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🧠 I’ve found that one of the best ways to grow my audience organically on Substack is to read and engage thoughtfully in the comments of other writers’ posts! It’s not really a “strategy” because I’d be doing it anyway, but I always notice new subscribers trickle in when I’m engaging with other writers, and I love doing it.
Of course the trick is to not be spammy. Sometimes I will mention that I write about a similar topic, or will share a link to a relevant piece of mine, but only when that seems like that would enhance the conversation and be interesting to the original author. The added bonus is that we all like to see engagement on our posts!
Have others found that engagement in the comments brings new subscribers?
Yes, and... I feel totally overwhelmed by how much good content there is out there to engage with. My hope was to hone in one 3-5 newsletters I really connected with, but I can't even keep up with that. I'm totally for supporting other writers but also get frustrated that writing online not only entails creating quality content but also constant networking. It's time consuming and can be mentally/emotionally draining.
FWIW, I know I'm being curmudgeonly here... I often wish I were trying to launch a writing career in the pre-Internet age!
No it definitely can be draining! I've started adding in short visual posts, just with illustrations or photographs and a few lines alongside them. People seem to love them so much because they're so much easier and quicker to engage with, rather than long posts to read. I will keep writing, but these are easier and quicker for me to create and they seem to be easier content to consume too.
I always imagine people reading mine while on their lunch break, in line at the store, or on their commute into the city. In that context, shorter has worked really well for me.
This is a fantastic way of framing it, Kevin. I find myself often writing longer posts because there's so much to say and I want to answer all the questions a reader might have in one post. In my head, that makes life easier for them but in reality, shorter and more frequent posts might be better.
I think both are needed. Short posts are good for most of us most of the time, but sometimes people want something they can really get their teeth into. That's what Sunday afternoons are for!
Oh I love that phrasing, "That's what Sunday afternoons are for!" You're right. I'm trying to find the right balance between short form and long form. I tend more toward the long but there's a time and a place for both.
@Terry, re longform=Sundays, have you played around with sending longer articles on weekends? If so, have you noticed any benefits to that? (I know I have great intentions to open up the read-it-later app at the weekends, but then other things muscle in... and I end up never going back to something I'd wanted to read. As someone else said, there's so much good stuff out there.)
I love this idea, Tamzin! I sometimes go weeks between posts because it takes me an entire day to write and upload an essay. But I could totally be doing shorter “postcards” with all the amazing photos of my road trip from Alaska to Mexico. Mixing up the content seems like a good idea!
I think shorter and more regular and frequent is better for growth than one long one every so often. Your postcard idea would be great I think, with perhaps a monthly (say) deep dive into a particular place.
I second this. I post at the weekend, posts of varying lengths, but mostly 1200 words, sometimes 4-500. I can read long posts if they're subjects I'm interested in or I really like the writer's work, but I don't usually read 'long' if it's someone I dont know.
Oh thank you so much Donna. From now on, they'll be every second Friday I think, though I'm experimenting and changing things up as I go. Just posted one today!
You'd have to get creative! Something like a tidbit about the characters? Images/photos that articulate something about the story? Try not to confuse things though -- perhaps your readers will show up for the novella and they'll be perfectly happy with that. I think overthinking or trying to hack the system doesn't always work, if it isn't in tune with what you're offering or writing about. I'm a writer, creative mentor and a visual artist, so sharing my artwork that relates to the topics I write about makes sense. But don't feel that you HAVE to do short posts if it's not what you're here for.
Yeah, I am not wanting to hack the system, that's for sure - just want to fine readers to build a connection with.
I will think about the characters and images idea as a way to create shorter content (possibly.). Like you said, I know there are substackers out there who write longer short stories than what I'd post, and they are doing well. Maybe I just need to keep connecting. Thanks for your thoughts, Tamzin.
Kerala, I suggest that you step back for a moment to gain more perspective on your own circumstances. The internet has no impact, and the existence of other good content has no impact on the quality of your work. Your work is as good as it is no matter what goes on externally. Focus on that. Compete only with you. Can your writing be better? If so, then figure out how. When people read your work, none of them are going to be saying to themselves, "Well, so-and-so is just a much better writer than Kerala." They're either going to like your writing or not. That is completely within your control, and moreso if you can elicit feedback from them.
That's actually good advice, there's a quote that I always remember when I write or create content, "run your own race' comparison gets you no where. It's important to not worry about what people or critics says about your work, you should only hope for them to consume it. It's not your job grade or reject your work, your job is to create and share it to the world.
I agree... and, the eternal question in the Internet age is how get people to read your work in the first place when there are literally 2.4 billion other pages they could be reading! I mostly do focus on creating quality stories and not getting caught up in the noise, but without a prominent social media presence or any other micro-celeb credentials, it's slow-going. And maybe that's ok. It's just frustrating sometimes.
My response to that is the same as my attitude about Substack. Everyone here keeps talking about gaining subscribers here on the Substack platform. I have found that you simply cannot depend upon the platform, internet, Substack, or any other. You need to engage actively with your readers and encourage them to share you with others. Networking. Building a network of enthusiastic readers who become referrers. Nothing is more dependable, but nothing depends more upon you to drive it.
If I can add a thought here, I would say write short. My pieces are usually around 800 words – rarely over 1000. It doesn't take long for someone to read, which means it isn't an irritation. I certainly don't want to read anyone – even the most famous of writers – going on and on about something. It's easier for you and easier for them. You may not agree, of course, and that's fine, but my readership is growing fast, so I feel I might be doing something right.
I feel this, Kerala! To make it easy, I have two of my favorite newsletters with large audiences that are similar to my niche that I always keep up with, which I would do anyway because they are my favorite writers. Then with the other newsletters I subscribe to, I pick and choose posts that seem the most relevant for me to want to read and engage with.
But I was also having the same thought the other day, that I wish I was breaking into writing 30 years ago when the quality of the writing mattered more than the size of one’s audience. It can feel exhausting to keep up.
One question to ponder: what would it look like if it were easy? 🤔
I think the quality of the writing will always matter, and that's what grows your following. The problem is that everyone has to work for a living, and can't sit in front of their computer all day like I can. (Retired). Believe me, I know how hard it is. I used to get up two hours early just so I could get some writing time in. It was brutal.
Yep, I manage about 30 minutes a day of writing between the kids leaving for school and starting my workday. That coupled with a few hours on the weekends is just enough to create one high quality story a week, but all the engagement (like what I'm doing right now instead of working, which I should be doing and need to get back to) can be such a time suck!
I used to tell my wife I had to burn the candle at both ends because it made a brighter light. Gettin up at 3:45-4:00 am and going to bed too late, by Friday I was beaten.
Weekends are my saving grace. My kids are old enough that (when they don't have activities) they sleep in. And yes, right now my students are working on research so I'm here...
Yeah, right now my youngest is up at 5:30am on the weekends and I have to go check on my older daughter at 11am to make sure she still has a pulse 😜 But I can often sneak to a café for an hour or so in the afternoon... after all the sports games, of course.
I'm with you, Ben. Got the t-shirt! The trouble is, you have to make a living while you're aiming to make a living. It definitely needs dedication, time and energy
Great question! My dream is simply to write quality content for an organically growing audience and to engage with other writers when I feel inspired, not out of a sense of obligation. It's not even so much that I want it to be easy, I simply want it to be less draining...
So do that! That’s what I do— engage when I feel inspired. Don’t drain yourself to the point that you lose your creative energy, because you need that to draw people into your writing in the first place!
I've been on here since February and now I ruthlessly prune down the people I subscribe to, to those who I want to engage with on a regular basis and read every post. So my subscribes to others have reduced considerably. I tend not to do the 'Follow' thing at all. If I'm interested enough to subscribe then I'll see all their Notes anyway, and I don't want to see random stuff. I also subscribe in manageable numbers - low double figures - and I try to do 'one in, one out'. It's working better for me now and I don't feel overwhelmed.
the quality definitely matters here too. I have little free time and only read and recommend what I find to be high quality & insightful. In fact after literally over 10 years of postponing my online writing, I finally found this platform to be one that encourages quality. I research and provide links to facts, so hopefully that’s worth something in the end.
Haha Sylvia, I don’t know if there’s any way to make the actual writing easy! I was referring to the “marketing” aspect of being a writer these days. 😂
I resonate with this so much. The prospect of writing full-time sounds dreamy, but I feel like I'd just end up spending hours spiraling down Internet rabbitholes and coming out with a headache on the other side. For me, it's somewhat helpful to have less time!
Ditto! But I have also adopted Liz's approach and focus on a few. It can take some of the joy out when you feel like you are commenting to grow your audience.
Exactly Laura. It’s all about approaching this “strategy” from a place of just enjoying other good writing, rather than trying to crank out random comments.
Very true, so what's the better intention to have? I think it would be by trying to bring value through the comment section without much focus on growth!
I get this Kerala! I find it helps to set boundaries for myself. I allow only so much time for reading other stuff (it's still a lot of time but enjoyable), I subscribe to other writers who enrich my life and are community centered, and I'm working hard to let go of my wish to read ALL the things🤣
The struggle is real! Rather than try to keep up with all the great writing that pours into my inbox every day, I tend to wait until I have a couple hours of downtime that I just want to sit and read and relax. Then I pick and choose my favorites.
I feel this, too, Kerala. I might get some pushback here. But I’ve found the AI bot that can read the posts to me helpful to allow me to keep up with more substacks. (I, too, have found more amazing writers than I’d known I would that I would love to keep up with!) The bot, though certainly not a perfect reader, enables me to listen to essays while I wash dishes or so laundry and so on.
It's really hard. I sort of work a rota system. There are some 'stacks I check whenever I see their posts come in, and others whose posts I save until I've got more time.
I launched a writing career in the pre-internet age and it was both harder and easier. That's an idea for an article for next Monday -- thanks!
I’d love to see that article! I know that in the pre-Internet age there were a lot more gatekeepers and a lot less freedom to write whatever you want. In this age, we have more freedom but there are algorithms to contend with instead of gatekeepers and SO. MUCH. NOISE!
I dont know whether it will help, but I engage with sub stackers on my laptop rather than the app. The app is too noisy and the constant refresh is annoying. Using the desktop means I just get the people I subscribe to and their Notes and a few others. Much easier to deal with for me!
Kerala, I just subscribed to yours, and if you'd like to reciprocate you won't miss it. I hate self-promo but I'll never remember to send you the link if you don't! I'm hoping to bash it out, I mean craft it, on Monday
You're not being a curmudgeon lol. I subscribe to so many newsletters that my inbox is overflowing every morning when I wake up. I have been keeping up and supporting so far but I'm seeing that it is REALLY taking a huge chunk out of each day.
Kerala, I resonate so much with you, and I am frustrated about the mysterious algorithms on Notes. I keep seeing the same few writers congratulating one another but I sense that my notes aren't seen at all. It is very tiring, especially for writers who are limited in time, energy or are simply not "chatty" or extroverted enough to "network" in such intensity. I have chosen only a few whom I feel a strong sense of connection to deepen my conversations. This is not done in order to attract subscribers. I'm not getting many any way. I can't help but feel nostalgic about the "good old days" of blogging. When I was on Xanga a few decades ago, it was so easy to connect with bloggers from all over the world with a wide range of interests. It sure is not easy to launch a writing career today.
Yes, that's how I feel too. Plus, the awareness that the topics I want to write about have already been dealt with by all the "greats," how do I make my own writing unique and different? How would it attract any readers? I know I can do it to some degree, by focusing on my own community of subscribers. But the noise is somehow a "necessary evil" because we want to be a unique voice, so we need to know what's already been written.... well, it's just so time consuming 😅
I so totally understand this! I keep telling myself I need to allocate time every week to read the amazing writing that people are putting out. But life just seems to shift my priorities no matter what I do.
I totally hear you. I am making conscious decisions in my life to remove things that make me feel overwhelmed, from the little things (like unsubscribing to Substacks I no longer engage with) to cutting down my creative writing time to little digestible chunks in the morning (15 minutes). You are not being a curmudgeon. You're being real.
I find the Substack app on my phone to be really useful, and just doing one thing a day (such as liking one person's Substack, sharing, commenting, or restacking) can be less overwhelming! :)
I really like that advice. Sometimes I feel like there's no point in liking a piece if I don't have time to further engage by commenting, but then I remember that I truly appreciate each and every like anyone else gives me!
Thank you! Until I had my own Substack, I never bothered liking people's stuff either. I feel so differently about it now. While I would much rather prefer people to comment on my stuff, I'll take the likes too! :) As a Substack reader, I wish I could comment more, but it can be a time suck. If I really like something, I'll restack it with a quick note that I write.
I feel you, Kerala! I am on the cusp of trying to create too much content for too many outlets, while keeping up with all the great content that's out there--and which self-refreshes every day. AAARRRGGHHH!
Yep, it does work - but it's also a really great way to just show up for other writers whose work you really like and want to support in some way. We all desperately want those thoughtful commenters, the ones who have really listened to what we said, and take the time to think about it properly, and give thoughts (and even push back with counteropinions, in a respectful way). That stuff is the absolute beating heart of Substack.
So, if you want to befriend really awesome writers on here, and everything that can lead to (collaboratiions, mentions etc.), do it in the very best way possible: by being a genuine fan, the kind who really listens and really wants to add to that conversation going on in that newsletter and in the comments. Be the superfan that is always welcome when they show up. The same was true in blogging a decade ago, and the same is true now.
Yes! So true. I have found more than a handful of writers who I am a super fan of here. And being able to support them by deeply reading and engaging with and restacking their stuff is an absolute joy!
Yeah I think this is important to note. It's very easy to get caught up in the numbers game and treat people as a means to an ends, especially when one is overanxious about growth towards an implicit sometimes unconscious end. As a writer, hopefully we surround ourselves and imbue our actions with a desire to have a meaningful connection with others, based on respect, and recognizing others as full people
This is fantastic advice and I've found the same thing. It feels a bit like making 1 to 1 connections vs growth in volume, but that's also part of the beauty. I've made some amazing connections on this platform and had the opportunity to collaborate with wicked smart creators in my niche -- just by being active and genuinely contributing.
It's not about scale, it's about being genuinely helpful and a part of this community.
This is a great point. Thanks for sharing! I realized I’ve been struggling with connecting because it felt weird to go “network” online without realizing it’s just engaging with writers about the cool things they’re writing!
Yes! It feels SO human here. I personally don't take subscriptions lightly cause I know I wanna be selective with my choice of reading options, and I don't take it personally if a newsletter doesn't get as much traction one week as another. I'm always aware that there's people behind the engagement and I am always SO grateful for anyone who takes time out to comment, like, or enjoy silently reading my work. And also those who can afford to pay! Liking my work enough to want to support me financially is such a blessing.
I naturally show up in the same way. Commenting, restacking, etc. I do it when I can now, and make sure it's a time where my Substack reading time gets my undivided attention when I do, because it isn't some chore or task for me ya know?
Perhaps to simplify it down to the most fundamental, it might help you to stop at the end of each piece you write and ask yourself, "Have I conveyed value here?" Everything is really all about value. People want value. They recognize value. They desire value.
🧠I love the part about being genuinely helpful and a part of this community. When it gets overwhelming, just focus on your writing and respond organically to the posts that move you. sabrinalabow.substack.com
Thank you, Rebecca! I was actually just thinking that this strategy doesn’t work as well in Office Hours threads as it does in the comment threads of authors who have a large non-writer readership. I think most of us writers hanging out in Office Hours are already too busy and oversubscribed to read more than we already do! I’m honored I made the cut. 😄
I am very new to Substack (launched Oct 3) but I have found genuine engagement with other writers' posts through comments and restacking on Notes is indeed causing a little trickle of new subscribers and I always subscribe back.
So far I've kept my distance from Notes because it reminds me too much of my social media nightmare (the result of which being that I'm deeply allergic to the typical social media platforms) but the more I read from other writers here on Substack the more I feel that Notes is a good way to go for engagement. I'm rather a wimp, though, so although I do end up looking at Notes from time to time (thanks (?) to the app defaulting to that screen every time I open it up!) I haven't posted my first Note yet.
