Have questions about publishing, growing, or going paid on Substack? The Substack team, and your fellow writers, are here to help! Our team will answer questions and share insights with you in the threads today from 10 a.m.–11 a.m. PST / 1 p.m.–2 p.m. EST.
I'm considering enabling the 'Pledges' feature, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea at this early stage. While I do plan to eventually transition to a paid model once I have a solid base of content and a gathered audience, I'm hesitant about introducing Pledges right out of the gate. It feels a bit like I'm holding out a hat for donations as soon as someone steps through the door. I can't help but wonder if it might be a bit of a downer, potentially dampening what could be a pleasant user experience.
Do you have any thoughts or personal experiences with this? Have you ever encountered any backlash or negative feedback from the inclusion of Pledges? Any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated!
We set pledges on as the default, because we think it's a good idea to turn it on right away.
One way to think of this is that it's a feature that empowers your *readers* -- you aren't asking them for money, but rather the platform is giving them the opportunity to tell *you* that they love what you are doing and want to give you their money.
We also see it as a great way to build momentum toward going paid, and know when you are ready to.
I agree with Chris. I was susprised that people pledged when they did -- I never asked them to. And it gave me confidence that people valued what I was saying and trying to do enough to commit to it.
It also automatically converted when I enabled paid, which I did not expect. I emailed everyone thanking them and offering to refund their money if they didn't want to actually convert. No one took me up on the offer.
I set mine up originally for free subscriptions only, thinking that it might be too presumptuous to have an option for paid subscriptions, at least, until I was better established. Maybe I was lucky, but very quickly I began getting notices from Substack that people were trying to make subscription pledges, but that to receive them I needed to activate the “paid“ feature. So I did. I still tell people that they can subscribe for free, but in about a week have garnered 10 paid subscriptions.
Is there a button though that can say 'Pledge'? I am not sure it is always clear for the people. When I used Substack as a reader first, I did not understand the difference between pledging and paying a subscription.
Great question here. We have a help center article page here that will help you answer some pledges question and the different between a pledge and playing for a subscription.
"Pledges work on auto-pilot. Free subscribers who are logged into their Substack account will see prompts to 'Pledge your support' instead of the 'Subscribed' buttons on your publication and in your posts. "
I've been on here for 6 months and had pledges from the start. I got a couple straight away. I thought initially that I would see how that went before switching on paid, but then I wondered why not? Lots of people say, get to 1000 free subs and then go paid, but that might take me forever! I figured there's nothing to lose by going paid. Either people will or they won't. I was scared to do it though - I'm not the sort of person who is comfortable with third party payment things etc. and I'm still very anxious about it all.
I agree. I also think that if someone wants to support you, not going paid potentially prevents them from doing so in the way they might like. I think of pledges in the same way.
I would say it may seem presumptuous at this stage And once you make an impression, you cannot erase it. Nobody gets a second chance to make a first impression
I’ve only sent two emails for a commissioned client and we already have a pledge... sometimes I think with this all being so new to folks best just to turn it on?
I wouldn't hesitate, Tom. I wish pledges were an option when I started. It feels like a good way to take the temperature of your audience, see how willing they are to pay, and as an avid Substack reader, I never feel put off by "Pledges" prompt.
I’ve just launched my first ever Substack too - scary and exciting! I wondered the same thing as you but decided to turn on pledges and paid subscriptions from the start and to my surprise got one right away. So I say go for it and make the most of this wonderfully supportive environment. I’m going to take a look at your page now. Good luck with it all, I’m sure it’s going to be a great journey!
I think the pledges screen you get when you hit subscribe is too busy, too much to take in and people don't have any patience, don't realise they can subscribe for free, and click away. I'd prefer to have a button to 'pledge' separate from to 'free subscribe'.
I don't intend to turn on payment (unless I get a good idea for what I'd use that money for that fits in with what I do) and have told my readers so, and therefore I've completely ignored pledges. To my surprise, I got a few. It's rather nice to see the support.
I think you may be overthinking this. Unless you are actively soliciting pledges from people in your newsletter, most readers aren't going to take it as you holding out your hat.
Love this community, and always love scrolling through the comments in office hours! I’m Alexa Juanita Jordan, and I write a mix of essays and poems/songs over at Wild Cozy Free. It’s an exploration of the self behind all my roles, and a step towards more embodiment. Here’s this week’s post! https://wildcozyfree.substack.com/p/storybook-undone
I'm one of Alexa's subscribers and recommend her newsletter. If you like hers, you may also like mine, "Changing Lives," which is for anyone who wants to change lives, starting with their own: https://wendigordon.substack.com
you seem like a very nice woman (even to know) as i live in nyc i don;t like and would pay you IF you could create a nice ad for me on substack on a social issue , do yoive u feel an ad would bring a response as i'll give my e-mail address on an issue thta affects many students all over America
i live in manhattan which now disintegrates in crime
🟧 Is there any way to get a tutorial up about advance design of my page? Or, is there a Substack writer that could help me out? My page looks awful but don't have those skills....
🟧 Is there a way to see publishers' location? Or make it optional for us to share our location publicly with other writers? Or promote such meetups? I've seen WordPress does this. On the dashboard of my WP website are dates and info for upcoming meetups in Vancouver.
🧠 Hey all! Here's a little bit of encouragement from me to you, in case you need it:
Whether you're just getting started or you've been at this a while, there's really only one way to be a writer: to write. And keep writing, even when it feels impossible. Even when it's the last thing you feel like doing.
There is no "right" way to do Substack. The only wrong answer is to give up.
Some of my most resonant posts seem to be the ones I have written from my heart just in a few hours (often after an extremely draining day). I usually post weekly because I told myself I would do it, but I think "Oh no one will read this schlock. This is nothing but me being tired..." But I write and I post, and somehow I get more positive feedback than I think I ever will. I think the writing is always best when you are being authentic and consistent.
So true, Zina. Personsl stories connect better. However, I’ve learned that what I think is great, is not necessarily what my audience revvs about. It’s those unassuming posts you think are trivial that capture their attention.
My conclusion is two-fold: a) try not to overthink it as people often like simplicity and b) as S.E. Reid says, it’s about showing up regularly. And I’d add treat your writing like those early days of a music band showing up on any stage doing their signsture song and dance. Persistence pays off ;)
Yes. I have been persisting. My compulsivity pays off because when I say I will do something weekly I will do it even if I am tired and stressed out. I do what I say I am going to do. But it is very weird what words come out of us in those moments. Is anything I write good, true or beautiful? Being so close to one's words, it is hard to say. I don't want to put things out just for the sake of it. I don't want to waste people's time. But it seems from the comments... maybe I am actually doing something... worthwhile.
I hear you Zina. Indeed, it’s hard work and often you can’t tell what will stick no matter if you are in your flow or not. As such, a great quote from the great Bob Dylan could serve us all here. When asked how come he has written so many songs, he replied: “I’ve written the same four [expletive] songs a million times.” The lesson here is simple we all carry unique perspectives we recycle in different stories. Yep! Sometimes it's hard to know if what we write is good, true or beautiful to your point. The good news, is that our writing voice over time gets solidified (like our brand identity), it’s our tone that changes depending the story’s angle. Speaking about process, here is how I produce my weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/p/from-idea-to-inbox-discover-the-process
I've found this too Zina. Sometimes I'll be writing and feel like I'm saying things I've already said, and of course, things that have been said by others over and over. It gets discouraging in my head! I remind myself why I am doing it at all and carry on, slow but steady.
Thank you for this! It’s hard at first, when it feels your posts go straight into the void. But that’s when it’s most important to push through. Soon enough, things will come into place.
At the same time, sometimes it's good idea to take a break and come back with fresh perspective and energy. And some people are like 5'1" basketball players - likely more suited to a different sport.
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it." Or at least try different things and seek out feedback from people who believe in you want the best from you (whether or not that involves writing), and are willing to tell you the truth.
Today I reached 2k subscribers. It took me 3 years to get there but at least half of those were from the last year, after I committed to writing no matter what. My perfectionism really kept me from consistency. Now I am all about consistency, not perfection.
Truth! For me, too, like with exercise, often it’s those times you push through even when you don’t feel like it that the unexpected can happen—a flow, a gem, a new sense of your capability.
Thanks, that is really encouraging. I’ve just started here and plan to post twice a week, even if short. Will see how it goes and keep your advice in my mind 😊
🧠🟧 Celebrating a win today… I got a paid subscriber!! Wish we could tag in the comments but big thank you for the support. I have been hesitant on even releasing some of my most recent essays but they’ve all gotten great responses. Writers: the discomfort is where the growth lies.
For the Substack staff: I have no double opt in for signups in my Settings. Others have it and I’m not sure what’s different. Also, my monthly stay emails are very minimal. I get much more from the dashboard. Any idea on these two things?
Congratulations!! Ahhh, I definitely have had success with the uncomfortable pieces haha. It's so hard to let them go out into the wild! But you're absolutely right!
Congrats, Chevanne! I published my first post this week, and it was way more terrifying than hitting "publish" on thousands of stories I've written before as a journalist. Maybe because I'm writing about my own experience now, but maybe because it's such a flutter-in-the-stomach feeling to connect directly with readers? Fingers crossed for you that you'll get many more paid subscribers very soon!
Congrats to you on publishing! It’s funny what dredges up that anxiety. I would probably be more nervous about a journalist article because you have to get the facts right and tell the story they reveal. It’s hard work. Good luck on your journey.
I said this a month ago in office hours and will repost it here. My Substack is right around 24k subscribers in 120 countries. Happy to cross promote/recommend/collaborate with other writers if it makes sense.
I also write about psychology, self improvement, and inner work. I'm curious how you've grown your subscriber base in this niche. Do you feel it has more to do with the topics, the graphic novel style approach, a mix of both? Would love to hear more!
Fantastic illustrations. I write about mindset about making life after 40 unapologetically awesome. If you think it makes sense to collaborate, please feel free to email me at jill@golong.me.
1. More control over post assets. The default is to crop the first image used in a post at the exact center. Being able to decide where to crop (or what image to use) would be great.
2. More flexibility in poetry blocks. The existing feature doesn't do unconventional spacings well, which makes it impossible to quote certain types of poetry accurately.
Yes, and yes! Though, unless I am misunderstanding you, we do have the option to select our lead image. If you go to "Social Preview" just before posting, and hover over the image, a grid of all images from your post pops up. You can select from there, or choose to "upload new." More cropping flexibility would be awesome, as would spacing alternatives.
I’ve been wondering why that feature is called “Social Preview” when it’s really how the post will look on a site. When I post to Facebook, the image hardly ever looks like it does in that block.
I’ve written like five notes. I see them on my main page, but they don’t show up on my stack’s webpage. It says I haven’t written any. What am I doing wrong.
✏️ - recommendations! Does anyone have any tips on how to ask other writers to recommend you? I've found this to be one of the best sources for new subscribers over the past month, and wanted to open up to recommend others/be recommended.
Any advice would be really appreciated, or, if you want to recommend each other let me know! I write about mental health, fatherhood, creativity, and life with a silly/humorous tone but also very real and honest.
I've heard from writers with lots of subscribers (and others who agree with them, as I do) that it's far better and honest to recommend Substacks you subscribe to and genuinely think your readers would appreciate than to work out a deal where those other writers agree to recommend yours. I recommend many newsletters that don't recommend me back; maybe they will at some point (and some already have), but it's not the reason I recommend them in the first place.
