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full time and resigned his professorship at Tufts University. Erik attended Substack Grow back in the summer of 2021 and offered sharp insights on how he’s grown on Substack in our Grow interview series earlier this year. We hope you’ll join us in a celebration of Erik’s work.
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Thanks for joining us at Office Hours today! The Substack team is signing off for today. We're taking a break from Office Hours next week to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US. We'll be back the week after.
This week we were super excited to see some writers who have long been invested in the Substack writer community go "all in" on their Substacks
Erik Hoel announced he is committing to write The Intrinsic Perspective full time and resigned his professorship at Tufts University. (Erik attended Substack Grow back in the summer of 2021 and offered sharp insights on how he’s grown on Substack in our Grow interview series earlier this year.)
I haven't made the exact same leap, but I am considering it! I got laid off in October and the job market is *rough.* Maybe instead of four hours on a day on job applications, I can put that time toward growing on Substack and see what happens!
Sorry to hear that, Valorie. Maybe getting laid off is that blessing in disguise (it was for my husband) you need to make Substack a full-time business for yourself! I wish you a tonne of success with it.
You've got this! I learnt a trick from a performer - whenever we experience stage fright, tell ourselves that we are so excited about it and that's why we are getting butterflies. Apparently the subconscious deals with the concept of excitement differently to fear. Hope this helps.
As a speech intructor I encouraged that perspective as students attempted to make their "buttfiles fly in formation." I still struggle with hitting "Publish" butwe have nothing to lose. If nothing else, we will learn what *didn't* work.
I am very aware that typo’s and “wordo’s” can instantly lead to “credibility” concerns, but since my stroke affected my vision, I am more likely to miss those. Also, it was nap time when my brain is programmed for shutting down…
It's hard, to be sure. I lost my job a few years back, and in hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was able to finish my book, and begin posting on Substack. My life has changed drastically in a positive way. I still have to supplement my writing with a part-time job, but hopefully one day my paid subscriptions will alleviate that need. Keep the faith! 💟
My Unschool is 100% connected with my writing life. I can't write about writing, if I'm not producing work. My Substack effort is not one of holding back--it works alongside the picturebooks, the novels, the memoir-writing. No distinction. My daily grappling feeds me the Q&A and the grind, to share.
(Though it does appear that writing-about-writing-for-money is the way to go. (But that's why I left Medium!)
I never have learned to float downstream--maybe someday...)
This is where I'd love to get—writing as an inherent part of my daily rhythms, powered by my experiences and curiosities.
I realized today that there are some subjects I'd love to dive deep into and nerd out about. When I have a question about something, it would be great to feel free to write about it whether or not it's pertinent to my audience. That's something I'd like the mental freedom to do.
Honestly, I feel like internet writing discourages this kind of curiosity and encourages us to put ourselves in boxes that we can't deviate from. But look at journalists: they explore everything and anything that's interesting. If I was going "all in" with my Substack, I think I'd do that. :)
Yes yes yes!! I’m moving back into writing what I’m curious about and just having the freedom to write about what’s interesting to me.
I’ve denied myself of that for nearly a decade, and instead writing for companies that needed specific niche work or writing my own blogs where I denied myself the freedom to write what I really wanted.
Not anymore!
I’m so tired of writing completely for other people. I of course want my work to be engaging and loved and THAT is my priority.
Not how clickbait-y I can make an article or making everything a “how to” or tutorial.
I think so too! I immediately clicked with what you originally wrote, thinking how that’s the plan and ultimate goal!
I LOVE writing and wanna make creating writings people love reading a priority, rather than trying to manipulate things to death to try and desperately grab the attention of others, and I think that’s where you’re at too, yeah?
I wanna develop my skill and love for writing and for once I’m sticking and committing to that
I'm convinced that writing is a talent God gave me, and I've been ignoring that for too long. Now, I'm starting to invest in it by reading books about how to improve as a writer, looking into writing courses/workshops...and the most difficult of all, ACTUALLY WRITING.
I also love writing, and I think that you hit the nail on the head: we're here to make good writing that people want to read, that makes the world more beautiful, that sparks thought and initiates discussion. Not SEO/algorithmic internet noise. :)
I relate with what you said so much. I worked in content marketing and I was DRILLED to niche down blah blah.
Don't you thnk the articles Google puts on Page 1 all seem to sound the same? Like they're written for robots. There doesn't seem to be a human behind them.
I was making myself SO miserable, trying to make my blog *work* and get to the top of the search results. I was good at doing that - but I REALLY hated the articles I wrote to make that happen.
Eventually, I realised I didn't want my blog to be no.1. I want to be part of a community of writers.
Yes this was exactly my experience! (Except I never was too good at SEO haha.) I think I struggled most with just embracing it because I had no backup plan. I wanted financial stability AND to write (I started caregiving for my mom as soon as I graduated college and I had plenty of family telling me and asking when I was gonna stop playing on the computer and get a real job)... I wanted to DESPERATELY prove them wrong but that desperation got me nowhere.
I've learned a lot about how to show up and now I'm excited to be advocating for myself and my needs and wants more fully to see what'll come of it. Imagine if I had given myself this permission sooner!
Yay! I admire your perseverance, my friend. Being a full time creator is hard, especially if the channels are controlled by corporations with ulterior motives. Keep on plugging!
You may enjoy what my friend Rob is doing over at Ungated. He wrote his "manifesto" around that exact problem with Google (and all generic internet content): https://ungated.media/manifesto
Hey just read the manifesto and it's awesome! I relate to everything he said. To me, "The Pattern" is the algorithm, telling us to write a certain way to get something. It's pervasive these days!
Hm interesting, do you think Substack differs in that sense, that you do not have to write about a niche to be succesful? I must admit I have been worrying about my deviating interests potentially hampering my substack growth/potential. So would be interested to hear new perspectives.
I know you didn't ask me, but I feel like Substack still involves "networking", interaction, and talking about your publication and work to gain traction. BUT I love how this is a community of writers that come here to enjoy others' work.
People seem to come here for YOU.
Sure it's nice to see people who have niched down topics to hone-in on so you know exactly what you're signing up for, but without the algorithm, the feeling of just Googling something for a tutorial rather than for the person themselves (aka no reason to stick around unless you talk about that niched topic more, not necessarily for you), or the feeling that we NEED to always be on camera dancing/lip syncing/transforming our work into entertaining 30-second blips.... We show up for the writer themselves and what they're mulling over recently.
At least I do!
I use other successful writers as expander that it is indeed possible to talk about what you want and be financially successful as well.
I'm so tired of writing explicitly for everyone else (done it for over half a decade), so I'm personally ready to see who will show up for me and the way I show up in my little corner of the internet.
That is heartening to hear. I find it especially interesting that that seems to suggest that the kind of writing that is encouraged and that can grow is not necessarily driven by what people are demanding and more by environmental factors like algorithms deciding what people see or the way a website/community is set up to stimulate (or not) a certain type of work.
I only write about what's interesting to me, otherwise it's really hard work. Luckily writing about the stuff that art is about gives me loads of scope to write about almost anything.
"I feel like internet writing discourages this kind of curiosity and encourages us to put ourselves in boxes that we can't deviate from." 100% spot on. Google's recent SEO updates is doubling down on discouraging diverse topics on one website. If you want to succeed in the SEO game, you have to niche down and write in a very specific way they dictate. It's creativity-killing.
"Though it does appear that writing-about-writing-for-money is the way to go. (But that's why I left Medium!" OMG I want to scream each time I see those articles. They turn me off Medium. I had so much hope with Medium only to have it crushed. Which is why I probably overreacted when I read about Substack's badges. Please don't bring this contagion here too ... it's my happy place.
Yes, so many of those who write about writing on Medium have never actually published a book. They're just writing about productivity and "content" and have no background in the topic about which they are writing.
Yes!! I can't stand the algorithm on Medium now. All I'd get recommended now are "how to make money writing" articles or how to get the baseline needs fast so you can start making money sooner and it's completely drowned out all the personal essayists found and whatnot.
It's so unfortunate. And same as well with the badges! I was like "pleeeeease don't ruin a beautiful thing!!"
I've just started publishing on Medium because it's cash and I might as well but I hate it and get some trolling. I would like to focus entirely on Substack and hope one day I can...
I hear... I have so many pieces on Medium, languishing. It's a strange place: the $$ pieces and the anger. Then, here and there, treasures. But to much digging to get to them.
Thanks for the recommendation! Yes, Medium still has many wonderful pieces. I found Shani Silver there and I love her work. One of her articles got me through a toxic workplace; I read it again and again as a reminder.
Also, as a tech writer, I like to follow fellow tech writers and it annoys me to death that a lot of them on Medium.
Do you ever feel that it's "such a waste" they are on Medium? The reading experience is unpleasant, for one. I can never get the writing of writers I follow on Medium in a reliable way and I keep getting slammed with a paywall. And when I do pay, I get fed endless $$$ pieces and I *still* can't find the articles of people I follow.
But I wish they realise what an opportunity for connections if they get over here ...
Unfortunately I come from a country with a weak-ass currency, so US$5 is equivalant to US$30, so if I have to pay that much, I'm extremely picky of the platform I choose to support, so tossing that much at a platform that actively discourages discovery of writing I love? Eh. I rather choose Substack ;)
So far, what I'm doing is supporting a new writer a month on Substack. I may not be able to do it the whole year, but it's fun "highlighting" a paid Substack each month on my newsletter.
If anyone has any questions on the details of how a launch goes, or on how/when to make the decision, etc, let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them. Although it's obviously all still unfolding, it's only been two days!
As an academic, I applaud what you're doing Erik. I'm in the humanities so our situation is slightly different. Around 8 years ago, when I was desperately searching for a tenure-track job, it seemed likely that I would have to leave academia...and Substack didn't exist yet. Thankfully, I got a tenure-track job that I love. But the situation is even worse today. People leave academia for lots of reasons, but it's almost never because they "don't care about their students." It's usually because the academy over-produces Ph.D. students at the same time that they are slashing tenure-track jobs. Personally, Erik, I love how you have translated your academic mind into a format that everyone can enjoy. You'll reach far more people this way. I'm proud to count myself as one of the people you've enlightened along the way!
That's a great question. I would say it's been mixed. Some people have been very supportive and also agreed with some of my critiques. However, I've gotten a few "well, you must not care about students" or that sort of response, although I emphasize only a small number.
Hi Erik, just wanted to say how great your article was. I'm not a paid up subscriber, although I'd like to be but can't stretch to it right now. I'm also an academic and I'm trying to get to the point where I can ditch the day job. What I love about writing in the way that you describe is that there's freedom. I don't have to mind my p's n q's, I don't have to follow someone else's editorial policy, and I can continue to do what I've done in the seminar room (bring ideas together to make people think). It's all good.
Our goal is to fully focus on Substack as a business. For us, it's a question of earning enough revenue to subsidize working on the newsletter full-time. Of course, that's a chicken and an egg problem. It seems like for most writers it takes 1-2 years of consistent writing to get to that point. We did just apply for a major grant to help bring quality K12 education content to underserved families, so that would give us the runway to help get the newsletter to a critical mass. I think if substack was able to give 1-2 year grants or investments in talented writers, it could help get some people going.
Hi team, I love the product. Is it ok to ask a question unrelated to your thread?
My newsletter is about consciousness and self-transformation at http://loic.substack.com I have 15k free subscribers and just launched paid subscriptions at $10 a month, it's doing well with about 50 paid already, in two weeks and growing nicely.
I surveyed my paid subscribers yesterday and 80% of them want no more than 2 emails a week. so do my free subscribers.
Here is my problem and question: I want to write MUCH more than twice a week, ideally almost every day. I would like to be able to do it on the same loic.substack.com and "segment" the readers based on their frequency requirements, I could not figure a good solution.
-if I write almost daily, I generate unsubscribes and lose many of those who want no more than two emails a week
-some of my paid and free subscribers would read a post every day from me (about 20% of all subscribers) so I am stuck not being able to "serve them" and also not satisfying my own creativity that I want to write every day
What solution do you recommend?
I have launched a second newsletter that I wrote daily on for about 2 months, http://yawa.news it gathered from scratch 2000 subscribers or so who want daily.
Problem is now I have 5 posts a week sending to them and 2 posts a week sending to the other one... so I manually added the 2000 to the main one.
I am sure many of the 2000 would pay to get daily too... so I really don't know what to do.
If I stay on two newsletters it also isn't optimal because now I have to either cross post the 2 posts a week to the daily one, or import them.... I also do a voice over podcast for each post so I also have to crosspost that... it's a lot of work.
It also forces me to launch two paid plans on two different newsletters, while what I am doing really is just the same guy writing every day the same way, lots of work that could be solved on a single newsletter.
The only solution I see is that substack builds a "what frequency do you want" for daily type newsletters and then groups all the posts into say "one a week" or "two a week" for those who only want that and sends all the posts to those who are happy with high frequency. Then no need for two newsletters.
Am I clear enough sorry I was long? It's a real problem for me.
I asked this last week - either individual writers frequency or a round-up of all the writers they subscribe to. Emails can be overwhelming even when it is stuff you want to read.
The newsletter could be like a magazine, with many articles to read by writers we've chosen, instead of a whole stack of newsletters inundating our mailboxes. I like it!
Interesting! Like a "all of substack" you subscribed to summary round-up email. That might highly diminish the open rates as it will be all mixed, not sure about this one.
I'll write from a reader's perspective here. I come to Substack not just as a writer but a reader and ... I'm kinda like the majority of your readers. If I get TOO many emails in my inbox from someone, I'll unsubscribe.
HOWEVER, this has nothing to do with the quality of the content. It's morel ike I get overwhelmed. inboxes are barely manageable lately, and the amount of organisational control it takes to keep it tamed is stressful.
As a reader, although I unsubscribe from high-volume Substacks because I don't want to receive their posts in the email, I will follow them via an RSS reader and read the posts when I'm able. I wish Substack gives people the option to do that without unsubscribing as I do want to support the writer.
As a writer, I wish I have your energy lol. Perhaps use your posts as a stockpile?
You can add a filter and create a new folder in your account. That way all the substack emails will skip the inbox and go directly to that folder. You can then read them in your free time.
I hesitate to give you any advice, since you've advanced far beyond me in subscriptions in a much shorter amount of time, but I can only speak for myself--and maybe a few others.
I wouldn't read anyone's newsletter every day and if they appeared in my mailbox daily I would probably unsubscribe.
I couldn't write one every day without eventually boring myself, but I don't know your focus, so it could be you're on to something. You do have plenty of subscribers.
The beauty of newsletters, I think, is that they don't take long to read. They're meant to be satisfying to regular readers who don't have much time but would welcome seeing something from a friend in their mailbox now and then. It's how they differ from a blog; we have a built-in audience. My feeling is that my readers are there because I have something to offer that they want, but at the same time I don't want to wear out my welcome.
I asked my readers once how they felt about daily or weekly or sporadic newsletters, and the consensus was that as much as they enjoy reading my posts they don't want to see them daily. Schedules weren't important to them, either. I try to post at least once a week, but I'm a slow writer and an even slower editor, and life happens.
My readers are incredibly patient and universally wonderful, but they don't need to read my every thought--only those I think are important enough to share.
thank you Ramona, I did not go much faster (doesn't matter anyway) as I imported my list I have been carrying around for years. On my second one it's different, I built a 2000 people list writing daily and it grew so I do for sure have that audience that loves daily, it's about 20% of my "old" list but I have a feeling it might exceed it one day. So I either make 80% unsubscribe slowly and replace them with the new growth or I do two newsletters.... Not sure what to do! But thanks anyway!
I have some similar concerns as I publish (at least) 4 times per week and I feel I have at least two different audiences with some overlap but perhaps less than I think. My subscriber numbers are significantly lower than yours, plus I have just started to offer paid subscriptions, so your description of your situation is interesting to me.
If I understand your problem well, it's that even though you have multiple sections for your newsletter at which you publish on different frequencies, the subscriptions are managed for the newsletter as a whole and you can't offer different pricing for each section or publication frequency. I think that Substack's sections are only a partial solution.
Interesting thoughts about the pricing, I am honestly not sure about pricing at all and did not put any thoughts to that, I am just trying things... Looks like I have to live with two newsletters for now... it's painful.
I've been through some heavy stuff this year and haven't been able to concentrate as much as I'd like on building my websites into something that will draw more readers. But I think I've found my niche, finally, thanks to my readers who encourage me and let me know my writing means something to them.
I've always been nervous about getting too personal on my pages, but it turns out that's what people want! I've opened up about the loss of my husband, for example, mainly because I've been a bundle of emotions and nothing else comes out, and it turns out many other readers have thoughts on this and other emotional issues, as well.
I can thank Substack for this. Their newsletter/blog format is perfect for the kind of writing I do and it looks like I've finally found a home! I'm hoping to work harder at it in the coming months and years, but life happens, doesn't it? All any of us can do is the best we can.
That's amazing! I've been focusing on bringing longer, more image-rich essays and audio to my readers at wanderingwriter.substack.com. It started as a place to write about my expat years in Paris, about living and writing abroad before and during the pandemic, but has really expanded to be about wandering and writing closer to home as well--including a recent visit to a cage fight in San Francisco:)
I am an author by trade who has long made a living traditionally as a novelist, but I love the immediacy of connecting with readers on Substack.
I want Substack to make the app a little bit more like Pinterest. It would allow you to see all the different posts by people in little scrolling thumbnails.
I work almost full time hours on The Gallery Companion, nights and weekends, and I would love to drop the teaching job but can't until I can see a sustainable income from Substack. This week I flipped to spending half my time on marketing to find new subscribers and I've noticed a huge uptick in numbers. But until I can see a bigger growth on paid subs I have to keep the day job going. It feels like a numbers game, and I'm working on the premise that 1% minimum of subscribers will become paid subs. But that means I need to increase my mailing list 20x to make any sort of reliable income, and right now that feels like a long way off. I've got so many good plans for it. I genuinely feel like I rarely see interesting, accessible writing about art so I feel like I'm trailblazing. Substack offers me an avenue to get established, writing on my terms. But there aren't enough hours in the day at the moment. I'm racing against time.
I’m definitely making huge steps towards focusing on my substack. Less as a business, more as a passion. But I’m declining work so I can spend more time writing these short stories on love, sex, and dating apps 🤍
Congrats to Erik and Liberty RFP! It's a big deal to go all in with Substack. After a little over a year of doing Substack pretty exclusively I've decided to go back to full-time work. I'll continue to do my Substack, for sure, but I'd have to triple the number of paid subscribers I have right now to actually make going all in viable long term and chasing those numbers just doesn't feel like it's conducive to my writing (or my mental health, honestly). BUT! If my newsletter keeps growing organically given the way that I run it and the day comes when those numbers exist, I might consider it. Regardless, I'm really grateful for the Substack team and the platform. It's been almost two years now since I started and I'm really happy with what I'm doing.
As for me, I'm primarily a musician getting back to writing after a 2-decade-long break, so who knows how things will go... aiming to do both, but i'm struggling, to be honest. Multi-tasking isn't my strength! Any other artists here with a similar experience?
Sometimes I think multi-tasking can be helpful. Taking a break from the "big project" to work on a small project can breathe new life into the bigger project. For me, this means taking a break from a novel-in-progress to write essays. For you, perhaps writing about music will free you a bit to write music.
Congrats Erik! I still have my day job, but for 2022 one of my goals was to fully focus on building my Substack as a pillar of my online business. So far, so good.
That's a dream that I am working on to achieve. I currently publish twice per week, talking about food, music, and benefits of the outdoors. I would love to have a 1000 true readers to make that leap.
Yes, I am shifting gears from a career in marketing to a career in Birth/Family work as a doula, and my Substack publication is going to be a big part of that.
Definitely think this will be the most effective channel. On the desktop it'll serve as a living thread or Discord/Reddit-style chatroom. On the app I get the sense it's another annoying notification for people to sift through - if they even have the app.
For short form discussions or quick thoughts--much the way I’d use insta stories. But I’m looking forward to when it’s available on android also, and maybe even desktop, because I don’t think most of audience can even access chat right now.
That's great! Did you send a regular email post to subscribers letting them know about chat? I didn't see one on your publication at first glance but maybe I missed it
Not yet! I know SS sent an automated message for first time chat posts so I didn’t want to “spam” subscribers about it. But next time I send a newsletter (I’m on a biweekly schedule), I should include it in my housekeeping section. Thank you for the reminder!
I’m relaunching and fully committing my time to my newsletter on the 22nd so I plan to start then with an oracle card reading! Then I’ll just use it to share and ask for my community to share. Really excited to start using it!
Thank you! I LOVED participating in a coaching friends IG story Oracle card pulls every Sunday but they’ve stopped, but has made me fall in love with the practice!
Great idea, but I'll wait until it hits the desktop. Too many other activities to work on before that. But keep up the innovation Substack!!! We love new features and activities.
My Substack, "The Art of Unintended Consequences" is perfect for chat as I ask all readers to provide me with their experiences in this. Can't wait for it to hit the desktop and then I'll push it.
Still waiting on using Chat. I'm hoping there will be a browser-friendly version, in addition to the android app. I might see some opportunities for using chat when I can reach more of my audience (not many iOS app users in my subscribers yet.) But I'm happy to be using the new "mention" function as I put together a guest post from another Substack writer for next week. And I'm excited that she can cross post the piece to her own page once it's up!
I did post an intro chat and email subscribers about it but no response. I agree with others that having it only available in the app makes it mostly useless, since I don't think my subscribers use the app. I only downloaded it myself so I could try out the chat, and much prefer reading via email or on the website.
Since I posted my comment earlier, I noted someone did reply to a chat I made last week. That was kind of cool! I think people do look at it, and it will grow. But, I'm not going to push it to anyone yet. Really hopeful it will become cross-platform soon.
I am just trying to promote a little more conversation based on the essay I publish on Mondays. Since my substack is called "Caitlin Chats" I would like to have more chats about the hard and fun aspects of life that I try to write about. I am to post a question once a week in my chat.
I love the option and have enjoyed some of the early chats I became a part of. Haven't quite figured out how I'd like to incorporate that into Outsourced Optimism yet. I want to make sure it provides a unique value and doesn't feel (only) like an extended comments section. I would love to hear how everyone else is using it and what readers seems to be engaging with!
I think this is sort of my issue. Since I'm the only one who can *start* chats, it's all on me to get it going. It's a lot of pressure for a shy introvert! haha. I haven't figured out how to make it valuable to people yet.
Elle Griffin entrusted her founding tier members and gave them contributor permission on her publication so they could also start posts https://ellegriffin.substack.com/
Hi Katie, we've had a little trouble getting chat going:) I was very excited about it initially, but a bunch of people unsubscribed when we started our chat, and we haven't really been able to get a conversation going yet...would love any tips you might have on good conversation starters.
I hosted my first chat last week on making homemade yogurt. Was curious to try out the feature and coincidentally I had just finished making a batch and it occurred to me it might be of interest to my readers. It was off the cuff but generated lots of replies and some good tips on making/using yogurt (and whey). Planning on doing one tomorrow on Thanksgiving prep.
Waiting for desktop and Android, but I have to say that for me, there is a great need for breathing room. I find that your basic setup is good enough. If I feel like being chatty I reply to posts of others, knowing that they will reply when and if they feel like it.
I will try the chat feature out when I see a suitable response to one of my topics. It will be not only a possibility to increase engagement but maybe add it as a paid feature as well. I would turn my article into a possible interactive course on popular topics. I will wait until chat is available on the desktop and Android. I am publishing an article soon on my Substack on dreamwork, which might provide an opportunity to do a chat.
I’m starting to share more about applying the concepts of circadian rhythms to lifestyle in threads and now chat, whereas my posts are more focused on the science and findings/excerpts from specific research papers. So far, my audience seems to be read-only 🙊 anyone have tips for getting conversations going?
Hello all, and happy Office Hours! Here’s a little bit of encouragement from one small newsletter to all of you: many parts of the world are entering what we call the holiday season, and it can be both a magical and difficult time for writers! Maybe the holidays afford you a bit more free time to get things done, or maybe this season is so full of activities and family time that you aren't able to focus. Maybe this is the time of year when you see the relatives who don't "get" your writing, who think it's a waste of time and energy, or maybe you're inspired by all the potential for magic and mystery this season brings. Whether this is a time for joy or loneliness, whether this is a time of boredom or busyness, you're not alone. Wherever you are in your writing journey this season, you're right where you need to be, and we're right here with you! Go gently with yourself, find pockets of peace, take a deep breath, and remember why you write. And then, keep writing, keep going, keep sharing! DON'T GIVE UP! 🌿
This is so encouraging and just what I needed to hear, thank you! I only recently launched my Substack, Words That Travel, and I've been writing/brainstorming/generally working on it in the evenings or weekends, but with time off from my main (9-5) job looming, I've been feeling as though I need to dedicate all of my holiday time to Substack and 'bank' a ton of posts which I can then drip feed in the new year. But really, I know I don't do my best work in that way - I need time to breathe, ideate, and think too! So I'll be reminding myself of your message and trying not to pile unnecessary pressure on myself. The most important thing to remember, as you say, is why we write. 💕
I just subscribed! 😂 As a full time teacher with a family, I put a lot of pressure on myself to bank my posts so that they can just publish every week. Most of the time, it makes my life easier, but I'm trying to also give myself grace for the weeks and weekends when I can't write a lot ahead of time.
I am with you Eva! All I want is to be weeks ahead so I have the time and space to write and experiment in a way that feels expansive to me (and have been thinking about the holiday break as an opportunity to do that while also recognizing that it might be it's own kind of crushing rush). The early days are also tough as you figure out your process (I'm just six months in myself). I hope however the holidays and your writing take shape these next few months, it feels light and fun. However it looks- you're doing it! And you're doing great.
Been trying to bank a few, but the challenge of work, family, and writing balance always makes it tough to hit the writing when I'm in the right mindset. I write okay when I just jump in and force myself to do it... BUT, when I am in the zone, it's a whole different world of writing. I just need to find more ZONE time. :-)
Exactly! Do more things that allow you to get in the zone. One ‘rule’ I always stick to is don’t ignore the urge to write when it comes - wherever I am or whatever I’m doing, if something comes to me I need to write it down right away and follow the flow...
You are so right on the urge. I can't always drop everything, but when I have a thought, or I'm taking a note in my writing to do list, it will suddenly strike me. If I can't stop to write, I at least take a few minutes to write at a high level to capture the thoughts that are in my head. Then come back some other time and try to recreate that momentary Zone.
For my Substack, when I do that, my notes sometimes end up being 80% of my final post. ;-)
Have you ever read Jack Hart's books, Wordcraft and Storycraft? I'm only 2 chapters into Wordcraft, and it's a gold mine of helpful tactics/techniques that can help turn any writing session into "zone time."
No, I haven't read those yet. I'll take a look. It's not hard to bet in the zone, it's just that it doesn't always want to coincide with open time I have. ;-)
S.E. you are one of my favorites. I don't always get to make it to these gatherings but when I do, I always find something encouraging from you. You do the same with your newsletter. I'm happy to have you in my circle of folks who inspire.
I was literally just having this conversation last night with some fellow creative friends. This year has been such a big foundation building year for me and I find that the ideation and creation process requires so much bandwidth, active thought, uninterrupted time, and stretches of open days to create and sustain momentum. As soon as my schedule is broken up, it feels like having to start all over again. My writing for Outsourced Optimism has struggled as visitors and family occasions have starting sprinkling across the calendar and, as I look ahead at the last few weeks of the year, I've started opting out of some travel (which feels unpopular and scary) as a gift to my present and future self so I can end the year well and get all of my projects into a place that sets me up for an ease-filled 2023.
I so relate to that feeling of starting over! I had to travel home for a few weeks recently to help a family member -- at the end of the day, I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with them. Returning just briefly to my own life, apartment, and space... feels like I'm starting from scratch. I guess life is just that. Getting thrown off the horse and climbing back on. Embracing these few days of peace and quiet before I do it all again at Thanksgiving.
Yes x 100! I always think about how Sharon Salzberg says the healing (or the growth?) is in the return. And I really like that. I've spent a lot of time trying to control or avoid or mitigate interruptions, but now I'm realizing what I really need is a more flexible process or some kind of realistic transition plan that supports me living a real, inconsistent, inconvenient, wonderful, full life.
"...living a real, inconsistent, inconvenient, wonderful, full life."
This is a fantastic truth. Life isn't a neat and tidy package that we can micromanage. I believe in divine interruptions—God's plans are not my plans!
I have to turn your statement into a question for myself...how do I get the mindset to live that way and embrace what comes along? And, as writers, embracing that gives us more ideas. Because life IS ideas.
S.E. knows how to make you feel better with these posts. She keeps you going with your writing. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not a writer or never will be one. If you're here, you are a writer. I'll add that she's been nice to me in emails. 😀
I'll note that what you write about might help people you don't even know about. They might come across a post you have written, and it might bring a smile to their heart.
S. E. Reid and Mike Snowden were the first two Substackers I interacted with, because in addition to being good writers with interesting topics,t hey were always there and always so supportive. Youtopian was also, but her profile pic appeared somehow “forbidding,” and I didn’t get the sense that we had common interests. Wrong, again! Her pic is related to a character she draws and not to her own visage and she has interests in MH, which dovetails nicely with mine in addiction issues. So much for my first impressions.
After my “brain attack” (stroke) affected my vision and energy level, I haven’t been a “participant,” just reverting to lurking. Today, I entered the “hour” late due to an appointment with Occupational Therapy. This evening I returned to the page (happy to find out I hadn’t been kicked off due to my absence). As I scrolled through, I ran into S. E.’s post, with its long thread of replies and replies to replies. I was about to copy that thread into a Word file to peruse later, when I saw Mike Sowden chime in and found a similarly extensive thread.
Tonight, I am telling myself that the regression in my progress is a result of my brain establishing new pathways to circumvent the damaged area, but I am probably engaging in denial, something I became quite skilled at in my Lost Years.
I don’t know if late “replies” will be forwarded to the posters, but I am going to send this to each of them to find out.
This made me think of all the years I did NaNoWriMo. 🙂 November became THE time for massive amounts of writing and time spent with other writers. I'd love to recapture some of that during my Christmas break this year.
Actually, I have a couple of friends who do the "7th week sabbatical" thing: working 6 weeks, then taking the 7th week off to do non-work things. I'd like to give that a shot for myself in the new year and see what would happen if I spent that 7th week reading books and writing.
It's terrifying in a way, though. As a freelancer, I start to panic and think, "Wait, 7 or 8 entire weeks of vacation in the year? With no outreach, no prospecting, no working directly on the business? I WILL FAIL." 😅
I guess the nice thing is, it's something you can try for a couple cycles and see how it goes without committing to it as a forever thing. One of my friends who does it says you get more done in the 6 weeks because you know the 7th isn't a work week.
As always, thanks for the encouragement. Also, I thought I had already subscribed to your newsletter but apparently not, so I just did. Looking forward to reading more of your wisdom!
Hey everyone! A bit of advice if you're struggling to understand how to attract people into your list.
Those people who haven't found you yet - where are they right now? Where do they regularly hang out? What are they reading online?
And by all this I mean: where do YOU regularly hang out & what are you reading online? (Because they are just kinda like you, right? Your ideal core audience are folk who more or less care about the same things you do!)
If you assume they will be acting more or less like you do, then your own behaviour is a good guide and a good thing to analyse here - and might lead you straight to that audience. (Which websites are your non-guilty daily pleasures? How about pitching a guest post or trying to attract their attention so they'd be interested in interviewing you?)
Alternately: if you yourself kinda aspire to be like one of your writer heroes, where do *they* hang out - and then by extension, where does *their* audience hang out?
If you know where your ideal audience currently is, you can start coming up with a plan to get their attention - guest-posting, or leaving a really amazingly thoughtful comment somewhere, or even helping one of those "other Yous" directly with something, which is a fantastic way to get someone interested.
Hi Mike, I appreciate these comments and think they're right-on: in the beginning, "Do things that don't scale." I also like making real connections. I fight my inherent shyness about telling people about my newsletter, but I'm getting over it... slowly.
Thanks, Stephanie. Heck yes to doing unscalable things early on! Excellent advice. I know there's a real fear of trying stuff where you can easily see how it can turn into a massively unsustainable time-suck, but - try doing them until that happens, to see if it works. And one of those things is making one-to-one connections, to really connect and make friends and be deeply helpful. It's impossible to do that with everyone - but out-humanning the competition is a solid strategy in this online lark. :)
Just read your spaghetti post! Definitely gonna try it soon. I just made some spaghetti Bolognese that I'll be sharing next week. Continue sharing, and I hope that we can collaborate on a post soon.
Thanks for your input, Mike. Those were useful ideas. For my publication, the places my readers hang out may be in anonymous forums of support where it's a big no-no to talk about your product or service. Plus its a club no one wants to admit they're in. But I did take note because there are likely many other ways in - particularly finding someone I can guest-post on. Thanks again!
Self-promoting in some places online is definitely a whole other rulebook to doing it elsewhere. For example, Nishant Jain (https://on.substack.com/p/grow-13-nishant-jain) is getting good at using reddit in this way - and reddit can be FIERCE when it comes to anyone looking self-promotional. I've also had a few newsletters do well on Hacker News/Ycombinator, and that place can be the same. It's a calibrating act, for sure. And I just think experience - really deeply researching the place and seeing how people react to stuff - can't be beaten.
But sometimes you can "self-promote" just by turning up and being enormously helpful and making sure it's easy for someone to see who you are and what you do, so if it generates a big reaction, people click through to your stuff - and that's as good as - or even better - than asking them to do it!