You've got me thinking about it, though, for which: thank you. x
Thank you Rebecca. Perhaps because I haven't been scorched by a social media nightmare I have found Notes such a friendly and generous place, like a conversations among friends, or at least potential friends, with a convivial spirit...it seems like the real thing. Hope you give it a try.
I'll dip a toe in one of these days! I think once I post my first Note I'll be away - so far I'm just very, very occasionally liking and commenting. And then I go and lie down in a darkened room with a cup of tea...! 🤣😉😁
🧠Notes works well for me. I have gotten a lot of subscribers thru it. You can post something that is in relation to your newsletter as like a trailer of sorts and then be sure to include a link. Also include visuals. Lastly, it doesn't have to be about your post but something related. Or not. Just post there and watch what happens...sabrinalabow.substack.com
Restacking is when you read someone's work, and at the top of the page there's a button with a circle as two arrows. When you click it, you're able to share that article with your audience on Notes (which is like Substack version of social media/Twitter). You can share it as is, or it'll give you a little prompt to write why you enjoyed the article (kinda like show and tell) so it'll give people an incentive to click.
The selecting a quote from an article and sharing as a post on Notes is also a way to share a piece too, yes!
Hi Mike, thank you for your note. I was pulled away for a call.
I deconstruct Hollywood movies, IP characters, businesses, high-end technologies, even baseball—anything and everything actually. So my work is really about how to deconstruct things—deconstruct what we thought was obvious, and go deeper to discover what isn't obvious. It is based on my work called concept modeling, which is about ideas, ideas vs concept, concept itself, and how the abstract world works. Not how we think it works, but how it actually works. I wrote a book on it. I hope that helps and that I don't sound arrogant. I will check out your work—it looks interesting. Again, thank you. Winston
Hi Any, I am also new here and still getting the hang of things but am finding Notes useful too and enjoying the community aspects as I discover different voices.
That’s great, Amy! I am sure using Notes can amplify the effect. I haven’t been very engaged there because it feels a little too much like social media, but restacking is easy enough. Great tip!
I've tried several things, and the two things that seem to work consistently well are commenting thoughtfully, as you say, and writing the best you can. Even if you have only one subscriber, it's not wasted because you're building up an archive. It does take time though: I'm rather suspicious of the emails I get telling me how to acquire 4000 new subscribers by next week!
Absolutely, Terry! And one thing I notice about those thoughtful comments is that people read them days, weeks, even months later, because Substack content is so evergreen compared to social media posts. I’ve gotten new subscribers from comments written long ago.
Sorry Terry! I have to really limit my subscriptions because the flood of emails triggers my anxiety. I wish there were a way to subscribe without having everything come to my inbox, so I could just get stuff in my Substack feed in the app. Do you know if there’s a way to do this?
I would welcome this feature too. I'd rather collect my subscriptions on the app and not in both email and the app. From what I can tell there is no option to disable email.
I'm not sure. You can opt to receive only certain sections. Also, before saying an absolute 'no' you could have a rummage around mine, and especially the letters between Rebecca Holden and myself, which are always good for a laugh. But I understand if you would rather not. Thank you for explaining why (otherwise I'd feel rejected!)
🟧 I may be wrong, Liz, but I think you might be able to select how you get newsletters in your settings - I think there's an 'either e-mail or app' button. Might be wrong, though. Pasting an orange square so that the Substack gurus can pick this one up.
Thanks Rebecca, I have tried to figure it out before but haven’t been able to make it work. It would be nice if they have added that feature since I last tried.
Yes, and, I’m also with Kerala. I’ve subscribed to so many wonderful Substacks yet I don’t have the time to read them all. Shorter reads and headlines tend to grab me.
Exactly Kevin, I love that it’s a win-win because we all appreciate thoughtful engagement on our posts (and to the extent that Substack has an algorithm, it probably helps with that too).
I'm on the /substack subreddit as well. I've heard people say positive things about Discord. People I've talked to say that Discord has a more positive vibe than Reddit. Know of any Discord Substack servers?
I find the Reddit idea interesting. I've checked in there from time to time to read up on other subjects, but was thinking recently it might be good to finally sign up and participate in Substack forums. Are you finding quality convos there?
I do find the quality is pretty decent. Any self promo has to be tagged as such with a flair. But generally, people are quite friendly and the algorithm starts showing you posts from others who run similarly themed newsletters e.g I do one on ADHD, and I see recommended posts about other newsletters on mental health, self improvement etc on my Reddit. It’s quite a supportive group I find.
I’d also recommend finding other people’s self promo messages on the weekly threads and reading ones you genuinely like and relate to. If you sub to the article, a quick comment and drop of your sub offering them the option to read in return hasn’t hurt me either. I sporadically do it, usually on a Sunday.
I find it hard to get new subs for a newsletter. This advice is a good one, but also hard one. Because its not easy to find any intersting worth commenting on. (in my opinion)
Well that’s a bummer! I actually joined Substack initially because some of my favorite best-selling authors moved over here from social media. Where do your favorite writers hang out online?
You should try and find someone to collaborate with and do an online graphic novel. I don't think that's been done on here yet. Actually, take a look at my page, pick a story that interests you, and have at 'er!
Well I hope you will find some folks here who inspire you! That would be a great question to post in Office Hours, letting folks know what kinds of writers you’re looking for.
Liz, I'm in my first few weeks here, and doing basically what you're doing: quoting other pieces, using Notes, uploading new content, posting on social media, etc. I'm prepared to build slowly. It's hard to get attention in this crowded content marketplace!
Liz, one thing I've noticed is that prominent writers, such as Bill McKibben, will reply to my responses to their posts. This doesn't happen on Twitter. It makes me enjoy Notes all that much more.
That's it should be done, reading and engaging thoughtfully with other writers. Show appreciate if you like their posts. I want to follow 3-6 newsletter that I really connect with and show support and appreciation.
Definitely trying to do this and starting to see some visits trickle through from other substacks. I think the other thing to make sure is to be consistent. I had a little lull in content earlier this week and saw a huge drop in my visits on the days I didn't publish anything. The ability to schedule and pre-plan posts is huge but I also like being able to drop quick thoughts on something if it comes up organically.
It's the same with me, too. I usually engage with the posts I like and people subscribe if they like my view point. It does not drain me because I don't do it for engagement. But I would love to have a better idea of what practices people adopt to actually grow their Substack
I am so not in tune with all of this. I used to teach students how to go to class online and now I can't even figure out how to copy and paste the emoji to get a question posted.
If you’re on a phone, you literally hold your thumb on the emoji you want and copy it. If you’re on a PC, you should be able to highlight and copy it via a mouse.
If those don’t work, it’s time to just stop, close this app out, buy an airline ticket to somewhere with beaches and palm trees, and take a vacation, pondering the meaning of life. That’s my solution anyway.
Thank you Joseph. I have an Apple phone which I truly do not understand since I am a Android girl. The phone is my work phone.
I tried copy paste and highlight and nothing seems to work with my mouse.
Can't afford the vacation right now. I just really want to get this as I really love to write and want to use my Substack account for more than use on other Substack threads.
I’m on an iPhone and held my thumb on the emoji until it was highlighted blue, lifted my thumb, lightly tapped it again to bring up a menu, then clicked “copy”. ✏️
I will have to go get the iPhone and try it but seriously, I just do not get it or like the system even though my boss insists I will love it when I do.
Thank you again, and if I am successful then you will see a comment on this thread.
Ten years ago I was a wireless sales rep, so I had to learn both OSes. Honestly they’re more the same than they are different. But the differences can be annoying.
I like Android for its customization. But when I left wireless I went iPhone pretty much permanently because I cared less and less about coolness and just wanted something that always worked.
Are you also using a computer? Any chance it's a PC? If so, hold down the microsoft icon button and the period at the same time. The available emojis will pop up and you can select the brain, pencil, square.
If all else fails, just type in all caps BRAIN, PENCIL, ORANGE SQUARE lol.
Besides, it's not a big deal. Just helps visually. 🧠✏🟧
Thank you Heather. I have gotten so used to sticking close to what I use for work that I forgot that trick. I need to do a self initiated refresh for my memory as I once was very good at this. I will also need to gt re familiarized with all those one key tricks. And I really do want to write so I will focus on relearning what I have forgotten from not using.
🧠 writing less and publishing less has actually worked out better for me. I take breaks here and there and my subcriber count and open rate keeps going up. Don't be too hard on yourself when writing.
I appreciate notes like this. I feel better about, say, taking a break from my weekly post last week knowing it’s working well for others to do so when needed. :)
Agree 100%. I have stuck with once a week publishing. It gives me plenty of time and space to really make the most out of each post by sharing and having meaningful interactions with my readers via comments.
It's certainly been my preference too, but I worry that the whole system is set up in opposition to this and all but demands more from us if we hope to be relevant.
✏️ How likely are you to *listen* to a newsletter? I am considering recording my weekly newsletter in audio format, but I don't know if it's worth the added time required. Alternatively, I could add a paid tier with an additional piece each week with an audio option. I think it's a balance between working out what is actually worth my time (currently I just do this for fun, I don't get paid!) - and what will actually help me grow my subscriber base.
Friends who subscribe to mine have told me they listen to the VO (more than I expected!), but for a proper insight it would be great if Substack could provide data on listener counts.
My personal preference is that I love the audio option. I sometimes listen while reading along with a Substack post, or sometimes I listen while walking or cooking. I also love hearing the author's voice - I find that a voice is a kind of "soul print" to who the person is, so it adds another level of getting to know the author.
My substack is not important enough to have the automatic voice over from the computer, but I listen a lot. If I see something interesting and am driving or using the tractor or something, I will click on the play button and listen. I read more than I listen, but I listen a lot.
I've just started reading my latest story on line. But I use the Video format. I record myself sitting in my study. I used to worry about stumbling over words once in a while, but a friend told me just yesterday that it wasn't a big deal. She liked listening to it because that's how I heard it in my head...(and she also said she thought I was handsome--as you can tell from my picture there on the left!)
do you post the video on Substack or on another platform? I've been thinking about doing the same and am curious how you've set it up for your readers.
I use the Substack app. I thought about recording it and editing it, but it's just too time consuming. A story, for me, is 10-15 minutes, tops. I just go in and do a cold reading. One take usually. Sure, I stammer once in a while, but people don't seem to mind. It's the person doing the reading that's usually the most critical. I say DO IT, and see how you feel. It's pretty relaxing because you're in a room by yourself.
Thanks! You can do the video, or the audio. It's great. It's even better getting out of your comfort zone because there's no one there to judge you. (It's a lot easier than standing in front of 300 odd people and reading to them.)
Oh how interesting! Using your computer’s camera and microphone? I was debating whether or not to read my (upcoming) novel aloud but maybe I should try it and see whether or not I like it!
I'll always listen if there's a VO. It's my preferred way of reading (big audiobook listener as well) and I feel I get a much better sense of the writer's intention this way. Definitely worth it.
Love the audio option. I record most of mine. And I’ve made a rule for myself--just be chill. Record once, maybe twice. If there’s a bit of a mistake, no problem. All the more intimate. Background noise? Ambience. (You can hear the long forlorn calls of a nearby freight train in one of mine, and I decided it goes well.) What I’m saying is I wouldn’t enjoy the recording part of I was attached to perfection. As I’m not, it’s fun!
And I think it’s a great way to be inclusive, welcoming all readers.
I've been mulling this over, too. I recently shared a social media post unrelated to my Stack to which I added my own voice. IMO, it's harder than it might first appear to get decent sound quality, cadence, tone, enunciation, all that... So, to answer your question, I would happily listen to a NL, and sometimes prefer that so that I can do other rote work at the same time (fold laundry, wash dishes, chop wood, carry water - lol). But, if the sound of the reader's voice or the quality of their recording doesn't sit well, I'm outta there! 😅
Ha! There's not much you can do about your voice, but I know exactly what you mean. The reader has to offer up some emotion. I listened to someone last week who had no emotion in his voice. Drab as dishwater. I couldn't listen. My biggest fear is that people won't like the sound of my voice. I don't like the sound of my own voice, but I'm happy to say, it's something you can get over.
I never liked the sound of my own voice either. I remember recording and rerecording over and over the outgoing message on my home answering machine (remember the little cassette tapes).
Out of curiosity a few weeks ago I did use the VO feature on a couple of my posts. It took a little extra time playing with it to learn. Nice thing is no additional tech equipment needed, just recorded from my laptop.
After listening to my voice a few times I decided it's not as bad as I feared, or remembered. Maybe laptop recording is better than previously available technology.
🧠 Hi Ellen... what I have done on occasion is to use both the text and then do a quick audio recording of the newsletter. That way, you have given 2 options for anybody checking out your newsletter. Alternately, you could set up a podcast and monetize that and leave your newsletter as a freebie. Substack offers so many great options in this regard! Good luck! Peace & Love, Phil
🧠 you can always add a podcast with the article giving your users options. And ask for feedback or interaction through the chat feature. That'll keep them engaged.
I record and use the VO as a perk for paid subscribers, but I need to use a workaround and paywall every post at the bottom, so the VO remains only for paid subscribers. I wish there was an option or setting where I could have free posts (so they aren't marked as paid) with a paid audio voiceover!!!
I'm wondering if you can create the recording as a podcast episode, and make the whole podcast paid? I haven't played with the podcast option a lot, but ideally if you could make the post free, and then mention that paid subscribers get access to the VO in the paid podcast? If that can work with Substack's systems!
For me personally, I probably won't ever listen. I'd rather read. I've never listened to podcasts either because I feel like I'm just sitting there doing nothing while it plays.
How do you feel about changing goals? I was planning to self publish a book by the end of the year but my preferences for the kind of writing I do has really changed. I really shifted more to writing very short more frequent posts instead of longer pieces that I used to do. But there won't be enough of them by the end of the year for a book. I hate letting myself down, and I don't want to feel like I failed to complete something I set out to do, but changing course really feels right.
How's everyone else feeling about their accomplishments as we're nearing the final stretch of this year?
I think changing goals is often the smartest thing to do! I guess we're all trying to get that balance between consistency and experimentation, so we don't we either look flaky or mechanical in the way we publish stuff, and trying to hit that sweet spot where we're fulfilling reader expectations, but also exceeding them by surprising them, by doing something they never saw coming (which is always good, if that thing is fun!).
But I think there's a lot more danger in sticking to a plan that you've emotionally outgrown (or perhaps that just isn't working, in getting the results you want), vs changing that plan to do something that lights you up a lot more.
So I'd say you're not letting yourself down, Ani. You're listening to yourself, after having learned something new about yourself. Huge difference. :)
Absolutely agree with Mike. For me, a goal is what I decided to do yesterday. Today, new information arrives, I have new thoughts and feelings, I am in a new river. Trying to hold onto yesterday just doesn't work for me.
Aw, I love this! Thank you! I guess in a way it feels like switching to short form feels a little like a step down, but honestly it's just so much more achievable and fun. But being completely honest, for where I am right now, I just need myself in smaller doses :D
Definitely not a step down - as any short story writer would tell you!
Also, you're still learning what works, what's practical, what gets you enthusiastic, what gets readers to do backflips over your writing...it's all a learning process. And we need to honour that learning curve properly, and listen to the results of our experiments. I'm still trying to do it nearly 3 years into my Substack (it gets harder later, when you incorrectly assume you finally know what you're doing 😂).
sounds like raising a child :D the moment you think you've figured it out, everything changes! but hey that's the fun. I was so surprised to find that this substack that I'm basically writing for myself and is just purely a passion project, can challenge me intellectually and as a writer. I didn't see it coming! But I was so excited to find that there are things I just really struggle to write about, and figuring out ways to do it.