I agree with this. I think the best way to gain recommendations from other writers is to let them decide if they think their readers would like your work too. What you could do is interact witt a lot of other 'stackers who are writing in the same category you are so that they notice you!
I agree. At the same time, we're all busy. And, like anything, if you ask in the right way you're more likely to get it. Maybe you can ask in a more diplomatic way. Something like, "Hey, huge fan. I want to improve my Substack to approach your standards. What advice would you give me to get to the level that you would want to recommend me?" Then implement any advice they give and ask what they think. Something along those lines. Before I try this myself, curious for others' feedback.
The best way to get others to recommend you is to recommend them. If you do great work, then they will usually recommend as well. I have over 60 recommends and most of them are from the 110 I recommend. I also do a roundup every week of my favorite articles. However, I am only recommending substacks I really like. My rule is that if I put you in a roundup, then I will recommend you.
I think the only thing I would do to temper this strategy is to refuse to recommend work you do not respect. Social media taught a lot of people to "follow" or "friend" literally everyone so they would "follow" or "friend" back. The result was a completely uncontrollable flow of garbage. Be selective about who you recommend and seek recommendations from.
Even more important, I believe, is to regularly comment on the stacks you recommend. Comments are the truest available metric for how much real response we're getting. Put a couple of bucks in each other's comment-tip-jar and get others in the habit.
I literally said in my comment "However, I am only recommending substacks I really like." So...i don't understand your comment. I agree with it, because I already said it.
Hey Russell! I've actually been passively following a lot of what you do on here, great to hear from you. I loved your piece on building a world class Substack (all 15,000 words ;)).
Subscribed and will recommend you. Let's see if this works ;)
Nice! I like your publication enough to subscribe :) If I ever put it in a roundup then I'll be recommending it as well. I feel that's the best way for me to work. Keep up the good work!
Now I need a Russell Nohelty master class. Looking for a "roundup" (maybe Digests?) on your Stack and found that you have organized posts into "Articles," "Tutorials," "Godverse Chronicles," and so on. Are those collected by "tags," "sections," or ??? and how do you create those subheads that divide the posts? Is that a "customize" option under Basics? Would you be willing to be highlighted for Field Guide #3 which will come out 9/27?
Thanks. I'll see what I can do about organizing sections. And, let me think about how to do an "interview" ... Threaded discussion? chat? letters? post with specific questions? I need to get a better sense of what you've already offered in your posts and see how to tie them together in a way that brings out something new. Open to ideas of what you think would best serve you and readers.
I don't know. You can look through my work and let me know. I have written a lot of books and article in my career. Keep a list of all my media appearances here. https://www.russellnohelty.com/media/
Most of my best posts have been collected on my substack though, or in the books I've written/co-written
Russell ... another recommendations question. I love your idea of being a curator for your readers and recommending Substacks you think they would like. I tend to like a wide variety of stuff ... perhaps more than my readers would be interested in ... if I start recommending everything I love, will that just be confusing to them and how many of my recommendations would they even see? Obviously, my confusion about this important topic is deeper than I thought. ;-)
I will also state that I don't know any other way to be. So, if you like the stuff I like, you will probably like my publication, but I curate stuff I like and they definitely generally have a tone. L:ike, iif I recommend a book it will probably be a dark fantasy YA with strong horror vibes. However, I also do fiction and non-fiction under one substack, so my stuff is already all over the place.
Have you ever seen my digests? They are everything from comedy to writing to growth hacking to doomerism. I am all over the place with what I love. The one thing that combines things I love is that they are things I love. However, I do not put political things in my roundups, or religious stuff (spirituality is okay). I do have barriers, but they are pretty loose.
Personally I think it makes more sense to ask about collaborating rather than to ask other pubs to recommend me. Recommendations, I think, are a really organic way of referring others to stacks you really and truly love, and it may be awkward for other writers to have to say no.
Yes -- this is totally fair. I'm having some luck on collaborating with pubs I really like, so that will just take time until it's published and maybe through that will organically progress into recommendations.
I dunno, Bryce. I've always let recommendations happen organically, which isn't really the 'go-getter' approach you and others might want to take. For me, asking for recs feels like paid reviews on Amazon, rendering them less authentic. And, then I get tangled up in the whole quid pro quo thing, too. That said, I might not ever light up the boards with exponential increases in numbers of subscribers either. So, there's that. 😁
This is fair! But I guess, if you like what people are doing and you know they like you, it doesn't hurt to ask, right? It's like -- you wouldn't be able to take your crush on a date unless you asked if they liked ice cream....
😅 -- I see what you did there. And, I raise you a counter thought: Go ahead and recommend people you appreciate. If they recommend you back, then you can start thinking about that date. And, if a date materializes, then you can ask if they like ice cream, or if they'd maybe prefer miniature golf.
I think the both/and approach has a lot of value. Recommend freely AND ask when it makes sense. Learning to ask for what I want is a personal challenge *and* I think the challenge is to figure out how it can be a win-win
Yes, I would feel awkward asking for recs also, and not want to put the other writer in the awkward position of saying no to someone who subscribes to and regularly promotes their work.
But I also realize that one factor limiting my success as a writer is that I don't do enough to help potential readers discover my work, and subscribers of newsletters similar to mine are more likely to be interested in mine.
I've also noticed (not just on Substack or even just among all writers, but in general) that it often seems like men are more comfortable promoting their work, asking for recommendations or testimonials, etc than women are. That's not intended as a criticism, and I know there are exceptions to that generalization, but I see it consistently enough (and have read research studies that support my observations) to mention it here.
Very astute observation. Really appreciate the perspective of both you and June on here.
For me, I think about asking for recommendations like a small business asking for referrals. Yes, it feels icky, and the work should speak for itself, but if there is a relationship and you're both subscribed and enjoying each others work -- doesn't hurt to gently ask?
I think soliciting recos for the pure sake of promotion is icky, for sure. But if there's a relationship and you're helping each other, I think it's okay.
Yes, I agree when you put it that way. It definitely doesn’t hurt to gently ask if there’s already a relationship and you both subscribe to and enjoy each other’s newsletters.
I've found the best way for me, the way that suits my personality, is to (a) write the best stuff I can (b) recommend others' posts and 'stacks if I genuinely like them. A lot of the time they also recommend me, but I think organic recommendations are more honest and better than what I would call transactional ones.
This is fair and probably the best way to do it. I also don't see too much harm in asking, if there is a mutually relationship and you know you're already subscribed to each others work. No different, I think, than a small business asking for referrals. But I agree - it should be more organic and less transactional.
Totally. This seems to be a common theme on here, is a lot of discomfort in asking and it being icky. Completely understand, but glad I asked the question today as it's opened up a really interesting dialogue with tons of perspectives.
My approach to this is to simply let it happen organically through genuine interactions.
Be engaged with other people's Substacks if you genuinely enjoy their material. Over time, you'll likely find a decent proportion of those will recommend you.
Plus, recommend other Substacks that you genuinely enjoy reading, irrespective of whether you want to be recommended back. Also, when you do this, aim to write a short blurb as to why you're recommending them. I always enjoy reading these and feel that it means the recommender really is recommending for a reason.
Great question, I've been wondering the same. I just subscribed to Bird's Eye View, as it seems we write about similar topics. I write personal, often humorous, stories about the intersection of motherhood, work, and culture. If you want to subscribe and we like each other's stuff, I'd love to trade recommendations!
Really cool! Glad to be connected, Kerala, and subscribed as well. Looking forward to you're writing! And yes, happy to trade recos if it makes sense for our audiences.
Ppl with smaller Substacks recommend bigger ones in hopes of reciprocation, getting their attention, or signalling what they're about. Ppl with bigger Substacks recommend smaller ones to feel good about doing something nice for "a little guy." Most don't recommend because it's not super duper easy. And people are most likely to recommend stuff that's incredibly, life-changing-ly amazing that they would feel like they are not doing their duty as a citizen of the world if they didn't recommend it far and wide. Part of that last point is not having a clear niche that solve a clear problem for a specific audience. (e.g. It's easy to recommend Lenny's newsletter to product managers looking to do better in their careers.)
Two questions:
1. Do you know if you can get an easy "click here to recommend me" link?
2. Have you tried asking other writers who subscribe to recommend you? I imagine some would rather do so than say no.
PS: Happy to engage in a mutual back scratching with you.
I don't think that's the right mentality at all. The right mentality is to think of yourself as a curator of great content for your audience. Yes, you provide some of it, but recommendations should be something that fill out something you think your audience should know.
I curate a weekly digest of my favorite posts around Substack for people, and when I include a link, I recommend them. I am doggedly protective of my audience and my place as a curator. I need my audience to trust that I'm sending them things they will like. The more you do that, the more trust you have.
I believe you should be recommending people because you LOVE their work, with no expectation of anything in return. I recommend 120 or so publications and about 60 recommend me back. Some of them are ones I recommend, but many are not in both directions.
Right on, Russell! We probably don't talk about trust enough. It is a critical component ... love your words: "I am doggedly protective of my audience and my place as a curator. I need my audience to trust that I'm sending them things they will like. The more you do that, the more trust you have."
Good additional point: Recommend other pubs as an additional way to add value to your readers.
I wonder: Could recommending 120 (!) be somewhat counterproductive? As a reader, I'd be overwhelmed by such a huge list. A more curated list of recommendations may be more useful, don't you think?
You only get three-4 when you subscribe. I'm fine having a rotating list of awesome publications. They are heavily curated. Every one of them has been personally vetted by me over time.
Just recommend stuff you love and that your readers might love too. Always add text to a recommendation you give.
Q2: Yes I have successfully asked for a recommendation from a mutual 'fan' of my other newsletter (we were liking and commenting on each other's work). He wasn't really up-to-date with how recommendations worked in Substack and was happy to provide one. I had already recommended his.
Chris ... important point: "it's not super duper easy." Recommendations, to be helpful, need to be authentic and powerful. I take a lot of time when I write a recommendation, trying to find the words that will be true to the Substack and invitational to the reader. And, sometimes, a recommendation from someone will spark a clue for me about what is important to others. Recommendations are far more than just "votes" or "likes" ... they require a level of engagement.
Hi Joyce. I agree about taking care with what you write in your recommendation. By "super duper easy", I was referring to making it easy to find the page where you write the recommendation.
Chris! Can't believe I'm not recommending your pub yet. Fixing that now... been thinking too much about getting together in Vancouver instead of supporting you on the platform we connected on.
I just recommended the sub stacks that I thought were most interesting and would appeal to others and some of them recommend back and some don't but I thought that my role is to make my publication as interesting to others as possible, so I recommend things I find interesting and hope they do as well. I have not really attempted to get recommendations back although I do have some
(1) make sure they 'know' you by commenting, liking and re-stacking their work. Check that they have subscribed to your publication and (ideally) commented on one of your posts.
(2) write to them by replying to one of their emails and say "Hey, I love what you do and recommend your publication to my readers. If you like my publication and have a moment to write a 10 word recommendation I would be really grateful.
Hey Bryce — I see you've already gotten some great responses to your question. But I'll throw my two cents in real quick and say that I provided some scripts in this post below, in hopes that others can use them as a springboard to writing their own recommendations. I think we underestimate the "inner pulling" required to decide if we recommend a writer. And sometimes a script can help bridge that gap.
