Sequenzy vs Substack: Revenue Attribution vs Writer Platform
Comparing Sequenzy and Substack for email broadcasting. Business-focused billing integration versus writer-friendly newsletter platform.
Overview
Sequenzy and Substack serve fundamentally different needs. Substack is a platform for writers to build paid newsletter businesses with zero upfront cost. Sequenzy is a comprehensive email broadcast service for businesses wanting revenue attribution.
| Feature | Sequenzy | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | $19/mo flat | 10% of paid revenue |
| Free Tier | Yes | Unlimited (free subs) |
| Revenue Attribution | Native billing | Subscription tracking |
| Automation | Advanced | Basic |
| Custom Branding | Full control | Limited |
| Platform Lock-in | None | High |
| Network Effects | None | Strong |
Key Differences
Pricing Model
Substack is free until you charge subscribers, then takes 10% of your paid subscription revenue. For writers starting out, this removes upfront costs entirely.
Sequenzy charges a flat monthly fee regardless of revenue. As your revenue grows, the percentage you effectively pay to Sequenzy decreases dramatically.
Platform vs Tool
Substack is a platform. Readers follow you on Substack, discover content through the Substack app, and your newsletter lives within their ecosystem. This provides discovery benefits but creates platform dependency.
Sequenzy is a tool you own. Your subscriber list is yours, your branding is yours, and you can migrate anytime. No platform lock-in, but also no built-in discovery.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Sequenzy if:
- You run a SaaS or product business
- You want full control over branding and data
- You need sophisticated automation
- Your revenue will exceed $190/mo (10% of $1,900)
- You want to avoid platform dependency
Choose Substack if:
- You are a writer starting a paid newsletter
- You want zero upfront costs
- You value the Substack network for discovery
- You prefer simplicity over customization
- Your revenue is modest or just starting
The Bottom Line
For businesses and SaaS companies, Sequenzy is the clear choice. The 10% revenue share on Substack becomes expensive quickly, and the limited automation cannot support sophisticated email strategies.
For writers building a paid newsletter from scratch, Substack's zero-cost start and built-in discovery make it compelling. Just understand that as you grow, you will eventually pay more than a flat-fee service like Sequenzy.
Looking for more comparisons?
Check out our full comparison of 15+ email broadcast services.
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