I agree with the English bloke! I've had to change my 'Stack from when I first started. I had to settle myself down into a set routine. I was all over the place for a while. Now, I release my short story/novellas on Sundays, and my Serial Novel on Wednesday. However, in the spirit of changing things up, I'm now putting things up specifically for all 8 of my PAID subscribers. Changing, growing, and moving forward. But the one thing you HAVE to remember, is that when you change things up, look at your ABOUT page and make sure it's up to date.
I've had my publication since April this year and have changed my "goals" 4-5 times. I think one of the beauties of this platform is it offers so much flexibility and chances to pivot.
Once of the best things I learned from an Entrepreneur professor in business school is to not overthink, or even over-announce, your pivot. Just do it. The best businesses do it all the time and most people don't even notice. Don't think of it as a static thing you can't change, think of it as a sandbox you play in -- open to change and experimentation and growth.
I feel like my audience is now conditioned to know I'm going to be trying shit and it seems like it's totally cool for everyone.
I read an article here on Substack recently... I can try to find it if you're interested... and it mentioned that nobody cares about your Substack as much as you. Your most committed readers will just go along with whatever, however much you post whatever you post. I loved that point and it really put my mind at ease :D
It's so true too! My community is on my wild rebrand journey ride and I'm so grateful that they're willing to take what's coming (ahhh and I feel better that I finally have ideas I'm ready to try and execute!).
I agree with that, Ani, and it might be worthwhile to consider it a challenge, too. If you're constantly striving to get your readers to care MORE about your Substack, you'll always be pushing yourself to do better, do more. Strive for the impossible and fall short to the excellent, as it were.
I like that Howard. I believe in challenging myself when I write my stories. I like to change the POV, by using a different voice. I want to write a story on different timelines. My next story, I want to write on 3 different timelines, a la Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" past and present. If you don't challenge yourself, you're not going to challenge the reader, and by not challenging the reader, or changing things up, you're going to bore them and they'll drift away.
I don’t know why I just love the idea of having this tangible achievement. But you’re right, being consistent on substack is way more important, to me anuway
I also had a dream of publishing a book, but have since read some very sobering substacks and websites about the realities of publishing in 2023. I had a very romanticized idea and have since revised to 'making money on Substack' 🤓
Oh yes! Me and Alex go wayyyy back (jk but he made me a cool AI video to promote one of my pieces a few months ago). This piece is gold for Substack growth.
Really good reminder. I once asked my subscribers about how would they feel about me approaching my letters to my son differently- one person said, no matter whatever you write I’ll read it. That made me feel so free!
Y'know Bryce, I'm just realizing the value of being able to pivot so easily. For one thing, it removes the initial fear of "doing it wrong" when you can adjust along the way, and even change direction completely. I think the trick may be giving changes enough time to "take" before making another decision.
Those of us who are new and still finding our footing, it’s the best time to shift and figure out what we really want to commit to. It’s best to figure out how to serve 100 now instead of 1000 later.
I have a post about writing goals coming soon, but in a nutshell... you are the driver of this creative journey, and changing directions is perfectly okay.
Sometimes life throws stuff at us and we need to shift accordingly. Sometimes a project is much bigger than we anticipated. Sometimes the scope of what we wanted to do changes. This is all part of the creative process and part of being a real human with real needs and wants and joys and desires, and not a machine.
Don't kick yourself for not meeting an entirely arbitrary benchmark you set for yourself that you have ever right in the world to change. Congratulate yourself for recognizing what feels right and what you need to be doing right now, and shifting accordingly.
As much as I agree with changing goals whenever they need to be changed, I have been doing a lot of thinking about "strategic thinking," spending time upfront thinking through questions about what I want, what readers want, and where money comes into all of it. I've just published a post about this and how it has helped me reach a deeper level of understanding of what I truly want. This also helps craft those really critical front end elements: Substack Title, profile, short description, About Page, Welcome email and what to do with our pay walls. ... https://gratitudemojo.substack.com/p/before-you-open-the-substack-door
I went into Substack blind. I had no idea of its potential, except that I could make something of it, as well as myself. All I wanted to do was put my stories up. I had a lot of older stories I was able to break into pieces and put up on my 'stack. But I'd gone through some workplace trauma and hadn't written a word for close to 10 months. When I finally started writing again, I discovered a certain freedom. I didn't have to bow down to word restrictions. I gave myself a 10,000 word 'ideal'. I thought, with that, I can tell the story I want to tell. I didn't think about the "audience" I was writing for, because I was writing for myself. It was my release after having gone through the shit I did. It was freeing, and it still is. (You can read what happened on my 'Stack: It was an Accident, Steve. I've read it once since I wrote it.) So, while I don't know what I'm doing, and I stumble along blindly, I'm having the time of my life!
Ben ... thank you for this comment ... this is what it's all about. It's awfully easy to be caught up in the numbers games and forget that this is how some of us process life. I tend to mosey along gathering shiny bits without reason until I finally sit down and write. If I'm lucky and have been honest, something emerges from the murky places.
Then we start thinking about audiences and money and numbers. And then, the system starts driving the car. May we all keep stumbling along, having the time of our lives!
Thank you! I guess I'm just so bad at meeting my own goals and finishing things that it feels like a cop-out, although it's something I've been very excited for.
If you're generally not great at meeting your own goals, you may have to ask yourself if your goals are realistic or aspirational? Maybe the issue is not you, but the goal. Maybe it needs to be smaller, or given more time, or readjusted periodically, etc. Sometimes a little bit of exploring the why and how of the goal before committing to it helps.
Like, I can set a goal or running a marathon, but first I need to ask my knees, is this even realistic? Why a marathon? If it's really that I want to run regularly and think a goal would help, maybe the goal needs to be 'run twice a week' and nevermind the marathon bit.
It's similar for finishing things, but that can be a lot of other stuff and I don't want to go on forever. But I write a Dear Abby-style writing advice column, so feel free to reach out to me with questions about finish stuff. It's one that lots of writers (myself included!) struggle with and I think it could be helpful for a lot of people to explore that answer.... because there's a lot of bad advice out there that results in people kicking themselves unnecessarily. :)
I feel you. I definitely feel the same way about my "pivots", but consider that maybe you're being driven by negative self-talk. Ask yourself - is this a distortion or a false interpretation of facts?
i am working with a therapist who specializes in CBT & ADHD and she has been helping me notice all the MANY times i use distortions and negative self talk. these habits of thought are so engrained in our brains -- but it is possible to notice them and offer yourself a shift - not a complete 180 but a slight shift. how can we go from negative to neutral in our thinking?
I love this question. I was planning on collecting some of my stories and sending them out to see if I could find an agent, or publisher, but changed course, telling myself that I should try and grow my 'Stack instead. The market potential is HUGE, and tapping into would actually be more financially rewarding than publishing. (Let's face it, not everyone is going to be a bestseller with their first book.) But if you reach for the stars...you could find yourself with 1000s of paid subscribers. And the fact you get paid monthly, well, who can't use a couple of thousand a month? Imagine if you have 1500 PAID subscribers? So it takes you five years. It takes a year, sometimes two, just to publish a book. And then you'll make, what, $10-$15,000, broken up over the next 2-3 years? 1500 PAID on Substack is going to be at least $75,000 for the year. THAT'S why I changed my plans...
I publish "traditionally" as well as on Substack and have so enjoyed mixing things up this way. My print books are in the literary genre, mostly creative nonfiction from university presses and shorter pieces published places like The New York Times, Orion, The Sun, The Paris Review, etc. Then I wrote an environmental thriller that no agent or publisher was interested in, so I've serialized it on Substack behind a paywall and also write free essays. And these essays are much looser and more fun than the ones I write for fancy literary journals. And I'm making more money on Substack than I ever have on any other book. (Not a high bar.) Anyway, it's being a blast. And I have a collection of essays coming out from a university press in the spring.
It is tricky because anything we publish on Substack is now considered previously published and that, as you know, disqualifies it from being accepted in nearly all other journals. Also, what we do here on Substack is considered self-published which the more academic/literary writing world has a snooty attitude about. But when I turned seventy I stopped caring about all that.
Wow, talk about prolific. I would love to be able to spend enough time and energy writing one day to be able to diversify. Sounds like the most fun, for sure.
Thank you! I didn't really consider the financial aspect of it at all. I'm at the stage in my writing career where I'm prepared to pay people to read my stuff rather than the other way round :D ! I just thought it would be a nice goal to have, to wrap up a year's worth of content, have something to show for it, and start a new year with some new aspirations.
But of course, you make very strong points about the more practical aspects of it. Traditional publishing has very little on Substack when it comes to rewards, but, of course, a following isn't easy to build. I just focus on what I can control and that's what and how much I write. That's hard enough right now :D
Getting followers is a long, uphill climb, especially if you don't have one coming in. I had maybe 50 Facebook friends -- about half of whom were family and friends. But as long as you are consistent, and as long as the writing is good, Subscribers will come. Put yourself up on Notes, join in the conversation here, go on LinkedIn, and Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, X, whatever it's called (I'm not on it.) But as long as you tell yourself you're in it for the long haul and that you deserve to be here because you ARE a writer, everything will work out in the end. You're not going to be an overnight sensation.
Just remember the old Clairol commercial where she told five friends, and then her friends each told five people, and so on, and so on. Networking works!! It really does. You just have to be willing to prime the pump and tell some people. Doesn't have to be many people. It can expand geometrically if you work at it.
of course! I'm so comfortable with where I'm at. I don't use much social media, and my instagram is private because I post photos of my kids for friends and family.
Friends sharing my writing, people trickling over from office hours, etc, has been a slow and steady growth. I love every comment I get on my substack, and actually kind of love how intimate it feels sometimes with the small group that's there!
Totally! I don't have a huge following, but it's growing. I'm picking up at least 1 subscriber every day. How can you complain about something like that?
Right there with you, Ben. A publisher friend of mine shared with me his perspective that, "the book is dead." At first, that was a shattering thought since I hadn't yet published one. Then I realized I was mistaking the container for the contents, the medium for the message. What I needed was a contemporary vehicle that could promote the value of my content to my target audience. Imagine my joy at finding Substack. My friend, we are the future of content creation. I'm psyched.
I know. When I first stumbled across this site, I didn't know what to make of it. But it didn't take me long to see the potential. The fact I write fiction and everyone else was doing these "bloggy" newsletters didn't deter me. I just thought it left the playing field wide open. With 20-30 million followers, all you need is a 10th of a percentile to be successful.
I see so much great fiction on here. I was nearly deterred by the fact that most things I see here are very educational, or, at the very least, informational, and I have like... the opposite of that. I decided it's fine, in the end. Obviously.
That's exactly what I thought. I don't do financials, stocks, pop culture, politics. I'm not an essayist, or a diarist. I'm a fiction writer. You just have to find and build your own little niche and see where it goes from there. It's all a matter of the long game. I don't ask myself where I see this being in five years from now...because five years from now, I'll still be here writing.
beautifully put. I don't want to be anywhere else. I just want to still be writing, but, hopefully, better (and more! since my kids will be at school haha)
I've been struggling with my 3rd (at least) rebrand and my Substack's kinda been in limbo after saying I was going "all in" earlier this year. I felt myself pressure, well, myself to GET BACK TO IT! But I didn't wanna just post nonsense just because I felt like I should be posting.
I feel like our communities know who we are and our intentions. If you're wanting to switch up, go ahead! If you need a break and need to reformulate some things, it's all apart of life.
Life happens. Moods change and shift and the best thing we can do is follow our inner compass (and also ask ourselves WHY we want something, TRULY. Same with WHY we may be abandoning something. And if we're just postponing it, giving it up, and again, WHY?).
Really good idea, I might actually do it in writing for myself, just try to write up my Whys. Thank you! I wish you well in getting back to it, but gently haha!
I agree, goals are constantly changing. Evolving. My newsletter here started in the planning stages as a very different thing than it is now! It’s important to be flexible I think.
When we make goals, we do so without knowing the forecast ahead. I see it merely as a guideline to stay on track, and something that needs to be flexible given all the unknowns. Everyone is different but I also am a firm believer in quality over quantity. I know it will take years to finish my WIP, and Substack has done a great job at holding me accountable for reaching that, but I need to make it worth the time I've already put in, and that looks like going slowly and making sure I do it right.
That's very true. I love the point of making it worth the time you've already put in, and I think for me right now... it feels like the time I put in is worth it in experience, rather than in the actual tangible output. Although I'm proud of that work, too, I just think about the longevity and consistency of the Substack, rather than producing a book I can hold.
I think it’s natural and necessary to take stock of what is working and not working while following a plan. We have to be able to say, you know what, this isn’t working for me anymore, and I need to find a new direction.
I’ve done this going into year 2 of my Substack, and I’m drafting an essay about how my goals and expectations have changed based on how Substack is working for my style of writing.
You might also be interested in reading Sara’s story, who is a guest writer for me this week. She made several pivots in her business, including eventually closing it down.
I guess I'm just used to seeing writing as one thing, so the whole idea that I could be writing something ELSE, or differently, is new to me. I never really thought about writing at all, or any particular direction. It's quite nice to actually allocate it some conscious brain power.
🧠I think short, more frequent posts are the better way to go. When I say short I mean 300-500 words. I feel like writing for Substack has improved my writing and my education! When I have had to do a little research after I write the piece, I learn so much. I'm very happy I joined and this coming year I will try to get more paid subscribers. sabrinalabow.substack.com
Thank you. I think showing myself compassion is something I forgot to do. Once you start drinking the bottomless mom-guilt cocktail everything else tends to be thrown in there as well
I agree that you shouldn't stick with a plan if you're just not feeling it anymore. Growth and the change that comes with it is part of a writing career, just as it is part of life in general.
If it’s just a personal goal, and isn’t letting someone else down (like a project team or publisher) then I would simply change my plan and choose a different delivery date that worked for me. Otherwise it’s pressure and would likely leave me feeling disempowered. Circumstances change all the time. I would not consider it a failure to change the date, but rather adapting to new information and/or altered circumstances.
There's a difference between giving up and recognizing and important shift in your priorities and preferences. If your preferences have shifted and what you're doing now is more meaningful to you, then you're on the right path. You might not have your book published by the end of the year, but when you do publish it, it will mean more to you.
I've achieved two of the three goals I set out for this year. The other goal I've shifted, like you, although for different reasons. I realized I was taking on too many things at once, not giving any single thing my full attention, and I needed to cut back to focus on one or two things. It feels a lot better (and I'm having more fun).
You know, I was just thinking about the beauty of evolving--the way I write, the why I write constantly being refined by the waves of time and growth and engagement with others. I think it’s one of the things that’s kind of brilliant about Substack. It enables that growth and evolution to occur more rapidly than it might otherwise in a real-time pool of connection with other writers similarly honing who they are on the page.
For me, I’m showing up for myself just as much by allowing for change as I am to sticking to a plan. It’s about finding the balance between the two.
Best of luck with whatever you decide. And glad you’ve found something that feels like being in the flow--if I’m reading you right. :)
🟧 Can we please have a theme option to have a progress/scroll bar at the top of the page so that the reader knows how much of the article is left and how far into the article they are? I see this a lot now with other newsletter services and blogs and it’s a really neat feature!
Hey John, we had experimented with something like this in the past and do offer something like this for readers in the app. I will pass along to the team for further consideration.
I second this, Melanie. Knowing the reading time of every piece in my inbox allows me to establish a pecking order for what to read based on time available.
✏️OK, so I am new to Substack, and I have not posted anything yet (because I’m like 13 years old) but I REALLY love writing. I follow my friends and stuff, but I don’t think anyone would actually read my content. And since y’all are all high and mighty writers and interviewers who write newsletters and articles, is there a way for me to make my writing interesting and what should I write about? I would really appreciate any feedback from anyone😊
Just start writing and experimenting! And I think book reviews and recommendations from a 13-y.o. would be amazing (among whatever else you want to dabble in). It's a unique voice and angle, which is what any writer is after!