This is great! Really like your Substack, I also write a lot about mental health. Your approach is so cool, subscribed and I'd be happy to recommend you.
I have been working on a new newsletter called Rooms where I feature creative individuals homes as well as a brief interview regarding their thoughts on design - https://rooms.substack.com/
-Wanted to ask what growth strategies worked best in the early days for everyone?
-Would also love any general feedback or ideas to improve the newsletter
If anyone would like to be featured or knows someone who might, send them my way!
Working with other creators is really good, and recommending things you love. The early days what you can do is be a really good curator, and bring the right people together who will be excited about finding other creators, too.
I think we might have some common ground. Though I am not sure if I am confused by the branding on your page. Are you the same stack as the interior design service or are they 2 separate ones?
My advice is to engage with other Substackers who are in similar niches. Maybe any creatives or interior designers? Have an explore around -- and engage with other writers, comment, share, connect. That will go a long way for your first bit of followers and getting yourself noticed. You need to engage!
Oh that’s a cool idea! It’s still early days for me, but I’m getting the sense that engagement with other Stacks and writers / writing is key.
Also, I live in a van I built out myself—which is a very lovely room (in my humble opinion anyway). Let me know if you’re interested in featuring a room outside the box ;)
Holly ... engagement with other on Substack is important ...however, you have a unique situation and point of view ... even more key is sharing your world with readers who connect with your world and what got you there. Share your adventure.
Wait, is every creative rich with expensive camera except for me???? Lovely newsletter! I love Apartment Therapy, so to see the creative aspect brought into interior design is *chefskiss*
This is a great concept, bravo. I have a home studio I share with my partner. It’s an interesting and inspiring space. I’d love to share it on Rooms if you’re interested!
I am so happy to have found you here. What a wonderful Substack! Just subscribed!
(My only feedback is that you don't need to "quote" the answers from your featured guests -- it adds a blue line down the left margin that looks strange along the photos, and it's already evident from your formatting that it's a Q&A. Congrats on a great start!)
Not to take away from Rooms or crash as I love the Rooms idea and am hoping to collaborate with them. If you are looking for a related but different area, you may be interested in some of topics I cover.
Thanks Marissa, appreciate the kind words! So far I have found most guests on Instagram. I don't have any real criteria, just looking for unique and aesthetically pleasing spaces. I am trying to find diverse styles and designs as well.
🧠what is right is what works. I change my publishing routine, the format, topics, and subscribers keep going up. So don't feel the need to have to constantly stick to a 4k word newsletter.
Good reminder. Being fairly new to Substack, I tell myself it’s like throwing stuff at a wall to see what sticks—what feels good to me and what readers respond to.
After seven months I'm coming to believe there's a formula for creating successful content on Substack. The more personally I write, using examples from my own life, and taking ownership of statements that are clearly my own opinion, the more response I seem to get. Facing up to the big question consistently is also key. The big question? What am I capable of writing that would be of real value to my readers? I came to Substack to stop writing for advertisers, sponsors, and clients, and only write for my readers. More and more I come to believe that's the "Substack Secret Sauce."
Yes, well said: "What am I capable of writing that would be of real value to my readers?"
For those who aren't sure they have something of value to readers, I would say just start writing what feels comfortable, and trust that it will change. I've been writing my main Substack since February, and I am definitely still figuring out what has most value for other people, but by writing what I care about, I feel like I'm meeting amazing folks that I am so grateful to know. And I'm glad to figure out what has value for *these* readers first, the ones who provided early encouragement.
So definitely write *first* for you and from you, and let the reader stuff evolve naturally. But do think about that too. For a couple of examples:
My latest post "The Substack Tithe" was my most restacked post. I'm thinking about what else I can do along these lines:
I do believe you are tuning into the "formula" ... write what only YOU can write. That also means accepting that you aren't in control of the size of audience that will respond to what you write. I fell in love with @HeatherCoxRichardson who has over a million subscribers. I could do everything, write everything perfectly but never have the audience size she has. We each have our own niche and the beauty of Substack is that it offers a "long tail" so we can find the readers who need what only we can offer, because we are offering our unique skills, talents, and views of the world.
That’s a pretty good secret sauce. I really like the way you word “the big question.” My capability and value to my readers are two aspects I’m honing.
Yes! If I have fun writing it- literally dancing to my fav tunes while writing- then my readers will have fun reading it too. Energy transfers, even via the www.com
It's deep and takes time. "Creating" means bringing something new into the world. By definition, we don't know how it will be received and that can be scary. However, that scary path is the one we've chosen and after awhile, as we start to develop our own rhythm and find people who respond to it, the path gets easier ... and more fun.
If you really feel this way, Keshler, I suggest you keep asking for interaction. Prompt discussions. Reach out on social media to hashtags and groups that resonate with your themes. Personally, I feel confidence is an absolutelyl necessary ingredient for writing success. You must embrace the arrogance that you have something valuable to say. Otherwise, why say it?
Who we are, the life we've lived, the wisdom we've gathered along the way is actually the only value we have to share. Fortunately, there are a zillion ways to share it. And Substack offers us a place on the long tail of creative expression so we can connect with the people who will value what we have to offer.
Holly ... I call that "experimenting" and I think, at least in the beginning, that's a great strategy. As long as what we're throwing is authentic, it helps us home in on what's valuable to our readers.
✏️ Hey writers! Question/Advice needed. I have finally hit a consistent schedule with my newsletter (Entropical Paradise) and have nearly 2000 subscribers. But only 30 of those are paying subscribers. Many of my unpaid readers open the newsletter multiple times and are very engaged. I feel like I'm on the precipice of possibly creating something that could help sustain me financially, but I have historically had trouble converting unpaid subscribers to paid. If you have a successful publication with a decent paid subscriber rate, what has been reliably helpful for conversion? I also have a book coming out in 2025. TIA!!!
Also, if any publications would like to collab, I'd love to chat. I write about writing, creativity, trauma, autism, recovery, nature etc.
I do the best by running Kickstarters for the work I do here, and that raised $5k earlier this year. I also usually suggest doing a PBS style pledge drive.
If you haven't yet read this post, it really has a lot of good info in it! How to convert subscribers from free to paid: https://on.substack.com/p/free-vs-paid
I love what S.E. Reid has done with @Talebones. I can't speak to the conversion, but the philosophy behind it really speaks to me.
Also look at Writers at Work with Sarah Fay. She has some workshops on thoughtfully defining what free subscribers get and what paid subscribers get that might help you think through your readers.
Congrats on nearing 2,000. I hope to be there someday.
Thank you so much for these wonderful suggestions! It has taken me over three years to get here, but things really started happening when I found a rhythm and stopped being a perfectionist...
I have trouble with converting free to paid too! I think part of the problem the last 8 or so months has been all the recession talk in the news. I think people are less willing to spend money if there's an idea in their head that they might maybe lose their jobs. I feel like that's going away a little (thanks Taylor Swift) but I think it played a part. Also it's summer in the northern hemisphere and things tend to slow down in the summer anyway. Regardless, I am also trying to figure out how to get better at this leading into the fall though. You're not alone!
Also, I write about writing and creativity over at valorieclark.substack.com--would love to collab with you. Send me an email at valorieclark@substack.com if you're interested. :)
I don't have the subscriber base you have, but I feel like we're struggling with a similar issue. One thing I think will help but I'm afraid to do is create more paywalled content. I hate the idea that it means (at least at first) that no one will read those posts, but I also know it's necessary if I want conversion. It's all about clearly communicating the value of opting for "paid."
A theme I'm hearing from you and others commenters is the question of how to build something that lives behind the paywall. I'm all for leaving posts and comments open and creating something special for paid subscribers. That's one reason I created the Substack Field Guide designed especially for emerging Substackers ... First one (free) is here and the rest will be available only to paid subscribers. I'm thinking about a value brainstorming process soon. https://gratitudemojo.substack.com/p/substack-field-guide-1-66a
For the most part, I’d rather read quality work that comes out once a month than watered down work that comes out every day.
Of course everyone’s different, I know people who can put out quality stuff on a daily basis. I’m certainly not so blessed so I take things relatively slower.
Yeah, I agree with this (though it turns out I tend to fall into the 1-2 posts/month club) -- at least while it's a hobby/interest/side-hustle, I'd argue for quality over quantity or regularity. The more you've dived in and gotten fascinated with your own subject, the more it'll show and grab someone, and the more they'll want to read *whenever* it pops up. I think it only takes a couple of sub-par posts to fall off of most peoples' radars.
That's where I'm at. I originally planned to post more often but could not find a topic that interested me. It often stressed me out. I post when I can and hope that it will resonate.
Yeah, I sometimes wonder about the trade-off between consistency and quality. For years, I've been going the slow path, like you, but am starting to challenge that. I've seen writing from Scott Young, Nat Eliason, and Albert-László Barabási that provide evidence that quality comes from quantity and that often your perception of quality differs from the audience's—i.e. things you expect to do well fail and vice versa—so your only way to know is put more out there.
I think the key is to find a reasonable number of posts (for me it’s once a week) you know you can handle long-term and let readers know up front how often and when (Fridays for me) to expect new posts.
I do think the only way to improve the quality of your writing (or anything else!) is to do it as often as possible without burning out.
I also need the discipline of a set schedule I’ve publicly committed to. If I just wrote when I felt like it, I wouldn’t write every week.
I also think readers are less likely to subscribe, or if they do to open and read future emails, if there’s no set schedule and a long delay between posts.
When I need a break, I tell readers at least a couple of weeks ahead of time that I won’t be posting during that time.
Also, admit when you're burned out and/or if you need to step away unexpectedly! People appreciate candor. Not everything has to be perfecty structured and planned all the time!
Get comfortable with pitching and talking about your newsletter. People are shy about their art, but those that make it are the ones who talk about it a lot, pitch it, and know it's worth.
This is so true. I pitch stories for a living but when it comes to pitching my 'stack for other people to check out or whatever? Forget it. Leaves me shaking in my boots!
Agree. It took me a while to be at ease with it, as I'm a behind-the-scenes type of person, but to be all in, you have to pitch it. Doesn't mean you have to be pushy, but even just bringing it up, gets people interested, because it's something new for them to hear about.
Yes exactly. Being comfortable talking about it is really important. I think most writers/artists aren't naturally salesly, and it's especially hard when you are talking about your own work. But you worked on it! It deserves to be seen, and its amazing how much people will support and admire your work if you give them a chance to know about it.
I hope you can! The more you talk about it, the more natural it becomes. I find it awkward in real life, too, but am trying to present it as I work hard on my writing and it deserves to see the light of day. Yours does too!
Participate in Writer's Office Hours and Notes often, and promote others' work at least as often as yours. It's easy to do that by restacking their newsletter on Notes with a quote about why you like it, and be sure to @mention them when you do that.
The writer may get notified about the restack anyway, at least if it’s a restack of their newsletter as opposed to just a comment. I don’t know. I do the @mention anyway just to make their name a clickable link in my comment about why I restacked their newsletter. That makes it more prominent and likely to be clicked on by others.
The effect of contact and conversation is cumulative. The more you reach out and connect with more people the broader your reach, and the likelier it is that your content will find welcoming readers. Writers are inherently communicators. We need to continue constantly to do what we do.
They expect everything at once, and don't do the work of gathering people one at a time and putting pennies in the bank. Over time those pennies add up. Also, they don't go outside of Substack. They are trying to grow only from substack itself. Most people are not on substack.