Thanks for your encouragement! I have "grazed" subreddits on my topic and will check out Nishant Jain example. I agree there's a way to do it that needs to be finessed (for lack of a better word). I have not heard of HackerNews/Ycombinator and will look into that as well. I think your best point here is about being enormously helpful, to truly connect with others in whatever forum, and allow that good will to live as it is, without expectation. Thanks again!
Stephanie, I feel shy about telling people about my blog too. But the funniest thing happens. If i mention it casually, in the context of another story I am telling, the person I am speaking with always wants to subscribe. I think we all underestimate our value.
I think context is really important. An opportunity to mention your newsletter organically is much less intrusive than dropping a link into a community and hoping people will click—even if you've been in that community for a while.
If you're not someone who seeks the spotlight, the shyness can be a real issue. I can go off on the awesomeness of others without a second thought, but it's basically impossible to do that for myself! Feels a little better knowing I'm not the only one trying to overcome this challenge.
Seems to me getting over that shyness is key. . . just tell everyone and anyone about it! At least, that's how others I know of who've been successful have done it.
My circumstance is a little different because I have a decent following on Medium where I write about politics and climate. In August I started putting a pitch at the end of my Medium articles aimed at writers (virtually everyone on Medium aspires to be a writer). My newsletter is about the writer life so it resonated and I’m adding around 100 subs monthly, which is fantastic. So if you have an audience somewhere, profile them and just let them know what you’re doing.
I think this works well if your two audiences are interested in (at least some of) the same things. Although I have a fairly decent following in my previous realm (healthy food), there are precious few of my followers interested in my "other" writing or editing. So, it means using other methods to grow the audience. . .
Thank you, Mark. Advice from somebody with an orange checkmark is appreciated 😉. I'm still quite unhappy with this new grading system. But I will look at your suggestions and ponder which one is applicable.
Haven't even clocked that. What are orange checkmarks? The equivalent of Twitter blue ticks or, as one friend pedantically points out, white ticks on a blue background
But in my case, I think it means "I have sufficiently annoyed a certain number of people enough that they have subscribed in the correct hope I will stop sending them offers to subscribe".
Some people, like yourself, get there by credible hard work and reader loyalty. I get there by just being irritating.
This is a great tip. Often we look for the "viral hit" that will flood us with fans and subscribers, but it really is about finding the simple ways to grow our audience organically over time and create that snow ball effect.
I completely agree - and I say that having got half my current free list from a viral thread on Twitter! (https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7) But the thing about that is - it's almost certainly never going to happen to me again. One chance in a million. Therefore, relying on it as a strategy is madness - and also *incredibly* hard on the soul. It's a recipe for always feeling like you've failed, because no viral hit can feel big enough, and the desperation of relying on something that fickle is so toxic.
If it's repeatable, that is where to pin your hopes. Something where you can see a small amount of movement forward, while feeling achievable enough that you can keep doing it. (That's been my strategy with the other 14-15 Twitter threads I've done. They get me half a dozen or a few dozen subscribers each time. It's been something that reliably works. I can attach a lot of enthusiasm to that - or at least, I could before E**n M**k took over Twitter! So it's time for me to start experimenting again and doing the deeper work of connecting to other people whose work I really admire...)
I suspect a certain amount of it has been luck, to be honest - but there are always things you can do to position yourself better for when luck strikes! (The viral hit on Twitter wouldn't have done anything for my newsletter if I hadn't learned where to put a call to sign up into the thread.)
Agreed! Depending on going viral isn't a good model! I had a tweet go pretty viral a couple of years ago, but I didn't gain *that* many followers from it and very few of those people followed all the way to Substack. It doesn't work reliably.
Yes! My viral tweet was a stupid joke about climate change and Santa Claus--completely unrelated to anything I write about anywhere else at any other time.
It's interesting insights. As I try to limit my social media and forum exposure, I'm probably self-defeating on this point! I should probably get into Reddit and use that to hook people somehow. https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/
Reddit can be interesting, but it can also be a useless time suck. Depends on the community. I've started dipping my toes into various Discord servers, but I haven't had the time to really dig deep on that as an outreach tactic.
I am just now exploring Reddit to find like minded folks. I write a newsletter that summarizes works of non-fiction and I try to connect the dots between the ideas in the books and what is going on in our world politically, economically, and culturally. I know there are lots of folks out there thinking in that vein so I feel like I just have to find more of them.
Heck yeah! I am always pleasantly surprised when someone recommends my newsletter leading to new subscribers, or when people just happen on your newsletter through Substack itself. For me, it was helpful to tell people I know first! Like even on Facebook since they were all people I personally knew. It's a process for sure, just trying to be grateful every step of the way! :)
This is great advice, Mike! I find as I'm shifting where I hang out online, it's allowing me to learn new rules about new spaces and meet new people. It's exciting, and once I'm a little more established it'll be easier to invite people to come check out the Substack.
Hey Valorie! I think *you're* doing a great job with this, by the way - your Unruly History In The News updates are really fascinating paper-trails of the stuff you're reading....
So I have to ask - how are you approaching the problem of getting your work in front of audiences that haven't found it yet?
Thank you! I started that on a whim and it's now the most popular part of my 'stack! hahaha
I've started trying out this crazy thing called hashtags on Twitter and Instagram. I'm told they've been around since the internet was in its infancy, but I honestly always ignored them. Turns out they work!
Participating in Substack Chats is a new thing I've been trying. I'm also spending more time on Reddit, though I'm still in my 'lurking' stage and haven't start engaging much yet.
Mike, this is really insightful. It's the kind of advice that is really obvious when you think about it, but so easy to miss. I want to be that observant and to think that clearly. So, tell us, Mike, where do you hang out? That way we can all learn to be like you. That last part is a bit of a joke, but the stuff about your comment being very thoughtful is totally sincere. It really is great advice.
Cheers, John. :) I wouldn't want anyone to be like me! (What, make all THOSE mistakes and sound THAT British? DON'T DO IT.)
(But in case it helps as an example: I write about curiosity, science and wonder, with a hefty side-dollop of speculative fiction stuff, so I read a lot of Aeon, Scientific American, New Scientist, links from a variety of science communicators I trust on Twitter, the scifi-nerdtastic Den of Geek, The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings), Radiolab, and I have a frankly ludicrous number of books I'm working my way through according to the chosen topics of each season of my newsletter. And Twitter's been a big place for connecting with other people who dig that stuff too, some of whom have ended up reading my newsletter. Maybe for not much longer! We shall see what happens over there. But I'm still trying to find new places where similarly-nerdy folk are, so I can attract their attention in a hopefully non-spammy sort of way, and I have plans to pitch a few of these, to see if I could find a way to actually contribute to them, which would be a dream come true. But - all of it is a work in progress.)
Mike ... thanks for setting such a great example with your home page. Pinning your Read Me First post is brilliant. Just subscribed (free, for now). And, don't give up on Twitter ... or follow us to Mastodon if EM continues the slide to worst EM.
Thank you, Joyce! The pinned "Read Me First" page is definitely not my idea - I was following previous advice from advice from the Substack team there. I'll see if I can dig it out - unless Bailey or Katie could remind me where in the archives that's suggested?
But I learned it from you and as soon as I implement it, someone may learn it from me. It's the way the world works. And you did it so well ... making it fun and interesting.
Thanks for sharing your hangouts and your insights! I am particularly interested in your use of "seasons" to explore themes. I haven't seen this before in a newsletter and I think it's a really clever way to write about the huge topics you're covering. I'm off to subscribe!
I wrote a bit about working in seasons in a comment in a previous Office Hours: https://on.substack.com/p/office-hours-53/comment/9226802 Hope that help. (Definitely aren't *my* ideas, I've just borrowed/stolen them from people who are working brilliantly in this way elsewhere...)
This is a great perspective that takes a lot of the pressure off of chasing down your ideal audience.
But question: I don't have any daily websites that I visit. I don't use social media. Outside of Office Hours and work, I don't really hang out online.
If it helps, the advice I'm giving myself lately is to make more human connections in the real world. The more of my neighbors I meet, or conversations I have at bookstores, the better. I try not to go nuts promoting my page in every conversation, but it often comes up and I have a few great new subscribers who arrived that way. Those people, because they have met me in person, have a much stronger connection to what I write.
Bravo, Tonya! This is great advice. I have started to share my newsletter with friends but haven't stepped out to make new connections. Part of my problem is that I don't go out much, either, and when I do, it's usually for a specific purpose on a tight timetable. Doesn't leave a lot of room for organic discussion.
The best part of "getting out there" (which is never as easy as it sounds) is that every part of it is healthy. You meet interesting people, you feel more connected to your community, and, hey, it might help your Substack too. It's a much less hustle-y form of self-promotion, which, even though it takes some effort, is much easier psychologically than blasting everyone on social media all the time.
A caveat, of course: I'm just getting started on this tactic. But I'm really enjoying it so far.
Oooh. Hmmm. But - you said "online". What about offline? Because, what more powerful way of getting someone interested in what you're doing than by telling them about it face to face?
Thank you for the advice Mike. You have a great publication as well. I'm all for jumping out the comfort zone, especially when it leads to a better and happier life.
I am looking forward to seeing how people use image galleries. I think this presents a great opportunity for comic creators and am interested in seeing how they work with the new features.
As an artist, I also am excited to use the image galleries! I was a little disappointed to see that you can't change the shape/layout of the images within the gallery, but I understand this is a new feature and will probably undergo updates down the line. To any Substack devs/designers, would love to see this update eventually!
As a fellow artist I agree about the shape/layout, Amanda. I wish Substack would allow square photos to show as square on the Home page, also. They're perfectly fine in the actual post but not on the Home page. I'm just now finding out about the image gallery option...
I'm an illustrator and I am really excited about the image gallery because I like to post walk throughs of my drawing process and this will make it so much neater and easier to follow!
The Writer Office Hours email is one email I get super excited about each week! haha
I hope we see some photographers using those image galleries. I see so many amazing photographers on Twitter and Instagram, but as we know everything is so throttled by the algorithm. But the Substack layout really has that 2004 Flickr feel! Excited to see some people use it.
I'm half tempted to make one myself, for the amazing live-music photography I see everyday. That I'm even considering it is a testament to how user-friendly and easy Substack is to use... if I only had Mailchimp to do that? Yikes, no way.
I still prefer creating my own "image galleries" and having full control of the white space, the size, the placement as I did on my latest article with a total of five images, four that include three nested images each:
Reaching The Divine Through Movies: Finding Transcendence On The Screen
I understand that the movies listed in your article were chosen based off of your personal and subjective taste, but really? How can you leave What Dreams May Come off of that list? Not only does it include great cinematography, but I found the storyline to be quite moving. Of course, that's my personal opinion. I won't force it on you since the focus of your article seems to be on clean images and parts of Dreams are messy.
Ah, I haven't seen "What Dreams May Come." Thank you so much for the movie recommendation. I will add it to my queue posthaste and will update this article if it is indeed sublime. I love "Dead Poets Society," also starring Robin Williams:
The Wisdom In "Dead Poets Society" (1989): And The Reasons For Living
Set aside some time to be totally gutted if you watch it. What Dreams May Come is gorgeous, but it will rip your heart out, tear it into little bitty pieces, then burn your house to the ground around you. It's worth it, but definitely lock up your existential philosophy first, call all your family members to check in, and plan a big, soothing meal for afterwards.
Would you like to write about "What Dreams May Come" as a Guest Writer on "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies"? I would LOVE to read what you have to say. Here is a link explaining the process:
I'm using a mix of the galleries and still using Canva to create collages when I want more than all of the photos the same size. I would like the ability to adjust where the photo falls in the square, but as Amanda says below, I know they are still developing it and I look forward to improvements in the future.
I use it for everything. Considered using it to make my cover for the self-published book I'm working on, but decided it would be better to ask a friend to design it instead (you know, since he's a graphic designer, ha!)
I love Canva. It's pretty essential for a lot of my IG posts and I've discovered you can use it for a lot of things, including creating collages for my posts here. You can see some examples in my travel posts.
Yeah, being able to specify exactly what part of the image is the focal point for the thumbnail really is important. Twitter frustrates me all the time because it doesn't offer this feature.
Great opp for comic creators! Hadn't thought of that. My Substack is "The Art of Unintended Consequences" so I'm still trying to figure out how I can use the galleries as a value-add to my writings.
I have a four panel comic strip, and I just create one large image that combines three rows into one square. This allows me to control the white space and also makes it possible to size it so it can be printed out:
I need to investigate the gallery feature. I just published a post of my favorite photos of the season, but didn't really explore the new options beforehand. Guess I should do that soon.
The most genuinely supportive thing any Substacker can do is go paid on at least one other Substack written by someone who's not a celebrity,or already heavily promoted by Substack. It meant the world to me when [names redacted so they don't get begging letters] all started paying. If you're not paying for anyone else, how does that encourage readers to cough up?
I totally agree, even though I can't do that right now since my husband and I can't even pay our basic living expenses based on our current income and may soon be forced to move in with a friend. With that said, I am a free subscriber to many other newsletters and make it a point to leave comments to express my appreciation, include their newsletters in my recommendations list, and occasionally quote and link to them in my newsletter articles.
What a great way to give back. It's not always about money. Sometimes just liking someone's post, especially a newbie can bring a smile. Commenting is taking one step beyond and showing an investment of time and engagement.
Wendi, I'm so sorry, and I certainly don't want anyone to pay more than they can afford, as I'm sure you realize. You've given a good rule of thumb for us all: Pay as you can, and if not, find other ways to support those you read.
No need to apologize. Like I said earlier, I agree with you and look forward to a time when I am able to upgrade to paid subscriptions on some of my favorites. I also know how much the fact that any reader engages with my content enough to leave a comment means to me, so I figure other writers appreciate that affirmation that their work is resonating with me, too.
I completely agree. Just good energy. Everything goes around.
And -- since my funds are limited, I've been subscribing monthly to three and then after a few months, I cancel those paid subscriptions and subscribe to three others. Trying my best to spread out my limited resources.
I like this idea. Although I did recently pause one of my subscriptions to subscribe to another writer and I felt so badly doing it. I wanted to write a letter to the writer to apologize, lol. I resisted that urge. But I was pleased to see I had the option of pausing instead of cancelling, I can revisit that down the road.
I had a reader subscribe on the monthly plan, and immediately unsubscribe, having paid for a month. I ended up having a lovely chat with her: She picks a different newsletter each month to support. Honestly, if everyone did that, it would pretty much fix the problem.... Sadly, not the way things work, but thank you for caring, and doing this!
I really do believe in karma around this! What you put out there will come back to you. I'm a paid subscriber at a few places because it makes me feel like I'm putting some good into the world.
The key is "few", since I feel strongly that more needs to be done to get long-term Freebie-Readies to put something in the pot. Substack was founded to get good writers paid, not just be more free stuff ( or confirmation bias clickbait) on the web
Agreed. I wonder how Medium's paywall of $5/month to read anything is going. I wonder if there's a version of that for Substack where free subscribers could pay $5 to read every writer's free posts, and everyone writing could get a few cents of that pot. I don't know if that would push people away though. I personally use Medium less since the introduction of that program, but that's just me.
I do NOT like the Medium model, and I've been with them for years, although I don't write there much anymore. With Substack, you get your own subscribers, free or paid, AND you own your own list and you don't have to depend on some random algorithm to get paid. Some people will always stay free, and others will pay or convert to paid IF they either love you already (LOL) or see the additional value you offer paid subscribers. I got a new yearly paid subscriber yesterday who found me on Google immediately paid in full!!!
Appreciate your sharing your experience, since I'm not all that familiar with Medium.. I'm a "bestseller" but, like everyone in the "hundreds of paid" category who's not independently wealthy, I need the ratio of paid to free to be more proportionate, and I hope any ideas that get thrown out here will help continue to push Substack to address this issue.
Again, that's up to you, although Substack does help--I get lots of readers, and quite a few free and paid subscribers from Substack. Some people come to Substack with already large followers from elsewhere, or their niche is so special that everyone interested in that niche signs up. I've made a written goal for myself to have 2,500 subscribers by my 18-month anniversary. At my present rate of 20% of my subscribers going paid, I'll meet my goal of $60K/year just from Substack. I started at zero. I'm just gonna keep writing and promoting and I'll get there.
Yeah, I don't like the model as a reader. I just wonder if there's a way to adapt it and make it better. But maybe there's not--maybe it is just bowing to an algorithm.
I've all but given up on Medium, even though I still get notifications of some of the writers there from a couple of years ago. I'm still paying the $5/month for now. ON Medium, it seems like they're in charge. On Substack it seems like I'm in charge. That's why I like it.
Alison Acheson also raised this (somewhere among the millions of messages above) and it's got to help. People tend to gravitate toward the famous when it comes to paying (that explains why there are so many bad bestsellers, as the NY Times finally realized recently...), so I think much needs to be done.
It's also so easy to game the bestseller rankings--and, I imagine, the Substack bestseller rankings could be gamed too.
But yeah, this is a great point. Some people see a bestseller ranking and think "it must be good" and just buy it without testing it themselves. It's a positive feedback loop for the famous--and a negative feedback loop for everyone else.
I pay for about 10 of my favorite Substack writers, and just today, a very famous historian with a HUGE following (no, not Heather--yet!) subscribed to MY Substack! I am SO geeked! What I pay for the Substack writers I like is more than offset by my own paid subscribers every month.
Thanks ... and if you had said Heather, I would have swooned with envy. I like your fixed number budget ... it almost feels like having 10 packages under the Christmas tree ... and I get to decide what's in them.
Great point and the finger points back at me. There is so much brilliant writing here that I'm still in a state of overwhelm wanting to go paid for so many. I'm thinking about creating a Substack budget (not only money but time) as a way to bring this into balance.
I "unsubscribed" from a few free and paid Substacks that didn't turn out like I thought. That was cool, too, and I've had a couple of people unsubscribe from mine. That's how this world works.
I call this secular-tithing! I've been doing it for the past couple years with 10% of my income, and discovered all sorts of great writing and local music and more! Artists need to support each other--in ways that are meaningful to all concerned.
I would much rather support someone I admire carving out a a cool space on the platform for readers and community members. The big names don’t need my help, the small names do. I plan on paying for a few folks to continue their journeys as I do mine.
I agree with this. I select one newsletter a month, give or take, and upgrade to a paid subscription to support other writers. In the end, with any endeavor, it's really about paying it forward. 💟
Fizzler, being a new term to me, I went looking for a definition and found two ... a physicist or a big person who eats a lot. Now I just have to ask what you mean when you say you were a fizzler. ;-)
Well, the site was technically called Fizzle. It was for creative types who wanted to start their own business. fizzle.co - It looks like it was bought out by Zen Business.
Oh man! SO excited about image galleries. Now I don't have to do all that jerry-rigging on Canva to display photos side-by-side. It's going to save me a ton of time!
I would love to see Substack feature writers who don’t have any paid subscribers. Maybe even some who have small numbers of free subscribers. While I can see the benefits of people who have larger audiences, the already successful don’t necessarily reflect how most writers struggle to get anyone to care about their work.
Yes, I have no idea how many unpaid newsletters there are, but even if they randomly selected ones to feature that would help equalize (although maybe they do and we don't know it?). There is the discovery feature and the three tags we can choose to better show up in front of the eyes of readers who might be interested.
I’ve suggested the random selection idea before also. That would at least be fair.
As far as I can tell, the tags we select are basically meaningless. The three I selected—fiction, literature, and history—correspond to discovery categories, but I have never once seen my newsletter among any of them, though I’ve seen newsletters listed there that have only been on substack for a few days :-(
Agree. Substack only seems interested in promoting what brings them $$$, not what engages the varied interests of their broader readership, paid and unpaid. Except, these things are not mutually exclusive. I’d even say they are inextricable.
Yes, if they promote some of the smaller writers, they could turn them into bigger writers and increase revenue for Substack. Writers with no paid subscribers could become ones with them.
Hey — Just throwing out there that Substack did a feature on me. I'm only free and came to the platform with zero subscribers. https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-6
Substack has to make money so that people like me can use it for free, but I do think they do a good job supporting us.
Which is good and happy for you, but that's part of why I suggested low free subscribers as well. Compared to the amount some have, 2,000 is quite a lot of people. It's also been since January 26th. Whereas most of the people since then have large numbers of paid subscribers.
There are definitely benefits that Substack is doing and I get that they need to make money. But I think their strategy is creating an imbalance and causing problems for smaller members of the community.
Right, some of us are writing more niche newsletters, but we’d still appreciate access to the same additional exposure for the work we’re doing. I’ve seen some newsletters with truly bizarre topics featured, so why not also introduce readers to smaller, more eclectic free reads?
I also think it’s shortsighted on Substack’s part to treat free pubs as charity cases surviving on the crumbs of paid pubs. I am on this platform for both the free and paid content I read, as well as for the chance to write. Im invested in the success of the platform and other writers on it mainly because of the free content I enjoy. Paid pubs may keep the lights on, but freebies put asses in the seats. I don’t see how you get one without the other. We deserve a little respect.
I don’t want the hassle of going paid. But if Substack is going to take a dump on writers like me for that (they already have with the vile checkmarks) and shunt us aside in favor of their cash cows, guess what? I’ll go elsewhere. And I’ll take my paid subscriptions, which are many, with me.
This may or may not work for you but I've found that the most effective way to connect with and attract subscribers is to identify newsletters in your subject area or subjects you care about and comment and engage there regularly. Also, forming relationships with others in your space and co-promoting works well too. The result is not a flood but a steady stream.
I've built a few Substacks with other people (mine is new and a very different style/goal, so I wouldn't look at mine as an example), but my best advice is to think of it like a product—not a newsletter. What are people getting out of subscribing? What's the value? What's the sale?
Get real clear on what that is, then make it incredibly obvious for your followers on other platforms. You're asking them to give you something (their email address), so the thing you're giving them in return needs to be worth that transaction. If they don't understand what you're offering in 6 seconds (or less), then they're less likely to convert.
You are exactly right. Even if your Substack is free, it is a product you are getting others to spend their precious time on. Make it valuable to them, ALWAYS. Think about each post... what is the reader getting out of it? Write first for yourself, if you are enjoying it and having fun, that will come through. But if you want subscribers, you also have to think of the value to them.
Defining my value proposition takes time, since it is emerging organically from my writings. So, it is gonna be a work in progress for a while.
What surprises me of Linkedin is that I am getting quite little impressions and views on the articles. So, I am not even able to convert them into subscribers, since they do not visit the page...
I likewise post my articles on LinkedIn, Medium, and so on. I had the same experience you described, which is why I like Substack. When I get enough articles, as I did from my WordPress site, I will pull everything together, re-edit, and publish it as a book. Of course, my first book was a great adventure and costly, but I loved doing it and the experience. What are life and living all about anyway?
Part of this is because LinkedIn prioritizes LinkedIn content. So if you use their 'blog' or 'article' feature, their algorithm distributes it further. They really cut down on external links over internal content
Well that makes sense. The problem for me is that I hate LInkedin. Almost every time I accept an invitation to connect with someone, they follow up by trying to sell me something!
That's a good point, Michael. I recently started a LinkedIn page and my tech genius friend told me to post my latest article on Substack onto the Article page for LinkedIn. I write at the top that it was "originally posted on Substack on [DATE]". It's a bit more work but then I use the #s that are the best fit.
It's too soon to tell, since I only populated my LinkedIn profile two weeks ago to make it look like "something". And so I am in the process of growing my LinkedIn connections. But I have had people view my articles on LinkedIn and note they liked it. Not great stats but with only being there 2 weeks and on SS for a month I am trying different things. One interesting anecdote I just remembered: someone I knew years ago started following me after I re-posted my most popular piece to date on LI (whether it was due to the article or she happened upon me otherwise, I don't know). And as for the subscriber question, I will repeat what I said in another thread, I talk about provocative things and joining my substack is akin to joining a club people don't want to belong to as I am dealing with social issues, sexual violence, and other unpopular topics. So I anticipate it'll be a while and so I'm not your best example :)
I guess this explains why my posts linked to my Substack are never answered or clicked on. I thought LinkedIn would further my visibility, but I guess not.
I remember reading about someone whose blog post was tweeted out by Stephen Fry, who had millions of followers at the time. The only tangible results were (a) his website crashed because of the number of people visiting; (b) 8 people subscribed to his newsletter. Eight!! It's much better to be slow, steady and consistent methinks, and not worry about LinkedIn, Twitter etc.
Forgive me, as I don't use LinkedIn too much, but isn't what you're writing already sort of "widely available" on LinkedIn? Lots of helpful advice, things that make you think, interesting ways to look at things. Those are all great things!
But since there's a LOT of that, why do people need to subscribe to your newsletter?
Some LinkedIn folks are putting everything right there on LinkedIn. And some people (on any social media network) are perfectly fine to just keep scrolling, knowing they'll find similar content for hours on end.
Like people I see on Instagram who post lots of video, then they say "click to watch the full clip on YouTube." That's a lot to "ask" of someone, you know?
What is it about your writing, your offering, that motivates people to want to leave LinkedIn and read what you have to say?
That's a very direct and helpful feedback. Thanks for that.
The reply is... I do not know yet! :D And I know I do not know.
For sure it is a matter of the content I produce, but it might also be a matter of the correct hooks and technicalities. I was focusing more on the second, but maybe I rather need to focus on the uniqueness of the content. Food for thoughts...
haha sorry! I didn't mean to be TOO direct, I swear!
But yes, I'm still learning my way, too. And I've been writing online since 2001! Always something to learn.
For me it's always this - "no one is me, so I gotta show me." I know how to write smooth and cool and nice, or whatever. But I like to swear and get angry about social media, so I make sure that comes through in my writing.
There's already a lot of advice on email marketing on the internet. But like none of it is written for metal heads, so that's what I'm aiming at. Took me awhile to figure that out!
I've noticed that even people with hundreds of followers on Linkedin get very few likes or comments on their Linkedin posts. I think a part of the problem is that there is so much 'stuff' out there, it's hard to cut through the noise so to speak.
I noticed in my other newsletters that there is a foolproof way of losing subscribers: publishing something! I think what you've saaid is true, but the other side of the coin, surely, is that the more frequently you post, the greater the chance that you'll be noticed. There's a marketing adage that I have found, generally, to be true: people have to see a message 17 times (some say 20) before they act on it.
I do a lot on LinkedIn had have thousands of connections. BUT, there is so much noise on there now, it is hard to break through. If you post on the main page, it goes by so fast that even if one of your followers is viewing LinkedIn, it's just more noise in the vast list of posts that gets a new post probably every second or so.
I've had a little better success writing Articles, but you still have to get through the noise. You'll never get a LOT of views, but they are higher quality than on many other platforms - as long as you are on relevant target.
It took me a while, but I have taken the time to reply to my own question.
By analysing some of my past posts.
In short:
- The post composition matters. Most posts above 1.5k impressions follow certain writing rules, being personal, short, provide a core lesson and invite to click to know more (= use a checklist!)
- It is better to add the article link in the post body
- There is a strong correlation between likes, impressions and time. Get people to like your post quickly after they're out (should we do a group with authors?)
- Similar posts produce less impressions over time (= vary the posts!)
I have written an extensive article about it.
With actionable advice and downloadable checklists.
This is a referral link which means that if you use it, I get something. I really don't know what I get, maybe a doughnut coupon? But anyway, I've found them useful. Maybe it'll work for others, too.
I posted this recently: I have gotten several new subs from Twitter where I've been since 2008, but I don't know how long I'll stay there if it keeps going downhill. I've also gotten several new subs from LinkedIn where I am very active, even though my Substack is quite different from my primary business. I get a lot of subs from my Facebook, my IG, and from Substack!
I just clicked to check it out and I'm not clear how it works. Do you enter your own email address? Or do you tell people to enter THEIR email address, and hope that The Sample send them something from your Substack? Or am I missing the point entirely--?
To get started, click the "Submit a newsletter" button near the bottom, enter your email address, the the URL of your substack, name of substack, and its short description.
The Sample then emails you (or displays on the screen? don't remember) an email address that you need to manually add to your subscriber list. The email address they assign to you is unique to you, example xyz123whatever@import.thesample.ai
Next time you post, The Sample gets a copy. They then forward your post to various others, and some of those may subscribe. A new subscriber may go directly to your stack and sub, or they may do it through The Sample. If the latter, The Sample will email you to let you know and you need to manually enter the new subscriber(s). They cannot do it automatically because Substack doesn't support it.
Once you've got it setup, it just keeps ticking. Each new post gets spread out via The Sample to others who may convert to subscribers.
I'm also on this table Livio; I started publishing about 3 months ago but it's quite challenging getting subscribers.
My Newsletter shares Insights into helping people harness their innate creative abilities for personal and societal benefits https://thecreativityinyou.substack.com/
Looking forward to walking with you on this adventure :))
I run into the same problem. I have a few thousand twitter followers, but that translated to like 50 Substack subscribers. I promote my page on my podcast. I post to instagram. I have links to my Substack page on my website. Just not a lot of conversions.
I've had a lot of luck replying to other people's posts on twitter. Than people find my newsletter via my profile and website (without prompting) or if I post a relevant article that answers their question. It is incredibly time-consuming though, and I feel burnt out so I'm going to focus more on the substack network.
Same - I feel burned out on Twitter, I cut back on how much I post there this week just for sanity's sake! I am grateful to give it the old college try, and to take a break :)
Same. I have found that replying to popular posts tends to get more views than a post. Especially if you don't have a massive following. I intend to get verified on Twitter once they open that back up again. I'm hoping that will translate to just a touch more reach.
I imagine it would be very unique to your industry. In my case, I've followed relevant K12 curriculum providers and education journalists on twitter. I try to visit my feed and give others compliments on great posts or weigh in on conversations. I also sometimes search for the word "homeschool" on twitter.
In one instance, someone said they'd homeschool, but were worried about socialization, so I linked to our post on homeschooling and socialization.
When people visit your post on substack, substack has a pop up that encourages people to sign up.
I'm far from an expert on this, but here are some of my tweets and replies.
What I mostly try to do is give other people genuine approval and praise, and repost good comment, give more than I get.
I'm new to substack and starting quietly on purpose. I'm curious to see if one can build a community from scratch. I'm hoping that by doing so I end up connecting with folks who really want to be there rather than me feeling the pressure of entertaining/catering to those who follow me on social media. The advice I hear often is to engage where you organically feel compelled to - show up and be active on other newsletters that resonate with you. And, as I'm coaching myself, stay true and be patient. :)
Oh, I'm sure you can build something from scratch. It'll just probably take a bit!
I helped co-found Metal Bandcamp Gift Club, which started on Twitter back in 2016. Now six years later I have the newsletter on Substack, and a Discord with like 40-ish active people. I mean, it's hard to build community around "buy music for people you don't know on their birthday," but we made it work.
You are SO right on "writing is much easier than gaining subscribers". But that's all part of the game, the challenge, the fun of it. I learned this the hard way with the first book I published. The book was easy - a lot of work, but I know what I was doing.
When I published though, the real challenge was cutting through all the noise out there and getting people exposed to the book. For the current book (hopefully to be published in January), I have been working all along on ways to get exposure and to market the book. That way, when I release, I'll have some clue what I'm doing. :-)
For Substack, we have an advantage in that we can keep writing while we are exposing ourselves to the world. It goes hand-in-hand. But HOW is what you really asked. I too have several thousand LinkedIn followers. I've been successful some in direct messaging the appropriate people (but be careful not to abuse that). I have also used groups to some success. Write a RELEVANT post that also gives you the opportunity to provide a link to your Substack. VERY time consuming, but I think rewarding. You can't always tell where your subscribers come from.
My Substack is, "The Art of Unintended Consequences" and I always ask people to provide me with their experiences in Unintended Consequences rather than just asking them to subscribe. It is an artform to do it properly.
Hi Livio, I'm with you. Easier to write than to promote. I came across a website that has helped me learn about new newsletters and attract my own subscribers. It is called the Sample - https://thesample.ai/?ref=e8e2 (I admit that I am using their referral link). Over the past few weeks, I have gotten several new folks subscribing to my blog and lots more viewers. Check it out.
I've used The Sample too. It only brings me about an average of 20 more readers per post, although some are 0. My biggest was one story that brought me 161 readers. As for subscribers, I got one, except that person unsubscribed as soon as I sent them the Welcome message. I guess it just depends on your niche.
For me, writing and editing are a pleasure, joy, and sometimes an obsession, but trying to master the art, if there is one, of getting subscribers has not been one of my favorite or productive ways of spending my time. I have had a WordPress site for years and published many articles to share my experience and knowledge with people it might help. Writing is a gift, reward, and possibly therapeutic for overthinkers like me.
P.s.: for who does not have the time to go through the full article, this is the summary of what I have found out:
- The post composition matters. Most posts above 1.5k impressions follow certain writing rules, being personal, short, provide a core lesson and invite to click to know more (= use a checklist!)
- It is better to add the article link in the post body
- There is a strong correlation between likes, impressions and time. Get people to like your post quickly after they're out (should we do a group with authors?)
- Similar posts produce less impressions over time (= vary the posts!)
Livio writes great stuff, is a super guy and I recommend his Substack. I got the chance to connect with him via chat on LinkedIn and we shared a couple strategies to grow our newsletters. Give Livio a look!
Thanks, my friend. I have actually started to put together an article to share my lessons learned while posting on Linkedin. I'll hopefully share it soon with my readers.
Have you tried the "link in bio" thing? Instead of posting a link in your post, make sure you have one of those multi-link things set up (I use Link Tree), and mention that in your post.
I've been doing that for the month of November, with a small-ish Twitter (2500) and Instagram (580) following, and I got almost a new subscriber every day this month. Most were from the network, but still... a handful showed up as Source: Link Tree in the "New Subscriber" emails I get from Substack.
Not saying that's THE ANSWER, but something worth trying maybe!
I also use and love bio link, https://bio.link/wendigordon. I have the link on my main Substack page, and also created a "learn more about me" tab that takes readers directly to my bio link page, and included a link to it in the text of my Substack "About" page info, too.