When I was 13 years old, my father was working on one of those trucks with a bucket they use when they work on the telephone wires overhead. It was summertime, holidays, and I'd climb in there and write stories that entertained me. I didn't share them with anyone. But they were fantasy stories about space travel, and living on different worlds, in different times. Barbarians, knights, outlaws, pirates. Don't write what people suggest, write what YOU want to read. If you can't find the story you want to read, that means YOU have to write it. And READ. Read a lot. S.E. Hinton wrote THE OUTSIDERS when she was about sixteen. Shoot for the stars. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do this, because you can. Your age is not a factor. And don't think your education is either. I only have grade 12. And to you, I'm as old as dirt (65). I'm not a high and mighty writer. I have no books published, but that doesn't make me any less than anyone else here, and the same goes for you.
I second that. It may be cliche, but it's true: write about what you know. And pretty soon others will follow you. A YA thread would be useful even to adults who don't necessarily read YA fiction. I know there are many books that we SHOULD be reading. We might learn something!
Welcome to Substack! :) Just want to reassure you that not everyone on here is a professional writer - many of us are really just like you (people who love to write). I would recommend picking one topic that gets you really excited (it looks like YA fiction might be one for you!) and focusing your newsletter on that. Then connect w/ other writers on here who are covering a similar topic. Best of luck!!
JUST WRITE! I got started later than you, but with my music blog I just... WROTE. This was 2001, before social media! Just write, keep writing, and don’t stop. You’re gonna FIND OUT what works, less so than FIGURING OUT what works.
Who cares if people don't like it? You'll still be learning stuff and having fun.
Also, you don't have to show your friends or family... the internet is a huge place.
Here you are on Substack interacting with a bunch of complete strangers who don't know you in real life. You can do that with your writing too... share your work in places where your friends/schoolmates won't see it. Then you won't care if no one likes it, so you'll be free to write without worrying about what anyone thinks.
So what? If you like it, keep putting it out! Build a body of work. Also - you’re 13! If you start writing and don’t stop for 10 years you’re gonna be in a great spot when you’re 23!
That’s a great idea! The thing is, once I start writing a story, I will be SO exited but then after a while, I would basically get bored and forget about it
You're young - you're SUPPOSED to get bored and move on to other things. Keep trying as much stuff as you can. Who says you need to be locked into one genre, or one theme?! Try 10 things, or 100 things! It costs you nothing but time, and being as young as you are YOU'VE GOT TIME!
It took me a while to figure out what I should write about as well. So when I first created a Substack account, I simply posted a weekly digest of articles I curated throughout the week that all centered on areas of interest for me: Video & Film Production, Movies TV, Marketing, etc. Maybe you could do something like that. And it would give you a chance to read other writers and gain some inspiration.
Welcome to Substack! It gets said a lot because it's true, write about what you know and like (or what. you like and want to learn more about). Especially when you're getting started. If you find something you're really interested in, that will help you create engaging writing that readers love. 😊
🟧 - pretty minor, but I would appreciate a button to share to Threads added. Just go ahead and get rid of the twitter share button since it famously doesn't work anyway.
It doesn’t have to be either or. You can have your threads button and I will continue to ignore any social media that isn’t Notes and filled with wonderful writer friends. You do you and I’ll do me and we’ll still be friends and we’ll all enjoy the free space where the Twitter butting used to be.
🟧 Any plans to ever have a native writing app? Several of my staff *only* write on mobile/phone and the mobile version of the publishing section is pretty awful. Love literally everything else about Substack, keep up the great work!
This would be so awesome! I often write on my phone while nap trapped in the car with my baby, and I have to use the browser version of Substack to do this.
Yes! I'd love this. I do so much writing in transit and on the go -- would be great to be able to do drafts right into Substack vs having to convert from different apps.
🧠 Oh blimey,. I'm late to this party today. I doubt anyone will see this, but here's something that's worked like gangbusters for me in building my audience:
🤯 ** Share your enthusiastic response to learning about something awesome for the first time ** 🤯
This was my social media strategy on Twitter before it became....what it is now. I did it with excited-sounding threads, promoting a sciencey story I just learned about for the first time. The biggest of these totally blew up, reached 10 million people and sent 6,000 free subscribers to my newsletter. (Substack interviewed me about it here: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7)
I'm far from the first to discover the power of this approach. For example, it's why "unboxing" videos work on YouTube. But it's incredibly useful for newsletter writers wanting to reach new people and get them intrigued enough by your reaction (and their reaction to your reaction!) to want to click through and learn more.
This might be the best idea I have heard yet. I was immediately intrigued! I am now going to subscribe to you. Thanks for the great advice! sabrinalabow.substack.com
Hey Mike! I saw this and what a smart idea. I am always learning something new, as a journalist always doing research, voracious reader, consumer of podcasts, etc, etc. Will definitely follow this tip and read your pieces/interview.
Please steal if it would work for you, Amy! It's really powerful. Since so much of social media is powered by negative emotions, it's nice to see when the positive ones (in this case, enthusiastic wonder) work as well - and maybe do a lot more good for the world in the long run, I think?
This seems like something that'll fit well for where I'm thinking my rebranded Substack will head: late bloomer documentation (and learnings! And self-improvement!).
I wrote some bullet points in a draft about headphones, and how I think it's weird (and something I'll grow better with) that people can just put them in and... tune the world out! Especially if they live with people!
I never could do that cause my mom always needed me at any moment as a caregiver for 8 years. Now that I was gifted a pair of noise cancelling ones for my birthday, the way I act with this new experience is probably something most don't even bat an eye at!
Don't know yet how I can make it a valuable piece for my audience (may do some research about headphones on Reddit) but it IS an abnormal first experience I wanted to share.
Next up (eventually), sharing my first solo drive as a 32 year old who just got her driver's license last month!
🟧 - Sorry to flood with questions! This is my 4th and last question today, and it's only because I've been bumping up against lots of little things while trying to use substack for a community building discussion forum behind the paywall. I would love to be able to keep using substack comments to do deep discussions with my paid subscribers... I'm trying it out, and one discussion post has 444 comments. Exciting, but MAN they are unruly and impossible to navigate. People are complaining and saying substack isn't really the best for this discussion because the comments are so hard to navigate. It would be amazing if they would all collapse to just show the first comment, and then expand to see all the replies of each comment only when clicked... does this request make any sense?
Hi, Caroline! That definitely makes sense and would come in handy for navigating this thread, as well. Thanks for the feedback! We'll pass it along to the team.
Yes! Was bumping into the same thing trying to re-find my comments here! Having to scroll past long long threads with no option to collapse.
One more thing is that clicking the notification of a comment reply doesn't actually seem to bring you to the comment reply in question, but to the main comment it's replying to. Even worse on the app than on desktop. It would be so helpful if it actually brought you to the thing it's notifying you about!
Personally, I don't see what the problem is with this. Looking at the subscribers on a profile page is something you have to "click" on, right? So...I just don't click on it. When I do, I'm looking for writers I seldom see, and it gives me the option of following or subscribing to that page, which, for me, is a good thing.
I second this! It unconsciously leads to comparison & then worrying about how many people are reading my work. When I actually just want to write because I enjoy creating & get joy from others who enjoy it as well
🧠 I've been here about a year and a half and the one thing I wish I had done more of before getting started was think through what I wanted to accomplish here and develop a strategy. I've just posted a piece to help others do that front-end thinking.
Joyce, thank you so much for sharing that wonderful freely downloadable workbook. Generous of you and appreciated. I just launched Oct 3 and am eager to learn from the expertise and experience of so many. My strategy is just forming and your guidance will help a lot.
✏️ My newsletter has been free, and I want to change to a paid subscription model. What are best practices for deciding on what subscribers will receive (I read something somewhere about always making sure your best content is available to everyone?), how much to charge, and how to roll-out/announce the change to current subscribers? Thanks, everyone!
Mine’s been free too. And I’m also planning to go paid eventually. I’ve been using the time in the meanwhile to see what works for me as a reader--what turns me off about methods of paywalling? What do I admire? What compels me to become a paid subscriber?
I plan to use this data to inform my choices. Perhaps my readers will find what works and doesn’t for them similar.
✏️🟧I have the same question. Have been writing my newsletter for 2+ years and would like to go paid. Do people advise having a minimum number of free subscribers to start with, for example? I’m using the 🟧 here as well because it’s obviously in Substack’s interest if writers switch on the paid option.
Agreed. I have a paid option but everything is still free. I do have some people paying just because they want to. I believe if you don't have the option to pay you're taking that opportunity away from people who really do want to support you.
I’ve been grappling on how to incentivize people converting to paid since w everything is free - thank you Kevin! Is this something you would announce to your subscribers or would you just do it.
I'm a relatively new writer, 9 months, and decided to open the paid option, leaving access the same for both. People have an option to support my mission to encourage everyone to get lost in the weeds.
As I learn, audio and video technology, etc. I will offer some convenience options for people who support weedom, but the mission dictates that the essential information will remain open and available to everyone.
There are a lot of different options, and ability to change what is offered to free and paid subscribers.
My newsletter is a weekly publication about the Dallas suburb my family calls home. I went paid in early 2021, four weeks after I launched, when I had about 400 subscribers. I charged the minimum amount Substack would allow at the time, which was $30. (I believe the minimum is now $50.) These days, I send the final edition of each month to everybody on my list, and I mention all of the content that's been for paid subscribers' eyes only since the last time my free subscribers heard from me. I now have more than 800 paid subscribers, plus an additional 1,200 freeloaders.
Wow Dan, congratulations! That's a unique model, and very successful at 40% paying subscribers (most of us are happy to get 5%!). Well done, and thanks for sharing your model and being transparent with your numbers.
I've had my paywall on and off; it's back on right now, but I only have 8 Paid subscribers. I don't concern myself with them too much. 5 are close personal friends, one is a girl I went to school with, and one is my big brother. Only one of them is a stranger to me. Because of that one person, I've started putting things up on my paywall. I wrote a movie once, just to see if I could, so I'm putting that up. Usually I write stories about the mill I used to work in. But I came into this with no followers or social media to speak of. I've got 300 freeloaders. Oh, did I tell you I write fiction? That's a hard sell. With fiction, you're dealing with peoples' personal tastes. If I write it, and you don't like it, you're not going to come over for a visit? If I tell you I write Novellas, it's an even harder sell. So it has to be good to attract readers.
This is question that has driven a lot of us a bit mad. It deserves deep thought. Money is important but it is really easy to turn off readers when it starts to feel too commercial. I've changed my paywall countless times. I just posted a long series of questions about what we really want from our Substacks. I've heard there are 20,000 Substack writers ... imagine a reader being flooded with requests for paid subscriptions. Buttons and requests for paid subscriptions are ads that come between you and your readers.
Writers deserve to be paid, however, email newsletters thrive on connection between readers and writers. Ads create a commercial dissonance that deserves careful handling.
I base it on the time and effort it took me to write something. If I managed to create an experience with my writing, not just share a thought, then it is a paid post. This works well for me, however, simply because I'm sharing my WIP here as a serialized novel, which warrants a paywall. I feel that everything else I write about, whether its on writing or a journal entry, should be completely free.
It seems like the lower you charge the higher the percentage of people convert, but the higher the more revenue you make. I put everything behind a paywall after three weeks which allows everyone to get everything for free at first and then it goes behind a paywall, except I have this 50,000 word guide for free. https://authorstack.substack.com/p/how-to-go-paid-on-substack-without
✏️ I’m looking for moms who want to be included in my interview series, Moms in America. It’s 15 questions, about motherhood and what it’s like to be a mom currently in the USA. Drop your email below for more details :)
If you need another, I'm Misty, mother of twin boys who are now 25, and an author. My email is mistyevansbooks@gmail.com. Glad to promote your series, too.
Lovely. Let me know if you ever want to interview an empty nester. It’s a whole different ball of wax. Hands off yet you still have good advice. A tricky mix.
✏️- fellow writers who don’t write to a specific niche- how do you expand or promote yourself to readers? I’m not smart enough to only cover one specific area, and I don’t think I’d like to have that kind of narrow scope, but I’m not sure how one spreads the word about your Substack if you write about different topics every time- curious to see what others do!
I've been seeing the words 'niche' and 'brand' more and more recently.
The amazing factor that all of your posts have in common, Kunga, is YOU. If you're not writing to what you feel is a specific niche, that's fine, because actually you ARE. You're writing YOU. And that means a lot.
Those who read your words read them because they're your words. Trust yourself.
I started with a theme - I literally get lost in my (very small, not big enough to get lost in) house, but the more posts I've written - not just about getting lost, but other stuff too - the more my confidence has grown. These days I write about all sorts of things - think British life with a humourous twist - and yes, there's a lot of getting lost in there, but it's not my brand or my niche.
Write yourself. Write in your own voice. You've got this.
FWIW, I fully agree with this advice. There is too much specialization out there, and it REALLY, REALLY limits not just what the single author may enjoy writing (if he or she blindly follows the mantra to "find a niche and stick to it"), but also what we all as a society can understand and achieve.
When I started here on substack, one of the first things I wrote is that my newsletter would be "it will be almost the opposite of "niche" content" (*), exactly for that reason. So yeah, do write about all sort of things, if you seriously feel like doing it
Think about the "niches" you do operate in, and engage in those communities. Everyone has a point of view and that POV exists some niches. For me, it's parenting, humour, business, mental health and probably a lot more. But I engage in each of those niches in different ways and it has helped build out my community on here. Just write out those "niches" for yourself and don't be afraid to engage. You don't need to be an expert! As long as you have POV and are contributing, you can take up space across many niches.
There are lots of Substackers like you Kunga. Me for one! I write about a whole host of different things and I like other Substackers that are a bit eclectic too.
Interesting! I talk about a lot of different things in my newsletter here each week, but they’re all framed in the art and music context. So there’s something that’s tying everything together, even though I’m talking about different stuff all the time.
My answer is "tell people." Tell people you know, and ask them to tell other people. The law of big numbers will carry you through. The more people you convince to pass the word, the more readers you will attract.
But a caution: A wise man said, "Winners focus. Losers spray." You really cannot be all things to all people. You want to be known for something.
I get your second point, and it’s really hard not to ‘spray’ when your choice of topic varies so widely, but I’m hoping that by applying a similar lens and method of dissection, it’s focused enough to be seen as something more than just spraying and praying:)
Is there a common thread somewhere you can point back to? I wholeheartedly agree with everyone else here saying that trying to niche ourselves down when we don't want to is unnecessary, and if you're still bothered by it, is there something you can always point back to? Like the audience you're talking to will probably be like you: are they gamers, love cutesy things, are you about to head off to college (whatever area of life you're in)>
Oh, an example is like a magazine! Are you writing things that seem similar to to a "type" of person?
Or just mention what you write: are they deep dives into something you found interesting? Are they shares of things you love lately? Is it about the news? The human experience? Personal development? Your own documented journey through something?
Cant point to a specific thread, but just by looking at advice on other of these Substack hours or other tips or on Reddit u see the idea of ‘niches’ everywhere
Genuinely, if there’s one way I can characterize my writings is by trying to dive deeper in behaviors or phenomenons, explaining things that I have read about or found interesting, or trying to find and explain the links I see between different things- a bit of a mess, but I I’m trying to make sure it’s not always an incoherent ramble every week :)
I get trying to verbally explain what you do on here being tough, but maybe it'll come with time. Definitely more important to enjoy what you write and just infuse yourself in it which you seem to be doing already! This is definitely a long game and our people will come :)
I agree, before I even started writing I told myself only to write if I enjoy the process. I see so many start Substack's with the sole intention of growing an audience and I just can't see how that can be fun long term.
Oh but I'm seeing so many as well advocate for finally making this a place to lay the rules to the side and just *write*! I'm so glad you told yourself that too!
✏️ For those who have had good success promoting and growing their subscriber based here on Substack: in terms of time, how much do you think you invest in writing and developing your newsletter vs promoting it?
For example, if you're spending 4 hours a week on writing and posting, how many hours should you be spending on promoting it?