I so agree with this. A benefit of slow growth, one subscriber at a time (as if there were alternatives for most people!), is getting to know subscribers and building relationships. It's wonderful to have this direct contact with fellow writers and readers on this platform.
PREcisely. Lots of little tries. Also, Russell is absolutely right that most people are not YET on Substack. I regularly promote Substack as a platform for readers. There's so much value here.
That is very likely true I have been experimenting with Social Media posts to try and grow readership with mixed results enough new interest to keep with it but not enough to have justified spending any money on it yet. What I found has worked better in terms of people subscribing is having the readers share the posts themselves.
Social media is useless for broad, general outreach. But specific communities create groups that are very targeted. I have had great success building readership by posting in these groups or hashtags. The dream of "going viral" requires cats.
I prefer doing more focused promotions, group giveaways, and advertising that can return 2,000+ emails in a week or so, but to each their own. As I said, I'm glad it works for you. I'm not willing to do the ticky-tack things on other platforms and help build their audiences. I am part of a few Facebook groups, and they do have the best ROI for sure.
Hi Chris! Thanks for writing on Substack and it's great to hear from you. I am sharing this resource we have re: growing your readership, that provides some useful tips: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-4
Focus on the value to readers that only YOU can deliver. Value yourself and allow readers to see you. Newsletters are personal connections to your readers. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you. You are not a commodity like soap. You are a creator. Weave a sparkling web that draws them in. Which reminds me of another great guide: @ClaireVenus who writes "Sparkle on Substack."
As someone who writes about "zagging," I love this answer. Not sure it's the best strategy, though. I know I'd be better off if I defaulted to following more experienced peoples' advice, learning from that experience, and iterating, rather than thinking, "I'm creative and smart and can figure out my own better way," then going nowhere fast until eventually stumbling onto a more successful pre-existing path that I could have gotten on earlier had I just listened from the outset.
I NEED ADVICE: Should I start promoting and inviting users to explore now, with only 1 introductory article live? Or should I build a robust content library of 4-5 weekly articles before marketing it to my network? WDYT?
I'd say promote now! Launch is a great time to drive traffic to your newsletter and get your first bit of early adopters. Also helps to get into the habit of promoting. I find that I need to promote just as much as I write, so if you can learn early on your best ways of promoting, it'll be a good head start for you!
Social media initially to get my first bit of friends and family followers. I announced on my Instagram. I've also been finding a lot of growth right here on Substack, by engaging with other writers, posting on Notes, and building up a bit of a community.
Substack Notes is an amazing place to meet people. You can just go there and respond to others ... or you can restack a post to Notes with a highlight that might intrigue the community.
From my experience, I was surprised to see a few free subscribers enrolling to an old publication with only one introductory post, I felt accountable - So why not!
Those potential first subscribers will be amazed by your the building content over time, and might event help you with valuable feedback to start your continual improvement journey from the week one. All the best!
I suggest doing it now. I had the same worry – I had only one article, that took weeks to write and design for. And only one other idea for an article, which took another 3 weeks. (Maybe a 3-week cycle is my thing?) If you wait to build a library, you'll wait too long.
Honestly, I'd write a few more. I think I launched with 5, but it didn't really get going till a bit later. Another idea is to do some cross-posts/guest posts to fill out your first few articles. But some people might like the feeling of getting in on the ground level, on the other hand. Up to you!
Another option is to populate your site with some articles that haven't been sent out as emails but you could refer back to in future posts. Somewhat like creating a bedrock of value. You can choose not to email a post in the process of publishing a post.
FWIW I promoted it to my entire email base the day I launched. Many unsubscribed, many read each post regularly. Next, my plan is to reach out to this community of readers and ask them to recommend my stack to others. Networking like that built my career in tech, and my rise as a freelancer. I'm trusting it will do the same for me as an independent creator.
Hey Tom! Congratulations on your first post! I don't know if there's a "right" answer, but you could think about how you like to subscribe to things. When I subscribe to a new 'stack, I like to see that they've posted a few times over a few weeks or months. Not because I need lots of "proof" that they're good, but because I have gotten burned by many blogs, stacks, and works-in-progress in the past! I get excited about what the writer is doing in chapter one then they never update again, and I'm sad about it! Knowing they've been writing consistently gives me hope that they'll keep writing consistently.
To help organize the conversation, please use one of the following emojis when you start a new comment.
🧠 - when sharing strategy or advice for fellow writers
✏️ - when asking questions or seeking feedback from fellow writers
🟧 - when asking a question you hope the Substack team can help answer
Use your emoji keyboard or simply copy and paste the emoji at the beginning of your comment.
✏️ PLEDGES - yes or no? 👀
I just hit 'launch' on my first ever Substack 🥳
I'm considering enabling the 'Pledges' feature, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea at this early stage. While I do plan to eventually transition to a paid model once I have a solid base of content and a gathered audience, I'm hesitant about introducing Pledges right out of the gate. It feels a bit like I'm holding out a hat for donations as soon as someone steps through the door. I can't help but wonder if it might be a bit of a downer, potentially dampening what could be a pleasant user experience.
Do you have any thoughts or personal experiences with this? Have you ever encountered any backlash or negative feedback from the inclusion of Pledges? Any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
- Tom from www.marketingideas.com
We set pledges on as the default, because we think it's a good idea to turn it on right away.
One way to think of this is that it's a feature that empowers your *readers* -- you aren't asking them for money, but rather the platform is giving them the opportunity to tell *you* that they love what you are doing and want to give you their money.
We also see it as a great way to build momentum toward going paid, and know when you are ready to.
That’s a really smart way to frame it. Thanks Chris! Got me convinced :)
I agree with Chris. I was susprised that people pledged when they did -- I never asked them to. And it gave me confidence that people valued what I was saying and trying to do enough to commit to it.
It also automatically converted when I enabled paid, which I did not expect. I emailed everyone thanking them and offering to refund their money if they didn't want to actually convert. No one took me up on the offer.
I set mine up originally for free subscriptions only, thinking that it might be too presumptuous to have an option for paid subscriptions, at least, until I was better established. Maybe I was lucky, but very quickly I began getting notices from Substack that people were trying to make subscription pledges, but that to receive them I needed to activate the “paid“ feature. So I did. I still tell people that they can subscribe for free, but in about a week have garnered 10 paid subscriptions.
Is there a button though that can say 'Pledge'? I am not sure it is always clear for the people. When I used Substack as a reader first, I did not understand the difference between pledging and paying a subscription.
Hey Emmanuelle,
Great question here. We have a help center article page here that will help you answer some pledges question and the different between a pledge and playing for a subscription.
- https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/11613774201364-Can-I-pledge-a-Substack-
- https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/11463706473108-What-are-Substack-Pledges-
Hope this helps!
A snippet from one of those help articles:
"Pledges work on auto-pilot. Free subscribers who are logged into their Substack account will see prompts to 'Pledge your support' instead of the 'Subscribed' buttons on your publication and in your posts. "
I've been on here for 6 months and had pledges from the start. I got a couple straight away. I thought initially that I would see how that went before switching on paid, but then I wondered why not? Lots of people say, get to 1000 free subs and then go paid, but that might take me forever! I figured there's nothing to lose by going paid. Either people will or they won't. I was scared to do it though - I'm not the sort of person who is comfortable with third party payment things etc. and I'm still very anxious about it all.
I agree. I also think that if someone wants to support you, not going paid potentially prevents them from doing so in the way they might like. I think of pledges in the same way.
I would say it may seem presumptuous at this stage And once you make an impression, you cannot erase it. Nobody gets a second chance to make a first impression
Had a question about pledges as well. When is a good time to apply this feature? I only have 11 subscribers.
One thing Sarah Fay helped me see:
By not turning being paid, you're literally blocking people from giving you money.
I think of pledges the same. It's never too early to turn them on. You don't have to promote them.
I’ve only sent two emails for a commissioned client and we already have a pledge... sometimes I think with this all being so new to folks best just to turn it on?
Great question!
I wouldn't hesitate, Tom. I wish pledges were an option when I started. It feels like a good way to take the temperature of your audience, see how willing they are to pay, and as an avid Substack reader, I never feel put off by "Pledges" prompt.
Hi Tom,
I’ve just launched my first ever Substack too - scary and exciting! I wondered the same thing as you but decided to turn on pledges and paid subscriptions from the start and to my surprise got one right away. So I say go for it and make the most of this wonderfully supportive environment. I’m going to take a look at your page now. Good luck with it all, I’m sure it’s going to be a great journey!
Hannah
I think the pledges screen you get when you hit subscribe is too busy, too much to take in and people don't have any patience, don't realise they can subscribe for free, and click away. I'd prefer to have a button to 'pledge' separate from to 'free subscribe'.
I don't intend to turn on payment (unless I get a good idea for what I'd use that money for that fits in with what I do) and have told my readers so, and therefore I've completely ignored pledges. To my surprise, I got a few. It's rather nice to see the support.
I think you may be overthinking this. Unless you are actively soliciting pledges from people in your newsletter, most readers aren't going to take it as you holding out your hat.
Love this community, and always love scrolling through the comments in office hours! I’m Alexa Juanita Jordan, and I write a mix of essays and poems/songs over at Wild Cozy Free. It’s an exploration of the self behind all my roles, and a step towards more embodiment. Here’s this week’s post! https://wildcozyfree.substack.com/p/storybook-undone
I'm one of Alexa's subscribers and recommend her newsletter. If you like hers, you may also like mine, "Changing Lives," which is for anyone who wants to change lives, starting with their own: https://wendigordon.substack.com
I subscribe to Wendi’s and highly suggest that you check out her work!
I like the premise! Just subscribed. My site is similar - I write about dealing with adversity: https://helloadversity.substack.com/
Thanks, Christopher. I’ll check out yours, too.
Hi Alexa! We're so happy to have you on Substack!! Thank you for sharing this week's post!
Thank you so much Zoe! So glad to be here!
dear Katie
you seem like a very nice woman (even to know) as i live in nyc i don;t like and would pay you IF you could create a nice ad for me on substack on a social issue , do yoive u feel an ad would bring a response as i'll give my e-mail address on an issue thta affects many students all over America
i live in manhattan which now disintegrates in crime
in regards
eric
Dear Kate
i forgot to write my e-mail address
regards
eric n kemer
tortoise1234567@yahoo.com
Again, I ask: What is the meaning of July 17? (Where is an emoji keyboard?)
🟧 Is there any way to get a tutorial up about advance design of my page? Or, is there a Substack writer that could help me out? My page looks awful but don't have those skills....
Thanks
✏️-Hey, is there a way to change the font or underline words in our posts on Substack? I'm not seeing the option to do so.
✏️ Any writers in the DMV area? I see there was recently a Chicago Substacker meetup & I’m curious who is geographically nearby!
🟧 Is there a way to see publishers' location? Or make it optional for us to share our location publicly with other writers? Or promote such meetups? I've seen WordPress does this. On the dashboard of my WP website are dates and info for upcoming meetups in Vancouver.
This is a great idea! Also ... former Vancouverite here. Woo!!
Would LOVE this!
Seconding this idea!!!
I'm over at Arlington :) Been looking for a writer's group oriented to blog/essay writing, not much luck yet though.
Love Arlington! That's my hometown.
I'm from Woodbridge! Just a bit down 95.
Woohoo!
I grew up there! DMV represent! But I live in LA now.