Yeah, I’ve read some things that says a link throttles reach. And then yes, other folks say it doesn’t matter. The main point is that social media doesn’t let us reach all our fans anyways!
First of all, I’d like to thank Substack’s network effects. Despite not playing the social media game and writing under a pseudonym, I’ve been getting great readers to my publication. I can’t imagine this happening anywhere else. To all those writers hesitant to start because they don’t have a massive following: Just do it. Think of this like a startup. You build a quality product (your writing) and never compromise on the value you provide. Everything else will come to you. That is what makes substack different from Twitter of Facebook. Just focus on your writing!
Agreed. I just started writing with NO subscribers. Been at it a month or so and have 30 subscribers now. I've just been using various methods to reach out and to expose myself. Best advice as D'Nivra said, "Just do it."
David ... the title of your newsletter was enough to get me to go check you out ... and subscribe. I absolutely love the egg image and look forward to getting your posts.
Well thank you so much! When I thought of that egg concept, it just wowed me and I had to do something with it. Some people don't get it because they don't look at the detail. THAT is where it really hits you. :-)
Wow! David ... knowing that is your concept makes it even more powerful. It took me a second look before I got it, but it's a sock-knocker-off when you get it. I want to cross-post it. Am going to go back and look at it to see where it might fit and then I'll ask permission officially.
Thanks, Joyce. FUNNY, before I saw your comment, I had just finished reading "When the World Stand's Still," and thought that tied right into my focus. I was thinking about reaching out to see if I could talk about Ansley in a future story, with a different focus and some additional research WITH of course your permission and a cross-post back to your story. I want to dig deeper into the decisions that led her to this point and where she ended up at. Very emotional video.
If you find a fit on your site, let me know and I'll give permission to cross-post. I'll let you know when I get to Ansley's story (if you don't mind), but it'll probably be a few months. I have a backlog of great stories in my pipeline. :-)
Isn't Ansley amazing and I would love to see anything you write about her. No permissions necessary, of course. Having a pipeline of great story is like having a BIG bank account and wondering what to spend it on first. Such challenges!
Thanks for this affirmation. We are in the same boat! I post a teeny bit on social media - but I am also writing under pseudonym and just trying to have fun writing instead of stressing about growth right now. Wishing you all the best.
Yeah although I am a marketing professional by day, I don't have as much enthusiasm for marketing myself as I do for the nonprofit I work for! It's far more fun just to write. Maybe if my writing finds an audience, I can one day hire someone to do the marketing lol.
I started with twice a week, but dropped to once. I just don't have enough subscribers to make it worth churning out that amount of content for this space. If I ever get to into the high hundreds (I think I am at like 50 now) then I might reconsider.
I also think people don't really want you visiting their inbox more than once a week, but that's just my opinion based on what I don't like.
I agree, I think once a week or once every other week are a good cadence, because it almost certainly will not annoy readers who undoubtedly have a lot of other things going on. I want to give them something worthwhile, something I put time and thought into, and something that's welcome.
Hi Victor, Welcome! I'm new too (one month in now). I am learning about where my inspiration comes from for weekly writing and using the tools (sometimes I forget to use the buttons!) and posting and trying not to obsess over stats. All this while I have a clinical practice so I switch identities regularly - writer to therapist and back. I've also started to use the audio function which I find enjoyable and different, a more personal and connected (I think) experience for the reader.
I post my Today's Tidbit (1-2 minute reads) every day at 7 ET. I post one or two other items each week as well. So far, I maintain a steady 50% open rate, so it all depends on what you write and who wants to read it.
For me and with my schedule, it works best to write a post and publish when I have the inspiration to explore and share a topic with meaning and interest, generally once or twice a month. Churning out stuff to keep to a schedule and believing that more will bring a more significant response usually doesn’t work, at least for me. If you think more frequently is better, and that would work for you, you can pay for one of those expensive AI writing products, and you could turn out posts easily and frequently but of poor quality and thoughtfulness.
I've also struggled with this. Initially I started with two posts per week - one free and one paid. It really got a lot. Now I post alternate weeks -one week free, one week paid. That way paying people (I only have ten) get weekly posts, and free subscribers get mailed fortnightly. I've found I can maintain this, but still have guilt about not providing value. I tend to make my paid posts long form, and folks do read to the end, but I'm maybe considering shorter posts more frequently.
And then there's the holidays .....
I find it hard to stick to a routine at these times, but I guess that's when readers have more free time to consume. Any tips, ideas or feedback on the "how many times to publish" model always welcome!
Thanks for sharing your process. It is a lot to post twice a week. There's a lot to prepare. So your solution sounds great. By accident, I posted twice a couple of weeks ago and that's only because I published the article on Tuesday and then decided to audio record it and start up the podcast tab (https://faithcbergevin.substack.com/p/men-stop-doing-this-already). So I posted the audio on Friday and got many more views from the audio. Still playing with what works for me. But that post was my most popular to date.
I guess I'm not the only one here who has already depleted the pool of potential readers in among my social media followers. So I'm trying to explore other means of finding readers.
If you haven't tried The Sample yet, I highly recommend it to all. It's basically a servce that sounds out a sample of your NL to hundreds of readers, and some of them might even subscribe! There's both a free and a paid option, I've tried both and helped me get new readers and subscribers. It can also be a good tool to discover new writers in the area you're intrerested in (be it on Substack or other platforms). Here's a link - https://thesample.ai/?ref=850d (full disclosure - this is a referral link, hope that doesn't go against the rules, happy to remove it if it does).
Another example of such a service is htttps://inboxreads.co. Doesn't cost a thing and can help you find new readers who share the same interests.
Honestly, I think I've gotten more subscribers by participating in these Writer Office Hours than from anywhere else! I've gotten some from Medium, where I have over 1K followers and regularly post new articles, with a link to my newsletter at the bottom if those articles are in the niche my newsletter covers (mental health tips and encouragement to change our own lives and help others change theirs). I also get some subscribers by posting each week's newsletter as my "story" on Facebook and making that setting public (my regular posts are for friends only). I do have my tweet about my newsletter pinned to my Twitter profile, but I have very few followers there and may soon be leaving Twitter anyway. I rarely post on LinkedIn, and don't even have an Instagram account or use Reddit.
Want to confuse your family members on Thanksgiving? Tell them you publish a weekly newsletter on [x topics] and are looking to monetize your audience at [y inflection point] so you can continue to grow your personal brand and build [z company] & that's why you post so much on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook - but also tell them fuck social media it's evil. #substackrules
A lot of my readers were very confused by chat and I had to spend a lot of time explaining it was optional. I've posted new threads and have almost zero traction with it.
As a user, I remain confused by it, and have tried to use it but dislike using my phone as it breaks my productivity when I'm trying to get the next newsletter completed. Is there a desktop app?
Right now, Chat is only available to iOS users. I would expect user adoption and engagement levels will increase once it's rolled out to Android. At present it isn't available on the desktop, but just like you, I hope they add that feature there as well.
The best reason to use it and understand why you should use it (if you choose to do so) is those times when you have something you want to discuss, but the idea isn't fully developed or doesn't merit the amount of work it would take to develop it into an article. For times like that the chat feature is great.
I post as often as I can, and thought it might be a replacement for posting updates on Twitter, which I want to stop using. I had hoped this would be a replacement, but after a week of posting new threads and getting no responses, I've stopped. I think if it were able on more platforms, it would be more useful. For now, it's an underdeveloped feature I'll use from time to time, but I don't think it's ready for a wide audience.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Sean. I am passing along to our team. Hopefully when Android is available (just a few weeks!) you will give it another shot.
I noticed your first chat had a handful of responses. Charlotte asked if they could send you stories ideas via chat instead of email. Could you solicit those directly in chat?
I agree. Chat is just another platform I would have to pay attention to - and that's more hassle than I want. Also, I'm pretty sure my subscribers aren't big into social media. They are faithful readers but not big on comments and conversation.
I have seen a few serious discussions on Twitter, but they are really unwieldy and not easy to refer to subsequently. I might change my mind, but at the moment I have had enough of text and whatsapp messages, so I don't want to be bombarded in Substack too!
Hi everyone! I'm curious what you do for creating some sort of template for your newsletters (related: Substack, please add a feature for reusable templates!). My posts are the same format every time. I have a draft post right now but copying and pasting it into a new post is tedious (I have trouble selecting all, and some of the images change size when I paste them). Is there a "save as" feature I'm missing? All of your newsletters look so PRETTY when they land in my inbox, and I feel like I'm recreating the whole thing every time.
I write for this Substack, On Substack, and I also wish we had a template built into the editor. Today what I do is have a GoogleDoc template for each post type and make a copy each time I go to make a new post. Then, I copy and paste into the editor when I am ready to publish.
Thank you, Katie, for passing this along. I'm hearing a lot of people talking about starting in Google Docs and then copying and pasting, and so I'm going to try that route for now.
Yes, I also write my posts in a template outside the editor and then copy-paste them into Substack for the final polish, like adding footnotes and buttons and images. FWIW, I’m not sure I would use a template inside the editor because for me, the ability to write while offline is super important.
I do all my writing in Google Docs before bringing it over. Easy enough to have a document you copy, if there is a specific format (headings, sections, etc.). It won't emulate or bring over images but it has the benefit of spelling, thesaurus, and other tools.
I setup a Substack folder with:
Ideas in the root and then three sub-folders:
- 1- Research
- 2- In Process
- 3- Published
This may not offer you what you want.. but it is a process that I used on my blog and newsletter before bringing all of that to Substack.
Same here! I always write in Google docs first. And I will say I am very impressed with the conversion to Substack as well as the Substack editor. SO much easier to use than Ghost's!!
I sometimes write the article in Docs or Word first too. There's also the advantage that you have a copy, rather than having to go to the trouble of exporting your posts
Agreed. I keep all my prior documents - plus they're nicely searchable. Added benefit, I have a couple individuals (my manager - for music and speaking - and my girlfriend) who, when I give them time, edit my work.
This is far smoother in Google Docs than using the secret substack link. They can make notes in the document and I can review and accept those changes prior to publishing.
An extra tip::
When you publish it at Substack, post a link to the Substack at the top of the document. Just makes finding everything easy.
I don't write my posts directly into Substack. I write everything first in the Ulysses app (Mac/iOS only) where I have a template. Then I copy in rich text and paste into my new Substack post. Having everything in my Ulysses app library also helps for my editorial calendar and easy reference to past posts. Ever since my original Wordpress days 15 years ago, I've always written my posts elsewhere first.
Yes. I know that. But what is missing is an internal search field for the publication right on the publication home page. It is bad usability the user need to click in a link, change page, and then click again in the field to search something. too complex
Good morning! Last week Joyce from Gratitude Mojo Cafe asked how we can contact each other by email. I and a few others answered that you can use the name of the newsletter followed by @substack.com. But when I tried to email her and she tried to email me, neither one of us got the emails. A few days ago I received her latest post and opened it in my email. I noticed that her email address was not the full name of her newsletter, instead it was gratitudemojo@substack.com. I then checked and realized that my address was also abbreviated, waywardyogini@substack.com. Mystery solved :) I wanted to mention it in case anyone else is having trouble contacting other writers. We wouldn't want an email we send out trying to create a cross-promotion to end up lost in cyberspace, leaving us to believe the other writer isn't interested, right? Also, most importantly the email did not bounce back as undelivered, so had Joyce and I not continued to communicate in the thread last week, neither one of us would have known that the other did not receive the emails.
The bonus of all of this was creating a budding friendship with another Substack writer. I am so grateful for Office Hours that connects us and hope we continue to be a friendly, supportive place. Could be me, but I never found this kind of support and outreach at Medium.
I have a link to a contact form on my website as one of the links added to my Substack for this reason. I can point people there without having to explicitly publish the email in any discussion.
You can find your substack email in settings under email for RSS feed.
It's not the name of the stack that you need to use, but the first part of the URL to the stack. The name and the URL portion may or may not be the same, depending on how the author sets it up.
It's weird it didn't bounce, though. It really should so you'd know something was wrong. Maybe someone from Substack can shed more light on that.
Im celebrating 3 months on Substack! Every week for three months which impretty proud about but in no small way due to the community so thank you for the support.
To celebrate I dedicated todays post to what ive learned from posting on substack!
In it I retold an anecdote of Erik Hoel's to someone, which I am now sharing with you here: "I grew up sleeping through New England winters in a bedroom without heat. For years the bath faucet ran only cold, so I used to get clean for my public high school in thin inches of water heated up in pots on the stove. I care nothing for riches, but poverty has always been a fear of mine."
This really touched me, particularly the words, "poverty has always been a fear of mine."
I'm thankful that Substack has given him the opportunity to be a paid writer, and wish him and all the writers here continued success. 🤗
I haven't forgotten your rinvitation to cross-post, but I had a "brain attack" that affected my vision and energy levels. I hope to improve in both areas and return. So far, my cognitive and other physical abilities seem unaffected.
Dear substack team, PLEASE reconsider the "badges" feature. How does displaying a publication's rank in terms of paying subscribers have any relation to the quality of the writing or the engagement of the readers? Money is a poor metric for determining an author's value, but the badge feature is an attempt to do just that.
Ha ha I knew I wasn't the only one to immediately think of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" in this context! Also, gaming the system, as you describe, is something I hadn't thought of.
I couldn't agree more. I left Medium because of the popularity contest direction it was taking. It encourages cliques and discourages those writers who aren't there yet. It forces writers to concentrate on ways to market their work rather than to produce quality pieces that are a joy to read.
I was initially drawn to Substack for its purity. No gimmicks, no contests, just good writing, with a format that encourages inclusivity and cohesion.
I'm begging you, too, Substack. Don't go there. We don't need another wacky social platform, we need a space writers and readers can come to for one reason: to find writing that speaks to them.
I’ve been here for just over 1.5 years, and have written all my adult life. I do appreciate the platform so much. The 10% I pay is substantially less than I would pay to pull this together on my own site!
I understand the focus on those who bring a lot of money to the platform. ALL of us need those people and writers, because without them, the platform will not exist.
There are many other writers who are here for the joy of writing. Writing is relatively new for them, and they are content for the platform, and either do not care about earnings, or the earnings are secondary.
But there are so many in-between folks here, between those making thousands each month and those who don’t, and don’t mind. For the record, I am making about $500/month.
There IS a lot of helpful and thought-provoking material here, on how to encourage people to “go paid.” And many of us do read through the advice, try it on, work with it. (Yes, I know where to find it.) And work hard to self-promo, in addition to creating solid material with consistency.
My growth plods along, slow, but upward.
Here’s the Thing: I so struggle with all those hundreds of 4-5 star folks, who read every piece, comment when the piece if free… and never pay.
I’m not a marketing person. Well, I am—I’m pushed into the role in the ways that all creatives are pushed into that role now. But not with a marketing degree on my wall.
Somehow, Substack needs to focus on this. Change may be needed. The $5 month model of Medium comes to mind. There are so many readers who have no subscriptions at all, and read here all the time. Just like the people who used to hang out at magazine racks and pick up and read through until the old woman behind the cash register hollered: “Are you going to pay for that?”
Thoughts on this (as opposed to endless complaints!):
—some basic minimal fee for all readers IF they are not subscribed to ANY publications at all. I’m talking several dollars month, or an annual fee. And this would provide some encouraging funding for writers who have gone paid, yet are making under a certain amount each month. Yes, maybe this is too socialistic for Americans, but…!
—once a reader is subscribed to a minimum of X (3?) publications, this charge goes away!
—bundling subscriptions: Choose 3 or 6 or whatever, for a certain price… which will encourage exploration. (Writers could opt in to this program.)
Also -- further thoughts:
—the rotation of featured writers should make some sense. It appears to be arbitrary. What IS Substack looking for here: it would be good to know. I have to admit to feeling very isolated at times with my promotion; it’s all on me. (I have been featured once with about 15 other writing publications—thank you Substack, for that.)
—and last, and I’ll not be popular for saying this, but there’s a sense of favouritism: that is, it would be best if we could not see the subscriptions, paid and otherwise, of Substack employees. It’s not a cool policy—seriously!
Again, I’ll say I AM grateful for this! But just some thoughts. I appreciate how you do respond to thoughts!
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and ideas on bundling. I have just passed this along to our product team that's asking questions similar to the ones you ask here. They'll likely experiment with more tools that take the marketing responsibility off writers in Boost: https://on.substack.com/i/75802416/boost
Feedback heard on the other points! Fwiw a lot of employees have personal accounts where they do their primary reading.
Hey Allison! There's a lot in here. Thank you for the thoughtfulness. We are looking into some ideas to help writers convert high-potential free readers to paid (you should sign up for Boost if you haven't - https://on.substack.com/p/growth). Expect more of those in the future. But we philosophically, right now, we want writers to be in charge of how they run big elements of their businesses. e.g. the writer, not us, decides if their Chat is paywalled or not. We could swoop in and make these decisions *for* writers, but that's not the founders' philosophy. Walking the line of giving writers autonomy while also helping them grow their audiences and revenue is crucial to get right.
w/r/t the employee profiles, that's a good point! The truth is that most of these profiles you see are not the ones we use personally. We just use them for office hours, and as test accounts. But maybe someday we can obscure that.
regarding the featured category, we walk a tightrope there. I'm sure that these features will be constantly be iterated on / may one day not make sense. right now, we are trying to get new publications that are seeing early momentum some additional exposure alongside putting pubs in front of new substack readers that we can, with some confidence, anticipate that they will be interested in subscribing to. we always crawl the shoutout threads and read.substack.com threads for suggestions on who to feature, however. And, tbh, recommendations and writer collaborations are a more potent and reliable way to grow than hinging on those features anywho. You can even make it onto a few of the leaderboards if you're an active collaborator, these are rotated out regularly based on recent data, for example -
Very helpful, Bailey, and thank you for your candid response to candor! We all have a vested interest in helping Substack succeed, and those who offer criticisms are actually stimulating important discussions (as I know you know, but I don't think the culture of affirmation always reflects that!) Thanks for all you do. I have been holding off on Boost because I have many questions--why pays for the discounts? Are discounts the way to go? Will my readers get annoying notes that sound like they're from me, but aren't? I would love to see what it looks like.
Ooh, the idea of bundling multiple subscriptions is a really interesting one! I'm imagining a page with a list of all the Substacks you follow for free, and then the option to choose 3 or 5 of them, which, when bundled together, give a little discount. It'd get a little awkward if you then tried to unsubscribe to one of them, but someone could figure this out... Or maybe an equivalent to Apple News, where you get access to a bunch of Substacks for one set price per month... Anyway, I hope someone is taking note of these ideas at Substack headquarters.
Give everyone a badge, both for free and paid newsletters. Haver four main tiers, plus an additional badge for paid, and the option for writers to "opt out of badge participation":
New or less than 100 subscribers (gray)
Hundreds of subscribers (white)
Thousands of subscribers (orange)
Tens of thousands of subscribers (purple)
Paid subscribers (no number listed, just a different badge, maybe red. Even ONE paid subscriber gets the badge because moving to paid should be rewarded no matter how many paid customers there are.)
Eventually free publications with hundreds of subscribers will likely turn into paying publications.
If Substack ignores a free newsletter while it's trying to build an audience by effectively marking it as "low quality" because it lacks a badge, then it just perpetuates "the rich get richer; the poor get poorer" outcome, which really is an unfair playing field.
I don't know what the solution is but I don't like your idea. If you have a "gray" badge for new or less than 100 subscribers, aren't you singling out those people/publications? A person may have less than 100 subscribers and been writing their publication for years. Free publications with hundreds of subscribers will not necessarily turn into paid pubs. I don't think everyone is going paid. They just want people to read their stuff. While going paid might sound great for some people, it doesn't work for everyone.
I don't understand why it's important that we know how many subscribers each publication has. It's none of our business. Who cares! We shouldn't care how many subscribers a pub has. We are there for reading the content. That's all we should be content with. I don't care how many subscribers a person has if they are writing content that I like to read.
The option to not participate in the badge system should be there. If a newsletter has less than 100 subscribers, or is new but doesn't want that acknowledged, then the writer should be able to opt out and not display any badge. This would be just like going back to the way it was before the badge system was introduced.
Totally agree, Matthew. I said something similar myself. I don't see why I would want to know anyone's subscriber numbers, nor why I should tell anyone mine. Like you say, it's nobody's business
That's a step in the right direction, but it seems that badges of any kind distract from the writing. What should matter is the quality of the writing, not how many people are reading it or who is paying. And I firmly believe that good writing WILL float to the top, even if it takes a long time.
I think this might make it harder to go paid, since if you offer an option to pay but DON'T have a red badge, who is going to jump the hurdle to be the first paid subscriber?
I think this would be an opportunity to pay yourself to get the ball rolling if getting the red badge is important, but the other option is to opt out of the badge system until you have at least one paid subscriber.
Thank you. I agree. I, for one, have almost all free subscribers at the moment, but it does not mean that I do not create the best content I can for my readers. There needs to be a way to reflect this without creating a culture of disparities and haves/have-nots.
Absolutely! My concern is not recognizing a newsletter while it is growing, and devaluing it—and the writer—by not acknowledging the growing number of subscribers it has, or worse, making it appear as if the subscribers to free newsletters don't matter. They do matter for many reasons. Free subscribers share articles and in so doing advertise Substack. Free subscribers also convert into paying subscribers. The current badge system that ignores all the work free newsletters have put in to grow their readership feels like a betrayal, and it works against community building and future growth.
They need to rethink this new badge system or get rid of it entirely. As someone who is new here and does not have a huge following, it's not very encouraging.
That makes sense, but it also seems to me another opportunity for humble bragging, even if Substack is doing the bragging for you! I think newsletters should be judged by the quality of their writing and their relevance to potential readers, not how many subscribers they have.
Yes, I agree. Substack should have better ✴️DISCOVERABILITY✴️ Tags per post, categories, search, etc. would help readers find the content that appeals to them.
Substack could change its front page to be like "Hacker News," (https://news.ycombinator.com) and provide a text-link feed of all the latest posts published by Substack writers with a "comments tab."
This would just pit idea against idea, article post vs article post. This would make the content the number one determiner about what appeals to the reader. Substack then could become THE destination for interesting content & discussion on the http://Substack.com landing page
Totally agree. I think not having tags per post or categories is a real disadvantage. I've been using Sections, but they're inadequate because you can't post a newsletter under two or more section headings. So if I write a review of a book about Oulipo, do I put it in Reviews or Oulipo? I don't see why I should have to make that choice!
Actually, rather than having two badges, one to denote the total number of subscribers and one to denote paid subscribers, it might be better to have a red circle (ring) around the four badges to denote both the total number/level of subscribers and that the newsletter has paid subscribers as well. Again, even one paid subscriber would get the red ring around the badge, and writers should have the option to opt out of the badge system all together and not display any badges.
Well, it's a fair compromise I suppose, but I dislike the idea of badges per se, unless they denote the acquisition of a skill, or membership of something. I know that people work hard to get subscribers, but that's not quite the same in my view, because that is outside someone's control to a large extent.
I hope they discontinue it. It was a very ill-advised and unnecessary feature, a distraction from what really matters: writers engaging with readers, whether paid or not.
We listened to all the feedback, and have some ideas on how to adjust and improve them, but I don't expect us to do away with the concept in totality. We want to celebrate the writers who are finding success on Substack! It will always be in the writer's control whether they want that badge on display or not, however.
Thanks for listening to the community's comments. If I could I would like to push back a little bit. It is understandable that you want to celebrate the writers who are finding success on your platform, but "success" is not at all the same as "money." There is so much more to success than getting paid. What about the writer who has been consistently posting every week for five years? What about the writer whose comment section is always abuzz with thoughtful, community-building engagement? What about the person who has been thinking about publishing for a long time and thanks to substack, only just now decided to take the plunge? What about writers who thought they were alone, only to find other writers who are working on the same problems as they are? All of these are success stories. But with the badges, only one story is told.
Secondly, to say that badges are "celebrating writers who have found success on substack" is a bit disingenuous. I am certain there are many writers who did, indeed, find their success, and their paying audience, on substack. But how many of the top-tier badges have been given to people who were already successful, and just moved their previous success to a new platform?
One last thought: imagine an art museum where all the paintings had price tags attached to them, showing how much they cost the museum to purchase. Would this enhance the patrons' experience of the art? I think we would all say it would not; it would distract from the real value of the art - its ability to move us, to speak to us, to give us of its own intrinsic value. Putting badges next to the names of top sellers on substack is like a museum putting price stickers on the paintings in their collection. A superfluous, unnecessary piece of information that distracts from the main purpose.
But, on the plus side for badges...it would keep writers from bragging mercilessly on the Office Thread about the thousands of free subscribers they have, with the rest of us having to then endure their incessant whining about having (whimper) no badge!😭Not that that happens now, or ever could (or would)....but, it might just be worth it to endure the badge notion if it keeps us from the perpetual whining of the few (should it ever come close to ever happening.....ever).
Such great points, William. Sadly, this is not the way the world works. I'd love a badge saying "great she did it even though she's terrified." But that won't come - well, that's not true. Those words can come from me. I know what I did and continue to do. Substack is a business and there's money behind it and money needs to be made. It's the way the cookie crumbles. You have solid points but... capitalism. Of which we all hope to benefit :)
I guess I'm worried about how you define "success." Many people just want to write and don't want to get into all of the social media-ish trappings: badges, checkmarks, leaderboards, popularity, mentions, chat, etc. I'll be honest, it's one of the reasons I left Substack:
Hi folks! I've recently been thinking about building systems to better achieve goals. I've found that I don't have a great system for writing yet (I end up speed-writing pieces on Sunday and Monday before I publish on Tuesdays). Would love to get some inspiration from you all regarding the writing systems/routines that you've settled into!
I probably have twenty drafts in my draft folder right now 😂 There is no magic formula, but consistency is key. Since I'm a teacher (my kids are working on an assignment right now), I can't just spend my days writing. My Saturday mornings, when my husband and one of my two kids are still sleeping, has become my time to write ahead. I have moved to publishing on Friday to give myself time to edit and batch ahead (I'm scheduled three weeks out right now) and for my podcast (litthinkpodcast.substack.com) my partner and I take turns on the blog and we try to record two episodes at a time when we have time. We're taking a scheduled podcast break until January but we've already completed multiple blog posts through the beginning of December. I don't know if any of that helps, but make a schedule that gives you necessary flexibility for life happening.
Haha, I also made this post during a break in the school day! I've also thought about dedicating Saturday mornings to write specifically for Substack. I think I just need to schedule specific times to get things done, otherwise they just don't happen until the last minute haha.
Yep! And then I have a podcast with a friend (litthinkpodcast.substack.com) and that complicates things because I have to make time for my own writing and our joint project, but it's really all good. The writing makes me a better writing teacher :-)
This is a comment I wrote to John Ward, perhaps it will be helpful:
I currently publish 4x per week, sometimes more for special events:
Mondays: interview with someone from my part of Canada (Atlantic Canada); occasionally I will write something about one aspect of the region
Tuesdays: interview with another Substack writer or other creative person; in a pinch I will link to someone else's interview that I've enjoyed and want to share
Wednesdays: this is always reserved for my original writing, no set length but pieces often exceed 1000 words
Fridays: I repost links of what I've published during the week, plus links to other posts that I found interesting
Four days/week is a lot but I only have to focus on one original essay or piece of writing per week this way (of course there's plenty of background work for the other publication days...)
And yes, I do try to read other newsletters and blogs (a few dozen) and comment where it makes sense to do so, including some paid subscriptions where I am able to interact with some folks that I might not otherwise be able to. So, yes, it can lead to a lot of time spent elsewhere but it has helped me win over a number of subscribers.
But the priority is the publication schedule, which I post in my About section. Which means that I'm trying to work at least 1 - 2 weeks ahead to stay on schedule.
I don't know if it's all sustainable long term or if I'll have to cut back a bit in the future but for now it seems to be working. My subscriber numbers are significantly higher than I expected to have at this point and I've certainly put the work into it.
I don't necessarily recommend following my publishing strategy but I do enjoy it.
Mark, as a subscriber to HAT, I am so impressed with the sheer quantity (and quality, at that!!!) that you are able to publish. Thanks for sharing your strategy!
I'm very interested in language -- in fact I have a post brewing at the moment about the abuse of our wonderful English language -- so I've just subscribed to yours.
Hi Terry.....While I don't write about language, per se, I love "playing with" the language, and its conventions. Feel free to drop by my 'Stack for regular word play forays into spoonerisms, the odd anagram, and of course, puns-a-plenty!
You might enjoy seeing my little letter children romping in my paragraphical playground (their natural habitat)! Cheers!🥂
I write for an hour every morning. It's more journal/brain-dump style, but inevitably there are some nuggets that come from it. I also use Asana for scheduling and tasks. I would be lost without it! So if my publishing day was Tuesday, I would have a recurring deadline for every Friday to have the piece finished. This is all probably so obvious and nothing new, but that's my system in case it helps!
I have a file on google docs with about twenty files and growing, all named for a topic I find interesting. I load links etc in as I go. I publish on Saturday mornings and my main writing day was Friday but I have found that if i spend an hour or two on it earlier in the week then Friday goes a lot more smoothly and I don't burn out.
It's not always easy because my main writing focus is the novel I'm working on and there are lots of other demands on my time.. But I do find that having a depository for my research and spending an hour to set my course earlier in the week, tends to help.
I'm getting ready to think about the year ahead and want to have some themed issues and new regular features that I will be spending time organizing and gathering for when I go on my vacation hiatus in December. I don't publish on TG or for the two weeks around Christmas. I think taking time off helps with all of it.
Great advice! I think a big takeaway from your comment & previous ones are that I need to schedule time not just to write, but also to "set my course" -- otherwise my scheduled writing time will have no direction. Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
Depository for research is definitely a good idea. I'm in two minds about a Christmas hiatus though. I usually have a break on Christmas day and New Year's Day, but I love writing too much to want to stop!
I journal every day for my own emotional hygiene, but for Substack, I use my intuition week to week to intuit what I want to write about. The farthest I've ever planned something out was two weeks in advance. I probably have about 50 ideas written down, but I hardly ever delve into those, because tuning into the flavor of the week is more important to me. Also living life is a great fuel for writing!
I have also had my writing plans thwarted by a pressing idea ("flavor of the week"!) that I just had to get out into the world. And definitely agree on life serving as inspiration for new pieces. I discovered a newsletter topic just from looking at ads on the subway!
I love that! And I'm glad I'm not the only one! I'm convinced there is not a "one-size-fits-all" recipe for writing (or really anything for that matter!) ! We all just have to figure out what works for our energy :)
I love that- that sounds similar to my process! I like to write about whatever is in present-time for me, so I tend to lead with intuition on what to write about. Also agree that life itself is what brings me inspiration!
In my case Rebecca, I write (mostly shorter) fiction and have a large queue waiting. Some need work, some not, some won't see the light of day, but I sort of have my work cut out for me. For a good while at least.
Meanwhile, I'm writing new pieces, sometimes fairly quickly, sometimes slowly. At any rate, I keep things scheduled on Substack 3 or 4 weeks out.
I'm fairly new here and many people have said that consistency is key. I'm trying to keep that in mind. It's also motivating for me.
I've had to be disciplined enough to say, "no, that doesn't NEED to be published today. Stick to the schedule." Ha! Of course, I do have posts that I post immediately, but that's why I have different sections within my Substack. Travel posts are consistently every Friday. Anything else is when I'm feeling inspired.
I wanted to add that I just checked out your newsletter and am so happy to know about it. I'm looking forward to sharing some of the finds there in my newsletter. Language is one of the things that fascinates me and I often bump up against all the ways it serves us and fails to serve us as we write and speak.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I've also just subscribed to Spark -- as a fairly new writer, I'm sure it will be an incredibly helpful resource. Excited to receive future newsletters!
I'll watch for your email and then reach out. I have an upcoming issue I'm working on -- several in fact -- that touch in one way or another on language issues and I'd love to invite your perspective or co-promote in some way. More soon!
Hi Rebecca! I like to write the posts as early as I can, because I revise them a lot before I send them. I take a lot of notes (in Notion) before I even write, so the ideas are brewing for a while. I type things in a draft post and let them sit for a while. So it might even be one good paragraph and then phrases for what else I want to talk about, and then I'll put "Substack" in my to-do list and maybe write one more paragraph. (IS THIS HELPFUL AT ALL???)
I love your substack, Rebecca! You’re doing a great job. Personally, I always want to have 3 posts in the pipeline at different stages of readiness. 1)done but needs final editing 2) drafted and needs some pruning/filling out as the case may be & 3) bare-bones outlined.
I’m also a proponent of writing almost every day for at least 40 mins. It’s tough to squeeze it in among other obligations, but I like the rhythm of it.
Thank you for the insight, Jillian! I like the idea of having posts at multiple stages in the process -- sounds like it reduces the feelings of overwhelm I occasionally get while attempting to build a post from scratch every week. And of course, I very much appreciate your kind words & encouragement :)
I use Notion for almost everything. I have a board, where I have 30+ ideas. When it’s time to write, I pick one and move it to the “In Progress” category. When finished, I put it in “Done.” Once published, I put it in “Published” which hides the post on the board (that way old posts don’t clog up the page).
I was a Notion user at one point but have sort of drifted away from it. The board was definitely the most useful feature for me. I recently attempted to transition my to-do's to an app called Things which is much more minimal, but now I'm starting to feel like it's TOO minimal. Where is the happy medium?! Haha.
Oof, Rebecca, I'm right there with you. Every time I *think* I've built a good system, something in my life changes to throw a wrench into my plans! What I'm currently trying out is setting aside some time on Sundays to actively plan the week and schedule in writing time. It's been helpful so far!