Most of the scholarship around this, and the people I've talked to confirm, 20% writing, 80% promoting if you want to break through. I do less than that now b/c I have an audience.
What do you mean by move around? There are a few different layouts you can choose for your homepage (under settings -> site design). But once you've chosen from the 3 options, I have no idea how to decide which one will be pinned to what spot. That's something I'd be curious to know as well.
As far as recommendations, you can choose manage recommendations which will let you manage who you recommend, and then manage blurbs will let you change what recommendations show up on your welcome page.
✏️ I’d like to know how I can become a multi-millionaire Substack writer with adoring fans everywhere and my face on watch and underwear ads. Can I get some advice on that?
🟧 I include audio in my written posts that are shared with all subscribers but will be adding a pay wall limiting full access on some articles to paid subscribers. Is it possible to add a paywall within the audio itself in addition to the written part?
🟧 Can you post without sending an email blast out to anyone?
It's possible to create free versions of paid podcast episodes, which you can link to in you main post. It's more clunky than using the 'voiceover' feature but totally doable.
You *can* post without sending an email blast. Hit publish and it's one of the two last options on the popup window. Before you hit send it will warn you that you're about to publish without emailing.
Yeah! I found that out the other day. I wanted to send a post out to my PAID (8) subscribers and saw the box that said don't send email. I Clicked it, thinking it would only send it to my paid people. D'oh!
Following this. Would like to be able to read posts from some of the newsletters I subscribe to via app only. Can I switch email off or do I have to unsubscribe?
🟧 Hi again. One issue with office hours is that I might not receive a notification to an answer until hours later. When I click on the notification I have to scroll through the thousands of messages and sometimes can’t find the response. Any tricks I’m missing? TIA.
yea the notifications for comment replies are nearly useless, because they don't actually take you to the comment reply! Dealing that with my own substack too.. madness
I sometimes solve this problem using 'Find' (Ctrl + F) - on desktop - and searching the responder's name or your own name. If you get no results, click 'Show more' at the bottom of the page and try again.
🟧When you’re doing settings for a post, under “This post is for…” How can you make “Everyone” the default? It keeps defaulting to paid, and I don’t want that.
🧠🧠 If you’re tired of not growing on Substack or just starting out, come see me. I give you guidance based on the advice Substack gave me and how I built two bestselling, Featured Substacks.
✏️I am curious about how the substack search feature works. My newsletter is pretty niche--I write about a not very good basketball team--but if I search using keywords I would assume would result in my newsletter, it doesn’t show up. Anyone else have this issue?
Yes. I don't have a lot of faith in the discovery tool here. Hopefully someone here knows more about it, but I have found it very hard to find Substacks that I am genuinely interested in that are aligned with what I'm looking for without accidentally stumbling upon it.
🟧 hi Substack team! I've been trying out the new Beta version of "create video" after making a written article post.
I select the text, then try to upload custom mp3 audio for voiceover, which is not accepted (just shows 'in progress.') I then try to record audio straight to platform, and try as I might in several ways, I keep getting the error, "Substack does not recognize microphone."
Any suggestions? I'm using Firefox (and have tried Chrome) on Windows 11.
✏️ What's the best way to find other writers similar to your own work? I'm finding the search and explore features on Substack a little too generic. clinttill.substack.com
I’ve been searching by keyword rather than category in the Substack app and that has been turning up more. I do it a few times a week on topics I am writing about. Consistently searching seems to be a key. Also, following similar writers on Notes has been helpful.
Yes! Higher engagement than the videos I was throwing together and more cohesive aesthetically. Here's a recent example: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyi4_aRxCU6/
🟧 or ✏️ Hi! I've been on Substack a year now and would love to offer a discount for renewing, but it looks like coupons only apply to subscriptions. Is there a way to offer just to renewals?
Hi, Lisa! At this time, discounts can only be used to purchase subscriptions, but we'll pass along to our Product team that you're looking for the option to discount renewals.
I’m going paid soon... getting courage to ask! My question is, with sharing on other SM 🤔 If folks can read me on Facebook, IG etc...get the newsletters ... why would they be inclined to pay? As for newsletters... I like reading the app each day... discovering new writers and categories. So don’t want newsletters clogging email each morning! I’m still learning, not whining...thank you.
I am a big fan of each of us supporting the other, so I offer all of my content as either free or paid. Those who can pay do and those who can not don't and everyone gets everything whether they are paying or not. I frame it this way to my readers so they know that if they choose to pay not only are they supporting my writing but they are supporting someone else being able to read my writing.
This is working for now, and I will reassess as time goes on.
Thanks for this…I agree! Getting paid will allow me to pay those I subscribe to, those that keep me coming back! It’s respect and support for each other. Appreciate your response. 😊
I still don't know why people pay for my work, but they do because they support the work. They buy the books and the buy the subscriptions even though so much of it is free.
Well done going paid (soon) Joan, very exciting! Perhaps you find something a little extra to offer your paid subscribers, something written just for them that cannot be found anywhere else. Also, you may be surprised how many folks choose to go paid to offer support for your work.
Yes I have seen some writers use chat very effectively. I haven't used it myself because right now I'm not up for one more thing I have to manage and most of my readers access my posts via email so may not use chat. For my paid subscribers I offer video presentations on the personal growth work I do which will be presented via Zoom, guest posts and a deeper insight (hopefully) because I feel I can write from a more vulnerable place when it's an intimate setting behind the paywall.
✏️ Hi all, hope everyone is having a good October. Recently I wrote a post sharing my thoughts on AI. There are most likely a lot of differing opinions on this topic and I have come here curious to know what the overall consensus is on AI when it comes to writing (or in general I suppose). Many people I follow seem to be against it, but I know there are many out there that see this as a noteworthy tool. Any thoughts you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated, and if you use it, how does that work for you?
I made an entire Newsletter that was about making an AI write humorous self-help advice. I would then edit it a little bit and put *don't blindly listen to the robot* banners everywhere and hit "publish". It's not a terrible thing, and I use AI to help brainstorm titles for posts/YouTube videos and such. Hope this helps!
I'm far less worried about AI undermining my work as a writer and far more concerned about all the ways it will further blur our perceptions of reality and cause even more division/social strife. I feel like we're all in the same honeymoon phase as we were with social media in its early days, focused on all the shiny fun things we can do with it and somehow totally in denial about how evil people will inevitably twist it into a dark and divisive social force. Anyway, I could go on... but I'll get off my soapbox now!
It's totally fine I also have strong feelings about it and went on a whole post's worth of a soapbox about it lol. It's pretty wild to me that we have it writing poetry before helping us automate essential functions in medicine, assisting our general infrastructure, etc.
The only AI tool I use is in Carft Docs, but it mostly base on what I have written myself. Other than that, I want all laws to be in order before I dip my toes into it. Especially when it comes to art.
I am starting a new section in my existing Substack. I was originally going to start a separate Substack but Sarah Fay said that Substack doesn't recommend that for reasons that all made sense to me. I was originally NOT going to bring over my mailing list with me from my main section to my new section, but I am now having doubts. Does it make senses to keep different mailing lists: My two sections are:
Prone to Hyperbole, by Noha Beshir: Exploring the multi-generational, minority immigrant experience at the intersection of mental health, motherhood, and faith.
and
Letters from a Muslim Woman: Muslims and Arabs are rarely asked to speak for ourselves. This is my attempt to do so.
You really can't keep separate mailing lists. It's really not ideal how the sections work. You can have a main list, but it's very hard to do segmentation.
Oh? Can you elaborate? The suggestion to port everyone over by default and then let them change their settings seemed straightforward enough. Does the app not handle it? Would love to know more
You have to pick one or the other when you create the section, and you can never go back and choose differently. If you choose that way, then everyone would have to go into their individual settings and then choose the sections they belong.
I would include the main subscriber list with the new section, but let all of them know you started this new section, and mentioning that they can adjust their subscription settings to receive the content they opt for. Hope this helps!
Hi, Noha ... these sound more like sections than separate Substacks. I would just opt for bringing all of your subscribers over. They will automatically skip over the posts of lesser interest. Best wishes ...
Ha! Well, now I'm curious what the backstory is there. My main newsletter is not as Niche as I think many are, so I feel like this new section will help me focus in on specific topics while the original newsletter can still be what it is... Maybe you were already at a good level of "niching" (is that a word? 😅)
😂 Yeah, I think she felt that I was fracturing too much, and she's probably right. So the "in-between" I came up with was keeping my "On the Journey" theme as big picture with occasional series that are their own section: "Midwestern Reflections on the Lone Star State" and "Writing in the Margins."
We'll see how it pans out. I'm pretty excited about it.
🟧 I'm confused about exactly when Writer's Office Hours actually starts. Your intro says 10am PST, but arriving at 10am I have frequently found posts from an hour before, so I figured it was really 9am. Today I immediately came upon a post two hours old. It's challenging to play catch up with all the interesting conversations that have already been taking place. Now, I know 10am PST is, at best, inaccurate since we're still in Daylight Savings Time and its 10am PDT, not PST, but I don't think that's the problem. Should I just start checking at 8am PDT?
I have the same problem. I arrived at the start time, according to my Apple calendar, but the chat seems to have been going for at least an hour beforehand. I don’t know whether I’m on time, or late.
🧠 Here's a thought: Don't drive yourself crazy chasing after subscribers and followers. Concentrate on posting the most engaging, authentic, well-written content you can. The joy should come from the creation side, rather than the marketing side.
🟧 Thx for these office hours! I would love to see more design capabilities for the home pages. Instead of the most recent article being center stage, maybe an option to simply have the authors title, logo and logline of their stack? If this option does exist please share the instructions. Thx! From an analog mama.
You can choose which articles to "pin" on your homepage to highlight them, and also organize posts by "tags" (categories) -- they don't have to be your most recent articles! Does that help? Here are some resources:
✏️ A question on encouraging comments and likes: most of my readers know me from outside Substack--from courses I've taught or social media. So they've subscribed to my Substack but haven't bothered with the app. As a result, they aren't likely to comment on my posts. I want my newsletter to grow into a community where freelancers can learn not only from me but from each other (and where we can all support each other).
I've tried asking questions and encouraging discussion (I often forget, so I need to get more consistent with this) but has anyone found other strategies to get subscribers to download the app and engage in community? Any tips for helping subscribers feel more comfortable interacting on Substack?
I've had a blog on a self-hosted Wordpress install for years. I don't post on it frequently enough to try to make proper mailing list and subscription model yet, but I'm considering trying.
I've heard that I can import my Wordpress posts into Substack directly, which is great. Just want to confirm that what I'm trying to do would work here.
I just want an online platform, where I own my own content, it can live online in public/searchable/findable way, and I can write new posts semi-regularly. People have the option to subscribe for free, or not, and maybe even later pay me a little because my thoughts are so inspiring and/or pity-inducing.
I just want to A) avoid paying so much for a hosting and a Wordpress instance, and B) not have all my old stuff live in one place and all my new stuff be here.
I hope that makes sense. Any advice is appreciated.
Hi there Drew! I believe that this is all possible for you here. You only pay us if you turn on paid subscriptions, in which case we'd take 10% and you'd make 90% of the revenue (minus credit card fees). So there are no "hosting" costs here if you're just publishing for free.
You can also import your entire archive from Wordpress here. Try using this page to do so: https://substack.com/switch
(If you have a really extensive archive, you may need to write into our support team for additional help.)
I did forget one bit – I do have my own blog domain, and I would love to attach that to my substack. I thought I saw somewhere that it was a one time set up fee which would be totally fine for me.
You can migrate it, but I actually chose the more difficult route (before my previous WordPress site went dark) and copied, pasted, revised, and backdated all of my posts. I have a much older WordPress account that was free and so I kept those pieces there.
🟧 I’d like to congratulate Substack on the meetup initiative. I think sharing in-person common challenges and goals with fellow writers - is invaluable. Any update when is the plan to get back to hosts?
✏️ What’s the key to good SEO results for Substack content? My weekly newsletter is about Coppell, the Dallas suburb my family calls home. I have a Google News alert set up for “Coppell,” and my own content never appears in the emailed roundups I get from Google.
I’ve been writing my newsletter every week now for the past 26 weeks and it’s a huge accomplishment for me as far as consistency goes. Though there are moments where it feels like I need to focus more on distribution & getting more subs. Is it better to mostly focus on the quality of my work for now & slowly build the community by engaging with other writers posts?
✏️ So… How’s everyone writing their “from sender” on their Substacks?
I was under the impression that having my email say from “My Name from Substack Name” was the best strategy. Is it tho?
There’s so much about personalization online and how important that is—and I agree! (I even remember reading a study that said business cards with a person’s photo get picked up 3x more at events.)
But will new subscribers care what YOUR name is? I’m just looking in my extra inbox where I get my own Substack emails, and it cuts off right after my name when viewing on mobile.
Considering that most people are there for the subject I’m writing about (Raising Gen Alpha) vs me personally—I assume—do we think that putting our own names in the “from sender” field might be less useful than we’re lead to believe? Or is including your name still important, perhaps for long-term strategy?
How do you change the from sender title? Mine has my name, but I know that I'm still a nobody in the writing world, and I feel like I need to remind people what I write about in the sender title so they actually open my emails 😬
I personally think our names are less useful! I've gotta check if my newsletter name comes up first, but I know when I'm scrolling through my email inbox, I'll come across names that are literally JUST names! And, confused, I just keep scrolling cause I feel like it's some scavenger hunt to figure out who the email's from rather than seeing the actual newsletter/Substack name.
🟧 How do I put link in my post like affliate link to direct people to another site have been trying to insert link but it keeps bouncing back and it’s really frustrating which browser can I use?
You should be able to share links in a post using any browser. We'll be glad to take a look into this. Could you reach out to our Support team here so we can investigate? https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
🟧 I’d like to keep my newsletter free to all subscribers, but make a (free) subscription required to view any post in full. Can you please advise how I should set up my paywall/preview settings?
I don't think Substack is set up like that. If your posts are free, then anyone can view them without having to subscribe to your list. If people like what they read, they'll subscribe.
🟧 What criteria does Substack use in choosing which 'Stacks to feature in its various promotions (Substack Reads etc)? Obviously this is of great interest as the boost it gives to the chosen ones will be considerable.
🟧 I've sent out my monthly substack and it's landing in inboxes multiple times so one subscriber is receiving the same newsletter 2-3 times which is causing some unsubscribes. Worried about sending another in case it happens again, and have no idea how this can be fixed as it's not due to duplicate contacts. Please help!
Hi there! This definitely shouldn't be happening. It's likely that the subscribers this happened to have multiple accounts that forward to the same email. Can you have those readers submit a request to support? https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately that's not the case - I've checked in with a few of them. They simply received the same email multiple times. Some twice and some three times.
🟧 - Hey. Here's my situation. I disconnected paid subs from my Substack because it was a stressful thing to ask for subs and what to put behind a paywall and other thoughts. So now I have pledges. I do want to start doing Google Meets where I create a room and myself and my readers can gather and talk wrestling. However, I don't just want to drop the room link in a new article, and anyone can join because once I removed paid subs, the ability to email all my free subscribers without the article showing up on my newsletter feed is gone. So, I'm trying to think of ways to work around this. I could use Substack Chat but it's dead silence in there with my readers. So what can I or what should I do? I was thinking of reconnecting paid subs back just to get that feature and only send my free subs room links for updates about personal life. I want to make money. My content is all wrestling based and requires travel and I don't always want to promote way more than like showing my journey. The hardest thing to grow is wrestling for some reason despite all the passions that drapes the tables. It's a little discouraging. Besides, upcoming will be my story on how I almost got stranded in Philly during the MLW Slaughterhouse event I covered. There's a brightside. So yeah.
You can send an email to subscribers without publishing your message as a post. Head to your "Subscribers" page, check off the box in the top left to select all addresses, then click the "Email" button in the upper right corner.
✏️Ok, I really do love all of the new shareable material from Substack and I'm making use of it and putting it into my FB and IG planner, scheduling out material weeks in advance.