Oh hey fellow Washingtonian! Come back East. :)
I come back most of the time at least once a year, just not to stay. LA has too good weather. :)
Fair :)
I'm in the M of DMV! I would definitely be up for a writer meet up--definitely looking to find fellow substackers and build professional community!
👀
Would love to connect w/ NYC people!!
Where did you see Chicago? I’m also near there.
I follow Jolene Handy from Time Travel Kitchen on social media and I saw it there
I'm based in DC! Though currently hanging out with my parents in Marshall, VA
I miss VA sometimes.
Richmond, VA here! Kind of a close cousin.
I love Richmond! I’m in Baltimore
Ole Harm City!
I am!
Greater Baton Rouge Area over here--anyone in BR or NOLA?
Hi everyone 👋
Hi! Man, you're the Best, Chris. I'm just a Blahoot. Jealous
- 😄
Hi!
Hi there!
Hello, Chris!
How's it going Chris?
Great. How are you?
Hey, man! I'm a new substack user and have been active for about 2 days now. I enjoy it! Just want to say the team has done a great job so far.
Welcome.
Thank you
Nice to meet you & dive in your thoughts, Chris
Hi Chris 👋🏻 I just started my first Substack page and I love it here. Thanks for the great work you do!
Hello!
*waves*
👋
🧠 Hey all! Here's a little bit of encouragement from me to you, in case you need it:
Whether you're just getting started or you've been at this a while, there's really only one way to be a writer: to write. And keep writing, even when it feels impossible. Even when it's the last thing you feel like doing.
There is no "right" way to do Substack. The only wrong answer is to give up.
So keep going, keep writing, and DON'T GIVE UP! 🌿
Some of my most resonant posts seem to be the ones I have written from my heart just in a few hours (often after an extremely draining day). I usually post weekly because I told myself I would do it, but I think "Oh no one will read this schlock. This is nothing but me being tired..." But I write and I post, and somehow I get more positive feedback than I think I ever will. I think the writing is always best when you are being authentic and consistent.
So true, Zina. Personsl stories connect better. However, I’ve learned that what I think is great, is not necessarily what my audience revvs about. It’s those unassuming posts you think are trivial that capture their attention.
My conclusion is two-fold: a) try not to overthink it as people often like simplicity and b) as S.E. Reid says, it’s about showing up regularly. And I’d add treat your writing like those early days of a music band showing up on any stage doing their signsture song and dance. Persistence pays off ;)
Yes. I have been persisting. My compulsivity pays off because when I say I will do something weekly I will do it even if I am tired and stressed out. I do what I say I am going to do. But it is very weird what words come out of us in those moments. Is anything I write good, true or beautiful? Being so close to one's words, it is hard to say. I don't want to put things out just for the sake of it. I don't want to waste people's time. But it seems from the comments... maybe I am actually doing something... worthwhile.
I hear you Zina. Indeed, it’s hard work and often you can’t tell what will stick no matter if you are in your flow or not. As such, a great quote from the great Bob Dylan could serve us all here. When asked how come he has written so many songs, he replied: “I’ve written the same four [expletive] songs a million times.” The lesson here is simple we all carry unique perspectives we recycle in different stories. Yep! Sometimes it's hard to know if what we write is good, true or beautiful to your point. The good news, is that our writing voice over time gets solidified (like our brand identity), it’s our tone that changes depending the story’s angle. Speaking about process, here is how I produce my weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/p/from-idea-to-inbox-discover-the-process
I've found this too Zina. Sometimes I'll be writing and feel like I'm saying things I've already said, and of course, things that have been said by others over and over. It gets discouraging in my head! I remind myself why I am doing it at all and carry on, slow but steady.
This is great advice. Sometimes I overthink what I want to write about and discount how writing from the heart can resonate so much more.
Thank you for this! It’s hard at first, when it feels your posts go straight into the void. But that’s when it’s most important to push through. Soon enough, things will come into place.
My Notes feel like they often go into the void!
Yeah, discouragement is often misleading.
At the same time, sometimes it's good idea to take a break and come back with fresh perspective and energy. And some people are like 5'1" basketball players - likely more suited to a different sport.
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it." Or at least try different things and seek out feedback from people who believe in you want the best from you (whether or not that involves writing), and are willing to tell you the truth.
You mean I can't play basketball? 😂
Haha. There's actually a pro league in the Philippines that limits players' height.
Sadly it's not just about the height, the talent is lacking too! I'll try to stick to writing.
🩵💪🏽🙃
Today I reached 2k subscribers. It took me 3 years to get there but at least half of those were from the last year, after I committed to writing no matter what. My perfectionism really kept me from consistency. Now I am all about consistency, not perfection.
I really love this. To be a writer is to write. That's it.
Truth! For me, too, like with exercise, often it’s those times you push through even when you don’t feel like it that the unexpected can happen—a flow, a gem, a new sense of your capability.
This is true, like exercise, just get started and something will happen. Great reminder, love the analogy.
Thanks, that is really encouraging. I’ve just started here and plan to post twice a week, even if short. Will see how it goes and keep your advice in my mind 😊
There is that famous cartoon of the miner giving up when he's just 1-2 strikes from finding the treasure.
Love this and totally agree!!
🧠🟧 Celebrating a win today… I got a paid subscriber!! Wish we could tag in the comments but big thank you for the support. I have been hesitant on even releasing some of my most recent essays but they’ve all gotten great responses. Writers: the discomfort is where the growth lies.
For the Substack staff: I have no double opt in for signups in my Settings. Others have it and I’m not sure what’s different. Also, my monthly stay emails are very minimal. I get much more from the dashboard. Any idea on these two things?
“Writers: the discomfort is where the growth lies.” <--This.
Congratulations — I got my first too today! Feels like a big win...
🥳 Congrats!
Yes, it’s a big win.
Amazing stuff Lucy! Going to go and take a look now...
Congratulations!! Ahhh, I definitely have had success with the uncomfortable pieces haha. It's so hard to let them go out into the wild! But you're absolutely right!
Again, congrats!
Sometimes we have to close our eyes and hit publish. 🫣
Thanks! Today feels good.
woo hoo well done!
Thank you!
Congrats, Chevanne! I published my first post this week, and it was way more terrifying than hitting "publish" on thousands of stories I've written before as a journalist. Maybe because I'm writing about my own experience now, but maybe because it's such a flutter-in-the-stomach feeling to connect directly with readers? Fingers crossed for you that you'll get many more paid subscribers very soon!
Thanks so much! We shall see…🤞🏾
Congrats to you on publishing! It’s funny what dredges up that anxiety. I would probably be more nervous about a journalist article because you have to get the facts right and tell the story they reveal. It’s hard work. Good luck on your journey.
Amazing Chevanne, congratulations 💪🏻
Thanks!
Congrats!
Thank you!
Congrats!!
Thanks! 🥰
Congrats! I hope that in the near future, you'll get many more paid subscribers.
🙏🏾 Thank you. I am very grateful even for what I have now.
I just read your latest post and to be honest I like it so much! You just got a new subscriber haha
Ha! Thanks so much!
I said this a month ago in office hours and will repost it here. My Substack is right around 24k subscribers in 120 countries. Happy to cross promote/recommend/collaborate with other writers if it makes sense.
I also write about psychology, self improvement, and inner work. I'm curious how you've grown your subscriber base in this niche. Do you feel it has more to do with the topics, the graphic novel style approach, a mix of both? Would love to hear more!
It is a mix of everything to be honest.
Bravo!
Luv your visuals! Since my newsletter is all about visual storytelling I’d be happy to cross-promote/recommend/collanorate 😀
Thank you, let me check it out.
Congrats! That’s great!
Thank you, keep on writing.
Check it out: https://open.substack.com/pub/kevinmcsa6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1tajxq
This looks cool
Thanks! Feel free to reach out privately with more details on what you meant in the above comments.
Your newsletter looks so intriguing! Do you illustrate everything yourself?
Thank you. No, I have an artist who I work with. They are based on my scripts.
Fantastic illustrations. I write about mindset about making life after 40 unapologetically awesome. If you think it makes sense to collaborate, please feel free to email me at jill@golong.me.
I’d love to collaborate if it makes sense! I write about art & creativity.
Fantastic work! I'm just a social media manager, but I definitely will keep you in mind for future collaborations!!
Really great growth. Would be interested in collaborating if it makes sense!
A couple of feature requests if that's okay:
1. More control over post assets. The default is to crop the first image used in a post at the exact center. Being able to decide where to crop (or what image to use) would be great.
2. More flexibility in poetry blocks. The existing feature doesn't do unconventional spacings well, which makes it impossible to quote certain types of poetry accurately.
Thanks for the feedback
Yes, and yes! Though, unless I am misunderstanding you, we do have the option to select our lead image. If you go to "Social Preview" just before posting, and hover over the image, a grid of all images from your post pops up. You can select from there, or choose to "upload new." More cropping flexibility would be awesome, as would spacing alternatives.
You're right about the lead images. That slipped my mind, I think.
I’ve been wondering why that feature is called “Social Preview” when it’s really how the post will look on a site. When I post to Facebook, the image hardly ever looks like it does in that block.
agree on the assets
Benjamin, AGREE to all that you said!
Being able to split the page between embeds/images and text would be great.
I’ve written like five notes. I see them on my main page, but they don’t show up on my stack’s webpage. It says I haven’t written any. What am I doing wrong.
✏️ - recommendations! Does anyone have any tips on how to ask other writers to recommend you? I've found this to be one of the best sources for new subscribers over the past month, and wanted to open up to recommend others/be recommended.
Any advice would be really appreciated, or, if you want to recommend each other let me know! I write about mental health, fatherhood, creativity, and life with a silly/humorous tone but also very real and honest.
I've heard from writers with lots of subscribers (and others who agree with them, as I do) that it's far better and honest to recommend Substacks you subscribe to and genuinely think your readers would appreciate than to work out a deal where those other writers agree to recommend yours. I recommend many newsletters that don't recommend me back; maybe they will at some point (and some already have), but it's not the reason I recommend them in the first place.
I agree with this. I think the best way to gain recommendations from other writers is to let them decide if they think their readers would like your work too. What you could do is interact witt a lot of other 'stackers who are writing in the same category you are so that they notice you!
This is a good tip as I'm still struggling to find my audience on Substack!
Istanbul is one of my favorite cities. I will have a look at your Sub.
I agree. At the same time, we're all busy. And, like anything, if you ask in the right way you're more likely to get it. Maybe you can ask in a more diplomatic way. Something like, "Hey, huge fan. I want to improve my Substack to approach your standards. What advice would you give me to get to the level that you would want to recommend me?" Then implement any advice they give and ask what they think. Something along those lines. Before I try this myself, curious for others' feedback.
I agree with this, Chris. No harm in asking if there's value and you align.
Great point!
It´s a great way to communicate, engage and conduct great connections!
The best way to get others to recommend you is to recommend them. If you do great work, then they will usually recommend as well. I have over 60 recommends and most of them are from the 110 I recommend. I also do a roundup every week of my favorite articles. However, I am only recommending substacks I really like. My rule is that if I put you in a roundup, then I will recommend you.
I think the only thing I would do to temper this strategy is to refuse to recommend work you do not respect. Social media taught a lot of people to "follow" or "friend" literally everyone so they would "follow" or "friend" back. The result was a completely uncontrollable flow of garbage. Be selective about who you recommend and seek recommendations from.
