Are You Building Your Business on Rented Land? Substack & the Future of Your Audience

Frustrated that your hard-earned content keeps disappearing in the social media shuffle? This week, we’re asking the tough question: Are you building your brand on “rented land”—and what happens when the rules suddenly change? We’ll unpack why creators (myself included) are making the move to Substack, with honest stories, real-world strategies, and a simple framework to help you future-proof your business and truly own your audience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why relying on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms puts your community (and income) at risk
• Three eye-opening creator stories that might sound uncomfortably familiar
• My OWN framework for building a platform-proof business (O.W.N = Own your audience, Work smarter, Nail your brand)
• How I’m using Substack for video, newsletters, and true connection—and what you should know before jumping in
• Practical steps to nurture your email list, simplify your workflow, and keep control of your business
• How to make strategic experiments with new platforms—without burning out

Ready to escape the algorithm hamster wheel? Join me for a real conversation about taking back control, building smarter systems, and finding more freedom (and fun) in your content.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome + Why we’re talking about owning your audience
07:08 – Case studies: When platforms pull the rug out
21:30 – The OWN framework to future-proof your content
29:24 – Why Substack? How it works (and why I’m experimenting)
40:58 – Common questions: Video, email, and moving your audience
48:21 – Real talk: What’s working—and where to watch out
57:00 – Recap + Your one next best step

Resources for you:
→ Take the “Discover Your Live Vibe” quiz: https://streamlikeaboss.tv/quiz
→ Join Stream Bosses Academy coworking: https://streambossesacademy.com
→ Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tanyasmith
→ Weekly tips + livestream updates: https://streamlikeaboss.substack.com

If you’re serious about finally owning your audience and want smart, low-stress ways to grow, don’t miss this episode. You’re not stuck—you just need the right map.