Here's the problem: I have almost 900 subscribers on IG and I have VERY little traction on what I share. The same is the case for my podcast IG and FB. And if people aren't seeing what I'm putting out there, how can I possibly get them to come over to Substack. The piece about how to do it was great, but useless if people don't see my CTA.
That's the fun part about social media, right? GRRR!
A lot of my stuff never got any traction, but if I saw someone LIKE it, I would DM them and strike up a conversation. Eventually, I'd give them the link, in the DM.
I had a Twitter account with 2600 people. RARELY could I get anyone to click over from JUST posting a link. Had to roll up my sleeves a bit, and invite people over haha
I call it "the vault." The vault of social media is still open, but you can only swipe a few dollars at a time.
This is a great question. I'm getting some traction from LinkedIn. From Instagram it's been minimal (although I'm also growing my audience over there, too).
😂 Totally. I use LinkedIn because a lot of my students and new freelancers are there (they're in my audience) but my more creative posts are on Instagram.
🧠 I’ve found that one of the best ways to grow my audience organically on Substack is to read and engage thoughtfully in the comments of other writers’ posts! It’s not really a “strategy” because I’d be doing it anyway, but I always notice new subscribers trickle in when I’m engaging with other writers, and I love doing it.
Of course the trick is to not be spammy. Sometimes I will mention that I write about a similar topic, or will share a link to a relevant piece of mine, but only when that seems like that would enhance the conversation and be interesting to the original author. The added bonus is that we all like to see engagement on our posts!
Have others found that engagement in the comments brings new subscribers?
Yes, and... I feel totally overwhelmed by how much good content there is out there to engage with. My hope was to hone in one 3-5 newsletters I really connected with, but I can't even keep up with that. I'm totally for supporting other writers but also get frustrated that writing online not only entails creating quality content but also constant networking. It's time consuming and can be mentally/emotionally draining.
FWIW, I know I'm being curmudgeonly here... I often wish I were trying to launch a writing career in the pre-Internet age!
No it definitely can be draining! I've started adding in short visual posts, just with illustrations or photographs and a few lines alongside them. People seem to love them so much because they're so much easier and quicker to engage with, rather than long posts to read. I will keep writing, but these are easier and quicker for me to create and they seem to be easier content to consume too.
I always imagine people reading mine while on their lunch break, in line at the store, or on their commute into the city. In that context, shorter has worked really well for me.
This is a fantastic way of framing it, Kevin. I find myself often writing longer posts because there's so much to say and I want to answer all the questions a reader might have in one post. In my head, that makes life easier for them but in reality, shorter and more frequent posts might be better.
I think both are needed. Short posts are good for most of us most of the time, but sometimes people want something they can really get their teeth into. That's what Sunday afternoons are for!
Oh I love that phrasing, "That's what Sunday afternoons are for!" You're right. I'm trying to find the right balance between short form and long form. I tend more toward the long but there's a time and a place for both.
Oh, I send those out too (on Saturdays, but still). 😀
@Terry, re longform=Sundays, have you played around with sending longer articles on weekends? If so, have you noticed any benefits to that? (I know I have great intentions to open up the read-it-later app at the weekends, but then other things muscle in... and I end up never going back to something I'd wanted to read. As someone else said, there's so much good stuff out there.)
Such a valuable way to think about it - makes attention to headlines feel even more important, too.
I love this idea, Tamzin! I sometimes go weeks between posts because it takes me an entire day to write and upload an essay. But I could totally be doing shorter “postcards” with all the amazing photos of my road trip from Alaska to Mexico. Mixing up the content seems like a good idea!
I think shorter and more regular and frequent is better for growth than one long one every so often. Your postcard idea would be great I think, with perhaps a monthly (say) deep dive into a particular place.
I second this. I post at the weekend, posts of varying lengths, but mostly 1200 words, sometimes 4-500. I can read long posts if they're subjects I'm interested in or I really like the writer's work, but I don't usually read 'long' if it's someone I dont know.
Great idea, Terry! This feels like it takes the pressure off to always write something brilliant. 😉
my invoice is in the post
Definitely, postcards of travel would go down really well!
Thanks, I will give it a try!
Report back and let me know, I'd love to hear!
Oh yes, we love these posts!
Oh thank you so much Donna. From now on, they'll be every second Friday I think, though I'm experimenting and changing things up as I go. Just posted one today!
I know this is way late to the party, but I'm trying to learn how to grow on Substack as well- and am enjoying this thread.
So shorter posts + meaningful engagement with other writers seems to help.
Re: shorter posts: how do you do that if you're posting a serial novella? Or do you? 🤔
You'd have to get creative! Something like a tidbit about the characters? Images/photos that articulate something about the story? Try not to confuse things though -- perhaps your readers will show up for the novella and they'll be perfectly happy with that. I think overthinking or trying to hack the system doesn't always work, if it isn't in tune with what you're offering or writing about. I'm a writer, creative mentor and a visual artist, so sharing my artwork that relates to the topics I write about makes sense. But don't feel that you HAVE to do short posts if it's not what you're here for.
Yeah, I am not wanting to hack the system, that's for sure - just want to fine readers to build a connection with.
I will think about the characters and images idea as a way to create shorter content (possibly.). Like you said, I know there are substackers out there who write longer short stories than what I'd post, and they are doing well. Maybe I just need to keep connecting. Thanks for your thoughts, Tamzin.
🧠I think notes is great for this! Just a blurb with a visual and a link to your newsletter. sabrinalabow.substack.com
Tamzin, this is such a good idea. I'll try it even though I've always worried about showing up in a subscriber's mailbox too often.
The good thing about Notes is that you're not showing up in the Inbox, but people can access your site if they are intrigued by the Note!
This can always be a worry, but it's worth experimenting with even so. Let me know how you get on with it!
Such a wonderful idea.
I love that idea... I just wish I could draw! Maybe I'll enlist the help of my 8yo 😜
You don't have to draw! It can be photos too, or even scribbles. Just something that's a bit different and a bit of a break :)
Kerala, I suggest that you step back for a moment to gain more perspective on your own circumstances. The internet has no impact, and the existence of other good content has no impact on the quality of your work. Your work is as good as it is no matter what goes on externally. Focus on that. Compete only with you. Can your writing be better? If so, then figure out how. When people read your work, none of them are going to be saying to themselves, "Well, so-and-so is just a much better writer than Kerala." They're either going to like your writing or not. That is completely within your control, and moreso if you can elicit feedback from them.
That's actually good advice, there's a quote that I always remember when I write or create content, "run your own race' comparison gets you no where. It's important to not worry about what people or critics says about your work, you should only hope for them to consume it. It's not your job grade or reject your work, your job is to create and share it to the world.
I agree... and, the eternal question in the Internet age is how get people to read your work in the first place when there are literally 2.4 billion other pages they could be reading! I mostly do focus on creating quality stories and not getting caught up in the noise, but without a prominent social media presence or any other micro-celeb credentials, it's slow-going. And maybe that's ok. It's just frustrating sometimes.
My response to that is the same as my attitude about Substack. Everyone here keeps talking about gaining subscribers here on the Substack platform. I have found that you simply cannot depend upon the platform, internet, Substack, or any other. You need to engage actively with your readers and encourage them to share you with others. Networking. Building a network of enthusiastic readers who become referrers. Nothing is more dependable, but nothing depends more upon you to drive it.
If I can add a thought here, I would say write short. My pieces are usually around 800 words – rarely over 1000. It doesn't take long for someone to read, which means it isn't an irritation. I certainly don't want to read anyone – even the most famous of writers – going on and on about something. It's easier for you and easier for them. You may not agree, of course, and that's fine, but my readership is growing fast, so I feel I might be doing something right.
I feel this, Kerala! To make it easy, I have two of my favorite newsletters with large audiences that are similar to my niche that I always keep up with, which I would do anyway because they are my favorite writers. Then with the other newsletters I subscribe to, I pick and choose posts that seem the most relevant for me to want to read and engage with.
But I was also having the same thought the other day, that I wish I was breaking into writing 30 years ago when the quality of the writing mattered more than the size of one’s audience. It can feel exhausting to keep up.
One question to ponder: what would it look like if it were easy? 🤔
I think the quality of the writing will always matter, and that's what grows your following. The problem is that everyone has to work for a living, and can't sit in front of their computer all day like I can. (Retired). Believe me, I know how hard it is. I used to get up two hours early just so I could get some writing time in. It was brutal.
Yep, I manage about 30 minutes a day of writing between the kids leaving for school and starting my workday. That coupled with a few hours on the weekends is just enough to create one high quality story a week, but all the engagement (like what I'm doing right now instead of working, which I should be doing and need to get back to) can be such a time suck!
I used to tell my wife I had to burn the candle at both ends because it made a brighter light. Gettin up at 3:45-4:00 am and going to bed too late, by Friday I was beaten.
30 minutes a day is brilliant, Kerala
Weekends are my saving grace. My kids are old enough that (when they don't have activities) they sleep in. And yes, right now my students are working on research so I'm here...
Yeah, right now my youngest is up at 5:30am on the weekends and I have to go check on my older daughter at 11am to make sure she still has a pulse 😜 But I can often sneak to a café for an hour or so in the afternoon... after all the sports games, of course.
I'm with you, Ben. Got the t-shirt! The trouble is, you have to make a living while you're aiming to make a living. It definitely needs dedication, time and energy
Yes, it goes without saying that it still needs to be good writing that will draw people in when they find you!
Great question! My dream is simply to write quality content for an organically growing audience and to engage with other writers when I feel inspired, not out of a sense of obligation. It's not even so much that I want it to be easy, I simply want it to be less draining...
So do that! That’s what I do— engage when I feel inspired. Don’t drain yourself to the point that you lose your creative energy, because you need that to draw people into your writing in the first place!
I've been on here since February and now I ruthlessly prune down the people I subscribe to, to those who I want to engage with on a regular basis and read every post. So my subscribes to others have reduced considerably. I tend not to do the 'Follow' thing at all. If I'm interested enough to subscribe then I'll see all their Notes anyway, and I don't want to see random stuff. I also subscribe in manageable numbers - low double figures - and I try to do 'one in, one out'. It's working better for me now and I don't feel overwhelmed.
The sense of obligation certainly takes the joy out of it...
the quality definitely matters here too. I have little free time and only read and recommend what I find to be high quality & insightful. In fact after literally over 10 years of postponing my online writing, I finally found this platform to be one that encourages quality. I research and provide links to facts, so hopefully that’s worth something in the end.
Liz, if it were easy, we as writers would not have the exhilaration of a job well-done after completing a gratifying writing project.
Haha Sylvia, I don’t know if there’s any way to make the actual writing easy! I was referring to the “marketing” aspect of being a writer these days. 😂
Easy is a state of mind. In the world of Taoism, we call it Wu Wei.
Ha! This is what I wrote on Notes yesterday: https://substack.com/@sarahstyf/note/c-42016829
I resonate with this so much. The prospect of writing full-time sounds dreamy, but I feel like I'd just end up spending hours spiraling down Internet rabbitholes and coming out with a headache on the other side. For me, it's somewhat helpful to have less time!
So true, Sarah! And your comment is also a great example of relevant engagement and sharing your work in the comments! 😉
I hate spam and so try to avoid it 😊
Say hi you are country
Ditto! But I have also adopted Liz's approach and focus on a few. It can take some of the joy out when you feel like you are commenting to grow your audience.
Exactly Laura. It’s all about approaching this “strategy” from a place of just enjoying other good writing, rather than trying to crank out random comments.
Very true, so what's the better intention to have? I think it would be by trying to bring value through the comment section without much focus on growth!
Agreed, Ive never been able to actually bring up my Substack even when it makes sense. I'd much rather enjoy comments as a reader, not a writer.
Yes. It feels disingenuous. When I comment I hope to connect with the author but I also enjoy having conversations with other subscribers.
I get this Kerala! I find it helps to set boundaries for myself. I allow only so much time for reading other stuff (it's still a lot of time but enjoyable), I subscribe to other writers who enrich my life and are community centered, and I'm working hard to let go of my wish to read ALL the things🤣
The struggle is real! Rather than try to keep up with all the great writing that pours into my inbox every day, I tend to wait until I have a couple hours of downtime that I just want to sit and read and relax. Then I pick and choose my favorites.
Writing and networking are the same thing in the internet age, I think once we see it that way, it gets easier.
Yeah, unless we hate the networking part 😜
I feel this, too, Kerala. I might get some pushback here. But I’ve found the AI bot that can read the posts to me helpful to allow me to keep up with more substacks. (I, too, have found more amazing writers than I’d known I would that I would love to keep up with!) The bot, though certainly not a perfect reader, enables me to listen to essays while I wash dishes or so laundry and so on.
I like this idea! The huge irony is that I don't really like reading stuff online. I'd much rather listen to a podcast or curl up with a book. 😜
I like non-fiction online but prefer my fiction in a book which is why I love when the author reads their work.
*writes in notebook* Keeping this in mind... for future writings... thank you.... :)
It's really hard. I sort of work a rota system. There are some 'stacks I check whenever I see their posts come in, and others whose posts I save until I've got more time.
I launched a writing career in the pre-internet age and it was both harder and easier. That's an idea for an article for next Monday -- thanks!
I’d love to see that article! I know that in the pre-Internet age there were a lot more gatekeepers and a lot less freedom to write whatever you want. In this age, we have more freedom but there are algorithms to contend with instead of gatekeepers and SO. MUCH. NOISE!
I dont know whether it will help, but I engage with sub stackers on my laptop rather than the app. The app is too noisy and the constant refresh is annoying. Using the desktop means I just get the people I subscribe to and their Notes and a few others. Much easier to deal with for me!
Kerala, I just subscribed to yours, and if you'd like to reciprocate you won't miss it. I hate self-promo but I'll never remember to send you the link if you don't! I'm hoping to bash it out, I mean craft it, on Monday
Great idea, Terry! Will you tag me when you share it so I will see that one?
Seeing as you ask so nicely, I will do my best to remember. I'm actually not sure how though, unless I tag you in notes.
Yes, do that if you think of it! Then I get a notification.
Only if you promise to leave a comment. 😎
You're not being a curmudgeon lol. I subscribe to so many newsletters that my inbox is overflowing every morning when I wake up. I have been keeping up and supporting so far but I'm seeing that it is REALLY taking a huge chunk out of each day.
Kerala, I resonate so much with you, and I am frustrated about the mysterious algorithms on Notes. I keep seeing the same few writers congratulating one another but I sense that my notes aren't seen at all. It is very tiring, especially for writers who are limited in time, energy or are simply not "chatty" or extroverted enough to "network" in such intensity. I have chosen only a few whom I feel a strong sense of connection to deepen my conversations. This is not done in order to attract subscribers. I'm not getting many any way. I can't help but feel nostalgic about the "good old days" of blogging. When I was on Xanga a few decades ago, it was so easy to connect with bloggers from all over the world with a wide range of interests. It sure is not easy to launch a writing career today.
Absolutely! Unlike the "good old days," there is just SO. MUCH. NOISE. It's hard to wade through it and still maintain enough focus to actually write.
Yes, that's how I feel too. Plus, the awareness that the topics I want to write about have already been dealt with by all the "greats," how do I make my own writing unique and different? How would it attract any readers? I know I can do it to some degree, by focusing on my own community of subscribers. But the noise is somehow a "necessary evil" because we want to be a unique voice, so we need to know what's already been written.... well, it's just so time consuming 😅
Yeah I definitely feel overwhelmed trying to consume so much.
I so totally understand this! I keep telling myself I need to allocate time every week to read the amazing writing that people are putting out. But life just seems to shift my priorities no matter what I do.
Yep! And when I do successfully allocate time, it often feels like a chore.
As a neurodivergent, I am constantly struggling with my craving for structure and my resentment of it.