Even more important, I believe, is to regularly comment on the stacks you recommend. Comments are the truest available metric for how much real response we're getting. Put a couple of bucks in each other's comment-tip-jar and get others in the habit.
I literally said in my comment "However, I am only recommending substacks I really like." So...i don't understand your comment. I agree with it, because I already said it.
Great response. LOL
Beautiful advice. Engagement is precious ... and needs to be genuine.
Hey Russell! I've actually been passively following a lot of what you do on here, great to hear from you. I loved your piece on building a world class Substack (all 15,000 words ;)).
Subscribed and will recommend you. Let's see if this works ;)
Nice! I like your publication enough to subscribe :) If I ever put it in a roundup then I'll be recommending it as well. I feel that's the best way for me to work. Keep up the good work!
Appreciate that, Russell!
Now I need a Russell Nohelty master class. Looking for a "roundup" (maybe Digests?) on your Stack and found that you have organized posts into "Articles," "Tutorials," "Godverse Chronicles," and so on. Are those collected by "tags," "sections," or ??? and how do you create those subheads that divide the posts? Is that a "customize" option under Basics? Would you be willing to be highlighted for Field Guide #3 which will come out 9/27?
I collect them in sections. I talk about that here. https://authorstack.substack.com/p/how-to-use-substack-sections-to-beef
You would need to go to DASHBOARD>SETTINGS>WEBSITE>CUSTOMIZE>POSTS>SECTIONS OR TAGS
Then, you can add your tags or sections. I have them in sections.
Happy to be featured. Is there an interview or something that goes with that or do I just say yes? Either way LMK.
Thanks. I'll see what I can do about organizing sections. And, let me think about how to do an "interview" ... Threaded discussion? chat? letters? post with specific questions? I need to get a better sense of what you've already offered in your posts and see how to tie them together in a way that brings out something new. Open to ideas of what you think would best serve you and readers.
I don't know. You can look through my work and let me know. I have written a lot of books and article in my career. Keep a list of all my media appearances here. https://www.russellnohelty.com/media/
Most of my best posts have been collected on my substack though, or in the books I've written/co-written
Russell ... another recommendations question. I love your idea of being a curator for your readers and recommending Substacks you think they would like. I tend to like a wide variety of stuff ... perhaps more than my readers would be interested in ... if I start recommending everything I love, will that just be confusing to them and how many of my recommendations would they even see? Obviously, my confusion about this important topic is deeper than I thought. ;-)
I will also state that I don't know any other way to be. So, if you like the stuff I like, you will probably like my publication, but I curate stuff I like and they definitely generally have a tone. L:ike, iif I recommend a book it will probably be a dark fantasy YA with strong horror vibes. However, I also do fiction and non-fiction under one substack, so my stuff is already all over the place.
Have you ever seen my digests? They are everything from comedy to writing to growth hacking to doomerism. I am all over the place with what I love. The one thing that combines things I love is that they are things I love. However, I do not put political things in my roundups, or religious stuff (spirituality is okay). I do have barriers, but they are pretty loose.
All over the place is what makes you the person you are.
I definitely have a point of view, but I agree with you. In general what makes somebody's voice is the intersection of all their interests. :)
Yes and you are a wealth of good information. Thank you for sharing it with us. If you have a home renovation experience or pov, I'd love to cover.
Personally I think it makes more sense to ask about collaborating rather than to ask other pubs to recommend me. Recommendations, I think, are a really organic way of referring others to stacks you really and truly love, and it may be awkward for other writers to have to say no.
Yes -- this is totally fair. I'm having some luck on collaborating with pubs I really like, so that will just take time until it's published and maybe through that will organically progress into recommendations.
I dunno, Bryce. I've always let recommendations happen organically, which isn't really the 'go-getter' approach you and others might want to take. For me, asking for recs feels like paid reviews on Amazon, rendering them less authentic. And, then I get tangled up in the whole quid pro quo thing, too. That said, I might not ever light up the boards with exponential increases in numbers of subscribers either. So, there's that. 😁
This is fair! But I guess, if you like what people are doing and you know they like you, it doesn't hurt to ask, right? It's like -- you wouldn't be able to take your crush on a date unless you asked if they liked ice cream....
do you like ice cream?
😅 -- I see what you did there. And, I raise you a counter thought: Go ahead and recommend people you appreciate. If they recommend you back, then you can start thinking about that date. And, if a date materializes, then you can ask if they like ice cream, or if they'd maybe prefer miniature golf.
Hah! Your point is well taken, I'm just being silly on here.
Thanks for tolerating my banter, this is a great approach.
I think the both/and approach has a lot of value. Recommend freely AND ask when it makes sense. Learning to ask for what I want is a personal challenge *and* I think the challenge is to figure out how it can be a win-win
I agree. If feels a bit...I don't know...icky to ask for recs. I think I'd be embarrassed. But that's just me. If it works for you, then fair enough.
Yes, I would feel awkward asking for recs also, and not want to put the other writer in the awkward position of saying no to someone who subscribes to and regularly promotes their work.
But I also realize that one factor limiting my success as a writer is that I don't do enough to help potential readers discover my work, and subscribers of newsletters similar to mine are more likely to be interested in mine.
I've also noticed (not just on Substack or even just among all writers, but in general) that it often seems like men are more comfortable promoting their work, asking for recommendations or testimonials, etc than women are. That's not intended as a criticism, and I know there are exceptions to that generalization, but I see it consistently enough (and have read research studies that support my observations) to mention it here.
Very astute observation. Really appreciate the perspective of both you and June on here.
For me, I think about asking for recommendations like a small business asking for referrals. Yes, it feels icky, and the work should speak for itself, but if there is a relationship and you're both subscribed and enjoying each others work -- doesn't hurt to gently ask?
I think soliciting recos for the pure sake of promotion is icky, for sure. But if there's a relationship and you're helping each other, I think it's okay.
Yes, I agree when you put it that way. It definitely doesn’t hurt to gently ask if there’s already a relationship and you both subscribe to and enjoy each other’s newsletters.
Yes. Indeed.
I've found the best way for me, the way that suits my personality, is to (a) write the best stuff I can (b) recommend others' posts and 'stacks if I genuinely like them. A lot of the time they also recommend me, but I think organic recommendations are more honest and better than what I would call transactional ones.
This is fair and probably the best way to do it. I also don't see too much harm in asking, if there is a mutually relationship and you know you're already subscribed to each others work. No different, I think, than a small business asking for referrals. But I agree - it should be more organic and less transactional.
That's a good analogy, Bryce. Part of my problem is that I don't like asking! nuts really
Totally. This seems to be a common theme on here, is a lot of discomfort in asking and it being icky. Completely understand, but glad I asked the question today as it's opened up a really interesting dialogue with tons of perspectives.
Defo!
My approach to this is to simply let it happen organically through genuine interactions.
Be engaged with other people's Substacks if you genuinely enjoy their material. Over time, you'll likely find a decent proportion of those will recommend you.
Plus, recommend other Substacks that you genuinely enjoy reading, irrespective of whether you want to be recommended back. Also, when you do this, aim to write a short blurb as to why you're recommending them. I always enjoy reading these and feel that it means the recommender really is recommending for a reason.
That´s right! The best feeling of connection is this.
Thanks for making time to send this truthful advice!
Making sure to pass by your reads!
I found my readers didn’t know where recomendations lived so I wrote a post on it and then my recomendations shot up?
Great question, I've been wondering the same. I just subscribed to Bird's Eye View, as it seems we write about similar topics. I write personal, often humorous, stories about the intersection of motherhood, work, and culture. If you want to subscribe and we like each other's stuff, I'd love to trade recommendations!
Really cool! Glad to be connected, Kerala, and subscribed as well. Looking forward to you're writing! And yes, happy to trade recos if it makes sense for our audiences.
Woot woot!
I was going to ask that exact same question!
What's the psychology behind recommending?
Ppl with smaller Substacks recommend bigger ones in hopes of reciprocation, getting their attention, or signalling what they're about. Ppl with bigger Substacks recommend smaller ones to feel good about doing something nice for "a little guy." Most don't recommend because it's not super duper easy. And people are most likely to recommend stuff that's incredibly, life-changing-ly amazing that they would feel like they are not doing their duty as a citizen of the world if they didn't recommend it far and wide. Part of that last point is not having a clear niche that solve a clear problem for a specific audience. (e.g. It's easy to recommend Lenny's newsletter to product managers looking to do better in their careers.)
Two questions:
1. Do you know if you can get an easy "click here to recommend me" link?
2. Have you tried asking other writers who subscribe to recommend you? I imagine some would rather do so than say no.
PS: Happy to engage in a mutual back scratching with you.
I don't think that's the right mentality at all. The right mentality is to think of yourself as a curator of great content for your audience. Yes, you provide some of it, but recommendations should be something that fill out something you think your audience should know.
I curate a weekly digest of my favorite posts around Substack for people, and when I include a link, I recommend them. I am doggedly protective of my audience and my place as a curator. I need my audience to trust that I'm sending them things they will like. The more you do that, the more trust you have.
I believe you should be recommending people because you LOVE their work, with no expectation of anything in return. I recommend 120 or so publications and about 60 recommend me back. Some of them are ones I recommend, but many are not in both directions.
Right on, Russell! We probably don't talk about trust enough. It is a critical component ... love your words: "I am doggedly protective of my audience and my place as a curator. I need my audience to trust that I'm sending them things they will like. The more you do that, the more trust you have."
Good additional point: Recommend other pubs as an additional way to add value to your readers.
I wonder: Could recommending 120 (!) be somewhat counterproductive? As a reader, I'd be overwhelmed by such a huge list. A more curated list of recommendations may be more useful, don't you think?
You only get three-4 when you subscribe. I'm fine having a rotating list of awesome publications. They are heavily curated. Every one of them has been personally vetted by me over time.
Follow-on question. If you have a large list of Substacks you've recommended, how do they get "rotated." I'm fuzzy about this process.
IDK, they just do it internally.
You're overthinking it, Chris!
Just recommend stuff you love and that your readers might love too. Always add text to a recommendation you give.
Q2: Yes I have successfully asked for a recommendation from a mutual 'fan' of my other newsletter (we were liking and commenting on each other's work). He wasn't really up-to-date with how recommendations worked in Substack and was happy to provide one. I had already recommended his.
Chris ... important point: "it's not super duper easy." Recommendations, to be helpful, need to be authentic and powerful. I take a lot of time when I write a recommendation, trying to find the words that will be true to the Substack and invitational to the reader. And, sometimes, a recommendation from someone will spark a clue for me about what is important to others. Recommendations are far more than just "votes" or "likes" ... they require a level of engagement.
Hi Joyce. I agree about taking care with what you write in your recommendation. By "super duper easy", I was referring to making it easy to find the page where you write the recommendation.
Chris! Can't believe I'm not recommending your pub yet. Fixing that now... been thinking too much about getting together in Vancouver instead of supporting you on the platform we connected on.
I just recommended the sub stacks that I thought were most interesting and would appeal to others and some of them recommend back and some don't but I thought that my role is to make my publication as interesting to others as possible, so I recommend things I find interesting and hope they do as well. I have not really attempted to get recommendations back although I do have some
very generous approach.
Awesome approach.
I like what you write about, so I'm going to subscribe. If I like it, I'll recommend you.
Maybe you will like my Substack: Subconscious Fat. Then you can recommend me. Let's try this, and maybe we can help each other out.
