

Substack is valuable if you want its ecosystem for discovery and publishing. But if you already have a CRM that covers newsletters, automations, and client tracking, Substack may not be essential. For me, efficiency, clarity, and keeping everything under one roof matter most. That way, I can work smarter, not harder and focus on building relationships and delivering results.

Let’s Talk

This article was inspired by a conversation with a business partner whose values align closely with mine. I love engaging with professionals like that, and I’d love to hear from you too.

Do you use Substack? What do you like about it, and how has it been useful (or not) for your business?

If you’d like to connect, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I enjoy engaging with value‑aligned professionals and exploring how we can support one another.