I totally hear you. I am making conscious decisions in my life to remove things that make me feel overwhelmed, from the little things (like unsubscribing to Substacks I no longer engage with) to cutting down my creative writing time to little digestible chunks in the morning (15 minutes). You are not being a curmudgeon. You're being real.
I find the Substack app on my phone to be really useful, and just doing one thing a day (such as liking one person's Substack, sharing, commenting, or restacking) can be less overwhelming! :)
I really like that advice. Sometimes I feel like there's no point in liking a piece if I don't have time to further engage by commenting, but then I remember that I truly appreciate each and every like anyone else gives me!
Thank you! Until I had my own Substack, I never bothered liking people's stuff either. I feel so differently about it now. While I would much rather prefer people to comment on my stuff, I'll take the likes too! :) As a Substack reader, I wish I could comment more, but it can be a time suck. If I really like something, I'll restack it with a quick note that I write.
🧠So spot on! I feel exactly the same! I want to support people but I currently have 4,000 unread emails in my inbox. sabrinalabow.substack.com
I feel you, Kerala! I am on the cusp of trying to create too much content for too many outlets, while keeping up with all the great content that's out there--and which self-refreshes every day. AAARRRGGHHH!
Yep, it does work - but it's also a really great way to just show up for other writers whose work you really like and want to support in some way. We all desperately want those thoughtful commenters, the ones who have really listened to what we said, and take the time to think about it properly, and give thoughts (and even push back with counteropinions, in a respectful way). That stuff is the absolute beating heart of Substack.
So, if you want to befriend really awesome writers on here, and everything that can lead to (collaboratiions, mentions etc.), do it in the very best way possible: by being a genuine fan, the kind who really listens and really wants to add to that conversation going on in that newsletter and in the comments. Be the superfan that is always welcome when they show up. The same was true in blogging a decade ago, and the same is true now.
Thanks for this advice, really appreciated as new to the Substack space!
Thx for your advice and being here. We don’t get a lot of celebrity sightings during office hours. 😄
Oh blimey - no, I'm just some random idiot. 😁(But thank you.)
Haha!
Yes! So true. I have found more than a handful of writers who I am a super fan of here. And being able to support them by deeply reading and engaging with and restacking their stuff is an absolute joy!
Agreed! I feel the same way.
Absolutely agree, Mike.
Yeah I think this is important to note. It's very easy to get caught up in the numbers game and treat people as a means to an ends, especially when one is overanxious about growth towards an implicit sometimes unconscious end. As a writer, hopefully we surround ourselves and imbue our actions with a desire to have a meaningful connection with others, based on respect, and recognizing others as full people
Wise words, Mike!
This is fantastic advice and I've found the same thing. It feels a bit like making 1 to 1 connections vs growth in volume, but that's also part of the beauty. I've made some amazing connections on this platform and had the opportunity to collaborate with wicked smart creators in my niche -- just by being active and genuinely contributing.
It's not about scale, it's about being genuinely helpful and a part of this community.
This is a great point. Thanks for sharing! I realized I’ve been struggling with connecting because it felt weird to go “network” online without realizing it’s just engaging with writers about the cool things they’re writing!
Exactly! And some of the stuff out there is aH-Maze-Zing!
That’s the beauty of it! Read stuff you like and tell them why you like it!
Yes! It feels SO human here. I personally don't take subscriptions lightly cause I know I wanna be selective with my choice of reading options, and I don't take it personally if a newsletter doesn't get as much traction one week as another. I'm always aware that there's people behind the engagement and I am always SO grateful for anyone who takes time out to comment, like, or enjoy silently reading my work. And also those who can afford to pay! Liking my work enough to want to support me financially is such a blessing.
I naturally show up in the same way. Commenting, restacking, etc. I do it when I can now, and make sure it's a time where my Substack reading time gets my undivided attention when I do, because it isn't some chore or task for me ya know?
Yay for genuine community building! 🥳
Woohoo! It's the best feeling to come at it having fun and enjoying it!
That is the key to this “strategy” is keeping it fun and enjoyable, not turning it into a chore!
Yess, exactly!
Thanks!
Perhaps to simplify it down to the most fundamental, it might help you to stop at the end of each piece you write and ask yourself, "Have I conveyed value here?" Everything is really all about value. People want value. They recognize value. They desire value.
🧠I love the part about being genuinely helpful and a part of this community. When it gets overwhelming, just focus on your writing and respond organically to the posts that move you. sabrinalabow.substack.com
YES, Bryce! “Active, helpful, contributing”—that is totally the vibe of effective Substack engagement!
Being genuine like this really is the best way to grow.
Exactly! That’s what I love about this platform. Just reading and responding to good writing is all the “marketing” I need!
What Rebecca said, except that when I went to subscribe I discovered that I already do. What a nice surprise. I shall explore in earnest
I was just going to say that - when I clicked through to Liz's newsletter I got a little pop-up box to tell me 'Terry Freedman subscribes'! 🤣
Really? LOL I'm famous at last!
I have ALL the famous subscribers! 😉
Liz, it's working - your reading of and responses to this Office Hours thread have just secured you a new subscriber! 😘🤣🙌
OOH, what a groveller. I've met your sort before. OK, I was just gonna do the same!
🤣
😂
Thank you, Rebecca! I was actually just thinking that this strategy doesn’t work as well in Office Hours threads as it does in the comment threads of authors who have a large non-writer readership. I think most of us writers hanging out in Office Hours are already too busy and oversubscribed to read more than we already do! I’m honored I made the cut. 😄
definitely, Liz. As Woody Allen once said, 80% of success is showing up
LOL - I haven't made it to Office Hours for over a month - but I'm so glad to have dipped in this evening!
I am subscribed to far too many newsletters, but what can I say? Good writing can't not be read! 🤣
Right on!
I am very new to Substack (launched Oct 3) but I have found genuine engagement with other writers' posts through comments and restacking on Notes is indeed causing a little trickle of new subscribers and I always subscribe back.
Welcome to Substack, Amy!
So far I've kept my distance from Notes because it reminds me too much of my social media nightmare (the result of which being that I'm deeply allergic to the typical social media platforms) but the more I read from other writers here on Substack the more I feel that Notes is a good way to go for engagement. I'm rather a wimp, though, so although I do end up looking at Notes from time to time (thanks (?) to the app defaulting to that screen every time I open it up!) I haven't posted my first Note yet.
You've got me thinking about it, though, for which: thank you. x
Thank you Rebecca. Perhaps because I haven't been scorched by a social media nightmare I have found Notes such a friendly and generous place, like a conversations among friends, or at least potential friends, with a convivial spirit...it seems like the real thing. Hope you give it a try.
I'll dip a toe in one of these days! I think once I post my first Note I'll be away - so far I'm just very, very occasionally liking and commenting. And then I go and lie down in a darkened room with a cup of tea...! 🤣😉😁
🧠Notes works well for me. I have gotten a lot of subscribers thru it. You can post something that is in relation to your newsletter as like a trailer of sorts and then be sure to include a link. Also include visuals. Lastly, it doesn't have to be about your post but something related. Or not. Just post there and watch what happens...sabrinalabow.substack.com
Thanks, Sabrina! 😊
Restocking? Sorry, I don't know that term. Is that taking a snippet from my articles and pasting them to Notes?
Restacking is when you read someone's work, and at the top of the page there's a button with a circle as two arrows. When you click it, you're able to share that article with your audience on Notes (which is like Substack version of social media/Twitter). You can share it as is, or it'll give you a little prompt to write why you enjoyed the article (kinda like show and tell) so it'll give people an incentive to click.
The selecting a quote from an article and sharing as a post on Notes is also a way to share a piece too, yes!
Thank you.
You're welcome! :)
What kind of concept-based thinking do you write about, Winston?
Hi Mike, thank you for your note. I was pulled away for a call.
I deconstruct Hollywood movies, IP characters, businesses, high-end technologies, even baseball—anything and everything actually. So my work is really about how to deconstruct things—deconstruct what we thought was obvious, and go deeper to discover what isn't obvious. It is based on my work called concept modeling, which is about ideas, ideas vs concept, concept itself, and how the abstract world works. Not how we think it works, but how it actually works. I wrote a book on it. I hope that helps and that I don't sound arrogant. I will check out your work—it looks interesting. Again, thank you. Winston
Sounds interesting, Winston. Will subscribe.
Hi Any, I am also new here and still getting the hang of things but am finding Notes useful too and enjoying the community aspects as I discover different voices.
That’s great, Amy! I am sure using Notes can amplify the effect. I haven’t been very engaged there because it feels a little too much like social media, but restacking is easy enough. Great tip!
I've tried several things, and the two things that seem to work consistently well are commenting thoughtfully, as you say, and writing the best you can. Even if you have only one subscriber, it's not wasted because you're building up an archive. It does take time though: I'm rather suspicious of the emails I get telling me how to acquire 4000 new subscribers by next week!
Absolutely, Terry! And one thing I notice about those thoughtful comments is that people read them days, weeks, even months later, because Substack content is so evergreen compared to social media posts. I’ve gotten new subscribers from comments written long ago.
I'm surpised that someone such as yourself, who loves good writing, has not yet subscribed to mine. 😢
Terry, you are incorrigible! 🤣
(and a fabulous writer!)
Look, one has to try, and I've been told that I'm VERY trying. And thank you, Rebecca 😁
😁
Sorry Terry! I have to really limit my subscriptions because the flood of emails triggers my anxiety. I wish there were a way to subscribe without having everything come to my inbox, so I could just get stuff in my Substack feed in the app. Do you know if there’s a way to do this?
I would welcome this feature too. I'd rather collect my subscriptions on the app and not in both email and the app. From what I can tell there is no option to disable email.
Same! I used to think when I unsubscribed by email that it would keep my subscription in the app, but I found that not to be the case.
I'm not sure. You can opt to receive only certain sections. Also, before saying an absolute 'no' you could have a rummage around mine, and especially the letters between Rebecca Holden and myself, which are always good for a laugh. But I understand if you would rather not. Thank you for explaining why (otherwise I'd feel rejected!)
Aside from two best-selling authors whose books I love, I mostly subscribe to Substacks about infertility. If you ever cover that topic, hit me up! 😉
🟧 I may be wrong, Liz, but I think you might be able to select how you get newsletters in your settings - I think there's an 'either e-mail or app' button. Might be wrong, though. Pasting an orange square so that the Substack gurus can pick this one up.
Thanks Rebecca, I have tried to figure it out before but haven’t been able to make it work. It would be nice if they have added that feature since I last tried.
Yes! That happens to me all the time! I love it!
absolutely right!
Yes, and, I’m also with Kerala. I’ve subscribed to so many wonderful Substacks yet I don’t have the time to read them all. Shorter reads and headlines tend to grab me.
me too
For sure this is true. And I’ve made some really beautiful connections this way.
Me too! It’s been a great way to discover lesser-known writers who are in a similar niche to me.
Definitely, and it’s win-win as it’s also led me to some other great writers I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Agreed, and the connections you make are sometimes inspiring.
Exactly Kevin, I love that it’s a win-win because we all appreciate thoughtful engagement on our posts (and to the extent that Substack has an algorithm, it probably helps with that too).
Without being spammy myself, this has worked for me. Also Reddit forums in certain subreddits that are promo friendly.
I always find it useful to read what other authors read on here so I’m not in a social bubble.
I'm on the /substack subreddit as well. I've heard people say positive things about Discord. People I've talked to say that Discord has a more positive vibe than Reddit. Know of any Discord Substack servers?
Haven’t looked at Discord personally. I may start doing so as I have downloaded it previously!
I have it but only used it once during a film festival where one of my shorts screened. Would like to explore more.
I find the Reddit idea interesting. I've checked in there from time to time to read up on other subjects, but was thinking recently it might be good to finally sign up and participate in Substack forums. Are you finding quality convos there?
I do find the quality is pretty decent. Any self promo has to be tagged as such with a flair. But generally, people are quite friendly and the algorithm starts showing you posts from others who run similarly themed newsletters e.g I do one on ADHD, and I see recommended posts about other newsletters on mental health, self improvement etc on my Reddit. It’s quite a supportive group I find.
This is super helpful Jordan; thank you!
I’ve never used Reddit, but certainly sharing your work where it is welcome would be a great idea!
The actual r/substack and r/newsletter and r/writing subreddits have weekly self promo threads. I’ve gotten a fair few % from those ones
Thanks for sharing this!! I always feel kind of bad promoting my work unless it's explicitly encouraged.
I’d also recommend finding other people’s self promo messages on the weekly threads and reading ones you genuinely like and relate to. If you sub to the article, a quick comment and drop of your sub offering them the option to read in return hasn’t hurt me either. I sporadically do it, usually on a Sunday.
Thank you! This is good to know.
That’s a great tip, Jordan! I had no idea!
I find it hard to get new subs for a newsletter. This advice is a good one, but also hard one. Because its not easy to find any intersting worth commenting on. (in my opinion)
Who are your favorite writers, Jezz? Who inspires you? Find those people on Substack and you will have plenty of interesting conversations!
That the thing. Those who do inspire me dont use Substack 😊
Well that’s a bummer! I actually joined Substack initially because some of my favorite best-selling authors moved over here from social media. Where do your favorite writers hang out online?
As far as I know they just have a regular newsletter. No platform similar to substack.
You should try and find someone to collaborate with and do an online graphic novel. I don't think that's been done on here yet. Actually, take a look at my page, pick a story that interests you, and have at 'er!
Well I hope you will find some folks here who inspire you! That would be a great question to post in Office Hours, letting folks know what kinds of writers you’re looking for.
Liz, I'm in my first few weeks here, and doing basically what you're doing: quoting other pieces, using Notes, uploading new content, posting on social media, etc. I'm prepared to build slowly. It's hard to get attention in this crowded content marketplace!
If you're posting good stuff regularly, commenting on others work, dipping into Notes and chatting on here - you're doing all the right things!!
It sounds like you’re doing all the right things, Amy, and you’re doing more than I am! Slow and steady is the way to go.
Yup!
Liz, one thing I've noticed is that prominent writers, such as Bill McKibben, will reply to my responses to their posts. This doesn't happen on Twitter. It makes me enjoy Notes all that much more.
Isn’t that amazing, Paul? I am always starstruck when my favorite writers like or respond to my comments. I can’t help but take a screenshot!
That's it should be done, reading and engaging thoughtfully with other writers. Show appreciate if you like their posts. I want to follow 3-6 newsletter that I really connect with and show support and appreciation.
Definitely trying to do this and starting to see some visits trickle through from other substacks. I think the other thing to make sure is to be consistent. I had a little lull in content earlier this week and saw a huge drop in my visits on the days I didn't publish anything. The ability to schedule and pre-plan posts is huge but I also like being able to drop quick thoughts on something if it comes up organically.
It's the same with me, too. I usually engage with the posts I like and people subscribe if they like my view point. It does not drain me because I don't do it for engagement. But I would love to have a better idea of what practices people adopt to actually grow their Substack
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.
I am so not in tune with all of this. I used to teach students how to go to class online and now I can't even figure out how to copy and paste the emoji to get a question posted.
If you’re on a phone, you literally hold your thumb on the emoji you want and copy it. If you’re on a PC, you should be able to highlight and copy it via a mouse.
If those don’t work, it’s time to just stop, close this app out, buy an airline ticket to somewhere with beaches and palm trees, and take a vacation, pondering the meaning of life. That’s my solution anyway.
I like that solution! sabrinalabow.substack.com
Thank you Joseph. I have an Apple phone which I truly do not understand since I am a Android girl. The phone is my work phone.
I tried copy paste and highlight and nothing seems to work with my mouse.
Can't afford the vacation right now. I just really want to get this as I really love to write and want to use my Substack account for more than use on other Substack threads.
Don't worry about it. You can still participate without cutting and pasting. It's just a suggestion. sabrinalabow.substack.com
I’m on an iPhone and held my thumb on the emoji until it was highlighted blue, lifted my thumb, lightly tapped it again to bring up a menu, then clicked “copy”. ✏️
I will have to go get the iPhone and try it but seriously, I just do not get it or like the system even though my boss insists I will love it when I do.