To ask other writers to recommend you:
(1) make sure they 'know' you by commenting, liking and re-stacking their work. Check that they have subscribed to your publication and (ideally) commented on one of your posts.
(2) write to them by replying to one of their emails and say "Hey, I love what you do and recommend your publication to my readers. If you like my publication and have a moment to write a 10 word recommendation I would be really grateful.
(3) stop. If they don't respond, move on.
Hey Bryce — I see you've already gotten some great responses to your question. But I'll throw my two cents in real quick and say that I provided some scripts in this post below, in hopes that others can use them as a springboard to writing their own recommendations. I think we underestimate the "inner pulling" required to decide if we recommend a writer. And sometimes a script can help bridge that gap.
https://theeditingspectrum.substack.com/p/the-art-and-authenticity-of-giving
Wow -- this is awesome. Subscribed. Really cool way you've framed this and helps a lot with this discussion. Appreciate it, Amanda.
Thanks for asking this important question. Taking notes on the responses. ;-)
Usually I would just ask for one and do one in return. Or I recommend the substacks I really dig. Recommendations is a huge factor for me.
This is great! Really like your Substack, I also write a lot about mental health. Your approach is so cool, subscribed and I'd be happy to recommend you.
Thank you, we may need to collaborate.
I'll reach out!
This would be amazing to hear! Much needed 🤍
Just subscribed to your website. Better writing is better thinking!
✏️ Hi All !
I have been working on a new newsletter called Rooms where I feature creative individuals homes as well as a brief interview regarding their thoughts on design - https://rooms.substack.com/
-Wanted to ask what growth strategies worked best in the early days for everyone?
-Would also love any general feedback or ideas to improve the newsletter
If anyone would like to be featured or knows someone who might, send them my way!
Working with other creators is really good, and recommending things you love. The early days what you can do is be a really good curator, and bring the right people together who will be excited about finding other creators, too.
As for advice, this is my best advice about setting up a Substack. https://authorstack.substack.com/p/worldclasssubstack
This is my best advice on growth.
https://authorstack.substack.com/p/where-to-invest-your-time-and-money
Great thank you Russell!
You're welcome! If you're ever looking for any more collaborators, I'd love to be featured if it fits your vibe.
For sure! Shoot me an email (in my about page)
I think we might have some common ground. Though I am not sure if I am confused by the branding on your page. Are you the same stack as the interior design service or are they 2 separate ones?
Really cool idea! Love the newsletter.
My advice is to engage with other Substackers who are in similar niches. Maybe any creatives or interior designers? Have an explore around -- and engage with other writers, comment, share, connect. That will go a long way for your first bit of followers and getting yourself noticed. You need to engage!
Great advice thanks Bryce! Will definitely be doing some exploring.
Oh that’s a cool idea! It’s still early days for me, but I’m getting the sense that engagement with other Stacks and writers / writing is key.
Also, I live in a van I built out myself—which is a very lovely room (in my humble opinion anyway). Let me know if you’re interested in featuring a room outside the box ;)
Holly ... engagement with other on Substack is important ...however, you have a unique situation and point of view ... even more key is sharing your world with readers who connect with your world and what got you there. Share your adventure.
Thanks, Joyce! I do have some great adventures to share :).
That sounds great! Shoot me an email (in my about page)
Will do :). (I’ll reach out tomorrow.)
This is such a cool idea! Love it!! Our resource page On Substack could be useful to you: https://on.substack.com/s/resources?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=menu, specifically this article re: growing your free list https://on.substack.com/p/grow-4
This is great - thank you Zoe!
Wait, is every creative rich with expensive camera except for me???? Lovely newsletter! I love Apartment Therapy, so to see the creative aspect brought into interior design is *chefskiss*
Haha! No expensive camera here. :-)
Thank you 😃
Cool, I have a pretty neat room for my cats but that’s about it lol
I recommend getting involved with the community here to help grow!
Ooh this sounds interesting, going to go take a look!
Looks like you got some growth. 🙂
Omg such a cool substack!! Just subscribed, can't wait to read these interviews :)
This is a great concept, bravo. I have a home studio I share with my partner. It’s an interesting and inspiring space. I’d love to share it on Rooms if you’re interested!
Thanks Ryan! That sounds great - shoot me an email (on my about page) 😃
I love this! What a great idea- I love interior design and seeing where other people create. I'd love to be featured! I live in the Midwest of the US.
Thanks Katie, appreciate it! Shoot me an email (in my about page).
I am so happy to have found you here. What a wonderful Substack! Just subscribed!
(My only feedback is that you don't need to "quote" the answers from your featured guests -- it adds a blue line down the left margin that looks strange along the photos, and it's already evident from your formatting that it's a Q&A. Congrats on a great start!)
Thanks Liz appreciate the kind words and feedback!
This is my type of newsletter! I’ve subscribed and look forward to reading through the archives. 🤗
Thanks Erika!
Not to take away from Rooms or crash as I love the Rooms idea and am hoping to collaborate with them. If you are looking for a related but different area, you may be interested in some of topics I cover.
I love the simplicity and creativity of this! How do you find rooms to be featured? What criteria are you looking for?
Thanks Marissa, appreciate the kind words! So far I have found most guests on Instagram. I don't have any real criteria, just looking for unique and aesthetically pleasing spaces. I am trying to find diverse styles and designs as well.
Hi everyone! Brand new to Substack and am mostly just here to observe and learn. :)
Welcome!
Enjoy! It's a great platform.
Hi & welcome!!
I'm new here too. Welcome aboard.
Welcome!
Welcome, Kari! I think you're gonna love it here!
Welcome and have fun with it!
Welcome!
Hey Kari,
Welcome to Substack! We hope you enjoy.
🧠what is right is what works. I change my publishing routine, the format, topics, and subscribers keep going up. So don't feel the need to have to constantly stick to a 4k word newsletter.
Good reminder. Being fairly new to Substack, I tell myself it’s like throwing stuff at a wall to see what sticks—what feels good to me and what readers respond to.
After seven months I'm coming to believe there's a formula for creating successful content on Substack. The more personally I write, using examples from my own life, and taking ownership of statements that are clearly my own opinion, the more response I seem to get. Facing up to the big question consistently is also key. The big question? What am I capable of writing that would be of real value to my readers? I came to Substack to stop writing for advertisers, sponsors, and clients, and only write for my readers. More and more I come to believe that's the "Substack Secret Sauce."
Yes, well said: "What am I capable of writing that would be of real value to my readers?"
For those who aren't sure they have something of value to readers, I would say just start writing what feels comfortable, and trust that it will change. I've been writing my main Substack since February, and I am definitely still figuring out what has most value for other people, but by writing what I care about, I feel like I'm meeting amazing folks that I am so grateful to know. And I'm glad to figure out what has value for *these* readers first, the ones who provided early encouragement.
So definitely write *first* for you and from you, and let the reader stuff evolve naturally. But do think about that too. For a couple of examples:
My latest post "The Substack Tithe" was my most restacked post. I'm thinking about what else I can do along these lines:
https://open.substack.com/pub/enchantedinamerica/p/the-substack-tithe?r=1mk0zn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Among my earlier posts, my biggest hit was the most personal thing I had written up to that point:
https://open.substack.com/pub/enchantedinamerica/p/stumps?r=1mk0zn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Getting feedback seems to me a big clue to matching what I want to write about with what others value. It's slow, but worthwhile.
Beautifully said ... "write *first* for you and from you, and let the reader stuff evolve naturally." And I loved that post about the "stumps."
I do believe you are tuning into the "formula" ... write what only YOU can write. That also means accepting that you aren't in control of the size of audience that will respond to what you write. I fell in love with @HeatherCoxRichardson who has over a million subscribers. I could do everything, write everything perfectly but never have the audience size she has. We each have our own niche and the beauty of Substack is that it offers a "long tail" so we can find the readers who need what only we can offer, because we are offering our unique skills, talents, and views of the world.
I love this Howard. It’s amazing how when I ask myself “how vulnerable can I go?” The response from others is so powerful.
That’s what Get Real, Man is all about. https://lathamturner.substack.com/
That’s a pretty good secret sauce. I really like the way you word “the big question.” My capability and value to my readers are two aspects I’m honing.
Yes! If I have fun writing it- literally dancing to my fav tunes while writing- then my readers will have fun reading it too. Energy transfers, even via the www.com
🎶🖋❤️
A newbie as well. I've been trying different formats. A little worried that no one will be interested. Trying to get over that fear.
It's deep and takes time. "Creating" means bringing something new into the world. By definition, we don't know how it will be received and that can be scary. However, that scary path is the one we've chosen and after awhile, as we start to develop our own rhythm and find people who respond to it, the path gets easier ... and more fun.
You've got this! It can be nerve wracking to get started, but you never know who may be interested until your ideas are out there!
Fingers crossed. I've always felt as though my thoughts or opinions don't resonate.
If you really feel this way, Keshler, I suggest you keep asking for interaction. Prompt discussions. Reach out on social media to hashtags and groups that resonate with your themes. Personally, I feel confidence is an absolutelyl necessary ingredient for writing success. You must embrace the arrogance that you have something valuable to say. Otherwise, why say it?
Who we are, the life we've lived, the wisdom we've gathered along the way is actually the only value we have to share. Fortunately, there are a zillion ways to share it. And Substack offers us a place on the long tail of creative expression so we can connect with the people who will value what we have to offer.
You're right.
Holly ... I call that "experimenting" and I think, at least in the beginning, that's a great strategy. As long as what we're throwing is authentic, it helps us home in on what's valuable to our readers.
Yeah. That authenticity piece is key.
Hey Fam! How’s everyone doing? Glad to see the progress here!
Hey, Alex!
Hey, hi Zina! How´s everything going?
And here it is!
https://zinagomezliss.substack.com/p/the-poetry-code?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=782004&post_id=135700110&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email
Everything is going awesome. I am about to post my latest Substack entry right now! <3
👋🏼
Hi there! =)
We good! Love hanging out at Office Hours.
Right? Enhanced connection right away!
Hey Alex! Thanks for joining.
Hi there! Thanks, means a lot! Eager to join the community!
Glad to hear it friend!
✏️ Hey writers! Question/Advice needed. I have finally hit a consistent schedule with my newsletter (Entropical Paradise) and have nearly 2000 subscribers. But only 30 of those are paying subscribers. Many of my unpaid readers open the newsletter multiple times and are very engaged. I feel like I'm on the precipice of possibly creating something that could help sustain me financially, but I have historically had trouble converting unpaid subscribers to paid. If you have a successful publication with a decent paid subscriber rate, what has been reliably helpful for conversion? I also have a book coming out in 2025. TIA!!!
Also, if any publications would like to collab, I'd love to chat. I write about writing, creativity, trauma, autism, recovery, nature etc.
I do the best by running Kickstarters for the work I do here, and that raised $5k earlier this year. I also usually suggest doing a PBS style pledge drive.
I think a PBS style pledge drive is a great idea. Get a lot of people going at once rather than constantly asking for a little every post.
If you haven't yet read this post, it really has a lot of good info in it! How to convert subscribers from free to paid: https://on.substack.com/p/free-vs-paid
thank you Bailey!!
I love what S.E. Reid has done with @Talebones. I can't speak to the conversion, but the philosophy behind it really speaks to me.
Also look at Writers at Work with Sarah Fay. She has some workshops on thoughtfully defining what free subscribers get and what paid subscribers get that might help you think through your readers.
