Why Substack is a Goldmine for Writers Over 50: An exclusive interview with Dr Mehmet Yildiz, author of "Substack Mastery"

A renowned content strategist reveals how decades of expertise can become your greatest asset in building a digital writing income

I can't help but get excited when I talk about Dr Mehmet Yildiz. He's truly a Renaissance man and one of my favorite writers. As someone with a PhD in Animal Cytogenetics, I'm constantly amazed by Dr Yildiz's ability to write outstanding and comprehensive articles across such diverse fields, from health and science to technology, content creation, and strategy. It's truly impressive to see someone master so many disciplines.

But what makes Dr Yildiz truly special isn't just his expertise - it's his incredible kindness and generosity. Though I haven't met him in person (yet!), our occasional messages and chats have shown me firsthand why he's so beloved in the writing community. In fact, it was one of his articles that inspired me to start my own Substack newsletter, something I'm deeply grateful for.

His latest book, "Substack Mastery: Insider Secrets from a Content Strategist & Seasoned Author," has become an Amazon bestseller for good reason. Drawing from his 40+ years of experience working with tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, Siemens, and NATO, Dr Yildiz shares invaluable insights about succeeding on Substack - a platform that now boasts 35 million monthly active readers and over 2 million paid subscriptions.

As head of ILLUMINATION Publications and a seasoned content strategist, Dr Yildiz isn't just sharing theory - he's sharing battle-tested strategies that work. What's even more remarkable is his decision to donate the book's proceeds to support the ILLUMINATION community's educational initiatives, proving that his commitment to helping other writers isn't just talk.

When writers asked for a shorter version of his book, he listened and created "Substack Mastery for Busy Writers." That's classic, Dr Yildiz - always responding to the community's needs, always finding ways to make knowledge more accessible. This combination of expertise, generosity, and genuine care for other writers makes him such a unique and valuable voice in the writing world.

Image by the author using Canva

What are the key advantages of writing on Substack compared to other platforms, especially for experienced professionals?

I don’t like comparing the platforms, as each has its pros and cons. But I’d like to highlight a few key advantages. Substack offers a unique blend of simplicity and freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. For experienced writers, it is like stepping onto a stage where you control the spotlight. Unlike other platforms, where algorithms dictate visibility, Substack lets our work shine directly in readers’ inboxes. It is personal, and we own our audience. No ads, no distractions, no censorship—just our voice reaching those who care about our content. I haven’t seen yet any platform that cares about creators as much as Substack does. 

With Substack's 35 million monthly active readers and growing platform, what opportunities do you see specifically for writers over 50 who are just starting their digital journey?

For writers over 50 like me, Substack is a goldmine, in my opinion. It is a platform where life experience is a significant asset. Readers crave wisdom and mature perspectives. Substack’s direct-to-reader model with no discrimination makes it easy to share stories, expertise, and reflections with a global audience eager to learn from those who’ve walked different paths. Mature age people have a chance to build a writing business and scale it which can be a valuable retirement fund. 

As someone with over 40 years of professional experience, how do you think people over 50 can leverage their decades of expertise to create compelling content on Substack?

On Substack, expertise can translate into compelling newsletters that offer research, practical advice, and personal anecdotes. Whether it is lessons from the boardroom or reflections on industry changes, content grounded in real-world experience can resonate deeply with readers. The key is to blend expertise and research with authenticity, showing what we know and how we have lived through it. The key point is to approach our readers with authenticity, open mind, and humility. No one is perfect, and perfection will not produce the desired results, so I encourage writers over 50 to approach it in a pragmatic and progressive way. 

Many of our readers are transitioning from traditional careers to digital writing. Given your experience working with large organizations like IBM, Siemens, and Microsoft, what advice would you give to professionals making this shift?

I encourage our readers to embrace the transition as an exciting new chapter. Think of digital writing as a conversation, not a corporate report. We are not pitching to a boardroom or other business stakeholders; we are engaging with individuals who want to connect with our stories and want to be part of our lives. We should leverage our professional insights, but don’t be afraid to show our authentic personality. It is this combination of knowledge and authenticity that will make our newsletters stand out on Substack or other platforms.

In your book, you mention the importance of community building. How can experienced professionals convert their existing professional networks into Substack subscribers?