Yeah, it's the only way I can keep from going insane. I am thinking about adding a scheduled 5 minutes every morning to review my day and make sure my commitments line up with other things that have popped up--no matter how well I do on Sunday, by Thursday some things have shown up to clash with my good intentions! But I'm also wary of spending more time planning than doing... 😵💫 It's a constant act of finding balance, I think.
I start every day with some creative fiction, aka my to-do list. As for planning vs doing, I think time spent planning and researching and just mulling this over is time well spent. As long as it doesn't become a substitute for writing I suppose
I write on most days, even if I don't publish. I have several draft posts at the moment, because I often start posts even if I don't know when or how I'm going to finish them. I use a spreadsheet and an app to record ideas on the go, which I've been thinking of writing about in case anyone thinks it's helpful. I also use a free service called Wakelet.com to save websites, PDFs and other stuff so that I can come back to these collections later and use as the basis for articles. Hope that is useful.
I have never heard of Wakelet, thanks for the recommendation! I would love to have the habit of writing every day but I'm not sure if I can get there. Definitely something to work towards!
it's really good because you can have different collections for different topics etc. There's also an app, so if you come across a good website while using your phone, you can send the link to your Wakelet rather than to your email addresss, so it';s much easier to find later
By the way, the Substack team asked me to come by (which I normally do anyways, these are always great). I'm here if anyone wants to ask me any questions about the experience of jumping into paid.
And if you'd like to check out the growing (almost 700 subs!) How About This community and become a H.A.T.T.E.R., please do check out my Substack (click on my name/newsletter name in the heading of this comment for more information). Cheers!
Oleg, this is a completely random comment, but seeing your name pop up here reminded me: I dreamt last night that you were advertising a free collection of books to your readers, mostly ... written versions of Disney books? Special collector editions? That you no longer needed because you had just completed your Ray Bradbury challenge. I immediately replied and volunteered to take them, because I wanted to donate them to a children's library in Turkey. I flew over your way and parked on what must have been your street with a giant U-Haul decorated with bookcases and Turkish carpet.
I'm really enjoying my experience over on Mastadon too. The tone is civilized, the pressure is off, and no ads. I love your newsletter, Mark and congratulations on the 700 subs. That's where I am right now and it feels great.
I'm curious if there is any movement toward an API? I know the level of effort required is pretty significant, and I was just curious. I would love to contribute an open-source Java client to help support it in order to help the Substack dev community grow.
Just out of curiosity - I am new to substack but had a podcast Smart Creative Women years ago-what are you all offering to paid subscribers vs free ones? I am interested because of the psychology behind the marketing of a newsletter/blog/conversation. I worked for years on myblog/podcast and didn't monetize it and burnt out. If I jump back into the pool of content creation, I really need to have paid subscribers. I follow 2 paid substacks right now and 3 free (like I said I am new) To Seth Werkheiser's point-I am not certain of what I am actually missing on the free subscriptions. Do that make sense? I feel like it is all "positioning" and value communication.
I write personal essays on writing, disability, queerness, and aging, and these are all free. Behind the paywall I offer an environmental thriller of a novel in serialized form. Every Tuesday the next chapter is posted. The first three chapters are free.
I lean towards a thing Seth Godin said years ago, "would anyone miss you if you stopped showing up?"
If you stopped writing, would anyone email you and ask what's going on? "Where's your email?!"
So then the trick is; how the heck do you get to a place where you WOULD be missed? And if you'd be missed, maybe those are the people who'd put their credit card info in and pay you every month.
Its interesting because paid subscribers come from silent readers yet the biggest supporters on social media/in the comments won't convert, still trying to crack it.
We can't know who we'd be missed by. I recall in last week's Office Hours a discussion around the "lurkers" and not forgetting that even if someone doesn't subscribe they might benefit from our work - a chuckle, a memory, a tear, a new insight. And maybe one day the lurker turns into free subscriber then paid. We don't know how the strange world unfolds (that's the existentialist in me talking!).
I've got a couple questions regarding the cross-posting feature, which I love the idea of:
1) Can my subscribers opt out of them without completely unsubscribing from me? I want to make sure people are only getting the emails they want from me.
2) If I'm subscribed to multiple substacks within the same field and a bunch of them cross-post an article that's been making waves, I'm going to end up getting multiple emails with the same article, correct?
In case it's not obvious, I'm trying to work out how it can end up annoying readers, so I can best avoid that. 😅
These are good questions! Also, if someone is already subscribed to the publication that originally posted, seeing the same thing crossposted might be really annoying.
Could people maybe opt-in or opt-out to seeing cross-posts? Maybe this was a fever dream, but I'm under the impression that at some point Twitter had an option to mute retweets. (If it ever existed, I'm pretty sure it's gone.) If people could opt out of seeing cross-posts that might reduce duplicates?
Hello everyone. Love these Thursday get togethers.
I published a review today of my first three months on Substack and concluded the best part and most surprising part has been the community so thank you all!
I am still struggling to gain traction with new subscribers. Any tips welcome!
The Substack community has been great for me too. In terms of subscribers, connecting with other Substack writers who write on similar or related topics can really help.
It´s more than urgent to translate Substack to other languages, like portuguese. There is a lot of missed subscribers because of that. It´s not a big deal: translate at least the payment process and basic stuff like the "listen" button in the email (where before was a play button, so even the non english speakers could understand. Now there is a simple button). I could help translate if you need, but please translate. Missing oportunities here.
I'm all in favor for making Substack a space where languages other than English can thrive! The internet is already saturated with so much English media. What about consciously sharing all the ideas from people who speak other languages? Accessible translations could make a big difference.
And, to that end, when I published a simultaneous Spanish version of a recent post (see my comment above), I sought out new places to post it, like a couple of Spanish language Reddit subs, a couple of FB groups that focused on Spanish language interests (and, in my case and that post), Spanish music. So, I gave it a shot to have it be found by A) potential new audience, and B) those who'd appreciate it!
A couple weeks ago, I experimented with posting one of my articles in both English AND a Spanish Edition! It may be a bit clunky (and not that conversational), as I used the Google-generated English to Spanish feature, one paragraph at a time! Here 'tis: https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/crecer-orejas-mas-grandes-9-exitos
Bueno pregunta, amigo! Generally, the Spanish lagging behind the English by just a shade. Here are the current #s (feel free to giggle...most do when they see my Lilliputian digits): As of today (11/17), The English has 225, Spanish, 186. They were published Nov. 3.
For about 3 days after pub, the difference was in the 20-ish range (Eng over Span). The current 40-ish difference seems to suggest a trend of English pulling away, however slightly. Gracias, Terry!
Thanks for sharing. I'm impressed at your entrepreneurial spirit. I tried, on a couple of websites, making audio versions of every article, especially really long ones, but it became too time-consuming. So will you be doing a Spansih translation regularly, or for specific types of post?
Again, great question! Damn, you're good! No. Not that I won't, but as you can see by the theme of that post, a Spanish Edition (or, at least a stab at the experiment) seemed to scream "do-able"! I played with the format at least once in my previous incarnation as the Houston Astros correspondent for The Runner Sports all-sports blog site.
With that in mind (and the subject matter of the recent one), I was eager to give the Spanish one a go! Again, seems pointless (for me and my audience) until and unless the subject matter dictates.
Well, thank you for the compliment, Sir! Not that makes perfect sense. I often try things out as a sort of proof of concept. Sometimes the results are good, but the cost-benefit ratio is too heavily skewed to the costs side of the equation.
ooooooo it's the illusive check mark! Christian, you are the alpha and I am the beta. You are the hot, melted cheese on the nachos. I am the discarded, cold, wet mess of ground beef on the edge of the plate. Please, tell me, how does one achieve the check?
A nice feature to have would be something like a monthly subscription to substack in general for say, $15, which gives you access to either a certain number of essays or a certain number of channels. Or maybe both.
For example, instead of paying $5 for each author, I could pay $15, and get access to 15 essays, or maybe 5 channels and then the proceeds would be divided appropriately. ($1 per essay or $3 per channel) I know I'd rather pay a bundled subscription vs. having to have to buy each channel.
Maybe just make it like a credit. $1/Credit where an essay is 1 credit and a channel is 3 credits and you can mix and match however you'd like?
Flattered to be designated a 'Substack Bestseller' for having over 100 paid subscribers - though that doesn't seem a massive number tbh. However will take it as a compliment and am more than grateful to the subscribers who got me there! Can't quite see how it works though @Katie and others on the Substack team. It's not showing on my profile and the certification doesn't seem to be downloadable. It's switched on in settings so should it appear somewhere?
Given Twitter's use of checkmarks, I assume that people who see my checkmark think, "Why, yes, that *is* Annette, not some ghastly imposter!". I don't think they click on it. :)
I'm using Chrome on Desktop, and I see the little checkmarks next to all your names. I would share a picture but it seems we can't do that in the comments!
Ok, this might be my last comment that I drop here for the day, but I'm hoping that someone here has good advice. I'm desperately trying to move away from social media dependence (but Elon Musk will have to pry Twitter away from my iron grip). Taking FB off of my phone has already made a HUGE difference.
Here's the thing: I still want to be able to easily share things like pictures with my friends and family. I have a public profile on IG because I (try) to use it to promote my writing, so out of respect for my kiddos, I don't post pictures of them on IG. Do I 1) Start a private IG account for just friends and family that I can share to my private FB feed or 2) is there another way to easily share photos with friends and family that doesn't require me to put FB back on my phone?
It feels sort of like a low-tech version of instagram. I get a notification whenever she posts a new photo of the baby, and I can comment on the photos. But only the people she has invited to see her album directly can. No one can stumble across it or even see that her album exists if she hasn't invited you to it. It's pretty cool!
Such a good question! I know several families who use a shared Google Chat or Google Space...something like that? But a private instagram can auto post to facebook without you having to go on there, which is pretty nice and uses platforms you're already navigating...I tend to lean toward any option that uses functionality and platforms I already use, even if it's slightly less ideal than a new platform.
Thanks for the question ... and the Twitter comment. Twitter has its issues and EM has not helped ... however, it is still free and there are brilliant people there from whom I have learned so much. I block what I don't want to see again and try to budget my time there. It's way too easy to be critical of what comes to us for free.
Hello! I'm pretty new here, and I started on Substack in October. I migrated my subscribers from Mailchimp, and I am consolidating all of my online output through my Substack site. I've gone from a monthly newsletter to a once-a-week format. So far so good. I am interested in how I can gain more subscribers outside of social media. Minimizing my engagement with Instagram and FB have been good for my mental health and has freed up lots of time. I love the idea of cultivating my own audience without being beholden to a corporate algorithm. I would like to depend less on social media, but I need to find out how. Any suggestions would be helpful.
My name is Roqué, and my Substack site is called Where Pianos Roam (https://roquemarcelo.substack.com/). I write about slow creativity across a multimedia framework, as well as personal essays on various topics. Each issue showcases my writing, music, artwork, photography, and short films—in various combinations.
I relate to all of this (stepping away from the algorithms being good for my mental health, etc.). I know cross-posting on social media is a way to get people to know about your Substack, but I don't think it's necessary. I think if you keep writing and building your newsletter (and doing things like posting on here, commenting on other newsletters you read) people will find you. Personally I can't deal with trying to find people on social media and bring them over here.
Julie, I've found that trying to get people from social media isn't working for me. I know others have more success, but it's starting to feel like it's not worth the time and energy to post on Twitter, etc. So I can relate to what your saying. Better for my mental health. I do prefer to read interesting articles / stories / essays / etc. here on Substack and gradually build an audience (I'm new here) and it is working.
Yeah, I agree, Victor. I posted links to my newsletters in the beginning, but it was too distracting. I ultimately put a link To Substack in my Twitter bio and now am happily ignoring Twitter.
Hi Victor, I am on the same wavelength as you. I think I also just need to be patient and let things organically happen. If I don't have thousands of free or paid readers, that is ultimately not the point. This is a more agreeable mindset that makes more sense to me.
I'm with you on that. I'd like to get my work out there - on my terms. I spent years sending, waiting, waiting some more, etc. for answers from publishers.
I recently decided I just don't want to do that any longer. Now I can put a story out a week and I have some readers. Which hopefully will grow, but I'm not doing this for the money. Hey, I'll take it if it comes, but - like you - it's not the point....
I'm glad I'm not alone with how I feel about this. If I could do away with social media entirely, I would. Maybe that's the ultimate goal some day. Thank you for the suggestions. I will do all of those things.
My calendar invite says this wasn't supposed to start until noon CST, but it looks like it already has. Hmm...
First, I want to say how much I appreciate Substack's writer-centric design. Ownership of my list, tools that let writers focus on their content and craft, and a stated mission to do better on social media are why I chose to transition over to Substack.
I'll add that moving my email list from Feedblitz to Substack was easy-peasy, and I don't miss paying $15/newsletter for the privilege of mailing to my peeps. That has enabled me to cost-effectively ramp up from once-in-awhile newsletter sends to a committed schedule of twice weekly, with a few weeks of third-post bonus content.
So, yay, Substack, for providing a viable alternative that actually helps writers rather than squeezing them for cash or forcing them to compete for clicks.
Now I'm going to be brutally honest about the issues and limitations I've encountered in my three months on the platform.
First, the issues:
1. I tried to move my archive of past posts from a Typepad blog at the URL www.brunettegardens.com over to Substack, and your system only grabbed the most recent 10 posts. I've tried performing the migration several different ways with no better results, and I've also tried reaching out for help on this a couple of times through office hours and other open posts, but I have yet to get any solutions from Substack.
2. Until the above is resolved, and I feel confident about Substack as a replacement, I won't be able to use my own domain address for Substack.
3. I went all-in with Substack, giving recommendations for several other accounts, opting for boost, and enabling referrals. Not only do the recommendation emails come too frequently, in my opinion, but in the first month, many of my subscribers received a slew of DUPLICATE emails for every one sent directly by Substack. I lost a number of subscribers right off the bat this way, as they perceived this new service I'd introduced as buggy and annoying, which is really unfortunate.
And the limitations:
- Perhaps because of #3 above, I'm net neutral after 3 months on the platform. While I have picked up new subscribers from Substack, I've also lost the same amount. I'm hopeful this shakeout will eventually turn in my favor, but it's not a thrilling way to begin.
- I was really surprised and dismayed to hear of the badge system you're planning to introduce, as it is in direct conflict with your stated mission not to drive writers toward popularity contests. This will only create a system like every other faulty online publishing system, rewarding writers who chase popular, click-bait content and penalizing the niche writers who craft thought pieces.
Despite the issues and limitations, I'm committed to the platform for the time being. Thanks for trying to work with us.
Same feelings here regarding the badge feature - it should not have happened. My hope is they listen to the overwhelmingly negative reaction and remove it soon. I haven't heard even one voice saying it was a good idea.
I saw one or two defend it, as they would have been the few to benefit, I guess. I like to think that even if I were badge-worthy, I'd be opposed on ethical grounds, and to preserve the overall good spirit that's been fostered here on Substack so far.
I do love this platform. I want to grow my presence here, but cannot make the chat today. I do have questions....after Thanksgiving, then I'll have time to ask, and listen.
Ideally, I think a toggle switch for chats would be good. I wonder if it would be better for that toggle to mute notifications or control visibility to Chats shared by a publication?
For example, one idea is to just mute the notifications themselves. The other option is to make it so the end user wouldn't even see new chats shared by the publication unless they flipped the toggle back.
It makes sense for that toggle switch to live on the publication's page, but it's kind of a pain if you want to go mute 10 notifications. Of course, maybe that's only a problem for existing users. Once it's deployed people will be able to mute stuff when the whim strikes them instead of having a backlog like existing users would if this rolled out tomorrow.
Haha nope! Yours I want to stay in! Just some I want to periodically read their work, but I’m not the type of reader who would be contributing in a chat. For example, I follow a few finance related Substack’s but I’m not going to have input in a finance chat.
[Feature request for Substack Chat!] I would love love love to see Chat support audio messages. I have been considering starting a Voxer group or Telegram group but to have it unified with my newsletter subscription platform would be *chef's kiss** 😘👌
Hi everyone! I've finally caught one of these early enough 🤗 Thank you for the space!
Have folks had any luck with using mentions and cross posts? I'd love to cultivate closer relationships with writers in the same or similar niche (Alaskan politics). Have you been using these features for people that you've already connected with, or using them as a way to first reach out? Thank you!
Hi everyone! I’m curious to know how those of you who have newsletter sections in different languages work around the signup process and other standardized messages to readers — and also whether Substack may have any useful functionality coming up for these multilingual publications. Many thanks!
(for context, I had been writing in Russian for over a year before I started an English-language section, and I can’t figure out how to make the two “subscriber journeys” fairly smooth, beyond just writing “English below” on About pages etc)
Just want to add that, I regularly read Office Hours to read what people are chatting about, and this is where I find fun Substacks to subscribe too. It's like visiting a bookshop for me.
The well-established writer John Michael Greer, who's not on Substack but has published widely and runs two indie blogs, posted something yesterday that might help many of you who are new to writing, especially, but is something I found nice to read even as a writer who's been making a FT living at it for the past 15 years. LINK: https://www.ecosophia.net/writing-as-microcosm-2-a-door-will-open/
Has anyone else started a podcast after starting their Substack? I took the leap, and now trying to publish one written post per week as well as one podcast.
My written posts are usually 1,000 wds. I'm aiming to make the podcasts all around 25 minutes.
My challenge is how I can cover the same topics in writing and on the podcast without it sounding repetitive. Curious if anyone else has had the same concern.
Potentially. I think I wanted the podcasts to stand on their own a bit more, and go deeper than my written posts do. But I appreciate the thought and the link!
Oh, got it. Well, if you ever want more practice, I think eventually I'd like to have conversations with other creatives on my own podcast. Once I get the technology side of things down.
That's a great idea! Did I tell you I almost died once from stage fright? But keep me in mind, Rian. There are days when I throw all caution to the winds. That might just be one of them.
Cool, cool. Okay, let's stay in touch. As you can tell, I'm still learning the ropes around Substack and podcasting. So maybe we can help each other. I'm caseycorkrian@gmail.com if you want to pick up the conversation. In the meantime I'll check out your site!
Hi writers! I had a question regarding consistency. As you may see from my newsletter, I have bursts of motiviation and it lasts for a few weeks. After that, it seems to fall because of lack of content, some other work which takes priority etc.
How do you keep yourself motivated and consistent? Any tips?
This depends on your personality, but I wonder if you could batch your writing? Break up what you write into a few posts to schedule for when your feeling less motivated.
Wow now that I think of it,Tl that actually sounds like a good idea! I already have content for the next issue but I'm waiting to write it come next weekend. Thank you! I'll try applying this :)
This is what I’m able to do when I need to write in a way! I know when I read my favorite blogs, I’m able to come up with content that just pours out of me!
So I’m a full time caregiver for my mom, and I’m recommitting myself to my newsletter with a relaunch on the 22nd.
I work the same way! I have bursts of motivation and then also hormonal monthly stuff that can get debilitating... so I’m planning to do one well fleshed-out article per week. Anything extra--paid or free--will be bonuses.
I’m trying to go through old writings to edit too, to add to my queue.
Staying organized with folders in Google Docs and a planner (and either Notion or Airtable when I have time).
Meant to say I commit to one well-written post and batch what I can to work ahead (same with queuing marketing stuff). It’s a GAME changer if I can do it! And if I’m far enough ahead I can create boundaries where I focus more on myself and rest/fun on the weekends
This is just a small thing but I keep a gmail draft open on my phone. My phone is always with me so if an idea for a post pops into my head, I write it down and that way I have a bank of topics to write about when I need it! :)
I initially struggled with this, then settled on my “magic” formula: 1) Set a time for a writing session everyday 2) If you finish your weekly post in two sessions, then use the rest of the sessions to write future posts. This way, you will accumulate content and are not on the “Weekly post deadline clock”. 3) Schedule posts in advance for a fixed time and day of the week.
It will be hard at first, but when you settle into the rhythm, your posting should be asynchronous from your writing. Why is this good? A) It reduces stress, B) It makes you enjoy the process of writing and not the outcome. Make it an exercise, and not like a homework assignment! Hope this helps. It has for me, and I have not compromised on quality, and many of my readers have been appreciative.
I’ve started helping a few people which their LinkedIn game. If you’d like a few pointers drop me a connection request on LinkedIn (in my bio) and I’m happy to take a look for you.
Thanks for joining us at Office Hours today! The Substack team is signing off for today. We're taking a break from Office Hours next week to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US. We'll be back the week after.
In the meantime, visit our resources: https://substack.com/resources
Talk soon,
Katie, Bailey, Mel, Mike, Kevin, Ari, Varun, and Ben
We'll spend next week giving thanks to the Substack team. :) Ta, all of you, for how easy you make this stuff for us.
This week we were super excited to see some writers who have long been invested in the Substack writer community go "all in" on their Substacks
Erik Hoel announced he is committing to write The Intrinsic Perspective full time and resigned his professorship at Tufts University. (Erik attended Substack Grow back in the summer of 2021 and offered sharp insights on how he’s grown on Substack in our Grow interview series earlier this year.)
https://twitter.com/erikphoel/status/1592542846145421316
And today Liberty RPF, a sage product feedback-giver and supporter of fellow writers, shared similar news (https://twitter.com/LibertyRPF/status/1593271926398533633).
We'd love to celebrate those two in today's thread, and also hear from *you*!
Have you been considering the same, or recently made a leap to fully focus on your Substack as a business?
If not, what would you want to see to do that yourself?
Congrats to Erik and Liberty RPF! 🎉🎉🎉
I haven't made the exact same leap, but I am considering it! I got laid off in October and the job market is *rough.* Maybe instead of four hours on a day on job applications, I can put that time toward growing on Substack and see what happens!
Sorry to hear that, Valorie. Maybe getting laid off is that blessing in disguise (it was for my husband) you need to make Substack a full-time business for yourself! I wish you a tonne of success with it.
Thank you Jo, I appreciate it! Here's hoping! Right now I'm just trying not to let fear steer the ship.
You've got this! I learnt a trick from a performer - whenever we experience stage fright, tell ourselves that we are so excited about it and that's why we are getting butterflies. Apparently the subconscious deals with the concept of excitement differently to fear. Hope this helps.
Huh, I've never heard that before! I'm going to try that. Thanks for sharing!
As a speech intructor I encouraged that perspective as students attempted to make their "buttfiles fly in formation." I still struggle with hitting "Publish" butwe have nothing to lose. If nothing else, we will learn what *didn't* work.
I am very aware that typo’s and “wordo’s” can instantly lead to “credibility” concerns, but since my stroke affected my vision, I am more likely to miss those. Also, it was nap time when my brain is programmed for shutting down…
It's hard, to be sure. I lost my job a few years back, and in hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was able to finish my book, and begin posting on Substack. My life has changed drastically in a positive way. I still have to supplement my writing with a part-time job, but hopefully one day my paid subscriptions will alleviate that need. Keep the faith! 💟
Thank you Sue!
Thanks Valorie :) Good luck!
Thank you!
My Unschool is 100% connected with my writing life. I can't write about writing, if I'm not producing work. My Substack effort is not one of holding back--it works alongside the picturebooks, the novels, the memoir-writing. No distinction. My daily grappling feeds me the Q&A and the grind, to share.
(Though it does appear that writing-about-writing-for-money is the way to go. (But that's why I left Medium!)
I never have learned to float downstream--maybe someday...)
This is where I'd love to get—writing as an inherent part of my daily rhythms, powered by my experiences and curiosities.
I realized today that there are some subjects I'd love to dive deep into and nerd out about. When I have a question about something, it would be great to feel free to write about it whether or not it's pertinent to my audience. That's something I'd like the mental freedom to do.
Honestly, I feel like internet writing discourages this kind of curiosity and encourages us to put ourselves in boxes that we can't deviate from. But look at journalists: they explore everything and anything that's interesting. If I was going "all in" with my Substack, I think I'd do that. :)
Yes yes yes!! I’m moving back into writing what I’m curious about and just having the freedom to write about what’s interesting to me.
I’ve denied myself of that for nearly a decade, and instead writing for companies that needed specific niche work or writing my own blogs where I denied myself the freedom to write what I really wanted.
Not anymore!
I’m so tired of writing completely for other people. I of course want my work to be engaging and loved and THAT is my priority.
Not how clickbait-y I can make an article or making everything a “how to” or tutorial.
Super excited to be coming back.
...You just said what I've been saying and feeling for MONTHS. I think we might be kindred writer spirits. 😁
I think so too! I immediately clicked with what you originally wrote, thinking how that’s the plan and ultimate goal!
I LOVE writing and wanna make creating writings people love reading a priority, rather than trying to manipulate things to death to try and desperately grab the attention of others, and I think that’s where you’re at too, yeah?
I wanna develop my skill and love for writing and for once I’m sticking and committing to that
Yes! Exactly!
I'm convinced that writing is a talent God gave me, and I've been ignoring that for too long. Now, I'm starting to invest in it by reading books about how to improve as a writer, looking into writing courses/workshops...and the most difficult of all, ACTUALLY WRITING.
I also love writing, and I think that you hit the nail on the head: we're here to make good writing that people want to read, that makes the world more beautiful, that sparks thought and initiates discussion. Not SEO/algorithmic internet noise. :)
I relate with what you said so much. I worked in content marketing and I was DRILLED to niche down blah blah.
Don't you thnk the articles Google puts on Page 1 all seem to sound the same? Like they're written for robots. There doesn't seem to be a human behind them.
I was making myself SO miserable, trying to make my blog *work* and get to the top of the search results. I was good at doing that - but I REALLY hated the articles I wrote to make that happen.
Eventually, I realised I didn't want my blog to be no.1. I want to be part of a community of writers.
Yes this was exactly my experience! (Except I never was too good at SEO haha.) I think I struggled most with just embracing it because I had no backup plan. I wanted financial stability AND to write (I started caregiving for my mom as soon as I graduated college and I had plenty of family telling me and asking when I was gonna stop playing on the computer and get a real job)... I wanted to DESPERATELY prove them wrong but that desperation got me nowhere.
I've learned a lot about how to show up and now I'm excited to be advocating for myself and my needs and wants more fully to see what'll come of it. Imagine if I had given myself this permission sooner!
Yay! I admire your perseverance, my friend. Being a full time creator is hard, especially if the channels are controlled by corporations with ulterior motives. Keep on plugging!
You may enjoy what my friend Rob is doing over at Ungated. He wrote his "manifesto" around that exact problem with Google (and all generic internet content): https://ungated.media/manifesto
Hey just read the manifesto and it's awesome! I relate to everything he said. To me, "The Pattern" is the algorithm, telling us to write a certain way to get something. It's pervasive these days!
Does he have a Substack? ;D
Hm interesting, do you think Substack differs in that sense, that you do not have to write about a niche to be succesful? I must admit I have been worrying about my deviating interests potentially hampering my substack growth/potential. So would be interested to hear new perspectives.
I know you didn't ask me, but I feel like Substack still involves "networking", interaction, and talking about your publication and work to gain traction. BUT I love how this is a community of writers that come here to enjoy others' work.
People seem to come here for YOU.
Sure it's nice to see people who have niched down topics to hone-in on so you know exactly what you're signing up for, but without the algorithm, the feeling of just Googling something for a tutorial rather than for the person themselves (aka no reason to stick around unless you talk about that niched topic more, not necessarily for you), or the feeling that we NEED to always be on camera dancing/lip syncing/transforming our work into entertaining 30-second blips.... We show up for the writer themselves and what they're mulling over recently.
At least I do!
I use other successful writers as expander that it is indeed possible to talk about what you want and be financially successful as well.
I'm so tired of writing explicitly for everyone else (done it for over half a decade), so I'm personally ready to see who will show up for me and the way I show up in my little corner of the internet.
Just my two cents! Off my soapbox I go haha.
That is heartening to hear. I find it especially interesting that that seems to suggest that the kind of writing that is encouraged and that can grow is not necessarily driven by what people are demanding and more by environmental factors like algorithms deciding what people see or the way a website/community is set up to stimulate (or not) a certain type of work.
Thank YOU for yours! :)
I only write about what's interesting to me, otherwise it's really hard work. Luckily writing about the stuff that art is about gives me loads of scope to write about almost anything.
"I feel like internet writing discourages this kind of curiosity and encourages us to put ourselves in boxes that we can't deviate from." 100% spot on. Google's recent SEO updates is doubling down on discouraging diverse topics on one website. If you want to succeed in the SEO game, you have to niche down and write in a very specific way they dictate. It's creativity-killing.
That's why we're here: to break the cycle, right? 😎
Totally! And honestly, I'm enjoying so many of the Substacks here!
I wish I had time to read more of them! Alas, my best time for reading is at night, and I can't do screens before bed. It whacks out my sleep.
"Though it does appear that writing-about-writing-for-money is the way to go. (But that's why I left Medium!" OMG I want to scream each time I see those articles. They turn me off Medium. I had so much hope with Medium only to have it crushed. Which is why I probably overreacted when I read about Substack's badges. Please don't bring this contagion here too ... it's my happy place.
Yes, so many of those who write about writing on Medium have never actually published a book. They're just writing about productivity and "content" and have no background in the topic about which they are writing.
Totally agree! After the 10th productivity content, you're just going through recycled content!
Yes!! I can't stand the algorithm on Medium now. All I'd get recommended now are "how to make money writing" articles or how to get the baseline needs fast so you can start making money sooner and it's completely drowned out all the personal essayists found and whatnot.
It's so unfortunate. And same as well with the badges! I was like "pleeeeease don't ruin a beautiful thing!!"
I've just started publishing on Medium because it's cash and I might as well but I hate it and get some trolling. I would like to focus entirely on Substack and hope one day I can...
I hear... I have so many pieces on Medium, languishing. It's a strange place: the $$ pieces and the anger. Then, here and there, treasures. But to much digging to get to them.
Here is someone whose work I discovered there, and he has since moved here. Here, even, was the piece that intro'd me to his work! A treasure! https://andrewjazprosehill.substack.com/p/last-boat-to-the-san-juan-islands#details
Thanks for the recommendation! Yes, Medium still has many wonderful pieces. I found Shani Silver there and I love her work. One of her articles got me through a toxic workplace; I read it again and again as a reminder.
Also, as a tech writer, I like to follow fellow tech writers and it annoys me to death that a lot of them on Medium.
Do you ever feel that it's "such a waste" they are on Medium? The reading experience is unpleasant, for one. I can never get the writing of writers I follow on Medium in a reliable way and I keep getting slammed with a paywall. And when I do pay, I get fed endless $$$ pieces and I *still* can't find the articles of people I follow.
But I wish they realise what an opportunity for connections if they get over here ...
I've written a NUMBER of pieces, posted to Medium, urging folks to move along... :)
Although $5/month seems a reasonable cost, really... It's tough enough to be a writer. Try to support the ones you care about.
Unfortunately I come from a country with a weak-ass currency, so US$5 is equivalant to US$30, so if I have to pay that much, I'm extremely picky of the platform I choose to support, so tossing that much at a platform that actively discourages discovery of writing I love? Eh. I rather choose Substack ;)
So far, what I'm doing is supporting a new writer a month on Substack. I may not be able to do it the whole year, but it's fun "highlighting" a paid Substack each month on my newsletter.
PS: Found your Medium and I will totally pay up to read them ;)
Yes! and those articles that are '5 reasons to...' or '7 great artworks about...'. SO BORING. Click bait. Agree re the badges.
That's why I (more or less) left there as well. I'd had enough.
I love this phrase Alison. I've never learned to float downstream either. If only I were that person.
If anyone has any questions on the details of how a launch goes, or on how/when to make the decision, etc, let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them. Although it's obviously all still unfolding, it's only been two days!
As an academic, I applaud what you're doing Erik. I'm in the humanities so our situation is slightly different. Around 8 years ago, when I was desperately searching for a tenure-track job, it seemed likely that I would have to leave academia...and Substack didn't exist yet. Thankfully, I got a tenure-track job that I love. But the situation is even worse today. People leave academia for lots of reasons, but it's almost never because they "don't care about their students." It's usually because the academy over-produces Ph.D. students at the same time that they are slashing tenure-track jobs. Personally, Erik, I love how you have translated your academic mind into a format that everyone can enjoy. You'll reach far more people this way. I'm proud to count myself as one of the people you've enlightened along the way!
congratulations, Erik, how exciting! Have you had positive feedback about this from your academic circle?
That's a great question. I would say it's been mixed. Some people have been very supportive and also agreed with some of my critiques. However, I've gotten a few "well, you must not care about students" or that sort of response, although I emphasize only a small number.
Glad it's only a small number of negative comments. Your decision - and your intentions - are right for you and that's what matters most.
Woof, I'm sorry anyone has been saying you don't care about students! It seems like it's university administrations that don't care about students.
I was just coming here to ask this. All the professors I follow on Twitter seem to be abandoning academia, so I'm curious how they're responding!
Hi Erik, just wanted to say how great your article was. I'm not a paid up subscriber, although I'd like to be but can't stretch to it right now. I'm also an academic and I'm trying to get to the point where I can ditch the day job. What I love about writing in the way that you describe is that there's freedom. I don't have to mind my p's n q's, I don't have to follow someone else's editorial policy, and I can continue to do what I've done in the seminar room (bring ideas together to make people think). It's all good.
you're going to do fine...
Our goal is to fully focus on Substack as a business. For us, it's a question of earning enough revenue to subsidize working on the newsletter full-time. Of course, that's a chicken and an egg problem. It seems like for most writers it takes 1-2 years of consistent writing to get to that point. We did just apply for a major grant to help bring quality K12 education content to underserved families, so that would give us the runway to help get the newsletter to a critical mass. I think if substack was able to give 1-2 year grants or investments in talented writers, it could help get some people going.