Congrats on nearing 2,000. I hope to be there someday.
Thank you so much for these wonderful suggestions! It has taken me over three years to get here, but things really started happening when I found a rhythm and stopped being a perfectionist...
Oh thanks for saying this! That “stopped being a perfectionist” made me stop ... :)
I have trouble with converting free to paid too! I think part of the problem the last 8 or so months has been all the recession talk in the news. I think people are less willing to spend money if there's an idea in their head that they might maybe lose their jobs. I feel like that's going away a little (thanks Taylor Swift) but I think it played a part. Also it's summer in the northern hemisphere and things tend to slow down in the summer anyway. Regardless, I am also trying to figure out how to get better at this leading into the fall though. You're not alone!
Also, I write about writing and creativity over at valorieclark.substack.com--would love to collab with you. Send me an email at valorieclark@substack.com if you're interested. :)
Look out for an email from me tomorrow!
I’d love to collab. ✨🙏🧵
Email me at anastasiacalliope@gmail.com!
I don't have the subscriber base you have, but I feel like we're struggling with a similar issue. One thing I think will help but I'm afraid to do is create more paywalled content. I hate the idea that it means (at least at first) that no one will read those posts, but I also know it's necessary if I want conversion. It's all about clearly communicating the value of opting for "paid."
A theme I'm hearing from you and others commenters is the question of how to build something that lives behind the paywall. I'm all for leaving posts and comments open and creating something special for paid subscribers. That's one reason I created the Substack Field Guide designed especially for emerging Substackers ... First one (free) is here and the rest will be available only to paid subscribers. I'm thinking about a value brainstorming process soon. https://gratitudemojo.substack.com/p/substack-field-guide-1-66a
🟧 ✏️ What do you think is the best advice for growing your Substack that the most writers refuse to listen to, to their detriment?
Take breaks!
For the most part, I’d rather read quality work that comes out once a month than watered down work that comes out every day.
Of course everyone’s different, I know people who can put out quality stuff on a daily basis. I’m certainly not so blessed so I take things relatively slower.
Yes! I just took a few weeks off and am feeling refueled. Thinking I may go to bi-weekly posts rather than weekly.
Yes 🙌 join us in the bi-weekly club
Yeah, I agree with this (though it turns out I tend to fall into the 1-2 posts/month club) -- at least while it's a hobby/interest/side-hustle, I'd argue for quality over quantity or regularity. The more you've dived in and gotten fascinated with your own subject, the more it'll show and grab someone, and the more they'll want to read *whenever* it pops up. I think it only takes a couple of sub-par posts to fall off of most peoples' radars.
That's where I'm at. I originally planned to post more often but could not find a topic that interested me. It often stressed me out. I post when I can and hope that it will resonate.
Yeah, I sometimes wonder about the trade-off between consistency and quality. For years, I've been going the slow path, like you, but am starting to challenge that. I've seen writing from Scott Young, Nat Eliason, and Albert-László Barabási that provide evidence that quality comes from quantity and that often your perception of quality differs from the audience's—i.e. things you expect to do well fail and vice versa—so your only way to know is put more out there.
I think the key is to find a reasonable number of posts (for me it’s once a week) you know you can handle long-term and let readers know up front how often and when (Fridays for me) to expect new posts.
I do think the only way to improve the quality of your writing (or anything else!) is to do it as often as possible without burning out.
I also need the discipline of a set schedule I’ve publicly committed to. If I just wrote when I felt like it, I wouldn’t write every week.
I also think readers are less likely to subscribe, or if they do to open and read future emails, if there’s no set schedule and a long delay between posts.
When I need a break, I tell readers at least a couple of weeks ahead of time that I won’t be posting during that time.
Also, admit when you're burned out and/or if you need to step away unexpectedly! People appreciate candor. Not everything has to be perfecty structured and planned all the time!
Get comfortable with pitching and talking about your newsletter. People are shy about their art, but those that make it are the ones who talk about it a lot, pitch it, and know it's worth.
This is so true. I pitch stories for a living but when it comes to pitching my 'stack for other people to check out or whatever? Forget it. Leaves me shaking in my boots!
Yes! It's so hard and vulnerable to pitch your own stuff... but you deserve it.
Of course you're right, but also 🙈
Agree. It took me a while to be at ease with it, as I'm a behind-the-scenes type of person, but to be all in, you have to pitch it. Doesn't mean you have to be pushy, but even just bringing it up, gets people interested, because it's something new for them to hear about.
Yes exactly. Being comfortable talking about it is really important. I think most writers/artists aren't naturally salesly, and it's especially hard when you are talking about your own work. But you worked on it! It deserves to be seen, and its amazing how much people will support and admire your work if you give them a chance to know about it.
I am this shy-about-his-art person. And I regret not bringing up my work/newsletter every time I let an opportunity go by.
I hope you can! The more you talk about it, the more natural it becomes. I find it awkward in real life, too, but am trying to present it as I work hard on my writing and it deserves to see the light of day. Yours does too!
I hate that this happens to be so true. Still working on it...
You got this.
That's AWESOME! LOL
This is a BANGER of a quote. Copying it.
Promote, promote, promote.
Participate in Writer's Office Hours and Notes often, and promote others' work at least as often as yours. It's easy to do that by restacking their newsletter on Notes with a quote about why you like it, and be sure to @mention them when you do that.
The @mention is because they don't get notified about the restack otherwise? If so, didn't know that. Thanks!
The writer may get notified about the restack anyway, at least if it’s a restack of their newsletter as opposed to just a comment. I don’t know. I do the @mention anyway just to make their name a clickable link in my comment about why I restacked their newsletter. That makes it more prominent and likely to be clicked on by others.
The effect of contact and conversation is cumulative. The more you reach out and connect with more people the broader your reach, and the likelier it is that your content will find welcoming readers. Writers are inherently communicators. We need to continue constantly to do what we do.
They expect everything at once, and don't do the work of gathering people one at a time and putting pennies in the bank. Over time those pennies add up. Also, they don't go outside of Substack. They are trying to grow only from substack itself. Most people are not on substack.
I so agree with this. A benefit of slow growth, one subscriber at a time (as if there were alternatives for most people!), is getting to know subscribers and building relationships. It's wonderful to have this direct contact with fellow writers and readers on this platform.
100%, and the more people know you, and if you do it with intention, the better it will be.
PREcisely. Lots of little tries. Also, Russell is absolutely right that most people are not YET on Substack. I regularly promote Substack as a platform for readers. There's so much value here.
it's true.
That is very likely true I have been experimenting with Social Media posts to try and grow readership with mixed results enough new interest to keep with it but not enough to have justified spending any money on it yet. What I found has worked better in terms of people subscribing is having the readers share the posts themselves.
I think social media is useless, but I'm glad it's working for you. It is definitely better when others share it out.
Social media is useless for broad, general outreach. But specific communities create groups that are very targeted. I have had great success building readership by posting in these groups or hashtags. The dream of "going viral" requires cats.
I prefer doing more focused promotions, group giveaways, and advertising that can return 2,000+ emails in a week or so, but to each their own. As I said, I'm glad it works for you. I'm not willing to do the ticky-tack things on other platforms and help build their audiences. I am part of a few Facebook groups, and they do have the best ROI for sure.
Hi Chris! Thanks for writing on Substack and it's great to hear from you. I am sharing this resource we have re: growing your readership, that provides some useful tips: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-4
Thanks. Which of these tips do you see writers handicap themselves the most by not following?
Focus on the value to readers that only YOU can deliver. Value yourself and allow readers to see you. Newsletters are personal connections to your readers. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you. You are not a commodity like soap. You are a creator. Weave a sparkling web that draws them in. Which reminds me of another great guide: @ClaireVenus who writes "Sparkle on Substack."
Do not follow everyone else's success recipe!
Good point! :-)
But do survey those recipes for intriguing ingredients and interesting new techniques for mixing your own.
Absolutely!
As someone who writes about "zagging," I love this answer. Not sure it's the best strategy, though. I know I'd be better off if I defaulted to following more experienced peoples' advice, learning from that experience, and iterating, rather than thinking, "I'm creative and smart and can figure out my own better way," then going nowhere fast until eventually stumbling onto a more successful pre-existing path that I could have gotten on earlier had I just listened from the outset.
✏️ - I just published my first ever Substack! marketingideas.com
I NEED ADVICE: Should I start promoting and inviting users to explore now, with only 1 introductory article live? Or should I build a robust content library of 4-5 weekly articles before marketing it to my network? WDYT?
I'd say promote now! Launch is a great time to drive traffic to your newsletter and get your first bit of early adopters. Also helps to get into the habit of promoting. I find that I need to promote just as much as I write, so if you can learn early on your best ways of promoting, it'll be a good head start for you!
So what did you find was your best way to promote? Did you simply use your other platforms to alert people to its existence?
Social media initially to get my first bit of friends and family followers. I announced on my Instagram. I've also been finding a lot of growth right here on Substack, by engaging with other writers, posting on Notes, and building up a bit of a community.
🙏🏾
Substack Notes is an amazing place to meet people. You can just go there and respond to others ... or you can restack a post to Notes with a highlight that might intrigue the community.
Both approaches look profitable, Tom!
From my experience, I was surprised to see a few free subscribers enrolling to an old publication with only one introductory post, I felt accountable - So why not!
Those potential first subscribers will be amazed by your the building content over time, and might event help you with valuable feedback to start your continual improvement journey from the week one. All the best!
I would promote now, but I would not put the pedal to the medal until you have 5-10 posts that people can dive in on.
Agree ... I think it's great to spend a few weeks getting a feel for the Substack ecosystem ... here on Office Hours and on Notes.
Definitely
I suggest doing it now. I had the same worry – I had only one article, that took weeks to write and design for. And only one other idea for an article, which took another 3 weeks. (Maybe a 3-week cycle is my thing?) If you wait to build a library, you'll wait too long.
Honestly, I'd write a few more. I think I launched with 5, but it didn't really get going till a bit later. Another idea is to do some cross-posts/guest posts to fill out your first few articles. But some people might like the feeling of getting in on the ground level, on the other hand. Up to you!
Go for it and promote to your network.
Another option is to populate your site with some articles that haven't been sent out as emails but you could refer back to in future posts. Somewhat like creating a bedrock of value. You can choose not to email a post in the process of publishing a post.
FWIW I promoted it to my entire email base the day I launched. Many unsubscribed, many read each post regularly. Next, my plan is to reach out to this community of readers and ask them to recommend my stack to others. Networking like that built my career in tech, and my rise as a freelancer. I'm trusting it will do the same for me as an independent creator.
Hey Tom! Congratulations on your first post! I don't know if there's a "right" answer, but you could think about how you like to subscribe to things. When I subscribe to a new 'stack, I like to see that they've posted a few times over a few weeks or months. Not because I need lots of "proof" that they're good, but because I have gotten burned by many blogs, stacks, and works-in-progress in the past! I get excited about what the writer is doing in chapter one then they never update again, and I'm sad about it! Knowing they've been writing consistently gives me hope that they'll keep writing consistently.
🧠 - Few tips from us after 7 months on Substack:
Focus: Stay focused on your thing.
Patience: Start thinking in terms of years, not weeks.
Consistency: Just like Daniel Murray says, practice leads to championships, in the same way posting consistently leads you to those big wins.
Have fun!
Yes, that's the cornerstone, of course!