Yes, community is indispensable, and without a community, success on Substack can remain as a dream and would be very lonely. I encourage to start by reaching out to your network with a genuine message about your new venture. Share why you’re writing, what you aim to provide, and how subscribers can benefit from your content. Use platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to announce your newsletter, and invite connections to join. Informative, engaging, inspiring, consistent, and valuable content will encourage them not only to subscribe but also to spread the word within their circles. Community power can make a ripple effect. 

You've worked across multiple disciplines throughout your career. How can professionals with diverse experience create focused, niche content that resonates with readers?

I invite writers to identify a unifying theme that ties their diverse experiences together. For example, I segmented my content under three categories such as health/wellness, technology, and content strategy, which manifested as separate publications.  For others, it may be the combination of leadership, innovation, or navigating change in a field. Then, you can hone in on how your unique journey gives you a fresh perspective on that theme. Readers appreciate niche content because it is targeted, inspiring, and insightful, but they will only stay for your unique voice and the connections you draw from your multifaceted background so just niche content is not sustainable to grow and maintain a loyal audience. 

What advantages do you think writers over 50 have on Substack compared to younger writers, and how can they best capitalize on these advantages?

Writers over 50 can bring depth, perspective, and a calmer, perhaps more reflective tone. There is a richness in life experience that younger writers simply haven’t had the time to cultivate yet. To capitalize on this, focus on storytelling that blends wisdom with relevance. Share lessons learned, mistakes made, and victories won transparently. Readers appreciate the guidance that feels seasoned and well-earned. I noticed that my older proteges make better progress than my younger ones in general. However, age does not necessarily reflect maturity, so some young people have a mature mindset and approach, so they sometimes shine better than chronically older people.  

For those who might be hesitant about putting themselves out there online, what strategies do you recommend for building confidence as a new Substack writer?

The critical point is starting small and focusing on consistency. Begin with topics you are passionate about or comfortable with, and let your confidence grow with each post. Engage with your readers meaningfully and authentically—respond to comments timely, ask for feedback, accept criticism, make desired changes, and celebrate small wins. I see vulnerability as a strength. Sharing your journey, including uncertainties, makes you relatable and builds a loyal audience.

How can professionals who have spent decades in traditional corporate environments adapt their writing style to Substack's more personal newsletter format?

Think of Substack as writing a letter to a friend rather than a corporate memo. Strip away the jargon and let your personality come through. Share not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’ Readers want to know the person behind the insights. Sprinkle in personal anecdotes, reflections, and even humor. The goal is to create a dialogue, not a lecture or corporate memo.

Could you share some success stories from your experience of writers over 50 who have built significant followings on Substack?

Absolutely! I have seen writers transition from corporate careers to Substack, finding an audience and a renewed sense of purpose. One retired colleague, a former sales executive, started a newsletter on leadership lessons. Over time, her candid stories and practical tips resonated, and she grew a thriving subscriber base. Another retired writer shared his lifelong learning and mentorship journey, connecting deeply with readers looking for guidance and inspiration. I helped hundreds of retired professionals get started in Substack, and they thrive, saying they wish they had known this platform before. 

Looking ahead, how do you see Substack evolving as a platform, and what opportunities do you foresee for experienced professionals in the next few years?

Substack is poised to become even more integral to the creator economy. As it evolves with constant upgrades and investment by the company, I see more tools for community engagement, richer analytics for writers, and even new formats like video or audio integration, which is happening already. For experienced professionals, this means greater opportunities to diversify content, deepen reader relationships, and leverage their expertise in innovative ways. The future of Substack looks bright to me, and the possibilities are endless; therefore, I wrote a book about it and developed a community there. Since Substack dearly supports creators, so will creators reciprocate it for its success, creating a win-win position. This November gift subscription is a prime example of the company’s commitment to creators, and I invite all writers to take advantage of it, as I highlighted in a recent story. 

Finally, can you please introduce your new Substack Mastery Boost initiative and explain how writers over 50 can benefit from it?

Yes, we completed the beta phase the Substack Mastery Boost program, and this month, we started rolling out the pilot program for freelance writers who want to scale their writing business. As well-known most creators struggle with marketing and sales. The key benefit of the program is that it offers marketing and promotion support to creators so that they can focus on writing and building relationships with their readers. Our goal is to help writers grow their audience and gain paid subscribers for a sustainable business with community support. I will be leading the program with the help of dedicated team members covering various aspects of it. The program details are documented on my website. I will manage the program through a private channel on ILLUMINATION’s Slack workspace. 

Thank you for this great opportunity, Jerry. 

Thank you, Dr Yildiz, for sharing your invaluable insights with our Plus 50 Forward community.

P.S.

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