Yes! I commented something similar above before I saw this. :) Substack grants would be fab.
100% yes to that.
That seems a great idea. Gives enough time to grow.
This is a GREAT idea
Intriguing idea!
Hi team, I love the product. Is it ok to ask a question unrelated to your thread?
My newsletter is about consciousness and self-transformation at http://loic.substack.com I have 15k free subscribers and just launched paid subscriptions at $10 a month, it's doing well with about 50 paid already, in two weeks and growing nicely.
I surveyed my paid subscribers yesterday and 80% of them want no more than 2 emails a week. so do my free subscribers.
Here is my problem and question: I want to write MUCH more than twice a week, ideally almost every day. I would like to be able to do it on the same loic.substack.com and "segment" the readers based on their frequency requirements, I could not figure a good solution.
-if I write almost daily, I generate unsubscribes and lose many of those who want no more than two emails a week
-some of my paid and free subscribers would read a post every day from me (about 20% of all subscribers) so I am stuck not being able to "serve them" and also not satisfying my own creativity that I want to write every day
What solution do you recommend?
I have launched a second newsletter that I wrote daily on for about 2 months, http://yawa.news it gathered from scratch 2000 subscribers or so who want daily.
Problem is now I have 5 posts a week sending to them and 2 posts a week sending to the other one... so I manually added the 2000 to the main one.
I am sure many of the 2000 would pay to get daily too... so I really don't know what to do.
If I stay on two newsletters it also isn't optimal because now I have to either cross post the 2 posts a week to the daily one, or import them.... I also do a voice over podcast for each post so I also have to crosspost that... it's a lot of work.
It also forces me to launch two paid plans on two different newsletters, while what I am doing really is just the same guy writing every day the same way, lots of work that could be solved on a single newsletter.
The only solution I see is that substack builds a "what frequency do you want" for daily type newsletters and then groups all the posts into say "one a week" or "two a week" for those who only want that and sends all the posts to those who are happy with high frequency. Then no need for two newsletters.
Am I clear enough sorry I was long? It's a real problem for me.
Is there any solution you see?
Thank you, Loic
I asked this last week - either individual writers frequency or a round-up of all the writers they subscribe to. Emails can be overwhelming even when it is stuff you want to read.
The newsletter could be like a magazine, with many articles to read by writers we've chosen, instead of a whole stack of newsletters inundating our mailboxes. I like it!
Interesting! Like a "all of substack" you subscribed to summary round-up email. That might highly diminish the open rates as it will be all mixed, not sure about this one.
I'll write from a reader's perspective here. I come to Substack not just as a writer but a reader and ... I'm kinda like the majority of your readers. If I get TOO many emails in my inbox from someone, I'll unsubscribe.
HOWEVER, this has nothing to do with the quality of the content. It's morel ike I get overwhelmed. inboxes are barely manageable lately, and the amount of organisational control it takes to keep it tamed is stressful.
As a reader, although I unsubscribe from high-volume Substacks because I don't want to receive their posts in the email, I will follow them via an RSS reader and read the posts when I'm able. I wish Substack gives people the option to do that without unsubscribing as I do want to support the writer.
As a writer, I wish I have your energy lol. Perhaps use your posts as a stockpile?
You can add a filter and create a new folder in your account. That way all the substack emails will skip the inbox and go directly to that folder. You can then read them in your free time.
Thank you for your perspective! Fully understand! I think I will just keep two newsletters.
I think you can subscribe and then in the app there is an option not to get both emails and app notifications.
I will check it out - but I remember looking everywhere for that
I hesitate to give you any advice, since you've advanced far beyond me in subscriptions in a much shorter amount of time, but I can only speak for myself--and maybe a few others.
I wouldn't read anyone's newsletter every day and if they appeared in my mailbox daily I would probably unsubscribe.
I couldn't write one every day without eventually boring myself, but I don't know your focus, so it could be you're on to something. You do have plenty of subscribers.
The beauty of newsletters, I think, is that they don't take long to read. They're meant to be satisfying to regular readers who don't have much time but would welcome seeing something from a friend in their mailbox now and then. It's how they differ from a blog; we have a built-in audience. My feeling is that my readers are there because I have something to offer that they want, but at the same time I don't want to wear out my welcome.
I asked my readers once how they felt about daily or weekly or sporadic newsletters, and the consensus was that as much as they enjoy reading my posts they don't want to see them daily. Schedules weren't important to them, either. I try to post at least once a week, but I'm a slow writer and an even slower editor, and life happens.
My readers are incredibly patient and universally wonderful, but they don't need to read my every thought--only those I think are important enough to share.
thank you Ramona, I did not go much faster (doesn't matter anyway) as I imported my list I have been carrying around for years. On my second one it's different, I built a 2000 people list writing daily and it grew so I do for sure have that audience that loves daily, it's about 20% of my "old" list but I have a feeling it might exceed it one day. So I either make 80% unsubscribe slowly and replace them with the new growth or I do two newsletters.... Not sure what to do! But thanks anyway!
Bienvenue, Loic! We crossed paths way back in Silicon Valley during your Seesmic days. Great to see what you are up to now - inspiring progress.
George
Hi George, thank you! Great to reconnect! Seesmic days wow 2007 :)
Oh yeah, just as Facebook hit and Jobs launched the iPhone... and our worlds changed.
Would be fun to catch up in person (if you are in the Bay Area) or via zoom / phone. Could explore opportunities for cross-posting on Substack too!
Best, George
Bonjour Loic:
I have some similar concerns as I publish (at least) 4 times per week and I feel I have at least two different audiences with some overlap but perhaps less than I think. My subscriber numbers are significantly lower than yours, plus I have just started to offer paid subscriptions, so your description of your situation is interesting to me.
If I understand your problem well, it's that even though you have multiple sections for your newsletter at which you publish on different frequencies, the subscriptions are managed for the newsletter as a whole and you can't offer different pricing for each section or publication frequency. I think that Substack's sections are only a partial solution.
Interesting thoughts about the pricing, I am honestly not sure about pricing at all and did not put any thoughts to that, I am just trying things... Looks like I have to live with two newsletters for now... it's painful.
I've been through some heavy stuff this year and haven't been able to concentrate as much as I'd like on building my websites into something that will draw more readers. But I think I've found my niche, finally, thanks to my readers who encourage me and let me know my writing means something to them.
I've always been nervous about getting too personal on my pages, but it turns out that's what people want! I've opened up about the loss of my husband, for example, mainly because I've been a bundle of emotions and nothing else comes out, and it turns out many other readers have thoughts on this and other emotional issues, as well.
I can thank Substack for this. Their newsletter/blog format is perfect for the kind of writing I do and it looks like I've finally found a home! I'm hoping to work harder at it in the coming months and years, but life happens, doesn't it? All any of us can do is the best we can.
I know that it made a positive difference in the number of new subscribers, when I took the risk of being more personal.
I'm seeing it, too, Janice. Even in paid subscriptions. Nice!
That's amazing! I've been focusing on bringing longer, more image-rich essays and audio to my readers at wanderingwriter.substack.com. It started as a place to write about my expat years in Paris, about living and writing abroad before and during the pandemic, but has really expanded to be about wandering and writing closer to home as well--including a recent visit to a cage fight in San Francisco:)
I am an author by trade who has long made a living traditionally as a novelist, but I love the immediacy of connecting with readers on Substack.
That sounds like something I would love! Subscribed ;)
I want Substack to make the app a little bit more like Pinterest. It would allow you to see all the different posts by people in little scrolling thumbnails.
I work almost full time hours on The Gallery Companion, nights and weekends, and I would love to drop the teaching job but can't until I can see a sustainable income from Substack. This week I flipped to spending half my time on marketing to find new subscribers and I've noticed a huge uptick in numbers. But until I can see a bigger growth on paid subs I have to keep the day job going. It feels like a numbers game, and I'm working on the premise that 1% minimum of subscribers will become paid subs. But that means I need to increase my mailing list 20x to make any sort of reliable income, and right now that feels like a long way off. I've got so many good plans for it. I genuinely feel like I rarely see interesting, accessible writing about art so I feel like I'm trailblazing. Substack offers me an avenue to get established, writing on my terms. But there aren't enough hours in the day at the moment. I'm racing against time.
I’m definitely making huge steps towards focusing on my substack. Less as a business, more as a passion. But I’m declining work so I can spend more time writing these short stories on love, sex, and dating apps 🤍
Congrats to Erik and Liberty RFP! It's a big deal to go all in with Substack. After a little over a year of doing Substack pretty exclusively I've decided to go back to full-time work. I'll continue to do my Substack, for sure, but I'd have to triple the number of paid subscribers I have right now to actually make going all in viable long term and chasing those numbers just doesn't feel like it's conducive to my writing (or my mental health, honestly). BUT! If my newsletter keeps growing organically given the way that I run it and the day comes when those numbers exist, I might consider it. Regardless, I'm really grateful for the Substack team and the platform. It's been almost two years now since I started and I'm really happy with what I'm doing.
I'd love to do this, but I don't have the financial runway to go all in right now.
Grants would be great for those of us who need some financial backing while building up our audiences.
A huge congratulations to both writers!
As for me, I'm primarily a musician getting back to writing after a 2-decade-long break, so who knows how things will go... aiming to do both, but i'm struggling, to be honest. Multi-tasking isn't my strength! Any other artists here with a similar experience?
Sometimes I think multi-tasking can be helpful. Taking a break from the "big project" to work on a small project can breathe new life into the bigger project. For me, this means taking a break from a novel-in-progress to write essays. For you, perhaps writing about music will free you a bit to write music.
That's a good point, Michelle... i didn't think of it that way. Thank you. Makes perfect sense.
Congrats Erik! I still have my day job, but for 2022 one of my goals was to fully focus on building my Substack as a pillar of my online business. So far, so good.
That's a dream that I am working on to achieve. I currently publish twice per week, talking about food, music, and benefits of the outdoors. I would love to have a 1000 true readers to make that leap.
You just got one more! Can't wait to see you get to 1000.
Thank you for the support Jo!
my pleasure, looking forward to reading your posts. they caught my eye!
Yes, I am shifting gears from a career in marketing to a career in Birth/Family work as a doula, and my Substack publication is going to be a big part of that.
How are you starting to use Chat?
I'm waiting for it to be available on desktop.
Same here. Hard enough getting people to come to the Substack, don't want to try and send them somewhere else.
Definitely think this will be the most effective channel. On the desktop it'll serve as a living thread or Discord/Reddit-style chatroom. On the app I get the sense it's another annoying notification for people to sift through - if they even have the app.
For short form discussions or quick thoughts--much the way I’d use insta stories. But I’m looking forward to when it’s available on android also, and maybe even desktop, because I don’t think most of audience can even access chat right now.
That's great! Did you send a regular email post to subscribers letting them know about chat? I didn't see one on your publication at first glance but maybe I missed it
Not yet! I know SS sent an automated message for first time chat posts so I didn’t want to “spam” subscribers about it. But next time I send a newsletter (I’m on a biweekly schedule), I should include it in my housekeeping section. Thank you for the reminder!
Just had a look, Erin. You have much feedback, and your Chit-Chat section is perfect for it!
I’m relaunching and fully committing my time to my newsletter on the 22nd so I plan to start then with an oracle card reading! Then I’ll just use it to share and ask for my community to share. Really excited to start using it!
Oo that's fun!
Thank you! I LOVED participating in a coaching friends IG story Oracle card pulls every Sunday but they’ve stopped, but has made me fall in love with the practice!
Since it's not on android, I can't even use it myself so I'm on hold.
Soon!
Same for me.
Great idea, but I'll wait until it hits the desktop. Too many other activities to work on before that. But keep up the innovation Substack!!! We love new features and activities.
My Substack, "The Art of Unintended Consequences" is perfect for chat as I ask all readers to provide me with their experiences in this. Can't wait for it to hit the desktop and then I'll push it.
Still waiting on using Chat. I'm hoping there will be a browser-friendly version, in addition to the android app. I might see some opportunities for using chat when I can reach more of my audience (not many iOS app users in my subscribers yet.) But I'm happy to be using the new "mention" function as I put together a guest post from another Substack writer for next week. And I'm excited that she can cross post the piece to her own page once it's up!
I did post an intro chat and email subscribers about it but no response. I agree with others that having it only available in the app makes it mostly useless, since I don't think my subscribers use the app. I only downloaded it myself so I could try out the chat, and much prefer reading via email or on the website.
Since I posted my comment earlier, I noted someone did reply to a chat I made last week. That was kind of cool! I think people do look at it, and it will grow. But, I'm not going to push it to anyone yet. Really hopeful it will become cross-platform soon.
Same. I think very few of my subscribers use the app, and my co-contributor doesn't want it.
I am just trying to promote a little more conversation based on the essay I publish on Mondays. Since my substack is called "Caitlin Chats" I would like to have more chats about the hard and fun aspects of life that I try to write about. I am to post a question once a week in my chat.
That's a great idea - and certainly fitting for your substack!
I love the option and have enjoyed some of the early chats I became a part of. Haven't quite figured out how I'd like to incorporate that into Outsourced Optimism yet. I want to make sure it provides a unique value and doesn't feel (only) like an extended comments section. I would love to hear how everyone else is using it and what readers seems to be engaging with!
I think this is sort of my issue. Since I'm the only one who can *start* chats, it's all on me to get it going. It's a lot of pressure for a shy introvert! haha. I haven't figured out how to make it valuable to people yet.
Elle Griffin entrusted her founding tier members and gave them contributor permission on her publication so they could also start posts https://ellegriffin.substack.com/
Oooh, that's an interesting idea!!
very interesting
Yeah, until it's on desktop it's useless to me
Hi Katie, we've had a little trouble getting chat going:) I was very excited about it initially, but a bunch of people unsubscribed when we started our chat, and we haven't really been able to get a conversation going yet...would love any tips you might have on good conversation starters.
I hosted my first chat last week on making homemade yogurt. Was curious to try out the feature and coincidentally I had just finished making a batch and it occurred to me it might be of interest to my readers. It was off the cuff but generated lots of replies and some good tips on making/using yogurt (and whey). Planning on doing one tomorrow on Thanksgiving prep.
Waiting for desktop and Android, but I have to say that for me, there is a great need for breathing room. I find that your basic setup is good enough. If I feel like being chatty I reply to posts of others, knowing that they will reply when and if they feel like it.
At the moment, I’m not. I can’t say that it gives me much benefit, especially given how it is only available through the app.
I will try the chat feature out when I see a suitable response to one of my topics. It will be not only a possibility to increase engagement but maybe add it as a paid feature as well. I would turn my article into a possible interactive course on popular topics. I will wait until chat is available on the desktop and Android. I am publishing an article soon on my Substack on dreamwork, which might provide an opportunity to do a chat.
I’m starting to share more about applying the concepts of circadian rhythms to lifestyle in threads and now chat, whereas my posts are more focused on the science and findings/excerpts from specific research papers. So far, my audience seems to be read-only 🙊 anyone have tips for getting conversations going?
Hello all, and happy Office Hours! Here’s a little bit of encouragement from one small newsletter to all of you: many parts of the world are entering what we call the holiday season, and it can be both a magical and difficult time for writers! Maybe the holidays afford you a bit more free time to get things done, or maybe this season is so full of activities and family time that you aren't able to focus. Maybe this is the time of year when you see the relatives who don't "get" your writing, who think it's a waste of time and energy, or maybe you're inspired by all the potential for magic and mystery this season brings. Whether this is a time for joy or loneliness, whether this is a time of boredom or busyness, you're not alone. Wherever you are in your writing journey this season, you're right where you need to be, and we're right here with you! Go gently with yourself, find pockets of peace, take a deep breath, and remember why you write. And then, keep writing, keep going, keep sharing! DON'T GIVE UP! 🌿
S. E. Reid, you are always so faithful at posting these messages and trying to encourage other writers. Just wanted to say thanks.
This is so encouraging and just what I needed to hear, thank you! I only recently launched my Substack, Words That Travel, and I've been writing/brainstorming/generally working on it in the evenings or weekends, but with time off from my main (9-5) job looming, I've been feeling as though I need to dedicate all of my holiday time to Substack and 'bank' a ton of posts which I can then drip feed in the new year. But really, I know I don't do my best work in that way - I need time to breathe, ideate, and think too! So I'll be reminding myself of your message and trying not to pile unnecessary pressure on myself. The most important thing to remember, as you say, is why we write. 💕
I just subscribed! 😂 As a full time teacher with a family, I put a lot of pressure on myself to bank my posts so that they can just publish every week. Most of the time, it makes my life easier, but I'm trying to also give myself grace for the weeks and weekends when I can't write a lot ahead of time.
Love the option for grace and recognizing that not all weeks and seasons are created equal. Always seem to forget that part.
Hence why I try to work ahead whenever possible ;-)
I am with you Eva! All I want is to be weeks ahead so I have the time and space to write and experiment in a way that feels expansive to me (and have been thinking about the holiday break as an opportunity to do that while also recognizing that it might be it's own kind of crushing rush). The early days are also tough as you figure out your process (I'm just six months in myself). I hope however the holidays and your writing take shape these next few months, it feels light and fun. However it looks- you're doing it! And you're doing great.
Been trying to bank a few, but the challenge of work, family, and writing balance always makes it tough to hit the writing when I'm in the right mindset. I write okay when I just jump in and force myself to do it... BUT, when I am in the zone, it's a whole different world of writing. I just need to find more ZONE time. :-)
Exactly! Do more things that allow you to get in the zone. One ‘rule’ I always stick to is don’t ignore the urge to write when it comes - wherever I am or whatever I’m doing, if something comes to me I need to write it down right away and follow the flow...
You are so right on the urge. I can't always drop everything, but when I have a thought, or I'm taking a note in my writing to do list, it will suddenly strike me. If I can't stop to write, I at least take a few minutes to write at a high level to capture the thoughts that are in my head. Then come back some other time and try to recreate that momentary Zone.
For my Substack, when I do that, my notes sometimes end up being 80% of my final post. ;-)
Have you ever read Jack Hart's books, Wordcraft and Storycraft? I'm only 2 chapters into Wordcraft, and it's a gold mine of helpful tactics/techniques that can help turn any writing session into "zone time."
No, I haven't read those yet. I'll take a look. It's not hard to bet in the zone, it's just that it doesn't always want to coincide with open time I have. ;-)
I wrote about not giving up today. Just signed up for your newsletter!
S.E. you are one of my favorites. I don't always get to make it to these gatherings but when I do, I always find something encouraging from you. You do the same with your newsletter. I'm happy to have you in my circle of folks who inspire.
S.E. Reid is the virtual coach we all need. Give her a checkmark Hamish, you pig dog.
I was literally just having this conversation last night with some fellow creative friends. This year has been such a big foundation building year for me and I find that the ideation and creation process requires so much bandwidth, active thought, uninterrupted time, and stretches of open days to create and sustain momentum. As soon as my schedule is broken up, it feels like having to start all over again. My writing for Outsourced Optimism has struggled as visitors and family occasions have starting sprinkling across the calendar and, as I look ahead at the last few weeks of the year, I've started opting out of some travel (which feels unpopular and scary) as a gift to my present and future self so I can end the year well and get all of my projects into a place that sets me up for an ease-filled 2023.
I so relate to that feeling of starting over! I had to travel home for a few weeks recently to help a family member -- at the end of the day, I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with them. Returning just briefly to my own life, apartment, and space... feels like I'm starting from scratch. I guess life is just that. Getting thrown off the horse and climbing back on. Embracing these few days of peace and quiet before I do it all again at Thanksgiving.
Yes x 100! I always think about how Sharon Salzberg says the healing (or the growth?) is in the return. And I really like that. I've spent a lot of time trying to control or avoid or mitigate interruptions, but now I'm realizing what I really need is a more flexible process or some kind of realistic transition plan that supports me living a real, inconsistent, inconvenient, wonderful, full life.
"...living a real, inconsistent, inconvenient, wonderful, full life."
This is a fantastic truth. Life isn't a neat and tidy package that we can micromanage. I believe in divine interruptions—God's plans are not my plans!
I have to turn your statement into a question for myself...how do I get the mindset to live that way and embrace what comes along? And, as writers, embracing that gives us more ideas. Because life IS ideas.
Absolutely- I imagine it looks like a mindset of experimentation and curiosity. I find most things bring me back to that posture.
Hi S..E.! Thanks and have a good one!
S.E. knows how to make you feel better with these posts. She keeps you going with your writing. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not a writer or never will be one. If you're here, you are a writer. I'll add that she's been nice to me in emails. 😀
I'll note that what you write about might help people you don't even know about. They might come across a post you have written, and it might bring a smile to their heart.
This is so lovely. Thank you for sharing! 💕
S. E. Reid and Mike Snowden were the first two Substackers I interacted with, because in addition to being good writers with interesting topics,t hey were always there and always so supportive. Youtopian was also, but her profile pic appeared somehow “forbidding,” and I didn’t get the sense that we had common interests. Wrong, again! Her pic is related to a character she draws and not to her own visage and she has interests in MH, which dovetails nicely with mine in addiction issues. So much for my first impressions.
After my “brain attack” (stroke) affected my vision and energy level, I haven’t been a “participant,” just reverting to lurking. Today, I entered the “hour” late due to an appointment with Occupational Therapy. This evening I returned to the page (happy to find out I hadn’t been kicked off due to my absence). As I scrolled through, I ran into S. E.’s post, with its long thread of replies and replies to replies. I was about to copy that thread into a Word file to peruse later, when I saw Mike Sowden chime in and found a similarly extensive thread.
Tonight, I am telling myself that the regression in my progress is a result of my brain establishing new pathways to circumvent the damaged area, but I am probably engaging in denial, something I became quite skilled at in my Lost Years.
I don’t know if late “replies” will be forwarded to the posters, but I am going to send this to each of them to find out.
As always, Thank you! :)
This made me think of all the years I did NaNoWriMo. 🙂 November became THE time for massive amounts of writing and time spent with other writers. I'd love to recapture some of that during my Christmas break this year.
Actually, I have a couple of friends who do the "7th week sabbatical" thing: working 6 weeks, then taking the 7th week off to do non-work things. I'd like to give that a shot for myself in the new year and see what would happen if I spent that 7th week reading books and writing.
I think that's a brilliant idea.
It's terrifying in a way, though. As a freelancer, I start to panic and think, "Wait, 7 or 8 entire weeks of vacation in the year? With no outreach, no prospecting, no working directly on the business? I WILL FAIL." 😅
I guess the nice thing is, it's something you can try for a couple cycles and see how it goes without committing to it as a forever thing. One of my friends who does it says you get more done in the 6 weeks because you know the 7th isn't a work week.
You have to refill your cup if you want to serve others.
I look forward to your words of encouragement and wisdom each week. Thanks!
Great! Thanks for sharing S.E. Reid
Thank you for this timely reminder! 🖤
As always, thanks for the encouragement. Also, I thought I had already subscribed to your newsletter but apparently not, so I just did. Looking forward to reading more of your wisdom!
Hey everyone! A bit of advice if you're struggling to understand how to attract people into your list.
Those people who haven't found you yet - where are they right now? Where do they regularly hang out? What are they reading online?
And by all this I mean: where do YOU regularly hang out & what are you reading online? (Because they are just kinda like you, right? Your ideal core audience are folk who more or less care about the same things you do!)
If you assume they will be acting more or less like you do, then your own behaviour is a good guide and a good thing to analyse here - and might lead you straight to that audience. (Which websites are your non-guilty daily pleasures? How about pitching a guest post or trying to attract their attention so they'd be interested in interviewing you?)
Alternately: if you yourself kinda aspire to be like one of your writer heroes, where do *they* hang out - and then by extension, where does *their* audience hang out?
If you know where your ideal audience currently is, you can start coming up with a plan to get their attention - guest-posting, or leaving a really amazingly thoughtful comment somewhere, or even helping one of those "other Yous" directly with something, which is a fantastic way to get someone interested.
Hope that makes sense!
Hi Mike, I appreciate these comments and think they're right-on: in the beginning, "Do things that don't scale." I also like making real connections. I fight my inherent shyness about telling people about my newsletter, but I'm getting over it... slowly.
Thanks, Stephanie. Heck yes to doing unscalable things early on! Excellent advice. I know there's a real fear of trying stuff where you can easily see how it can turn into a massively unsustainable time-suck, but - try doing them until that happens, to see if it works. And one of those things is making one-to-one connections, to really connect and make friends and be deeply helpful. It's impossible to do that with everyone - but out-humanning the competition is a solid strategy in this online lark. :)
Also loving the term 'out-humanning' 😂
Hi Fiona,
Just read your spaghetti post! Definitely gonna try it soon. I just made some spaghetti Bolognese that I'll be sharing next week. Continue sharing, and I hope that we can collaborate on a post soon.
One foodie to another.
Oh thanks! Will take a look at your ‘stack. Lov the idea of combining music and food
Thanks for your input, Mike. Those were useful ideas. For my publication, the places my readers hang out may be in anonymous forums of support where it's a big no-no to talk about your product or service. Plus its a club no one wants to admit they're in. But I did take note because there are likely many other ways in - particularly finding someone I can guest-post on. Thanks again!
Yep, that sounds a tricky one, Faith.
Self-promoting in some places online is definitely a whole other rulebook to doing it elsewhere. For example, Nishant Jain (https://on.substack.com/p/grow-13-nishant-jain) is getting good at using reddit in this way - and reddit can be FIERCE when it comes to anyone looking self-promotional. I've also had a few newsletters do well on Hacker News/Ycombinator, and that place can be the same. It's a calibrating act, for sure. And I just think experience - really deeply researching the place and seeing how people react to stuff - can't be beaten.
But sometimes you can "self-promote" just by turning up and being enormously helpful and making sure it's easy for someone to see who you are and what you do, so if it generates a big reaction, people click through to your stuff - and that's as good as - or even better - than asking them to do it!
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your encouragement! I have "grazed" subreddits on my topic and will check out Nishant Jain example. I agree there's a way to do it that needs to be finessed (for lack of a better word). I have not heard of HackerNews/Ycombinator and will look into that as well. I think your best point here is about being enormously helpful, to truly connect with others in whatever forum, and allow that good will to live as it is, without expectation. Thanks again!
Stephanie, I feel shy about telling people about my blog too. But the funniest thing happens. If i mention it casually, in the context of another story I am telling, the person I am speaking with always wants to subscribe. I think we all underestimate our value.
I think context is really important. An opportunity to mention your newsletter organically is much less intrusive than dropping a link into a community and hoping people will click—even if you've been in that community for a while.
Casual conversations lead to “word of mouth” shares, too!
If you're not someone who seeks the spotlight, the shyness can be a real issue. I can go off on the awesomeness of others without a second thought, but it's basically impossible to do that for myself! Feels a little better knowing I'm not the only one trying to overcome this challenge.
Seems to me getting over that shyness is key. . . just tell everyone and anyone about it! At least, that's how others I know of who've been successful have done it.
My circumstance is a little different because I have a decent following on Medium where I write about politics and climate. In August I started putting a pitch at the end of my Medium articles aimed at writers (virtually everyone on Medium aspires to be a writer). My newsletter is about the writer life so it resonated and I’m adding around 100 subs monthly, which is fantastic. So if you have an audience somewhere, profile them and just let them know what you’re doing.
I think this works well if your two audiences are interested in (at least some of) the same things. Although I have a fairly decent following in my previous realm (healthy food), there are precious few of my followers interested in my "other" writing or editing. So, it means using other methods to grow the audience. . .
Thank you, Mark. Advice from somebody with an orange checkmark is appreciated 😉. I'm still quite unhappy with this new grading system. But I will look at your suggestions and ponder which one is applicable.
I’m not liking the grading system. I liked that I could be seen equally across Substack. Now I feel like there’s competition.
+1
I love that Substack is always trying new things/iterating, but this missed the mark.
Ditto. I've never won a popularity contest in my life.
Been thinking of migrating my newsletter to Buttondown. It integrates with Webflow, which is what I use for my website.
Haven't even clocked that. What are orange checkmarks? The equivalent of Twitter blue ticks or, as one friend pedantically points out, white ticks on a blue background
It's this: https://on.substack.com/p/badge
But in my case, I think it means "I have sufficiently annoyed a certain number of people enough that they have subscribed in the correct hope I will stop sending them offers to subscribe".
Some people, like yourself, get there by credible hard work and reader loyalty. I get there by just being irritating.
Wait, wait, Mike, I think you've stumbled on an underutilized growth hack. 😂😂
Anyone else remember the "Sponge Illustrated" episode of Garfield & Friends?
This is a great tip. Often we look for the "viral hit" that will flood us with fans and subscribers, but it really is about finding the simple ways to grow our audience organically over time and create that snow ball effect.
I completely agree - and I say that having got half my current free list from a viral thread on Twitter! (https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7) But the thing about that is - it's almost certainly never going to happen to me again. One chance in a million. Therefore, relying on it as a strategy is madness - and also *incredibly* hard on the soul. It's a recipe for always feeling like you've failed, because no viral hit can feel big enough, and the desperation of relying on something that fickle is so toxic.
If it's repeatable, that is where to pin your hopes. Something where you can see a small amount of movement forward, while feeling achievable enough that you can keep doing it. (That's been my strategy with the other 14-15 Twitter threads I've done. They get me half a dozen or a few dozen subscribers each time. It's been something that reliably works. I can attach a lot of enthusiasm to that - or at least, I could before E**n M**k took over Twitter! So it's time for me to start experimenting again and doing the deeper work of connecting to other people whose work I really admire...)
Thanks for sharing your article from the Substack Grow series. So much great info in there!
Cheers for reading it, Jessie!
I suspect a certain amount of it has been luck, to be honest - but there are always things you can do to position yourself better for when luck strikes! (The viral hit on Twitter wouldn't have done anything for my newsletter if I hadn't learned where to put a call to sign up into the thread.)
Agreed! Depending on going viral isn't a good model! I had a tweet go pretty viral a couple of years ago, but I didn't gain *that* many followers from it and very few of those people followed all the way to Substack. It doesn't work reliably.
Right! And isn't it that all too often it ends up being the most unlikely things that go viral? It's so unpredictable.
Yes! My viral tweet was a stupid joke about climate change and Santa Claus--completely unrelated to anything I write about anywhere else at any other time.
It's interesting insights. As I try to limit my social media and forum exposure, I'm probably self-defeating on this point! I should probably get into Reddit and use that to hook people somehow. https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/
Reddit can be interesting, but it can also be a useless time suck. Depends on the community. I've started dipping my toes into various Discord servers, but I haven't had the time to really dig deep on that as an outreach tactic.
I am just now exploring Reddit to find like minded folks. I write a newsletter that summarizes works of non-fiction and I try to connect the dots between the ideas in the books and what is going on in our world politically, economically, and culturally. I know there are lots of folks out there thinking in that vein so I feel like I just have to find more of them.
This.
Heck yeah! I am always pleasantly surprised when someone recommends my newsletter leading to new subscribers, or when people just happen on your newsletter through Substack itself. For me, it was helpful to tell people I know first! Like even on Facebook since they were all people I personally knew. It's a process for sure, just trying to be grateful every step of the way! :)
This is great advice, Mike! I find as I'm shifting where I hang out online, it's allowing me to learn new rules about new spaces and meet new people. It's exciting, and once I'm a little more established it'll be easier to invite people to come check out the Substack.
Hey Valorie! I think *you're* doing a great job with this, by the way - your Unruly History In The News updates are really fascinating paper-trails of the stuff you're reading....
So I have to ask - how are you approaching the problem of getting your work in front of audiences that haven't found it yet?
Thank you! I started that on a whim and it's now the most popular part of my 'stack! hahaha
I've started trying out this crazy thing called hashtags on Twitter and Instagram. I'm told they've been around since the internet was in its infancy, but I honestly always ignored them. Turns out they work!
Participating in Substack Chats is a new thing I've been trying. I'm also spending more time on Reddit, though I'm still in my 'lurking' stage and haven't start engaging much yet.
Mike, this is really insightful. It's the kind of advice that is really obvious when you think about it, but so easy to miss. I want to be that observant and to think that clearly. So, tell us, Mike, where do you hang out? That way we can all learn to be like you. That last part is a bit of a joke, but the stuff about your comment being very thoughtful is totally sincere. It really is great advice.
Cheers, John. :) I wouldn't want anyone to be like me! (What, make all THOSE mistakes and sound THAT British? DON'T DO IT.)
(But in case it helps as an example: I write about curiosity, science and wonder, with a hefty side-dollop of speculative fiction stuff, so I read a lot of Aeon, Scientific American, New Scientist, links from a variety of science communicators I trust on Twitter, the scifi-nerdtastic Den of Geek, The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings), Radiolab, and I have a frankly ludicrous number of books I'm working my way through according to the chosen topics of each season of my newsletter. And Twitter's been a big place for connecting with other people who dig that stuff too, some of whom have ended up reading my newsletter. Maybe for not much longer! We shall see what happens over there. But I'm still trying to find new places where similarly-nerdy folk are, so I can attract their attention in a hopefully non-spammy sort of way, and I have plans to pitch a few of these, to see if I could find a way to actually contribute to them, which would be a dream come true. But - all of it is a work in progress.)
Mike ... thanks for setting such a great example with your home page. Pinning your Read Me First post is brilliant. Just subscribed (free, for now). And, don't give up on Twitter ... or follow us to Mastodon if EM continues the slide to worst EM.
Thank you, Joyce! The pinned "Read Me First" page is definitely not my idea - I was following previous advice from advice from the Substack team there. I'll see if I can dig it out - unless Bailey or Katie could remind me where in the archives that's suggested?
But I learned it from you and as soon as I implement it, someone may learn it from me. It's the way the world works. And you did it so well ... making it fun and interesting.
