You've built something real: a platform, an audience, a point of view that matters. But somewhere, among all that’s being demanded of you, your brand is getting left behind.
I work with thought leaders who need more than a designer or a social media manager. They need someone who can think at the strategic level and then go make it happen — without them having to manage every piece.
Creative Brand Partner
For the person building something bigger than a newsletter.
This is a monthly retainer for people who want a trusted partner deeply invested in their brand — someone who sees the big picture, spots the opportunities, and handles the execution so you don't have to.
Every month includes:
Monthly brand strategy call — I come prepared with ideas and data. You just show up.
Proactive ideation between calls — I'm regularly thinking about your brand, thinking of new opportunities, seeing what is happening in your space.
New project support — when something new is coming, I'm in the early conversations helping you brainstorm, and then getting in the weeds to make it happen.
Goal tracking — you’ve got goals, I work backward to help you make them happen, and keep them on track.
Content calendar planning — built around your goals, your voice, who you want to reach.
Custom graphics — for Substack and social media, cohesive and on-brand.
Monthly analytics snapshot — what's working, what isn't, and what to try next.
Nothing is templated. Nothing is copy paste. Everything is built specifically for you and your brand.
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"I would not have been able to launch The Inner Work Dispatch without the invaluable experience and expertise Sarah provided making the process - from idea to the first post - streamlined and easy. Sarah understood my vision right away and she took that vision and she executed on it. I'm so happy I have Sarah as my partner in bringing my thoughts and reflections into the world every week and I could not do it without her detail oriented dedication. She's also a true pleasure to work with and working with her takes all of the stress and worry out of the entire process."
Zerlina Maxwell
Sirius XM Host, Writer of The Inner Work Dispatch on Substack -
“Sarah Hartley is an outstanding Substack specialist whose expertise and creative approach make her an invaluable partner for anyone looking to launch, grow, or refine their Substack presence. With a background spanning writing, podcasting, graphic design, and digital strategy, Sarah brings a rare combination of skills and a deep understanding of the Substack platform to her consulting work. If you're seeking a knowledgeable, creative, and reliable consultant to help you navigate Substack—whether you're just starting out or looking to take your publication to the next level—I highly recommend Sarah. Her blend of strategic insight, creative flair, and genuine care for her clients’ success makes her a standout choice for Substack consulting services.”
Shannon Watts
Author, Activist, Founder of Moms Demand Action -
“Sarah Hartley is a Jill of many trades and Master of them all. Whether you need graphic design for social media, website design, or an expert to help you launch a Substack, Sarah should be your first and last call. Her specialty in Substack has added immeasurable value to my clients’ book launch campaigns—not only can she get a Substack up and running, she is an expert at best practices in maximizing visibility and impact, creating audience engagement and building community, and growing your audience in an authentic way. Sarah is also lightning fast, professional, and fun to work with. Hire her.”
Emily Lavelle,
Emily Lavelle Communications
Additional Services
SUBSTACK STRATEGY
For the writer who needs Substack-specific support. Whether you're just getting started or ready to grow, here's how I can help:
Substack in a Week — full setup, graphics, launch schedule, and a 30-min Q&A call
Substack Uplevel — 90-minute audit and strategy session for established publications
Substack Reporting — monthly analytics and growth suggestions (3-month minimum)
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Original graphics for social media, downloadable PDFs, speaker and media kits, branding kits, and social media templates. Reach out to discuss what you need.
My clients include activists, authors, television personalities, musicians, and executives. If you're a thought leader who needs a partner who can think and do — I'd love to hear what you're working on.
Current and Past Clients include:
Shannon Watts | Brooke Baldwin | Zerlina Maxwell | Stacy London | Margo Price | Karen Walrond | Naomi Hattaway | Emily Galvin Almanza | Jessica Krakoski | Dress for Success |
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“I knew I wanted to step up my game. Substack. Instagram. LinkedIn. I’ve only always created my own content — and knew I wanted to continue to do so — but needed someone I could trust to just uplevel the look and presence of what I’m putting out there in the world. And then BOOM. I hired Sarah. And she has changed the game. And not only that — but she’s just an awesome person to work with. Five stars, y’all!”
Brooke Baldwin,
Author, TV Personality -
"Sarah is not only deeply aligned with quality and efficiency, but also highly values listening, kindness, and integrity. That all combines for a really fabulous experience when working with her on graphic design, social media and marketing, and podcast production! Her innate business savvy is also an added bonus and I consider her such a valued and important strategy support team member for my business!"
Naomi Hattaway,
Host of Leaving Well Podcast -
"Partnering with Sarah was one of the best decisions I’ve made so far. I really didn’t know what I wanted, but she asked all the right questions that lead to the final product in such short time. I would highly recommend her and I personally look forward to partnering with her in the future."
Zachary,
Zulu Tango Papa
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"I have been lucky to work with Sarah Hartley for more than a year. Sarah is immensely talented in a variety of ways—design, ideation, marketing, and writing. But possibly the best parts of working with Sarah are her adaptability, her calm demeanor, and her swift problem-solving skills. I cannot recommend her highly enough!"
Lisa Hazen,
Founder, Lisa Hazen Design & Editorial -
"I met Sarah through another of her clients, one who called her the Substack Sherpa -- and man, was that accurate! Sarah did her research by combing through my Substack, and then she painstakingly walked me through what was working for me, and what wasn't. The result has been a far more beautiful, readable, and logical Substack site. I couldn't be more grateful!"
Karen Walrond,
Speaker, author and creator of The Make Light Journal -
"We have worked with Sarah on several design projects over the years including line sheets, order forms and brand decks, and she has always been excellent to collaborate with. She is thorough, efficient, and detail oriented, and communicates clearly and promptly. The materials she has created for us look beautiful and showcase our brand in an elegant and polished way. I would recommend Sarah to anyone seeking a professional graphic designer ~ she is wonderful!"
Courtney Tait,
Skwalwen Botanicals