Thanks for sharing your hangouts and your insights! I am particularly interested in your use of "seasons" to explore themes. I haven't seen this before in a newsletter and I think it's a really clever way to write about the huge topics you're covering. I'm off to subscribe!
Thank you so much, Jill!
I wrote a bit about working in seasons in a comment in a previous Office Hours: https://on.substack.com/p/office-hours-53/comment/9226802 Hope that help. (Definitely aren't *my* ideas, I've just borrowed/stolen them from people who are working brilliantly in this way elsewhere...)
Great advice.
This is a great perspective that takes a lot of the pressure off of chasing down your ideal audience.
But question: I don't have any daily websites that I visit. I don't use social media. Outside of Office Hours and work, I don't really hang out online.
Sooo...where do I look? 😅
If it helps, the advice I'm giving myself lately is to make more human connections in the real world. The more of my neighbors I meet, or conversations I have at bookstores, the better. I try not to go nuts promoting my page in every conversation, but it often comes up and I have a few great new subscribers who arrived that way. Those people, because they have met me in person, have a much stronger connection to what I write.
Tonya beat me to it. :)
Bravo, Tonya! This is great advice. I have started to share my newsletter with friends but haven't stepped out to make new connections. Part of my problem is that I don't go out much, either, and when I do, it's usually for a specific purpose on a tight timetable. Doesn't leave a lot of room for organic discussion.
Time to give myself breathing room, I guess. :)
The best part of "getting out there" (which is never as easy as it sounds) is that every part of it is healthy. You meet interesting people, you feel more connected to your community, and, hey, it might help your Substack too. It's a much less hustle-y form of self-promotion, which, even though it takes some effort, is much easier psychologically than blasting everyone on social media all the time.
A caveat, of course: I'm just getting started on this tactic. But I'm really enjoying it so far.
Oooh. Hmmm. But - you said "online". What about offline? Because, what more powerful way of getting someone interested in what you're doing than by telling them about it face to face?
Yeah, I don't do much offline, either. 😅 I have started sharing with the people I see on a regular basis, but I'm not very social. Chronic introvert!
I have, oddly, considered doing something like direct mail or postcards/business cards.
Great suggestions!
Thank you for the advice Mike. You have a great publication as well. I'm all for jumping out the comfort zone, especially when it leads to a better and happier life.
Thank you! :) Totally agreed (about the jumping out of comfort zone bit).
Thanks Mike for the great suggestion. So many of us overlook the obvious. Just subscribed to your blog.
Thank you so much, Marji. :)
This is such great advice. Sounds intuitive, but most of us just don't connect those dots. Thanks for pointing them out!
This is beautiful advice.
First comment! I win.
I am looking forward to seeing how people use image galleries. I think this presents a great opportunity for comic creators and am interested in seeing how they work with the new features.
As an artist, I also am excited to use the image galleries! I was a little disappointed to see that you can't change the shape/layout of the images within the gallery, but I understand this is a new feature and will probably undergo updates down the line. To any Substack devs/designers, would love to see this update eventually!
The devs do hang out in here. I'm sure one of them will see your comment. I look forward to seeing your art.
As a fellow artist I agree about the shape/layout, Amanda. I wish Substack would allow square photos to show as square on the Home page, also. They're perfectly fine in the actual post but not on the Home page. I'm just now finding out about the image gallery option...
Agree with all of this!
I'm an illustrator and I am really excited about the image gallery because I like to post walk throughs of my drawing process and this will make it so much neater and easier to follow!
What a great idea! I love anything behind the scenes or peeks inside a process.
Walk-throughs are a great idea and I can see how they'd be perfect for this.
Meaghan, you have a fantastic name for your newsletter. I wish I would have thought of that.
The Writer Office Hours email is one email I get super excited about each week! haha
I hope we see some photographers using those image galleries. I see so many amazing photographers on Twitter and Instagram, but as we know everything is so throttled by the algorithm. But the Substack layout really has that 2004 Flickr feel! Excited to see some people use it.
"2004 Flickr feel" what a great and concise way to express that idea. I agree, though, getting a bunch of photographers in here would be great.
I'm half tempted to make one myself, for the amazing live-music photography I see everyday. That I'm even considering it is a testament to how user-friendly and easy Substack is to use... if I only had Mailchimp to do that? Yikes, no way.
I still prefer creating my own "image galleries" and having full control of the white space, the size, the placement as I did on my latest article with a total of five images, four that include three nested images each:
Reaching The Divine Through Movies: Finding Transcendence On The Screen
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/reaching-the-divine-through-movies
I understand that the movies listed in your article were chosen based off of your personal and subjective taste, but really? How can you leave What Dreams May Come off of that list? Not only does it include great cinematography, but I found the storyline to be quite moving. Of course, that's my personal opinion. I won't force it on you since the focus of your article seems to be on clean images and parts of Dreams are messy.
Ah, I haven't seen "What Dreams May Come." Thank you so much for the movie recommendation. I will add it to my queue posthaste and will update this article if it is indeed sublime. I love "Dead Poets Society," also starring Robin Williams:
The Wisdom In "Dead Poets Society" (1989): And The Reasons For Living
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/the-wisdom-in-dead-poets-society
Set aside some time to be totally gutted if you watch it. What Dreams May Come is gorgeous, but it will rip your heart out, tear it into little bitty pieces, then burn your house to the ground around you. It's worth it, but definitely lock up your existential philosophy first, call all your family members to check in, and plan a big, soothing meal for afterwards.
Wow! Please consider being a Guest Writer on "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies":
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/be-our-guest
I'll check it out, thanks!
Would you like to write about "What Dreams May Come" as a Guest Writer on "moviewise: Life Lessons From Movies"? I would LOVE to read what you have to say. Here is a link explaining the process:
Be Our Guest!
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/be-our-guest
+1 on being a guest writer on Moviewise - L.E. is a joy to work with!
Thank you George! That means a lot to me 🤗
You do this well in your posts!
Thank you Paul!
Winner winner chicken dinner!!!
I'm using a mix of the galleries and still using Canva to create collages when I want more than all of the photos the same size. I would like the ability to adjust where the photo falls in the square, but as Amanda says below, I know they are still developing it and I look forward to improvements in the future.
Omg I love Canva!
I use it for everything. Considered using it to make my cover for the self-published book I'm working on, but decided it would be better to ask a friend to design it instead (you know, since he's a graphic designer, ha!)
Have never used Canva so thanks for the prompt!
I love Canva. It's pretty essential for a lot of my IG posts and I've discovered you can use it for a lot of things, including creating collages for my posts here. You can see some examples in my travel posts.
Thanks! will check it - and them - out
Yeah, being able to specify exactly what part of the image is the focal point for the thumbnail really is important. Twitter frustrates me all the time because it doesn't offer this feature.
I'm not familiar with the image galleries -- is this only available to folks with paid subscribers?
We launched galleries late last Friday night! You can read more here: https://on.substack.com/i/84956415/image-galleries
OMG, how did I miss this? Wahoo!
Same. First I'm hearing of it! I need to check this out, too.
It's new and available for all as a dropdown option where you add images to your posts.
I will be using them with my art, lets see!
Agreed. I thought this was a great addition to the editor.
I am really looking forward to using image galleries! Yay for more art :)
I loved this gorgeous post with a gallery: https://eberlin.substack.com/p/barbican
That is nice.
I definitely have plans to use this feature!
Well? What are your plans? Tell us so we can steal your best ideas. I'm joking. I do look forward to seeing how you use it though.
Great opp for comic creators! Hadn't thought of that. My Substack is "The Art of Unintended Consequences" so I'm still trying to figure out how I can use the galleries as a value-add to my writings.
I have a four panel comic strip, and I just create one large image that combines three rows into one square. This allows me to control the white space and also makes it possible to size it so it can be printed out:
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/its-all-good-times
I wish that the gallery opened up into a lightbox so you could look at the images better.
Agree. It looks a really fun addition (once I can work out what to do with it!)
I need to investigate the gallery feature. I just published a post of my favorite photos of the season, but didn't really explore the new options beforehand. Guess I should do that soon.
You can learn more here: https://on.substack.com/i/84956415/image-galleries
Thank you!
The most genuinely supportive thing any Substacker can do is go paid on at least one other Substack written by someone who's not a celebrity,or already heavily promoted by Substack. It meant the world to me when [names redacted so they don't get begging letters] all started paying. If you're not paying for anyone else, how does that encourage readers to cough up?
I totally agree, even though I can't do that right now since my husband and I can't even pay our basic living expenses based on our current income and may soon be forced to move in with a friend. With that said, I am a free subscriber to many other newsletters and make it a point to leave comments to express my appreciation, include their newsletters in my recommendations list, and occasionally quote and link to them in my newsletter articles.
What a great way to give back. It's not always about money. Sometimes just liking someone's post, especially a newbie can bring a smile. Commenting is taking one step beyond and showing an investment of time and engagement.
Wendi, I'm so sorry, and I certainly don't want anyone to pay more than they can afford, as I'm sure you realize. You've given a good rule of thumb for us all: Pay as you can, and if not, find other ways to support those you read.
No need to apologize. Like I said earlier, I agree with you and look forward to a time when I am able to upgrade to paid subscriptions on some of my favorites. I also know how much the fact that any reader engages with my content enough to leave a comment means to me, so I figure other writers appreciate that affirmation that their work is resonating with me, too.
I appreciate that, Wendy, and I appreciate your recommendation and the subscriber I received from you!
That's paying it forward, Wendi. 💟
I completely agree. Just good energy. Everything goes around.
And -- since my funds are limited, I've been subscribing monthly to three and then after a few months, I cancel those paid subscriptions and subscribe to three others. Trying my best to spread out my limited resources.
I like this idea. Although I did recently pause one of my subscriptions to subscribe to another writer and I felt so badly doing it. I wanted to write a letter to the writer to apologize, lol. I resisted that urge. But I was pleased to see I had the option of pausing instead of cancelling, I can revisit that down the road.
I had a reader subscribe on the monthly plan, and immediately unsubscribe, having paid for a month. I ended up having a lovely chat with her: She picks a different newsletter each month to support. Honestly, if everyone did that, it would pretty much fix the problem.... Sadly, not the way things work, but thank you for caring, and doing this!
I really do believe in karma around this! What you put out there will come back to you. I'm a paid subscriber at a few places because it makes me feel like I'm putting some good into the world.
The key is "few", since I feel strongly that more needs to be done to get long-term Freebie-Readies to put something in the pot. Substack was founded to get good writers paid, not just be more free stuff ( or confirmation bias clickbait) on the web
Agreed. I wonder how Medium's paywall of $5/month to read anything is going. I wonder if there's a version of that for Substack where free subscribers could pay $5 to read every writer's free posts, and everyone writing could get a few cents of that pot. I don't know if that would push people away though. I personally use Medium less since the introduction of that program, but that's just me.
I do NOT like the Medium model, and I've been with them for years, although I don't write there much anymore. With Substack, you get your own subscribers, free or paid, AND you own your own list and you don't have to depend on some random algorithm to get paid. Some people will always stay free, and others will pay or convert to paid IF they either love you already (LOL) or see the additional value you offer paid subscribers. I got a new yearly paid subscriber yesterday who found me on Google immediately paid in full!!!
Appreciate your sharing your experience, since I'm not all that familiar with Medium.. I'm a "bestseller" but, like everyone in the "hundreds of paid" category who's not independently wealthy, I need the ratio of paid to free to be more proportionate, and I hope any ideas that get thrown out here will help continue to push Substack to address this issue.
Again, that's up to you, although Substack does help--I get lots of readers, and quite a few free and paid subscribers from Substack. Some people come to Substack with already large followers from elsewhere, or their niche is so special that everyone interested in that niche signs up. I've made a written goal for myself to have 2,500 subscribers by my 18-month anniversary. At my present rate of 20% of my subscribers going paid, I'll meet my goal of $60K/year just from Substack. I started at zero. I'm just gonna keep writing and promoting and I'll get there.
Yeah, I don't like the model as a reader. I just wonder if there's a way to adapt it and make it better. But maybe there's not--maybe it is just bowing to an algorithm.
I've all but given up on Medium, even though I still get notifications of some of the writers there from a couple of years ago. I'm still paying the $5/month for now. ON Medium, it seems like they're in charge. On Substack it seems like I'm in charge. That's why I like it.
Alison Acheson also raised this (somewhere among the millions of messages above) and it's got to help. People tend to gravitate toward the famous when it comes to paying (that explains why there are so many bad bestsellers, as the NY Times finally realized recently...), so I think much needs to be done.
It's also so easy to game the bestseller rankings--and, I imagine, the Substack bestseller rankings could be gamed too.
But yeah, this is a great point. Some people see a bestseller ranking and think "it must be good" and just buy it without testing it themselves. It's a positive feedback loop for the famous--and a negative feedback loop for everyone else.
It's had a terrible impact on literary fiction!
I pay for about 10 of my favorite Substack writers, and just today, a very famous historian with a HUGE following (no, not Heather--yet!) subscribed to MY Substack! I am SO geeked! What I pay for the Substack writers I like is more than offset by my own paid subscribers every month.
Thanks ... and if you had said Heather, I would have swooned with envy. I like your fixed number budget ... it almost feels like having 10 packages under the Christmas tree ... and I get to decide what's in them.
Ahhh so excited to have just found your publication!
Thank you and welcome!
Great point and the finger points back at me. There is so much brilliant writing here that I'm still in a state of overwhelm wanting to go paid for so many. I'm thinking about creating a Substack budget (not only money but time) as a way to bring this into balance.
I "unsubscribed" from a few free and paid Substacks that didn't turn out like I thought. That was cool, too, and I've had a couple of people unsubscribe from mine. That's how this world works.
I call this secular-tithing! I've been doing it for the past couple years with 10% of my income, and discovered all sorts of great writing and local music and more! Artists need to support each other--in ways that are meaningful to all concerned.
! :)
I have a Substack time budget! I literally block off a couple hours a week just to read stuff.
Joyce, I certainly don't think we can subscribe to all our Substack pals! A budget is important! ❤️
I would much rather support someone I admire carving out a a cool space on the platform for readers and community members. The big names don’t need my help, the small names do. I plan on paying for a few folks to continue their journeys as I do mine.
I agree with this. I select one newsletter a month, give or take, and upgrade to a paid subscription to support other writers. In the end, with any endeavor, it's really about paying it forward. 💟
I paid for Corbett Barr's Starting Things. I was a fizzler and glad to see he has a substack. And I'm starting a thing.
Fizzler, being a new term to me, I went looking for a definition and found two ... a physicist or a big person who eats a lot. Now I just have to ask what you mean when you say you were a fizzler. ;-)
Well, the site was technically called Fizzle. It was for creative types who wanted to start their own business. fizzle.co - It looks like it was bought out by Zen Business.
Thanks for soothing my curiosity! Now I want to be a fizzler ... but it has already fizzled. ;-(
This makes sense.
Oh man! SO excited about image galleries. Now I don't have to do all that jerry-rigging on Canva to display photos side-by-side. It's going to save me a ton of time!
Also congrats to Erik! One of my favorite newsletters for sure. The Intrinsic Perspective is a marvel and absolutely worth paying for.
Still doing Canva for some collages, but agreed!!!
I also hope galleries make my posts more aesthetically pleasing. Now it's a bit of a mess :)
It definitely helps me live my motto, which is Fight the Faff!
I would love to see Substack feature writers who don’t have any paid subscribers. Maybe even some who have small numbers of free subscribers. While I can see the benefits of people who have larger audiences, the already successful don’t necessarily reflect how most writers struggle to get anyone to care about their work.
Yes, I have no idea how many unpaid newsletters there are, but even if they randomly selected ones to feature that would help equalize (although maybe they do and we don't know it?). There is the discovery feature and the three tags we can choose to better show up in front of the eyes of readers who might be interested.
I’ve suggested the random selection idea before also. That would at least be fair.
As far as I can tell, the tags we select are basically meaningless. The three I selected—fiction, literature, and history—correspond to discovery categories, but I have never once seen my newsletter among any of them, though I’ve seen newsletters listed there that have only been on substack for a few days :-(
Agree. Substack only seems interested in promoting what brings them $$$, not what engages the varied interests of their broader readership, paid and unpaid. Except, these things are not mutually exclusive. I’d even say they are inextricable.
Yes, if they promote some of the smaller writers, they could turn them into bigger writers and increase revenue for Substack. Writers with no paid subscribers could become ones with them.
I was thinking this as well. Or at least help boost some. They should actually do a little better internal curation on common or interesting topics.
https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/
Hey — Just throwing out there that Substack did a feature on me. I'm only free and came to the platform with zero subscribers. https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-6
Substack has to make money so that people like me can use it for free, but I do think they do a good job supporting us.
Which is good and happy for you, but that's part of why I suggested low free subscribers as well. Compared to the amount some have, 2,000 is quite a lot of people. It's also been since January 26th. Whereas most of the people since then have large numbers of paid subscribers.
There are definitely benefits that Substack is doing and I get that they need to make money. But I think their strategy is creating an imbalance and causing problems for smaller members of the community.
Right, some of us are writing more niche newsletters, but we’d still appreciate access to the same additional exposure for the work we’re doing. I’ve seen some newsletters with truly bizarre topics featured, so why not also introduce readers to smaller, more eclectic free reads?
I also think it’s shortsighted on Substack’s part to treat free pubs as charity cases surviving on the crumbs of paid pubs. I am on this platform for both the free and paid content I read, as well as for the chance to write. Im invested in the success of the platform and other writers on it mainly because of the free content I enjoy. Paid pubs may keep the lights on, but freebies put asses in the seats. I don’t see how you get one without the other. We deserve a little respect.
I don’t want the hassle of going paid. But if Substack is going to take a dump on writers like me for that (they already have with the vile checkmarks) and shunt us aside in favor of their cash cows, guess what? I’ll go elsewhere. And I’ll take my paid subscriptions, which are many, with me.
Hi fellow writers 👋, this is Livio.
Since I have joined Substack and started posting regularly, I have figured out that writing is much easier than gaining subscribers.
On the one hand, I am using the Substack network as much as I can.
On the other, I am trying to leverage my +2.5k Linkedin followers, but gaining subscribers is not the easiest task anymore.
Can someone help by sharing tactics that are revealing successful?
My publication is Think Twice, It's All Right.
I write for fellow overthinkers, articles on decision making, personal & career growth in conditions of high uncertainty.
https://livmkk.substack.com/
This may or may not work for you but I've found that the most effective way to connect with and attract subscribers is to identify newsletters in your subject area or subjects you care about and comment and engage there regularly. Also, forming relationships with others in your space and co-promoting works well too. The result is not a flood but a steady stream.
This is an interesting collection of newsletter directories! https://airtable.com/shrbhZPHOSAvonTXN/tbldEbR4GQ3jguw9s
A steady stream is likely a good indicator of sustainability :)
Nice one! I am a bit struggling with finding relevant newsletters on substack. How do you do that?
i use the search tool plus I look at the recommendations that usually pop up when you subscribe to one
For you Livio? Try search with keywords: "overthink" "nerd" "intuition" Believe me, you will find many relevant results.
Definitely, Elizabeth
Hey Livio!
I've built a few Substacks with other people (mine is new and a very different style/goal, so I wouldn't look at mine as an example), but my best advice is to think of it like a product—not a newsletter. What are people getting out of subscribing? What's the value? What's the sale?
Get real clear on what that is, then make it incredibly obvious for your followers on other platforms. You're asking them to give you something (their email address), so the thing you're giving them in return needs to be worth that transaction. If they don't understand what you're offering in 6 seconds (or less), then they're less likely to convert.
You are exactly right. Even if your Substack is free, it is a product you are getting others to spend their precious time on. Make it valuable to them, ALWAYS. Think about each post... what is the reader getting out of it? Write first for yourself, if you are enjoying it and having fun, that will come through. But if you want subscribers, you also have to think of the value to them.
That's a valuable advice.
Defining my value proposition takes time, since it is emerging organically from my writings. So, it is gonna be a work in progress for a while.
What surprises me of Linkedin is that I am getting quite little impressions and views on the articles. So, I am not even able to convert them into subscribers, since they do not visit the page...
An example here --> https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6998608265521545216
Similar posts used to work pretty well in the past.
I likewise post my articles on LinkedIn, Medium, and so on. I had the same experience you described, which is why I like Substack. When I get enough articles, as I did from my WordPress site, I will pull everything together, re-edit, and publish it as a book. Of course, my first book was a great adventure and costly, but I loved doing it and the experience. What are life and living all about anyway?
You said it! Life is about the adventure and the experience. Make the most of it.
Part of this is because LinkedIn prioritizes LinkedIn content. So if you use their 'blog' or 'article' feature, their algorithm distributes it further. They really cut down on external links over internal content
Well that makes sense. The problem for me is that I hate LInkedin. Almost every time I accept an invitation to connect with someone, they follow up by trying to sell me something!
Hasn't done me any luck either. I can't even get anyone to respond once I have connected with them.
Wel, I think people collect connections because it looks good.
That's a good point, Michael. I recently started a LinkedIn page and my tech genius friend told me to post my latest article on Substack onto the Article page for LinkedIn. I write at the top that it was "originally posted on Substack on [DATE]". It's a bit more work but then I use the #s that are the best fit.
Faith, can you post the link to one of these posts? Very curious to see them.
Hi Livio,
Here's a link to my latest post as I placed it on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7001637118624100352/.
And the link to my Substack page, where my latest article from Tuesday is featured:
https://faithcbergevin.substack.com/
What has been the result in terms of subscribers, Faith? Have you noticed an increase?
Hi Terry,
It's too soon to tell, since I only populated my LinkedIn profile two weeks ago to make it look like "something". And so I am in the process of growing my LinkedIn connections. But I have had people view my articles on LinkedIn and note they liked it. Not great stats but with only being there 2 weeks and on SS for a month I am trying different things. One interesting anecdote I just remembered: someone I knew years ago started following me after I re-posted my most popular piece to date on LI (whether it was due to the article or she happened upon me otherwise, I don't know). And as for the subscriber question, I will repeat what I said in another thread, I talk about provocative things and joining my substack is akin to joining a club people don't want to belong to as I am dealing with social issues, sexual violence, and other unpopular topics. So I anticipate it'll be a while and so I'm not your best example :)
Spot on.
No social media platform is in the business of sending you free traffic!
I guess this explains why my posts linked to my Substack are never answered or clicked on. I thought LinkedIn would further my visibility, but I guess not.
I remember reading about someone whose blog post was tweeted out by Stephen Fry, who had millions of followers at the time. The only tangible results were (a) his website crashed because of the number of people visiting; (b) 8 people subscribed to his newsletter. Eight!! It's much better to be slow, steady and consistent methinks, and not worry about LinkedIn, Twitter etc.
Forgive me, as I don't use LinkedIn too much, but isn't what you're writing already sort of "widely available" on LinkedIn? Lots of helpful advice, things that make you think, interesting ways to look at things. Those are all great things!
But since there's a LOT of that, why do people need to subscribe to your newsletter?
Some LinkedIn folks are putting everything right there on LinkedIn. And some people (on any social media network) are perfectly fine to just keep scrolling, knowing they'll find similar content for hours on end.
Like people I see on Instagram who post lots of video, then they say "click to watch the full clip on YouTube." That's a lot to "ask" of someone, you know?
What is it about your writing, your offering, that motivates people to want to leave LinkedIn and read what you have to say?
And then to subscribe!
That's the million dollar question for me, too :)
That's a very direct and helpful feedback. Thanks for that.
The reply is... I do not know yet! :D And I know I do not know.
For sure it is a matter of the content I produce, but it might also be a matter of the correct hooks and technicalities. I was focusing more on the second, but maybe I rather need to focus on the uniqueness of the content. Food for thoughts...
haha sorry! I didn't mean to be TOO direct, I swear!
But yes, I'm still learning my way, too. And I've been writing online since 2001! Always something to learn.
For me it's always this - "no one is me, so I gotta show me." I know how to write smooth and cool and nice, or whatever. But I like to swear and get angry about social media, so I make sure that comes through in my writing.
There's already a lot of advice on email marketing on the internet. But like none of it is written for metal heads, so that's what I'm aiming at. Took me awhile to figure that out!
I really appreciate the directedness. Was probably the most useful comment of all ;) Thanks for having had the courage!
"no one is me, so I gotta show me."
Love this!
I've noticed that even people with hundreds of followers on Linkedin get very few likes or comments on their Linkedin posts. I think a part of the problem is that there is so much 'stuff' out there, it's hard to cut through the noise so to speak.
I am also starting to think that the more frequently you post, the less impressions you get :o
I noticed in my other newsletters that there is a foolproof way of losing subscribers: publishing something! I think what you've saaid is true, but the other side of the coin, surely, is that the more frequently you post, the greater the chance that you'll be noticed. There's a marketing adage that I have found, generally, to be true: people have to see a message 17 times (some say 20) before they act on it.
I do a lot on LinkedIn had have thousands of connections. BUT, there is so much noise on there now, it is hard to break through. If you post on the main page, it goes by so fast that even if one of your followers is viewing LinkedIn, it's just more noise in the vast list of posts that gets a new post probably every second or so.
I've had a little better success writing Articles, but you still have to get through the noise. You'll never get a LOT of views, but they are higher quality than on many other platforms - as long as you are on relevant target.
It took me a while, but I have taken the time to reply to my own question.
By analysing some of my past posts.
In short:
- The post composition matters. Most posts above 1.5k impressions follow certain writing rules, being personal, short, provide a core lesson and invite to click to know more (= use a checklist!)
- It is better to add the article link in the post body
- There is a strong correlation between likes, impressions and time. Get people to like your post quickly after they're out (should we do a group with authors?)
- Similar posts produce less impressions over time (= vary the posts!)
I have written an extensive article about it.
With actionable advice and downloadable checklists.
Check it out, guys! Would be happy to read your comments and insights --> https://livmkk.substack.com/p/9-linkedin-posts-gone-wrong-lessons
I've had pretty much zero coming out of Twitter and LinkedIn. But I don't have a lot of followers on those platforms, so there's that.
One thing that is proving consistent is The Sample. I get a couple new subs every week (I post once a week)
https://thesample.ai/?ref=4b39
This is a referral link which means that if you use it, I get something. I really don't know what I get, maybe a doughnut coupon? But anyway, I've found them useful. Maybe it'll work for others, too.
All the best.
I posted this recently: I have gotten several new subs from Twitter where I've been since 2008, but I don't know how long I'll stay there if it keeps going downhill. I've also gotten several new subs from LinkedIn where I am very active, even though my Substack is quite different from my primary business. I get a lot of subs from my Facebook, my IG, and from Substack!
I just clicked to check it out and I'm not clear how it works. Do you enter your own email address? Or do you tell people to enter THEIR email address, and hope that The Sample send them something from your Substack? Or am I missing the point entirely--?
To get started, click the "Submit a newsletter" button near the bottom, enter your email address, the the URL of your substack, name of substack, and its short description.
The Sample then emails you (or displays on the screen? don't remember) an email address that you need to manually add to your subscriber list. The email address they assign to you is unique to you, example xyz123whatever@import.thesample.ai
Next time you post, The Sample gets a copy. They then forward your post to various others, and some of those may subscribe. A new subscriber may go directly to your stack and sub, or they may do it through The Sample. If the latter, The Sample will email you to let you know and you need to manually enter the new subscriber(s). They cannot do it automatically because Substack doesn't support it.
Once you've got it setup, it just keeps ticking. Each new post gets spread out via The Sample to others who may convert to subscribers.
Perfect--thanks so much for this explanation! I am definitely going to give it a try.
You're welcome. All the best!
Yeah, I am testing it too, under Tobias' suggestion. For now not very productive. But it depends a lot on "how good" the article of that week is.
I'm also on this table Livio; I started publishing about 3 months ago but it's quite challenging getting subscribers.
My Newsletter shares Insights into helping people harness their innate creative abilities for personal and societal benefits https://thecreativityinyou.substack.com/
Looking forward to walking with you on this adventure :))
Yeah, I will share my lessons on the way. Are you using linkedin? Or which channels?
I run into the same problem. I have a few thousand twitter followers, but that translated to like 50 Substack subscribers. I promote my page on my podcast. I post to instagram. I have links to my Substack page on my website. Just not a lot of conversions.
I've had a lot of luck replying to other people's posts on twitter. Than people find my newsletter via my profile and website (without prompting) or if I post a relevant article that answers their question. It is incredibly time-consuming though, and I feel burnt out so I'm going to focus more on the substack network.
Yes, I found myself on Linkedin for so long. And then asked myself "Why?". I want to write, not to do this. Too time consuming.
My thoughts too, Livio
Same - I feel burned out on Twitter, I cut back on how much I post there this week just for sanity's sake! I am grateful to give it the old college try, and to take a break :)
Same. I have found that replying to popular posts tends to get more views than a post. Especially if you don't have a massive following. I intend to get verified on Twitter once they open that back up again. I'm hoping that will translate to just a touch more reach.
Where do you post replies to questions? Twitter? How do you even find the questions?
I imagine it would be very unique to your industry. In my case, I've followed relevant K12 curriculum providers and education journalists on twitter. I try to visit my feed and give others compliments on great posts or weigh in on conversations. I also sometimes search for the word "homeschool" on twitter.
In one instance, someone said they'd homeschool, but were worried about socialization, so I linked to our post on homeschooling and socialization.
When people visit your post on substack, substack has a pop up that encourages people to sign up.
I'm far from an expert on this, but here are some of my tweets and replies.
What I mostly try to do is give other people genuine approval and praise, and repost good comment, give more than I get.
https://twitter.com/MyModulo/with_replies
I hope that's helpful.
How did you try to convert from Twitter to Substack?
I'm new to substack and starting quietly on purpose. I'm curious to see if one can build a community from scratch. I'm hoping that by doing so I end up connecting with folks who really want to be there rather than me feeling the pressure of entertaining/catering to those who follow me on social media. The advice I hear often is to engage where you organically feel compelled to - show up and be active on other newsletters that resonate with you. And, as I'm coaching myself, stay true and be patient. :)
Oh, I'm sure you can build something from scratch. It'll just probably take a bit!
I helped co-found Metal Bandcamp Gift Club, which started on Twitter back in 2016. Now six years later I have the newsletter on Substack, and a Discord with like 40-ish active people. I mean, it's hard to build community around "buy music for people you don't know on their birthday," but we made it work.
https://metalbandcampgiftclub.substack.com/
That's a killer idea!
Thanks, Kevin! A few emails every week, a few albums bought for random strangers from each email. It's good fun :)
Here's an interview we did with Bandcamp soon after we started: https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/giving-the-gift-of-metal
Thanks, Seth! Patience is a virtue, I hear ;)
You are SO right on "writing is much easier than gaining subscribers". But that's all part of the game, the challenge, the fun of it. I learned this the hard way with the first book I published. The book was easy - a lot of work, but I know what I was doing.
When I published though, the real challenge was cutting through all the noise out there and getting people exposed to the book. For the current book (hopefully to be published in January), I have been working all along on ways to get exposure and to market the book. That way, when I release, I'll have some clue what I'm doing. :-)
For Substack, we have an advantage in that we can keep writing while we are exposing ourselves to the world. It goes hand-in-hand. But HOW is what you really asked. I too have several thousand LinkedIn followers. I've been successful some in direct messaging the appropriate people (but be careful not to abuse that). I have also used groups to some success. Write a RELEVANT post that also gives you the opportunity to provide a link to your Substack. VERY time consuming, but I think rewarding. You can't always tell where your subscribers come from.
My Substack is, "The Art of Unintended Consequences" and I always ask people to provide me with their experiences in Unintended Consequences rather than just asking them to subscribe. It is an artform to do it properly.
We have guides for how to bring your Twitter and Instagram followers to Substack. I imagine some of these tips would translate to LinkedIn as well
https://on.substack.com/p/bringing-followers-from-instagram
https://on.substack.com/p/bringing-your-twitter-followers-to
Hi Livio, I'm with you. Easier to write than to promote. I came across a website that has helped me learn about new newsletters and attract my own subscribers. It is called the Sample - https://thesample.ai/?ref=e8e2 (I admit that I am using their referral link). Over the past few weeks, I have gotten several new folks subscribing to my blog and lots more viewers. Check it out.
I've used The Sample too. It only brings me about an average of 20 more readers per post, although some are 0. My biggest was one story that brought me 161 readers. As for subscribers, I got one, except that person unsubscribed as soon as I sent them the Welcome message. I guess it just depends on your niche.
For me, writing and editing are a pleasure, joy, and sometimes an obsession, but trying to master the art, if there is one, of getting subscribers has not been one of my favorite or productive ways of spending my time. I have had a WordPress site for years and published many articles to share my experience and knowledge with people it might help. Writing is a gift, reward, and possibly therapeutic for overthinkers like me.
Wow, this thread is extremely insightful. 80+ replies. Great! 🙏
I have put together some resources, to reply to my own question on using Linkedin to get subscribers.
I have analysed my past posts. And put together some materials, including checklists and templates, links to the posts, and recommendations.
Check it out! Would be happy to read your comments and insights --> https://livmkk.substack.com/p/9-linkedin-posts-gone-wrong-lessons
P.s.: for who does not have the time to go through the full article, this is the summary of what I have found out:
- The post composition matters. Most posts above 1.5k impressions follow certain writing rules, being personal, short, provide a core lesson and invite to click to know more (= use a checklist!)
- It is better to add the article link in the post body
- There is a strong correlation between likes, impressions and time. Get people to like your post quickly after they're out (should we do a group with authors?)
- Similar posts produce less impressions over time (= vary the posts!)
I hope this helps!
I'm in the same position. I just used this to try to expand my reach. Just add yours to these distributors and, in theory, you get more exposure
https://www.growgetters.co/post/newsletter-directory
Livio writes great stuff, is a super guy and I recommend his Substack. I got the chance to connect with him via chat on LinkedIn and we shared a couple strategies to grow our newsletters. Give Livio a look!
Thanks, my friend. I have actually started to put together an article to share my lessons learned while posting on Linkedin. I'll hopefully share it soon with my readers.
And your newsletter is amazing too, Tobias. I still have a few articles to check, but I really enjoyed the one quoting Jung!
Have you tried the "link in bio" thing? Instead of posting a link in your post, make sure you have one of those multi-link things set up (I use Link Tree), and mention that in your post.
I've been doing that for the month of November, with a small-ish Twitter (2500) and Instagram (580) following, and I got almost a new subscriber every day this month. Most were from the network, but still... a handful showed up as Source: Link Tree in the "New Subscriber" emails I get from Substack.
Not saying that's THE ANSWER, but something worth trying maybe!
Can you link here you link tree, so that I get it?
Honestly, I have analysed a bit and does not seem that the link in the post reduces views, but that's definitely a good advice.
I use bio link, and I use its link on the front of my Substack under "Good News":
https://bio.link/moviewise
https://moviewise.substack.com
I also use and love bio link, https://bio.link/wendigordon. I have the link on my main Substack page, and also created a "learn more about me" tab that takes readers directly to my bio link page, and included a link to it in the text of my Substack "About" page info, too.
Thanks, L.E. & Wendi - both bio.link and parent firm Buy Me a Coffee are interesting ideas to try next...
Yeah, I’ve read some things that says a link throttles reach. And then yes, other folks say it doesn’t matter. The main point is that social media doesn’t let us reach all our fans anyways!
Here’s my link tree: https://linktr.ee/sethw
How many subscribers have you had from LinkedIn?
Thanks all.
I’ve been posting for the first time on Mastodon. It’s like Twitter but without Elon
About 30 or so from LinkedIn. My Substack is only a few months old.
I've had a round number...
A few maybe. Maybe one or two. But I don’t post on LinkedIn much.
few 10s, over time
First of all, I’d like to thank Substack’s network effects. Despite not playing the social media game and writing under a pseudonym, I’ve been getting great readers to my publication. I can’t imagine this happening anywhere else. To all those writers hesitant to start because they don’t have a massive following: Just do it. Think of this like a startup. You build a quality product (your writing) and never compromise on the value you provide. Everything else will come to you. That is what makes substack different from Twitter of Facebook. Just focus on your writing!
Agreed. I just started writing with NO subscribers. Been at it a month or so and have 30 subscribers now. I've just been using various methods to reach out and to expose myself. Best advice as D'Nivra said, "Just do it."
David ... the title of your newsletter was enough to get me to go check you out ... and subscribe. I absolutely love the egg image and look forward to getting your posts.
Well thank you so much! When I thought of that egg concept, it just wowed me and I had to do something with it. Some people don't get it because they don't look at the detail. THAT is where it really hits you. :-)
For anyone who wants to see the EGG, go here. https://davidnemzoff.substack.com/p/what-is-the-art-of-unintended-consequences
Wow! David ... knowing that is your concept makes it even more powerful. It took me a second look before I got it, but it's a sock-knocker-off when you get it. I want to cross-post it. Am going to go back and look at it to see where it might fit and then I'll ask permission officially.
Thanks, Joyce. FUNNY, before I saw your comment, I had just finished reading "When the World Stand's Still," and thought that tied right into my focus. I was thinking about reaching out to see if I could talk about Ansley in a future story, with a different focus and some additional research WITH of course your permission and a cross-post back to your story. I want to dig deeper into the decisions that led her to this point and where she ended up at. Very emotional video.
If you find a fit on your site, let me know and I'll give permission to cross-post. I'll let you know when I get to Ansley's story (if you don't mind), but it'll probably be a few months. I have a backlog of great stories in my pipeline. :-)
Isn't Ansley amazing and I would love to see anything you write about her. No permissions necessary, of course. Having a pipeline of great story is like having a BIG bank account and wondering what to spend it on first. Such challenges!
Thanks for this affirmation. We are in the same boat! I post a teeny bit on social media - but I am also writing under pseudonym and just trying to have fun writing instead of stressing about growth right now. Wishing you all the best.
I think that's the right attitude :) growth will come, just have fun along the way!
Yeah although I am a marketing professional by day, I don't have as much enthusiasm for marketing myself as I do for the nonprofit I work for! It's far more fun just to write. Maybe if my writing finds an audience, I can one day hire someone to do the marketing lol.
I'm still new here (about 6 weeks), but I know there's those who are even newer. Welcome!
I've learned a lot about it all works on Substack. Still learning, though. Also, I keep finding great stuff to read. Informative and inspiring.
I have a once week schedule. Some people can do more I know, but 1xweek seems to be a sweet spot for me.
Many thanks to all!
I started with twice a week, but dropped to once. I just don't have enough subscribers to make it worth churning out that amount of content for this space. If I ever get to into the high hundreds (I think I am at like 50 now) then I might reconsider.
I also think people don't really want you visiting their inbox more than once a week, but that's just my opinion based on what I don't like.
I agree, I think once a week or once every other week are a good cadence, because it almost certainly will not annoy readers who undoubtedly have a lot of other things going on. I want to give them something worthwhile, something I put time and thought into, and something that's welcome.
Yes, from the receiving end, I'm good with once a week from others. If it's too frequent, it starts to get overwhelming and I can't keep up.
I've also found that once a week works for me. As a reader, I find that easy to keep up with. It works for me as a writer too.
Hi Victor, Welcome! I'm new too (one month in now). I am learning about where my inspiration comes from for weekly writing and using the tools (sometimes I forget to use the buttons!) and posting and trying not to obsess over stats. All this while I have a clinical practice so I switch identities regularly - writer to therapist and back. I've also started to use the audio function which I find enjoyable and different, a more personal and connected (I think) experience for the reader.
I post my Today's Tidbit (1-2 minute reads) every day at 7 ET. I post one or two other items each week as well. So far, I maintain a steady 50% open rate, so it all depends on what you write and who wants to read it.
Same here. In fact, when I shifted to shorter/more frequent emails, my metrics went up.
For me and with my schedule, it works best to write a post and publish when I have the inspiration to explore and share a topic with meaning and interest, generally once or twice a month. Churning out stuff to keep to a schedule and believing that more will bring a more significant response usually doesn’t work, at least for me. If you think more frequently is better, and that would work for you, you can pay for one of those expensive AI writing products, and you could turn out posts easily and frequently but of poor quality and thoughtfulness.
I find myself switching between once and twice a week—I want to find the balance between being helpful and being annoying for my readers.
I'm doing once a week just for my own sanity and I'm finding not too many of my subscribers can keep up with that!
https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/
I've also struggled with this. Initially I started with two posts per week - one free and one paid. It really got a lot. Now I post alternate weeks -one week free, one week paid. That way paying people (I only have ten) get weekly posts, and free subscribers get mailed fortnightly. I've found I can maintain this, but still have guilt about not providing value. I tend to make my paid posts long form, and folks do read to the end, but I'm maybe considering shorter posts more frequently.
And then there's the holidays .....
I find it hard to stick to a routine at these times, but I guess that's when readers have more free time to consume. Any tips, ideas or feedback on the "how many times to publish" model always welcome!
That sounds like good value to me: a post every week rather than every other week
Thanks for sharing your process. It is a lot to post twice a week. There's a lot to prepare. So your solution sounds great. By accident, I posted twice a couple of weeks ago and that's only because I published the article on Tuesday and then decided to audio record it and start up the podcast tab (https://faithcbergevin.substack.com/p/men-stop-doing-this-already). So I posted the audio on Friday and got many more views from the audio. Still playing with what works for me. But that post was my most popular to date.
I guess I'm not the only one here who has already depleted the pool of potential readers in among my social media followers. So I'm trying to explore other means of finding readers.
If you haven't tried The Sample yet, I highly recommend it to all. It's basically a servce that sounds out a sample of your NL to hundreds of readers, and some of them might even subscribe! There's both a free and a paid option, I've tried both and helped me get new readers and subscribers. It can also be a good tool to discover new writers in the area you're intrerested in (be it on Substack or other platforms). Here's a link - https://thesample.ai/?ref=850d (full disclosure - this is a referral link, hope that doesn't go against the rules, happy to remove it if it does).
Another example of such a service is htttps://inboxreads.co. Doesn't cost a thing and can help you find new readers who share the same interests.
There's also 15+ different newsletter directories here - https://www.growgetters.co/post/newsletter-directory. Some of them probably work better for certain niches, like tech.
Any other channels you know of?
Everyone should check out Fictitious!
Honestly, I think I've gotten more subscribers by participating in these Writer Office Hours than from anywhere else! I've gotten some from Medium, where I have over 1K followers and regularly post new articles, with a link to my newsletter at the bottom if those articles are in the niche my newsletter covers (mental health tips and encouragement to change our own lives and help others change theirs). I also get some subscribers by posting each week's newsletter as my "story" on Facebook and making that setting public (my regular posts are for friends only). I do have my tweet about my newsletter pinned to my Twitter profile, but I have very few followers there and may soon be leaving Twitter anyway. I rarely post on LinkedIn, and don't even have an Instagram account or use Reddit.
Thank you for the information.
Any updates on Chat for Android and also for browser would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Very soon, we promise!
Don’t let us down Katie. We are a rabid bunch. And we won’t let you forget this promise.
It's available now if you pay 8 dollars a month! I'm joking.
hahaha
Same here!
Want to confuse your family members on Thanksgiving? Tell them you publish a weekly newsletter on [x topics] and are looking to monetize your audience at [y inflection point] so you can continue to grow your personal brand and build [z company] & that's why you post so much on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook - but also tell them fuck social media it's evil. #substackrules
I'm not sure that would "confuse" too many in my family, who likely already have that same strategic arrow in their literary quiver!
A lot of my readers were very confused by chat and I had to spend a lot of time explaining it was optional. I've posted new threads and have almost zero traction with it.
As a user, I remain confused by it, and have tried to use it but dislike using my phone as it breaks my productivity when I'm trying to get the next newsletter completed. Is there a desktop app?
Yes, I think I vastly prefer engaging with readers through the comments section at the bottom of posts.
same here.
Right now, Chat is only available to iOS users. I would expect user adoption and engagement levels will increase once it's rolled out to Android. At present it isn't available on the desktop, but just like you, I hope they add that feature there as well.
The best reason to use it and understand why you should use it (if you choose to do so) is those times when you have something you want to discuss, but the idea isn't fully developed or doesn't merit the amount of work it would take to develop it into an article. For times like that the chat feature is great.
I post as often as I can, and thought it might be a replacement for posting updates on Twitter, which I want to stop using. I had hoped this would be a replacement, but after a week of posting new threads and getting no responses, I've stopped. I think if it were able on more platforms, it would be more useful. For now, it's an underdeveloped feature I'll use from time to time, but I don't think it's ready for a wide audience.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Sean. I am passing along to our team. Hopefully when Android is available (just a few weeks!) you will give it another shot.
I noticed your first chat had a handful of responses. Charlotte asked if they could send you stories ideas via chat instead of email. Could you solicit those directly in chat?
Bernard Hickey covers news in NZ, you might draw inspiration from how uses chat too? https://on.substack.com/p/engage-2-bernard-hickey
My sense of my readers is that they just want to read. They are exhausted by social.
I agree. Chat is just another platform I would have to pay attention to - and that's more hassle than I want. Also, I'm pretty sure my subscribers aren't big into social media. They are faithful readers but not big on comments and conversation.
I have seen a few serious discussions on Twitter, but they are really unwieldy and not easy to refer to subsequently. I might change my mind, but at the moment I have had enough of text and whatsapp messages, so I don't want to be bombarded in Substack too!
Hi everyone! I'm curious what you do for creating some sort of template for your newsletters (related: Substack, please add a feature for reusable templates!). My posts are the same format every time. I have a draft post right now but copying and pasting it into a new post is tedious (I have trouble selecting all, and some of the images change size when I paste them). Is there a "save as" feature I'm missing? All of your newsletters look so PRETTY when they land in my inbox, and I feel like I'm recreating the whole thing every time.
Hi Julie,
I write for this Substack, On Substack, and I also wish we had a template built into the editor. Today what I do is have a GoogleDoc template for each post type and make a copy each time I go to make a new post. Then, I copy and paste into the editor when I am ready to publish.
I hear you though, passing the request along.
Thank you, Katie, for passing this along. I'm hearing a lot of people talking about starting in Google Docs and then copying and pasting, and so I'm going to try that route for now.
Yes, I also write my posts in a template outside the editor and then copy-paste them into Substack for the final polish, like adding footnotes and buttons and images. FWIW, I’m not sure I would use a template inside the editor because for me, the ability to write while offline is super important.
I do all my writing in Google Docs before bringing it over. Easy enough to have a document you copy, if there is a specific format (headings, sections, etc.). It won't emulate or bring over images but it has the benefit of spelling, thesaurus, and other tools.
I setup a Substack folder with:
Ideas in the root and then three sub-folders:
- 1- Research
- 2- In Process
- 3- Published
This may not offer you what you want.. but it is a process that I used on my blog and newsletter before bringing all of that to Substack.
Same here! I always write in Google docs first. And I will say I am very impressed with the conversion to Substack as well as the Substack editor. SO much easier to use than Ghost's!!
I sometimes write the article in Docs or Word first too. There's also the advantage that you have a copy, rather than having to go to the trouble of exporting your posts
Agreed. I keep all my prior documents - plus they're nicely searchable. Added benefit, I have a couple individuals (my manager - for music and speaking - and my girlfriend) who, when I give them time, edit my work.
This is far smoother in Google Docs than using the secret substack link. They can make notes in the document and I can review and accept those changes prior to publishing.
An extra tip::
When you publish it at Substack, post a link to the Substack at the top of the document. Just makes finding everything easy.
that's a good idea
Hmm, maybe I'll try that. There are some images, but it might be easier than trying to copy and paste from within Substack. Thanks, Matthew!
Ugh, a template feature would be AMAZING. I haven't seen one yet, so I'm just doing it the hard way.
Ditto on wanting a template feature!
I'm glad it's not just me! I vaguely wondered if everyone was going to reply "JULIE IT'S RIGHT THERE."
Haha, Julie! I think that all the time! Still learning! :)
I would love this feature too!
I don't write my posts directly into Substack. I write everything first in the Ulysses app (Mac/iOS only) where I have a template. Then I copy in rich text and paste into my new Substack post. Having everything in my Ulysses app library also helps for my editorial calendar and easy reference to past posts. Ever since my original Wordpress days 15 years ago, I've always written my posts elsewhere first.
definitely agree with template idea. I also use Mailerlite for a few newsletters, and that has templates and it save so much time
What about a search field right in the front page?? It is a really missing feature.
Hey! You should be able to search across all publications on Substack.com and search across an individual Substack in the "archive" tab.
Yes. I know that. But what is missing is an internal search field for the publication right on the publication home page. It is bad usability the user need to click in a link, change page, and then click again in the field to search something. too complex
Good morning! Last week Joyce from Gratitude Mojo Cafe asked how we can contact each other by email. I and a few others answered that you can use the name of the newsletter followed by @substack.com. But when I tried to email her and she tried to email me, neither one of us got the emails. A few days ago I received her latest post and opened it in my email. I noticed that her email address was not the full name of her newsletter, instead it was gratitudemojo@substack.com. I then checked and realized that my address was also abbreviated, waywardyogini@substack.com. Mystery solved :) I wanted to mention it in case anyone else is having trouble contacting other writers. We wouldn't want an email we send out trying to create a cross-promotion to end up lost in cyberspace, leaving us to believe the other writer isn't interested, right? Also, most importantly the email did not bounce back as undelivered, so had Joyce and I not continued to communicate in the thread last week, neither one of us would have known that the other did not receive the emails.
One other thing to note is that writers can control who can email them via their substack email. You can set it so only paid subscribers can contact you for examples. More on that here: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4418724934676-Can-I-receive-emails-to-my-Substack-email-address-from-my-subscribers-only-
Updating your profile with links is also a good way to be sure writers can contact you: https://on.substack.com/i/84956415/profile-links
Thanks, Katie.
Thanks!
The bonus of all of this was creating a budding friendship with another Substack writer. I am so grateful for Office Hours that connects us and hope we continue to be a friendly, supportive place. Could be me, but I never found this kind of support and outreach at Medium.
That is so great that you made friends while cross-promoting!
I have a link to a contact form on my website as one of the links added to my Substack for this reason. I can point people there without having to explicitly publish the email in any discussion.
You can find your substack email in settings under email for RSS feed.
It's not the name of the stack that you need to use, but the first part of the URL to the stack. The name and the URL portion may or may not be the same, depending on how the author sets it up.
It's weird it didn't bounce, though. It really should so you'd know something was wrong. Maybe someone from Substack can shed more light on that.
Thanks, Victor.
Im celebrating 3 months on Substack! Every week for three months which impretty proud about but in no small way due to the community so thank you for the support.
To celebrate I dedicated todays post to what ive learned from posting on substack!
https://neverstoplearning1.substack.com/p/what-ive-learned-from-starting-a
Congrats!
Congratulations, Martin! And I love the name of your newsletter!
Thanks Jan. appreciate that. I chose something that would allow me to take it in a few different directions.
I had a dream about Substack last night! 🤯
In it I retold an anecdote of Erik Hoel's to someone, which I am now sharing with you here: "I grew up sleeping through New England winters in a bedroom without heat. For years the bath faucet ran only cold, so I used to get clean for my public high school in thin inches of water heated up in pots on the stove. I care nothing for riches, but poverty has always been a fear of mine."
This really touched me, particularly the words, "poverty has always been a fear of mine."
I'm thankful that Substack has given him the opportunity to be a paid writer, and wish him and all the writers here continued success. 🤗
I haven't forgotten your rinvitation to cross-post, but I had a "brain attack" that affected my vision and energy levels. I hope to improve in both areas and return. So far, my cognitive and other physical abilities seem unaffected.
I’m glad you’re recovering well! Take good care!
This is a beautiful note <3
It was a beautiful dream.
Dear substack team, PLEASE reconsider the "badges" feature. How does displaying a publication's rank in terms of paying subscribers have any relation to the quality of the writing or the engagement of the readers? Money is a poor metric for determining an author's value, but the badge feature is an attempt to do just that.
exactly, William! https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/substack-badges-what-a-rotten-idea
Ha ha I knew I wasn't the only one to immediately think of "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" in this context! Also, gaming the system, as you describe, is something I hadn't thought of.
"The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" (1948) inspired my first humor-writing attempt under the section "Ready to Laugh":
A Funny Conversation In Two Parts: Two Movies For The Crazy Ones
https://moviewise.substack.com/p/a-funny-conversation-in-two-parts
It's a great, impressive movie!
I couldn't agree more. I left Medium because of the popularity contest direction it was taking. It encourages cliques and discourages those writers who aren't there yet. It forces writers to concentrate on ways to market their work rather than to produce quality pieces that are a joy to read.
I was initially drawn to Substack for its purity. No gimmicks, no contests, just good writing, with a format that encourages inclusivity and cohesion.
I'm begging you, too, Substack. Don't go there. We don't need another wacky social platform, we need a space writers and readers can come to for one reason: to find writing that speaks to them.
I’ve been here for just over 1.5 years, and have written all my adult life. I do appreciate the platform so much. The 10% I pay is substantially less than I would pay to pull this together on my own site!
I understand the focus on those who bring a lot of money to the platform. ALL of us need those people and writers, because without them, the platform will not exist.
There are many other writers who are here for the joy of writing. Writing is relatively new for them, and they are content for the platform, and either do not care about earnings, or the earnings are secondary.
But there are so many in-between folks here, between those making thousands each month and those who don’t, and don’t mind. For the record, I am making about $500/month.
There IS a lot of helpful and thought-provoking material here, on how to encourage people to “go paid.” And many of us do read through the advice, try it on, work with it. (Yes, I know where to find it.) And work hard to self-promo, in addition to creating solid material with consistency.
My growth plods along, slow, but upward.
Here’s the Thing: I so struggle with all those hundreds of 4-5 star folks, who read every piece, comment when the piece if free… and never pay.
I’m not a marketing person. Well, I am—I’m pushed into the role in the ways that all creatives are pushed into that role now. But not with a marketing degree on my wall.
Somehow, Substack needs to focus on this. Change may be needed. The $5 month model of Medium comes to mind. There are so many readers who have no subscriptions at all, and read here all the time. Just like the people who used to hang out at magazine racks and pick up and read through until the old woman behind the cash register hollered: “Are you going to pay for that?”
Thoughts on this (as opposed to endless complaints!):
—some basic minimal fee for all readers IF they are not subscribed to ANY publications at all. I’m talking several dollars month, or an annual fee. And this would provide some encouraging funding for writers who have gone paid, yet are making under a certain amount each month. Yes, maybe this is too socialistic for Americans, but…!
—once a reader is subscribed to a minimum of X (3?) publications, this charge goes away!
—bundling subscriptions: Choose 3 or 6 or whatever, for a certain price… which will encourage exploration. (Writers could opt in to this program.)
Also -- further thoughts:
—the rotation of featured writers should make some sense. It appears to be arbitrary. What IS Substack looking for here: it would be good to know. I have to admit to feeling very isolated at times with my promotion; it’s all on me. (I have been featured once with about 15 other writing publications—thank you Substack, for that.)
—and last, and I’ll not be popular for saying this, but there’s a sense of favouritism: that is, it would be best if we could not see the subscriptions, paid and otherwise, of Substack employees. It’s not a cool policy—seriously!
Again, I’ll say I AM grateful for this! But just some thoughts. I appreciate how you do respond to thoughts!
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and ideas on bundling. I have just passed this along to our product team that's asking questions similar to the ones you ask here. They'll likely experiment with more tools that take the marketing responsibility off writers in Boost: https://on.substack.com/i/75802416/boost
Feedback heard on the other points! Fwiw a lot of employees have personal accounts where they do their primary reading.
Good to know the ideas are in their hands! Thanks!
I do think it's cool that employees read and enjoy here. But it's a line, a slippery slope to reconsider the optics... just sayin'.
Hey Allison! There's a lot in here. Thank you for the thoughtfulness. We are looking into some ideas to help writers convert high-potential free readers to paid (you should sign up for Boost if you haven't - https://on.substack.com/p/growth). Expect more of those in the future. But we philosophically, right now, we want writers to be in charge of how they run big elements of their businesses. e.g. the writer, not us, decides if their Chat is paywalled or not. We could swoop in and make these decisions *for* writers, but that's not the founders' philosophy. Walking the line of giving writers autonomy while also helping them grow their audiences and revenue is crucial to get right.
w/r/t the employee profiles, that's a good point! The truth is that most of these profiles you see are not the ones we use personally. We just use them for office hours, and as test accounts. But maybe someday we can obscure that.
regarding the featured category, we walk a tightrope there. I'm sure that these features will be constantly be iterated on / may one day not make sense. right now, we are trying to get new publications that are seeing early momentum some additional exposure alongside putting pubs in front of new substack readers that we can, with some confidence, anticipate that they will be interested in subscribing to. we always crawl the shoutout threads and read.substack.com threads for suggestions on who to feature, however. And, tbh, recommendations and writer collaborations are a more potent and reliable way to grow than hinging on those features anywho. You can even make it onto a few of the leaderboards if you're an active collaborator, these are rotated out regularly based on recent data, for example -
https://substack.com/discover/category/writer%20favorites & https://substack.com/discover/category/featured%20recommenders
Very helpful, Bailey, and thank you for your candid response to candor! We all have a vested interest in helping Substack succeed, and those who offer criticisms are actually stimulating important discussions (as I know you know, but I don't think the culture of affirmation always reflects that!) Thanks for all you do. I have been holding off on Boost because I have many questions--why pays for the discounts? Are discounts the way to go? Will my readers get annoying notes that sound like they're from me, but aren't? I would love to see what it looks like.
Ooh, the idea of bundling multiple subscriptions is a really interesting one! I'm imagining a page with a list of all the Substacks you follow for free, and then the option to choose 3 or 5 of them, which, when bundled together, give a little discount. It'd get a little awkward if you then tried to unsubscribe to one of them, but someone could figure this out... Or maybe an equivalent to Apple News, where you get access to a bunch of Substacks for one set price per month... Anyway, I hope someone is taking note of these ideas at Substack headquarters.
Those lovely software folks should be able to handle this... :)
YES to this.
I love coming to these. I always find new authors to read.
I think the idea of image galleries is genius!
Thanks for the good vibes !
Well then, in compliment to your non-common sense, here's my counter-intuitive insights :)
https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/
Nice, I'll check it out.
Is there any update on whether or not Substack is still going ahead with that awful "badge" thing they mentioned last week?
What do you think of this idea:
Give everyone a badge, both for free and paid newsletters. Haver four main tiers, plus an additional badge for paid, and the option for writers to "opt out of badge participation":
New or less than 100 subscribers (gray)
Hundreds of subscribers (white)
Thousands of subscribers (orange)
Tens of thousands of subscribers (purple)
Paid subscribers (no number listed, just a different badge, maybe red. Even ONE paid subscriber gets the badge because moving to paid should be rewarded no matter how many paid customers there are.)
Eventually free publications with hundreds of subscribers will likely turn into paying publications.
If Substack ignores a free newsletter while it's trying to build an audience by effectively marking it as "low quality" because it lacks a badge, then it just perpetuates "the rich get richer; the poor get poorer" outcome, which really is an unfair playing field.
I don't know what the solution is but I don't like your idea. If you have a "gray" badge for new or less than 100 subscribers, aren't you singling out those people/publications? A person may have less than 100 subscribers and been writing their publication for years. Free publications with hundreds of subscribers will not necessarily turn into paid pubs. I don't think everyone is going paid. They just want people to read their stuff. While going paid might sound great for some people, it doesn't work for everyone.
I don't understand why it's important that we know how many subscribers each publication has. It's none of our business. Who cares! We shouldn't care how many subscribers a pub has. We are there for reading the content. That's all we should be content with. I don't care how many subscribers a person has if they are writing content that I like to read.
Just my 2 cents.
The option to not participate in the badge system should be there. If a newsletter has less than 100 subscribers, or is new but doesn't want that acknowledged, then the writer should be able to opt out and not display any badge. This would be just like going back to the way it was before the badge system was introduced.
Totally agree, Matthew. I said something similar myself. I don't see why I would want to know anyone's subscriber numbers, nor why I should tell anyone mine. Like you say, it's nobody's business
That's a step in the right direction, but it seems that badges of any kind distract from the writing. What should matter is the quality of the writing, not how many people are reading it or who is paying. And I firmly believe that good writing WILL float to the top, even if it takes a long time.
Totally agree, William!
I think this might make it harder to go paid, since if you offer an option to pay but DON'T have a red badge, who is going to jump the hurdle to be the first paid subscriber?
I think this would be an opportunity to pay yourself to get the ball rolling if getting the red badge is important, but the other option is to opt out of the badge system until you have at least one paid subscriber.
The badge is for hundreds of subscribers, so I wouldn't have thought that would apply. Hopefully not, anyway!
Thank you. I agree. I, for one, have almost all free subscribers at the moment, but it does not mean that I do not create the best content I can for my readers. There needs to be a way to reflect this without creating a culture of disparities and haves/have-nots.
Absolutely! My concern is not recognizing a newsletter while it is growing, and devaluing it—and the writer—by not acknowledging the growing number of subscribers it has, or worse, making it appear as if the subscribers to free newsletters don't matter. They do matter for many reasons. Free subscribers share articles and in so doing advertise Substack. Free subscribers also convert into paying subscribers. The current badge system that ignores all the work free newsletters have put in to grow their readership feels like a betrayal, and it works against community building and future growth.
They need to rethink this new badge system or get rid of it entirely. As someone who is new here and does not have a huge following, it's not very encouraging.
That makes sense, but it also seems to me another opportunity for humble bragging, even if Substack is doing the bragging for you! I think newsletters should be judged by the quality of their writing and their relevance to potential readers, not how many subscribers they have.
Yes, I agree. Substack should have better ✴️DISCOVERABILITY✴️ Tags per post, categories, search, etc. would help readers find the content that appeals to them.
Substack could change its front page to be like "Hacker News," (https://news.ycombinator.com) and provide a text-link feed of all the latest posts published by Substack writers with a "comments tab."
This would just pit idea against idea, article post vs article post. This would make the content the number one determiner about what appeals to the reader. Substack then could become THE destination for interesting content & discussion on the http://Substack.com landing page
Totally agree. I think not having tags per post or categories is a real disadvantage. I've been using Sections, but they're inadequate because you can't post a newsletter under two or more section headings. So if I write a review of a book about Oulipo, do I put it in Reviews or Oulipo? I don't see why I should have to make that choice!
I agree. I have thousands of free subscribers but no badge.
Actually, rather than having two badges, one to denote the total number of subscribers and one to denote paid subscribers, it might be better to have a red circle (ring) around the four badges to denote both the total number/level of subscribers and that the newsletter has paid subscribers as well. Again, even one paid subscriber would get the red ring around the badge, and writers should have the option to opt out of the badge system all together and not display any badges.
New or less than 100 subscribers (gray)
Hundreds of subscribers (white)
Thousands of subscribers (orange)
Tens of thousands of subscribers (purple)
Well, it's a fair compromise I suppose, but I dislike the idea of badges per se, unless they denote the acquisition of a skill, or membership of something. I know that people work hard to get subscribers, but that's not quite the same in my view, because that is outside someone's control to a large extent.
Indeed: the Matthew effect, sort of
I hope they discontinue it. It was a very ill-advised and unnecessary feature, a distraction from what really matters: writers engaging with readers, whether paid or not.
I am NOT a fan of badges, for various reasons. It makes me sad that this is now a feature.
I am not a fan of badges either nor will I ever be.
I agree, William. I find it a distraction too, especially since I came specifically to Substack to get AWAY from the pressure I find elsewhere. *sigh*
I wrote an article about this, and it seems that a lot of people don't like the feature: https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/substack-badges-what-a-rotten-idea
I just read it. Totally agree with you, Terry!
Thanks, Barbara!
"We Don't Need No Stinking Badges!" 😂😂😂
We listened to all the feedback, and have some ideas on how to adjust and improve them, but I don't expect us to do away with the concept in totality. We want to celebrate the writers who are finding success on Substack! It will always be in the writer's control whether they want that badge on display or not, however.
Thanks for listening to the community's comments. If I could I would like to push back a little bit. It is understandable that you want to celebrate the writers who are finding success on your platform, but "success" is not at all the same as "money." There is so much more to success than getting paid. What about the writer who has been consistently posting every week for five years? What about the writer whose comment section is always abuzz with thoughtful, community-building engagement? What about the person who has been thinking about publishing for a long time and thanks to substack, only just now decided to take the plunge? What about writers who thought they were alone, only to find other writers who are working on the same problems as they are? All of these are success stories. But with the badges, only one story is told.
Secondly, to say that badges are "celebrating writers who have found success on substack" is a bit disingenuous. I am certain there are many writers who did, indeed, find their success, and their paying audience, on substack. But how many of the top-tier badges have been given to people who were already successful, and just moved their previous success to a new platform?
One last thought: imagine an art museum where all the paintings had price tags attached to them, showing how much they cost the museum to purchase. Would this enhance the patrons' experience of the art? I think we would all say it would not; it would distract from the real value of the art - its ability to move us, to speak to us, to give us of its own intrinsic value. Putting badges next to the names of top sellers on substack is like a museum putting price stickers on the paintings in their collection. A superfluous, unnecessary piece of information that distracts from the main purpose.
But, on the plus side for badges...it would keep writers from bragging mercilessly on the Office Thread about the thousands of free subscribers they have, with the rest of us having to then endure their incessant whining about having (whimper) no badge!😭Not that that happens now, or ever could (or would)....but, it might just be worth it to endure the badge notion if it keeps us from the perpetual whining of the few (should it ever come close to ever happening.....ever).
Such great points, William. Sadly, this is not the way the world works. I'd love a badge saying "great she did it even though she's terrified." But that won't come - well, that's not true. Those words can come from me. I know what I did and continue to do. Substack is a business and there's money behind it and money needs to be made. It's the way the cookie crumbles. You have solid points but... capitalism. Of which we all hope to benefit :)
I guess I'm worried about how you define "success." Many people just want to write and don't want to get into all of the social media-ish trappings: badges, checkmarks, leaderboards, popularity, mentions, chat, etc. I'll be honest, it's one of the reasons I left Substack:
https://sassone.wordpress.com/2022/11/05/the-substack-experiment-is-over/
People here have badges, so they are doing it. I say we need badges for those of us who have thousands of free subscribers.
Hi folks! I've recently been thinking about building systems to better achieve goals. I've found that I don't have a great system for writing yet (I end up speed-writing pieces on Sunday and Monday before I publish on Tuesdays). Would love to get some inspiration from you all regarding the writing systems/routines that you've settled into!
I always love Anna Codrea-Rado on topics like goals and how we work https://annacodrearado.substack.com/p/why-cant-i-see-my-own-success
Thanks for the recommendation! I love her use of illustrations -- caught my attention immediately (along with her writing of course).
I probably have twenty drafts in my draft folder right now 😂 There is no magic formula, but consistency is key. Since I'm a teacher (my kids are working on an assignment right now), I can't just spend my days writing. My Saturday mornings, when my husband and one of my two kids are still sleeping, has become my time to write ahead. I have moved to publishing on Friday to give myself time to edit and batch ahead (I'm scheduled three weeks out right now) and for my podcast (litthinkpodcast.substack.com) my partner and I take turns on the blog and we try to record two episodes at a time when we have time. We're taking a scheduled podcast break until January but we've already completed multiple blog posts through the beginning of December. I don't know if any of that helps, but make a schedule that gives you necessary flexibility for life happening.
Haha, I also made this post during a break in the school day! I've also thought about dedicating Saturday mornings to write specifically for Substack. I think I just need to schedule specific times to get things done, otherwise they just don't happen until the last minute haha.
Yep! And then I have a podcast with a friend (litthinkpodcast.substack.com) and that complicates things because I have to make time for my own writing and our joint project, but it's really all good. The writing makes me a better writing teacher :-)
This is a comment I wrote to John Ward, perhaps it will be helpful:
I currently publish 4x per week, sometimes more for special events:
Mondays: interview with someone from my part of Canada (Atlantic Canada); occasionally I will write something about one aspect of the region
Tuesdays: interview with another Substack writer or other creative person; in a pinch I will link to someone else's interview that I've enjoyed and want to share
Wednesdays: this is always reserved for my original writing, no set length but pieces often exceed 1000 words
Fridays: I repost links of what I've published during the week, plus links to other posts that I found interesting
Four days/week is a lot but I only have to focus on one original essay or piece of writing per week this way (of course there's plenty of background work for the other publication days...)
And yes, I do try to read other newsletters and blogs (a few dozen) and comment where it makes sense to do so, including some paid subscriptions where I am able to interact with some folks that I might not otherwise be able to. So, yes, it can lead to a lot of time spent elsewhere but it has helped me win over a number of subscribers.
But the priority is the publication schedule, which I post in my About section. Which means that I'm trying to work at least 1 - 2 weeks ahead to stay on schedule.
I don't know if it's all sustainable long term or if I'll have to cut back a bit in the future but for now it seems to be working. My subscriber numbers are significantly higher than I expected to have at this point and I've certainly put the work into it.
I don't necessarily recommend following my publishing strategy but I do enjoy it.
Hope this is helpful!
Mark, as a subscriber to HAT, I am so impressed with the sheer quantity (and quality, at that!!!) that you are able to publish. Thanks for sharing your strategy!
I'm very interested in language -- in fact I have a post brewing at the moment about the abuse of our wonderful English language -- so I've just subscribed to yours.
Hi Terry.....While I don't write about language, per se, I love "playing with" the language, and its conventions. Feel free to drop by my 'Stack for regular word play forays into spoonerisms, the odd anagram, and of course, puns-a-plenty!
You might enjoy seeing my little letter children romping in my paragraphical playground (their natural habitat)! Cheers!🥂
I'm intrigued already! Just subscribed!
It makes a lot of sense.
I don't know how you do it Mark! I get so behind on your newsletters. I even found one the other day in my inbox from August!
I write for an hour every morning. It's more journal/brain-dump style, but inevitably there are some nuggets that come from it. I also use Asana for scheduling and tasks. I would be lost without it! So if my publishing day was Tuesday, I would have a recurring deadline for every Friday to have the piece finished. This is all probably so obvious and nothing new, but that's my system in case it helps!
Wow -- writing for an hour! Did you build up to that (like, started at 15 min, built to 30) or was it just a goal you had for a long time?
One day I just had the inspiration, so I went for it! But some days I will just do 30 minutes and let myself off the hook. :)
Ooh, I love brain dumping in the morning! I've never heard of Asana...I'll have to check it out! I could use a little more planning and structure.
I have a file on google docs with about twenty files and growing, all named for a topic I find interesting. I load links etc in as I go. I publish on Saturday mornings and my main writing day was Friday but I have found that if i spend an hour or two on it earlier in the week then Friday goes a lot more smoothly and I don't burn out.
It's not always easy because my main writing focus is the novel I'm working on and there are lots of other demands on my time.. But I do find that having a depository for my research and spending an hour to set my course earlier in the week, tends to help.
I'm getting ready to think about the year ahead and want to have some themed issues and new regular features that I will be spending time organizing and gathering for when I go on my vacation hiatus in December. I don't publish on TG or for the two weeks around Christmas. I think taking time off helps with all of it.
Great advice! I think a big takeaway from your comment & previous ones are that I need to schedule time not just to write, but also to "set my course" -- otherwise my scheduled writing time will have no direction. Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
Depository for research is definitely a good idea. I'm in two minds about a Christmas hiatus though. I usually have a break on Christmas day and New Year's Day, but I love writing too much to want to stop!
Spark looks wonderful - subscribed!
I journal every day for my own emotional hygiene, but for Substack, I use my intuition week to week to intuit what I want to write about. The farthest I've ever planned something out was two weeks in advance. I probably have about 50 ideas written down, but I hardly ever delve into those, because tuning into the flavor of the week is more important to me. Also living life is a great fuel for writing!
I have also had my writing plans thwarted by a pressing idea ("flavor of the week"!) that I just had to get out into the world. And definitely agree on life serving as inspiration for new pieces. I discovered a newsletter topic just from looking at ads on the subway!
I love that! And I'm glad I'm not the only one! I'm convinced there is not a "one-size-fits-all" recipe for writing (or really anything for that matter!) ! We all just have to figure out what works for our energy :)
I love that- that sounds similar to my process! I like to write about whatever is in present-time for me, so I tend to lead with intuition on what to write about. Also agree that life itself is what brings me inspiration!
In my case Rebecca, I write (mostly shorter) fiction and have a large queue waiting. Some need work, some not, some won't see the light of day, but I sort of have my work cut out for me. For a good while at least.
Meanwhile, I'm writing new pieces, sometimes fairly quickly, sometimes slowly. At any rate, I keep things scheduled on Substack 3 or 4 weeks out.
I'm fairly new here and many people have said that consistency is key. I'm trying to keep that in mind. It's also motivating for me.
Wow, staying 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule is impressive! I feel lucky if I'm just a week ahead.
Ha! That's where I am TODAY. Ask me again as I'm grading semester finals...
I've had to be disciplined enough to say, "no, that doesn't NEED to be published today. Stick to the schedule." Ha! Of course, I do have posts that I post immediately, but that's why I have different sections within my Substack. Travel posts are consistently every Friday. Anything else is when I'm feeling inspired.
I wanted to add that I just checked out your newsletter and am so happy to know about it. I'm looking forward to sharing some of the finds there in my newsletter. Language is one of the things that fascinates me and I often bump up against all the ways it serves us and fails to serve us as we write and speak.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I've also just subscribed to Spark -- as a fairly new writer, I'm sure it will be an incredibly helpful resource. Excited to receive future newsletters!
I'll watch for your email and then reach out. I have an upcoming issue I'm working on -- several in fact -- that touch in one way or another on language issues and I'd love to invite your perspective or co-promote in some way. More soon!
Oh, I would be thrilled to collaborate! Looking forward to connecting! :)
Hi Rebecca! I like to write the posts as early as I can, because I revise them a lot before I send them. I take a lot of notes (in Notion) before I even write, so the ideas are brewing for a while. I type things in a draft post and let them sit for a while. So it might even be one good paragraph and then phrases for what else I want to talk about, and then I'll put "Substack" in my to-do list and maybe write one more paragraph. (IS THIS HELPFUL AT ALL???)
This absolutely is helpful! I think I definitely need to get into a better habit of letting my ideas "brew," as you said.
I love your substack, Rebecca! You’re doing a great job. Personally, I always want to have 3 posts in the pipeline at different stages of readiness. 1)done but needs final editing 2) drafted and needs some pruning/filling out as the case may be & 3) bare-bones outlined.
I’m also a proponent of writing almost every day for at least 40 mins. It’s tough to squeeze it in among other obligations, but I like the rhythm of it.
Thank you for the insight, Jillian! I like the idea of having posts at multiple stages in the process -- sounds like it reduces the feelings of overwhelm I occasionally get while attempting to build a post from scratch every week. And of course, I very much appreciate your kind words & encouragement :)
I use Notion for almost everything. I have a board, where I have 30+ ideas. When it’s time to write, I pick one and move it to the “In Progress” category. When finished, I put it in “Done.” Once published, I put it in “Published” which hides the post on the board (that way old posts don’t clog up the page).
I was a Notion user at one point but have sort of drifted away from it. The board was definitely the most useful feature for me. I recently attempted to transition my to-do's to an app called Things which is much more minimal, but now I'm starting to feel like it's TOO minimal. Where is the happy medium?! Haha.
Oof, Rebecca, I'm right there with you. Every time I *think* I've built a good system, something in my life changes to throw a wrench into my plans! What I'm currently trying out is setting aside some time on Sundays to actively plan the week and schedule in writing time. It's been helpful so far!
Definitely a relatable struggle haha, I love the idea of a system that is structured to adapt based on the specific challenges of the week!
Yeah, it's the only way I can keep from going insane. I am thinking about adding a scheduled 5 minutes every morning to review my day and make sure my commitments line up with other things that have popped up--no matter how well I do on Sunday, by Thursday some things have shown up to clash with my good intentions! But I'm also wary of spending more time planning than doing... 😵💫 It's a constant act of finding balance, I think.
I start every day with some creative fiction, aka my to-do list. As for planning vs doing, I think time spent planning and researching and just mulling this over is time well spent. As long as it doesn't become a substitute for writing I suppose
"creative fiction, aka my to-do list" Incredible, 10/10
I want to meet the person who actually completes their to-do list every day.
BTW, so sorry to hear you were laid off. I hope Substack works out.
Warren Buffett does, apparently, but he only puts three things on it!
That's my strategy too!
I write on most days, even if I don't publish. I have several draft posts at the moment, because I often start posts even if I don't know when or how I'm going to finish them. I use a spreadsheet and an app to record ideas on the go, which I've been thinking of writing about in case anyone thinks it's helpful. I also use a free service called Wakelet.com to save websites, PDFs and other stuff so that I can come back to these collections later and use as the basis for articles. Hope that is useful.
I have never heard of Wakelet, thanks for the recommendation! I would love to have the habit of writing every day but I'm not sure if I can get there. Definitely something to work towards!
it's really good because you can have different collections for different topics etc. There's also an app, so if you come across a good website while using your phone, you can send the link to your Wakelet rather than to your email addresss, so it';s much easier to find later
By the way, the Substack team asked me to come by (which I normally do anyways, these are always great). I'm here if anyone wants to ask me any questions about the experience of jumping into paid.
Thanks for being here Erik!
Congrats!
Me again. For anyone who would like to connect on Mastodon now that, um, some people are leaving the birdsite, here is my contact information:
How About This newsletter Mastodon: @howaboutthis@masthead.social
Personal: @markdykeman@mastodon.online
And if you'd like to check out the growing (almost 700 subs!) How About This community and become a H.A.T.T.E.R., please do check out my Substack (click on my name/newsletter name in the heading of this comment for more information). Cheers!
Always better to be a H.A.T.T.E.R. than a hater!
Oleg, this is a completely random comment, but seeing your name pop up here reminded me: I dreamt last night that you were advertising a free collection of books to your readers, mostly ... written versions of Disney books? Special collector editions? That you no longer needed because you had just completed your Ray Bradbury challenge. I immediately replied and volunteered to take them, because I wanted to donate them to a children's library in Turkey. I flew over your way and parked on what must have been your street with a giant U-Haul decorated with bookcases and Turkish carpet.
So, that's that. 😅
I'm screenshoting this comment and saving it for a day when I need a pick-me-up :) This is amazing!
I'm really enjoying my experience over on Mastadon too. The tone is civilized, the pressure is off, and no ads. I love your newsletter, Mark and congratulations on the 700 subs. That's where I am right now and it feels great.
Here I am at Mastadon if anyone would like to connect: @eg_marro@masthead.social
First Ive heard of this. I will check it out. Thanks.
Great Mark!
I'm curious if there is any movement toward an API? I know the level of effort required is pretty significant, and I was just curious. I would love to contribute an open-source Java client to help support it in order to help the Substack dev community grow.
I will let our team know !
My free subscriber list is constantly growing but isn't converting to paid at the same level, any tips?
Just out of curiosity - I am new to substack but had a podcast Smart Creative Women years ago-what are you all offering to paid subscribers vs free ones? I am interested because of the psychology behind the marketing of a newsletter/blog/conversation. I worked for years on myblog/podcast and didn't monetize it and burnt out. If I jump back into the pool of content creation, I really need to have paid subscribers. I follow 2 paid substacks right now and 3 free (like I said I am new) To Seth Werkheiser's point-I am not certain of what I am actually missing on the free subscriptions. Do that make sense? I feel like it is all "positioning" and value communication.
I write personal essays on writing, disability, queerness, and aging, and these are all free. Behind the paywall I offer an environmental thriller of a novel in serialized form. Every Tuesday the next chapter is posted. The first three chapters are free.
Paid subscribers get full access to almost two years of issues plus no paywalls. Free subscribers only get 1-2 issues a month.
Imagine you already read this through, but this guide captures all of the best advice we offer to writers - https://on.substack.com/p/free-vs-paid
(and have you enabled Boost? might be a good idea if this is important to you - https://on.substack.com/p/growth)
Thanks, Bailey.
I will give boost a try.
I lean towards a thing Seth Godin said years ago, "would anyone miss you if you stopped showing up?"
If you stopped writing, would anyone email you and ask what's going on? "Where's your email?!"
So then the trick is; how the heck do you get to a place where you WOULD be missed? And if you'd be missed, maybe those are the people who'd put their credit card info in and pay you every month.
Its interesting because paid subscribers come from silent readers yet the biggest supporters on social media/in the comments won't convert, still trying to crack it.
We can't know who we'd be missed by. I recall in last week's Office Hours a discussion around the "lurkers" and not forgetting that even if someone doesn't subscribe they might benefit from our work - a chuckle, a memory, a tear, a new insight. And maybe one day the lurker turns into free subscriber then paid. We don't know how the strange world unfolds (that's the existentialist in me talking!).
I'm interested in any suggestions about this as well.
ditto
Hey Substack team and fellow writers!
I've got a couple questions regarding the cross-posting feature, which I love the idea of:
1) Can my subscribers opt out of them without completely unsubscribing from me? I want to make sure people are only getting the emails they want from me.
2) If I'm subscribed to multiple substacks within the same field and a bunch of them cross-post an article that's been making waves, I'm going to end up getting multiple emails with the same article, correct?
In case it's not obvious, I'm trying to work out how it can end up annoying readers, so I can best avoid that. 😅
These are good questions! Also, if someone is already subscribed to the publication that originally posted, seeing the same thing crossposted might be really annoying.
Could people maybe opt-in or opt-out to seeing cross-posts? Maybe this was a fever dream, but I'm under the impression that at some point Twitter had an option to mute retweets. (If it ever existed, I'm pretty sure it's gone.) If people could opt out of seeing cross-posts that might reduce duplicates?
Any time! Thank you and the whole Substack team for being so collaborative with the writers here!
Anthony, 100% ,
Hello everyone. Love these Thursday get togethers.
I published a review today of my first three months on Substack and concluded the best part and most surprising part has been the community so thank you all!
I am still struggling to gain traction with new subscribers. Any tips welcome!
Same. Maybe more cross-posting?
https://polymathicbeing.substack.com/
And I did subscribe because it looks interesting! Kind of in-line with my own writing in many ways.
Sounds good. I’ve recommended your Substack
The Substack community has been great for me too. In terms of subscribers, connecting with other Substack writers who write on similar or related topics can really help.
It´s more than urgent to translate Substack to other languages, like portuguese. There is a lot of missed subscribers because of that. It´s not a big deal: translate at least the payment process and basic stuff like the "listen" button in the email (where before was a play button, so even the non english speakers could understand. Now there is a simple button). I could help translate if you need, but please translate. Missing oportunities here.
Feedback heard! We are actively looking into this.
I'm all in favor for making Substack a space where languages other than English can thrive! The internet is already saturated with so much English media. What about consciously sharing all the ideas from people who speak other languages? Accessible translations could make a big difference.
And, to that end, when I published a simultaneous Spanish version of a recent post (see my comment above), I sought out new places to post it, like a couple of Spanish language Reddit subs, a couple of FB groups that focused on Spanish language interests (and, in my case and that post), Spanish music. So, I gave it a shot to have it be found by A) potential new audience, and B) those who'd appreciate it!
Gracias!!! a veces pienso que siempre seré invisible.
Thank you, sometimes I think I will always be invisible!!!!
A couple weeks ago, I experimented with posting one of my articles in both English AND a Spanish Edition! It may be a bit clunky (and not that conversational), as I used the Google-generated English to Spanish feature, one paragraph at a time! Here 'tis: https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/crecer-orejas-mas-grandes-9-exitos
what was the result in terms of stats?
Bueno pregunta, amigo! Generally, the Spanish lagging behind the English by just a shade. Here are the current #s (feel free to giggle...most do when they see my Lilliputian digits): As of today (11/17), The English has 225, Spanish, 186. They were published Nov. 3.
For about 3 days after pub, the difference was in the 20-ish range (Eng over Span). The current 40-ish difference seems to suggest a trend of English pulling away, however slightly. Gracias, Terry!
Thanks for sharing. I'm impressed at your entrepreneurial spirit. I tried, on a couple of websites, making audio versions of every article, especially really long ones, but it became too time-consuming. So will you be doing a Spansih translation regularly, or for specific types of post?
Again, great question! Damn, you're good! No. Not that I won't, but as you can see by the theme of that post, a Spanish Edition (or, at least a stab at the experiment) seemed to scream "do-able"! I played with the format at least once in my previous incarnation as the Houston Astros correspondent for The Runner Sports all-sports blog site.
While my editor likely would have spiked an entire Spanish version (even alongside the English...although I can't remember asking), I managed to make a Spanish-themed article's TITLE en espanol: https://therunnersports.com/los-astros-y-los-padres-jueganr-en-mexico-city-este-fin-de-semana/
With that in mind (and the subject matter of the recent one), I was eager to give the Spanish one a go! Again, seems pointless (for me and my audience) until and unless the subject matter dictates.
Well, thank you for the compliment, Sir! Not that makes perfect sense. I often try things out as a sort of proof of concept. Sometimes the results are good, but the cost-benefit ratio is too heavily skewed to the costs side of the equation.
ooooooo it's the illusive check mark! Christian, you are the alpha and I am the beta. You are the hot, melted cheese on the nachos. I am the discarded, cold, wet mess of ground beef on the edge of the plate. Please, tell me, how does one achieve the check?
You have to get hundreds of paid subscribers
Es mi deseo, que más personas puedan leerme. !!! Patriciadiaz26.substack.com Gracias por sugerirlo Christian
Thanks for say that,
A nice feature to have would be something like a monthly subscription to substack in general for say, $15, which gives you access to either a certain number of essays or a certain number of channels. Or maybe both.
For example, instead of paying $5 for each author, I could pay $15, and get access to 15 essays, or maybe 5 channels and then the proceeds would be divided appropriately. ($1 per essay or $3 per channel) I know I'd rather pay a bundled subscription vs. having to have to buy each channel.
Maybe just make it like a credit. $1/Credit where an essay is 1 credit and a channel is 3 credits and you can mix and match however you'd like?
Interesting idea, though I’m afraid Substack would become too similar to Medium then
Flattered to be designated a 'Substack Bestseller' for having over 100 paid subscribers - though that doesn't seem a massive number tbh. However will take it as a compliment and am more than grateful to the subscribers who got me there! Can't quite see how it works though @Katie and others on the Substack team. It's not showing on my profile and the certification doesn't seem to be downloadable. It's switched on in settings so should it appear somewhere?
Yes, having the same difficulty here.
I'm seeing it here for both of you! But you're right that I don't see the badge anywhere else on your publications, hmm.
Given Twitter's use of checkmarks, I assume that people who see my checkmark think, "Why, yes, that *is* Annette, not some ghastly imposter!". I don't think they click on it. :)
That's weird!! On what platform?
How are you seeing it?
I'm using Chrome on Desktop, and I see the little checkmarks next to all your names. I would share a picture but it seems we can't do that in the comments!
Ah... that's what that is. I thought it meant my homework was done.
It means that too! 😉
😂😂
Ok, this might be my last comment that I drop here for the day, but I'm hoping that someone here has good advice. I'm desperately trying to move away from social media dependence (but Elon Musk will have to pry Twitter away from my iron grip). Taking FB off of my phone has already made a HUGE difference.
Here's the thing: I still want to be able to easily share things like pictures with my friends and family. I have a public profile on IG because I (try) to use it to promote my writing, so out of respect for my kiddos, I don't post pictures of them on IG. Do I 1) Start a private IG account for just friends and family that I can share to my private FB feed or 2) is there another way to easily share photos with friends and family that doesn't require me to put FB back on my phone?
You could start a (private) Substack, have them subscribe, and then they'll get them by email when you post with no social media involved!
My friend just had a baby and she uses FamilyAlbum: https://family-album.com/
It feels sort of like a low-tech version of instagram. I get a notification whenever she posts a new photo of the baby, and I can comment on the photos. But only the people she has invited to see her album directly can. No one can stumble across it or even see that her album exists if she hasn't invited you to it. It's pretty cool!
That would be interesting.
Such a good question! I know several families who use a shared Google Chat or Google Space...something like that? But a private instagram can auto post to facebook without you having to go on there, which is pretty nice and uses platforms you're already navigating...I tend to lean toward any option that uses functionality and platforms I already use, even if it's slightly less ideal than a new platform.
Thanks for the question ... and the Twitter comment. Twitter has its issues and EM has not helped ... however, it is still free and there are brilliant people there from whom I have learned so much. I block what I don't want to see again and try to budget my time there. It's way too easy to be critical of what comes to us for free.
All of this.
Hello! I'm pretty new here, and I started on Substack in October. I migrated my subscribers from Mailchimp, and I am consolidating all of my online output through my Substack site. I've gone from a monthly newsletter to a once-a-week format. So far so good. I am interested in how I can gain more subscribers outside of social media. Minimizing my engagement with Instagram and FB have been good for my mental health and has freed up lots of time. I love the idea of cultivating my own audience without being beholden to a corporate algorithm. I would like to depend less on social media, but I need to find out how. Any suggestions would be helpful.
My name is Roqué, and my Substack site is called Where Pianos Roam (https://roquemarcelo.substack.com/). I write about slow creativity across a multimedia framework, as well as personal essays on various topics. Each issue showcases my writing, music, artwork, photography, and short films—in various combinations.
I relate to all of this (stepping away from the algorithms being good for my mental health, etc.). I know cross-posting on social media is a way to get people to know about your Substack, but I don't think it's necessary. I think if you keep writing and building your newsletter (and doing things like posting on here, commenting on other newsletters you read) people will find you. Personally I can't deal with trying to find people on social media and bring them over here.
Julie, I've found that trying to get people from social media isn't working for me. I know others have more success, but it's starting to feel like it's not worth the time and energy to post on Twitter, etc. So I can relate to what your saying. Better for my mental health. I do prefer to read interesting articles / stories / essays / etc. here on Substack and gradually build an audience (I'm new here) and it is working.
Yeah, I agree, Victor. I posted links to my newsletters in the beginning, but it was too distracting. I ultimately put a link To Substack in my Twitter bio and now am happily ignoring Twitter.
Hi Victor, I am on the same wavelength as you. I think I also just need to be patient and let things organically happen. If I don't have thousands of free or paid readers, that is ultimately not the point. This is a more agreeable mindset that makes more sense to me.
I'm with you on that. I'd like to get my work out there - on my terms. I spent years sending, waiting, waiting some more, etc. for answers from publishers.
I recently decided I just don't want to do that any longer. Now I can put a story out a week and I have some readers. Which hopefully will grow, but I'm not doing this for the money. Hey, I'll take it if it comes, but - like you - it's not the point....
I'm glad I'm not alone with how I feel about this. If I could do away with social media entirely, I would. Maybe that's the ultimate goal some day. Thank you for the suggestions. I will do all of those things.
Collaborating with other Substack writers is powerful. I would get into that -
https://on.substack.com/p/recommendations-update
https://on.substack.com/p/writer-collaborations-ideas
I have a new writer Substack called Notes from the Spiral Arm!
Hello, Substack team!
My calendar invite says this wasn't supposed to start until noon CST, but it looks like it already has. Hmm...
First, I want to say how much I appreciate Substack's writer-centric design. Ownership of my list, tools that let writers focus on their content and craft, and a stated mission to do better on social media are why I chose to transition over to Substack.
I'll add that moving my email list from Feedblitz to Substack was easy-peasy, and I don't miss paying $15/newsletter for the privilege of mailing to my peeps. That has enabled me to cost-effectively ramp up from once-in-awhile newsletter sends to a committed schedule of twice weekly, with a few weeks of third-post bonus content.
So, yay, Substack, for providing a viable alternative that actually helps writers rather than squeezing them for cash or forcing them to compete for clicks.
Now I'm going to be brutally honest about the issues and limitations I've encountered in my three months on the platform.
First, the issues:
1. I tried to move my archive of past posts from a Typepad blog at the URL www.brunettegardens.com over to Substack, and your system only grabbed the most recent 10 posts. I've tried performing the migration several different ways with no better results, and I've also tried reaching out for help on this a couple of times through office hours and other open posts, but I have yet to get any solutions from Substack.
2. Until the above is resolved, and I feel confident about Substack as a replacement, I won't be able to use my own domain address for Substack.
3. I went all-in with Substack, giving recommendations for several other accounts, opting for boost, and enabling referrals. Not only do the recommendation emails come too frequently, in my opinion, but in the first month, many of my subscribers received a slew of DUPLICATE emails for every one sent directly by Substack. I lost a number of subscribers right off the bat this way, as they perceived this new service I'd introduced as buggy and annoying, which is really unfortunate.
And the limitations:
- Perhaps because of #3 above, I'm net neutral after 3 months on the platform. While I have picked up new subscribers from Substack, I've also lost the same amount. I'm hopeful this shakeout will eventually turn in my favor, but it's not a thrilling way to begin.
- I was really surprised and dismayed to hear of the badge system you're planning to introduce, as it is in direct conflict with your stated mission not to drive writers toward popularity contests. This will only create a system like every other faulty online publishing system, rewarding writers who chase popular, click-bait content and penalizing the niche writers who craft thought pieces.
Despite the issues and limitations, I'm committed to the platform for the time being. Thanks for trying to work with us.
Same feelings here regarding the badge feature - it should not have happened. My hope is they listen to the overwhelmingly negative reaction and remove it soon. I haven't heard even one voice saying it was a good idea.
I saw one or two defend it, as they would have been the few to benefit, I guess. I like to think that even if I were badge-worthy, I'd be opposed on ethical grounds, and to preserve the overall good spirit that's been fostered here on Substack so far.
I do love this platform. I want to grow my presence here, but cannot make the chat today. I do have questions....after Thanksgiving, then I'll have time to ask, and listen.
Have a happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, see you soon!
Also, I’d like to be able to exit some of the chats. I don’t want to be in the chat for all the Substack’s I subscribe to. It’s too much.
Good feedback. I'll share. (Once you exit, that might mean you could never re-enter... would that be bad?)
Ideally, I think a toggle switch for chats would be good. I wonder if it would be better for that toggle to mute notifications or control visibility to Chats shared by a publication?
For example, one idea is to just mute the notifications themselves. The other option is to make it so the end user wouldn't even see new chats shared by the publication unless they flipped the toggle back.
It makes sense for that toggle switch to live on the publication's page, but it's kind of a pain if you want to go mute 10 notifications. Of course, maybe that's only a problem for existing users. Once it's deployed people will be able to mute stuff when the whim strikes them instead of having a backlog like existing users would if this rolled out tomorrow.
That would bum me out. Some days I just can't take one more notification, but others I feel more open to it. Muting or snoozing a thread might good?
Maybe we need a way to re-enter. Like maybe a link you could click on the publication’s main page.
Or we need a way to sort paid from unpaid chats we subscribe to. The idea being you want to see the chats you pay for, but maybe not the unpaid ones.
Yeah, or having the option to mute would be good.
You can mute individual posts, but not publications.
As long as you don't leave my chat. That's where all the important stuff happens.... or silly stuff. When I remember to post there.
Haha nope! Yours I want to stay in! Just some I want to periodically read their work, but I’m not the type of reader who would be contributing in a chat. For example, I follow a few finance related Substack’s but I’m not going to have input in a finance chat.
[Feature request for Substack Chat!] I would love love love to see Chat support audio messages. I have been considering starting a Voxer group or Telegram group but to have it unified with my newsletter subscription platform would be *chef's kiss** 😘👌
We love this idea too.
Yes! I love sending voice messages. This feature would be great!
Hi everyone! I've finally caught one of these early enough 🤗 Thank you for the space!
Have folks had any luck with using mentions and cross posts? I'd love to cultivate closer relationships with writers in the same or similar niche (Alaskan politics). Have you been using these features for people that you've already connected with, or using them as a way to first reach out? Thank you!
Glad to have you here!
Hi everyone! I’m curious to know how those of you who have newsletter sections in different languages work around the signup process and other standardized messages to readers — and also whether Substack may have any useful functionality coming up for these multilingual publications. Many thanks!
(for context, I had been writing in Russian for over a year before I started an English-language section, and I can’t figure out how to make the two “subscriber journeys” fairly smooth, beyond just writing “English below” on About pages etc)
Our team has experimented with some localization/translated elements. Let me check in with them now.
Just want to add that, I regularly read Office Hours to read what people are chatting about, and this is where I find fun Substacks to subscribe too. It's like visiting a bookshop for me.
Good point!!
The well-established writer John Michael Greer, who's not on Substack but has published widely and runs two indie blogs, posted something yesterday that might help many of you who are new to writing, especially, but is something I found nice to read even as a writer who's been making a FT living at it for the past 15 years. LINK: https://www.ecosophia.net/writing-as-microcosm-2-a-door-will-open/
Thanks for recommending him. I love blogs like his :)
You’re welcome, and enjoy!
Has anyone else started a podcast after starting their Substack? I took the leap, and now trying to publish one written post per week as well as one podcast.
My written posts are usually 1,000 wds. I'm aiming to make the podcasts all around 25 minutes.
My challenge is how I can cover the same topics in writing and on the podcast without it sounding repetitive. Curious if anyone else has had the same concern.
Have you considered a voiceover read out of your posts? Here's an example of a writer who does this: https://experimentalhistory.substack.com/
You can also send voiceovers to RSS feeds so listeners can access in their podcast players
Potentially. I think I wanted the podcasts to stand on their own a bit more, and go deeper than my written posts do. But I appreciate the thought and the link!
I've made some practice podcasts. So far all I can do is laugh at my efforts. Even I wouldn't want to listen to me! LOL.
It reminds me of why I had to become a writer.
So that's a good thing.
Nice. I'll check out your site and podcasts! Love your newsletter name... inspired by Tuck?
Yes to the inspiration. I've always loved that title. As to the podcast, be glad it's not a thing yet. I mean it. Be glad.
But welcome to my blog!
Oh, got it. Well, if you ever want more practice, I think eventually I'd like to have conversations with other creatives on my own podcast. Once I get the technology side of things down.
That's a great idea! Did I tell you I almost died once from stage fright? But keep me in mind, Rian. There are days when I throw all caution to the winds. That might just be one of them.
Cool, cool. Okay, let's stay in touch. As you can tell, I'm still learning the ropes around Substack and podcasting. So maybe we can help each other. I'm caseycorkrian@gmail.com if you want to pick up the conversation. In the meantime I'll check out your site!
Just a quick note to say I’m really thrilled you’ve added image galleries. Thank you for this feature!!
Hi writers! I had a question regarding consistency. As you may see from my newsletter, I have bursts of motiviation and it lasts for a few weeks. After that, it seems to fall because of lack of content, some other work which takes priority etc.
How do you keep yourself motivated and consistent? Any tips?
This depends on your personality, but I wonder if you could batch your writing? Break up what you write into a few posts to schedule for when your feeling less motivated.
Wow now that I think of it,Tl that actually sounds like a good idea! I already have content for the next issue but I'm waiting to write it come next weekend. Thank you! I'll try applying this :)
I like to set up a consistent work environment- I change the colors of the lights in my room, adjust the window blinds, and play some music.
Whenever I create this work environment, I instantly feel more productive and that usually gets me ready to start writing.
This is what I’m able to do when I need to write in a way! I know when I read my favorite blogs, I’m able to come up with content that just pours out of me!
Good idea!
So I’m a full time caregiver for my mom, and I’m recommitting myself to my newsletter with a relaunch on the 22nd.
I work the same way! I have bursts of motivation and then also hormonal monthly stuff that can get debilitating... so I’m planning to do one well fleshed-out article per week. Anything extra--paid or free--will be bonuses.
I’m trying to go through old writings to edit too, to add to my queue.
Staying organized with folders in Google Docs and a planner (and either Notion or Airtable when I have time).
Meant to say I commit to one well-written post and batch what I can to work ahead (same with queuing marketing stuff). It’s a GAME changer if I can do it! And if I’m far enough ahead I can create boundaries where I focus more on myself and rest/fun on the weekends
This is just a small thing but I keep a gmail draft open on my phone. My phone is always with me so if an idea for a post pops into my head, I write it down and that way I have a bank of topics to write about when I need it! :)
I initially struggled with this, then settled on my “magic” formula: 1) Set a time for a writing session everyday 2) If you finish your weekly post in two sessions, then use the rest of the sessions to write future posts. This way, you will accumulate content and are not on the “Weekly post deadline clock”. 3) Schedule posts in advance for a fixed time and day of the week.
It will be hard at first, but when you settle into the rhythm, your posting should be asynchronous from your writing. Why is this good? A) It reduces stress, B) It makes you enjoy the process of writing and not the outcome. Make it an exercise, and not like a homework assignment! Hope this helps. It has for me, and I have not compromised on quality, and many of my readers have been appreciative.
Setting a schedule for writing and keeping a surplus of articles seems to be the way to go.
I’ve started helping a few people which their LinkedIn game. If you’d like a few pointers drop me a connection request on LinkedIn (in my bio) and I’m happy to take a look for you.
Martin, thanks for the kind offer. I will follow up.
- George