Thank you again, and if I am successful then you will see a comment on this thread.
Ten years ago I was a wireless sales rep, so I had to learn both OSes. Honestly they’re more the same than they are different. But the differences can be annoying.
I like Android for its customization. But when I left wireless I went iPhone pretty much permanently because I cared less and less about coolness and just wanted something that always worked.
The beach option sounds really appealing.
But it could get boring, not writing for a period of time. I might cut the vacation short and head to the nearest iPad or laptop.
And I'll keep the beach option in mind for those times when I'm overwhelmed with technology. Thank you, Joseph.
What you say may be the fact, but saying it out loud is a trifle rude.
What you say may be the fact, but saying it out loud is a trifle rude.
Hi Gina,
Are you also using a computer? Any chance it's a PC? If so, hold down the microsoft icon button and the period at the same time. The available emojis will pop up and you can select the brain, pencil, square.
If all else fails, just type in all caps BRAIN, PENCIL, ORANGE SQUARE lol.
Besides, it's not a big deal. Just helps visually. 🧠✏🟧
Welcome!
Thank you Heather. I have gotten so used to sticking close to what I use for work that I forgot that trick. I need to do a self initiated refresh for my memory as I once was very good at this. I will also need to gt re familiarized with all those one key tricks. And I really do want to write so I will focus on relearning what I have forgotten from not using.
Welcome from a Tech-NO.
I'll try all these suggestions. Thank you.
🧠 Hello Substackers, welcome.
You will find quite a few posts on my profile that can help you grow on SUBSTACK and they are free.
I leave you with this ebook that can help you become successful in anything you pursue.
https://open.substack.com/pub/raisini/p/mastering-lifes-game-the-20-laws?r=aegif&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
💯🔥🔥
If you're on a mac, press Command + Control + Space simultaneously and the emoji keyboard will pop up.
💖 that's cool! great to know. Thank you🙏
🧠 writing less and publishing less has actually worked out better for me. I take breaks here and there and my subcriber count and open rate keeps going up. Don't be too hard on yourself when writing.
I've found much more success in quality, engagement, and my own well-being when dropping from twice per week to 1x per week. Good share.
Exactly.
Same here, Bryce.
I appreciate notes like this. I feel better about, say, taking a break from my weekly post last week knowing it’s working well for others to do so when needed. :)
Of course. Trust me. It will help.
Agree 100%. I have stuck with once a week publishing. It gives me plenty of time and space to really make the most out of each post by sharing and having meaningful interactions with my readers via comments.
It's certainly been my preference too, but I worry that the whole system is set up in opposition to this and all but demands more from us if we hope to be relevant.
Same - posting once a week allows me to take care of myself. At the same time, I can connect with other writers more.
✏️ How likely are you to *listen* to a newsletter? I am considering recording my weekly newsletter in audio format, but I don't know if it's worth the added time required. Alternatively, I could add a paid tier with an additional piece each week with an audio option. I think it's a balance between working out what is actually worth my time (currently I just do this for fun, I don't get paid!) - and what will actually help me grow my subscriber base.
Friends who subscribe to mine have told me they listen to the VO (more than I expected!), but for a proper insight it would be great if Substack could provide data on listener counts.
Oh yeah, that would be very useful to know!
Yeah that would be great, what an idea!
Ooo. Yes. Good idea.
Agreed that piece of data would be awesome to have.
My personal preference is that I love the audio option. I sometimes listen while reading along with a Substack post, or sometimes I listen while walking or cooking. I also love hearing the author's voice - I find that a voice is a kind of "soul print" to who the person is, so it adds another level of getting to know the author.
The Substack writers I work with say it works very well.
My substack is not important enough to have the automatic voice over from the computer, but I listen a lot. If I see something interesting and am driving or using the tractor or something, I will click on the play button and listen. I read more than I listen, but I listen a lot.
I've just started reading my latest story on line. But I use the Video format. I record myself sitting in my study. I used to worry about stumbling over words once in a while, but a friend told me just yesterday that it wasn't a big deal. She liked listening to it because that's how I heard it in my head...(and she also said she thought I was handsome--as you can tell from my picture there on the left!)
I've always included a recording of me reading each post for accessibility purposes, but, dang, this would still work and be even more fun.
And it's so easy to do!
Totally true about imperfections resonate- seems like everyone likes my least favorite parts of my newsletters the most.
Highly recommend Ben's videos of him reading his work. He is very casual and does a great job.
Oh Donna, thanks!
do you post the video on Substack or on another platform? I've been thinking about doing the same and am curious how you've set it up for your readers.
I use the Substack app. I thought about recording it and editing it, but it's just too time consuming. A story, for me, is 10-15 minutes, tops. I just go in and do a cold reading. One take usually. Sure, I stammer once in a while, but people don't seem to mind. It's the person doing the reading that's usually the most critical. I say DO IT, and see how you feel. It's pretty relaxing because you're in a room by yourself.
I didn't even realize you could do that from the app. That's so cool. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me to try something new.
BTW, I love the description of Scribbler. I'm excited to read through some of your stories.
Thanks! You can do the video, or the audio. It's great. It's even better getting out of your comfort zone because there's no one there to judge you. (It's a lot easier than standing in front of 300 odd people and reading to them.)
Oh how interesting! Using your computer’s camera and microphone? I was debating whether or not to read my (upcoming) novel aloud but maybe I should try it and see whether or not I like it!
You can use the video on the writing page, read it out, and, if you don't like, just delete it and try again.
I'll always listen if there's a VO. It's my preferred way of reading (big audiobook listener as well) and I feel I get a much better sense of the writer's intention this way. Definitely worth it.
I didn't even know there was an option for VO! Thanks! sabrinalabow.substack.com
And if the work is printed underneath, do you read along as well?
Usually only to scan for detail, references etc. VO don't always cover the entire text (mine don't) so I check, but I don't read while I listen.
Love the audio option. I record most of mine. And I’ve made a rule for myself--just be chill. Record once, maybe twice. If there’s a bit of a mistake, no problem. All the more intimate. Background noise? Ambience. (You can hear the long forlorn calls of a nearby freight train in one of mine, and I decided it goes well.) What I’m saying is I wouldn’t enjoy the recording part of I was attached to perfection. As I’m not, it’s fun!
And I think it’s a great way to be inclusive, welcoming all readers.
I've been mulling this over, too. I recently shared a social media post unrelated to my Stack to which I added my own voice. IMO, it's harder than it might first appear to get decent sound quality, cadence, tone, enunciation, all that... So, to answer your question, I would happily listen to a NL, and sometimes prefer that so that I can do other rote work at the same time (fold laundry, wash dishes, chop wood, carry water - lol). But, if the sound of the reader's voice or the quality of their recording doesn't sit well, I'm outta there! 😅
Ha! There's not much you can do about your voice, but I know exactly what you mean. The reader has to offer up some emotion. I listened to someone last week who had no emotion in his voice. Drab as dishwater. I couldn't listen. My biggest fear is that people won't like the sound of my voice. I don't like the sound of my own voice, but I'm happy to say, it's something you can get over.
I never liked the sound of my own voice either. I remember recording and rerecording over and over the outgoing message on my home answering machine (remember the little cassette tapes).
Out of curiosity a few weeks ago I did use the VO feature on a couple of my posts. It took a little extra time playing with it to learn. Nice thing is no additional tech equipment needed, just recorded from my laptop.
After listening to my voice a few times I decided it's not as bad as I feared, or remembered. Maybe laptop recording is better than previously available technology.
That's exactly what I thought! It was so easy, and if that's the way it comes out, no biggie. Just go with it, I say.
I feel this! I love podcasts, so I could see newsletters with audio as an extension of that.
That's a good point. Some people don't have a good voice and most likely don't know it! sabrinalabow.substack.com
🧠 Hi Ellen... what I have done on occasion is to use both the text and then do a quick audio recording of the newsletter. That way, you have given 2 options for anybody checking out your newsletter. Alternately, you could set up a podcast and monetize that and leave your newsletter as a freebie. Substack offers so many great options in this regard! Good luck! Peace & Love, Phil
🧠 you can always add a podcast with the article giving your users options. And ask for feedback or interaction through the chat feature. That'll keep them engaged.
I record and use the VO as a perk for paid subscribers, but I need to use a workaround and paywall every post at the bottom, so the VO remains only for paid subscribers. I wish there was an option or setting where I could have free posts (so they aren't marked as paid) with a paid audio voiceover!!!
I'm wondering if you can create the recording as a podcast episode, and make the whole podcast paid? I haven't played with the podcast option a lot, but ideally if you could make the post free, and then mention that paid subscribers get access to the VO in the paid podcast? If that can work with Substack's systems!
For me personally, I probably won't ever listen. I'd rather read. I've never listened to podcasts either because I feel like I'm just sitting there doing nothing while it plays.
I never listen, but I think I'm unusual. I like to read on screen or on paper! You can probably tell I'm old! 👵🏻
Audio brings familiarity more quickly with you as a person. Readers respond well but some might never listen. ✨
nope.... I enjoy reading rather than listening!!
I started recording my posts for paid subscribers and the engagement on them has been really high!
✏️ Hi fellow writers!
How do you feel about changing goals? I was planning to self publish a book by the end of the year but my preferences for the kind of writing I do has really changed. I really shifted more to writing very short more frequent posts instead of longer pieces that I used to do. But there won't be enough of them by the end of the year for a book. I hate letting myself down, and I don't want to feel like I failed to complete something I set out to do, but changing course really feels right.
How's everyone else feeling about their accomplishments as we're nearing the final stretch of this year?
I think changing goals is often the smartest thing to do! I guess we're all trying to get that balance between consistency and experimentation, so we don't we either look flaky or mechanical in the way we publish stuff, and trying to hit that sweet spot where we're fulfilling reader expectations, but also exceeding them by surprising them, by doing something they never saw coming (which is always good, if that thing is fun!).
But I think there's a lot more danger in sticking to a plan that you've emotionally outgrown (or perhaps that just isn't working, in getting the results you want), vs changing that plan to do something that lights you up a lot more.
So I'd say you're not letting yourself down, Ani. You're listening to yourself, after having learned something new about yourself. Huge difference. :)
Absolutely agree with Mike. For me, a goal is what I decided to do yesterday. Today, new information arrives, I have new thoughts and feelings, I am in a new river. Trying to hold onto yesterday just doesn't work for me.
Yes-- deliver something unexpectedly wonderful.
That's such a thoughtful way to look at it!
Yes, this! Thank you Mike.
Aw, I love this! Thank you! I guess in a way it feels like switching to short form feels a little like a step down, but honestly it's just so much more achievable and fun. But being completely honest, for where I am right now, I just need myself in smaller doses :D
Definitely not a step down - as any short story writer would tell you!
Also, you're still learning what works, what's practical, what gets you enthusiastic, what gets readers to do backflips over your writing...it's all a learning process. And we need to honour that learning curve properly, and listen to the results of our experiments. I'm still trying to do it nearly 3 years into my Substack (it gets harder later, when you incorrectly assume you finally know what you're doing 😂).
sounds like raising a child :D the moment you think you've figured it out, everything changes! but hey that's the fun. I was so surprised to find that this substack that I'm basically writing for myself and is just purely a passion project, can challenge me intellectually and as a writer. I didn't see it coming! But I was so excited to find that there are things I just really struggle to write about, and figuring out ways to do it.
I agree with the English bloke! I've had to change my 'Stack from when I first started. I had to settle myself down into a set routine. I was all over the place for a while. Now, I release my short story/novellas on Sundays, and my Serial Novel on Wednesday. However, in the spirit of changing things up, I'm now putting things up specifically for all 8 of my PAID subscribers. Changing, growing, and moving forward. But the one thing you HAVE to remember, is that when you change things up, look at your ABOUT page and make sure it's up to date.
ooh good point. mine is very out of date, I think :D
you do you! whatever keeps you writing is the best thing!
Awesome comment.
Also, re. things to try, I just left a comment that I suspect nobody will see because I wrote it so late: https://on.substack.com/p/office-hours-90/comment/42140720 This strategy has worked better than anything I've done!
I've had my publication since April this year and have changed my "goals" 4-5 times. I think one of the beauties of this platform is it offers so much flexibility and chances to pivot.
Once of the best things I learned from an Entrepreneur professor in business school is to not overthink, or even over-announce, your pivot. Just do it. The best businesses do it all the time and most people don't even notice. Don't think of it as a static thing you can't change, think of it as a sandbox you play in -- open to change and experimentation and growth.
I feel like my audience is now conditioned to know I'm going to be trying shit and it seems like it's totally cool for everyone.
I read an article here on Substack recently... I can try to find it if you're interested... and it mentioned that nobody cares about your Substack as much as you. Your most committed readers will just go along with whatever, however much you post whatever you post. I loved that point and it really put my mind at ease :D
It's so true too! My community is on my wild rebrand journey ride and I'm so grateful that they're willing to take what's coming (ahhh and I feel better that I finally have ideas I'm ready to try and execute!).
I agree with that, Ani, and it might be worthwhile to consider it a challenge, too. If you're constantly striving to get your readers to care MORE about your Substack, you'll always be pushing yourself to do better, do more. Strive for the impossible and fall short to the excellent, as it were.
I like that Howard. I believe in challenging myself when I write my stories. I like to change the POV, by using a different voice. I want to write a story on different timelines. My next story, I want to write on 3 different timelines, a la Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" past and present. If you don't challenge yourself, you're not going to challenge the reader, and by not challenging the reader, or changing things up, you're going to bore them and they'll drift away.
Yes to this (I've also seen similar advice) my goals have definitely oscillated. But why write a book when you can just publish on Substack?!
I don’t know why I just love the idea of having this tangible achievement. But you’re right, being consistent on substack is way more important, to me anuway
I also had a dream of publishing a book, but have since read some very sobering substacks and websites about the realities of publishing in 2023. I had a very romanticized idea and have since revised to 'making money on Substack' 🤓
I thought that I'd just publish it so I can put it on our coffee table, not for any financial reason haha
I'd love to see this!
This is it: https://botharetrue.substack.com/p/6666-tips-on-how-i-reached-6666-subscribers
Alex and his substack are both super awesome, if you're not following yet, highly recommend!
I find Point 32 in Alex's list...deeply problematic.
But it's otherwise brilliant advice!
I was just going to warn everyone about you...
Ha! Yeah I figured you'd disagree with that one (by the way, what *is* your accent?)...:)
Oh yes! Me and Alex go wayyyy back (jk but he made me a cool AI video to promote one of my pieces a few months ago). This piece is gold for Substack growth.
agreed! I have issue with how he's definitely funnier than I am
Really good reminder. I once asked my subscribers about how would they feel about me approaching my letters to my son differently- one person said, no matter whatever you write I’ll read it. That made me feel so free!
Ha isn’t that the truth!! ✨
Y'know Bryce, I'm just realizing the value of being able to pivot so easily. For one thing, it removes the initial fear of "doing it wrong" when you can adjust along the way, and even change direction completely. I think the trick may be giving changes enough time to "take" before making another decision.
Those of us who are new and still finding our footing, it’s the best time to shift and figure out what we really want to commit to. It’s best to figure out how to serve 100 now instead of 1000 later.
Great advice. Kinda like the Nike slogan. 😉
I have a post about writing goals coming soon, but in a nutshell... you are the driver of this creative journey, and changing directions is perfectly okay.
Sometimes life throws stuff at us and we need to shift accordingly. Sometimes a project is much bigger than we anticipated. Sometimes the scope of what we wanted to do changes. This is all part of the creative process and part of being a real human with real needs and wants and joys and desires, and not a machine.
Don't kick yourself for not meeting an entirely arbitrary benchmark you set for yourself that you have ever right in the world to change. Congratulate yourself for recognizing what feels right and what you need to be doing right now, and shifting accordingly.
As much as I agree with changing goals whenever they need to be changed, I have been doing a lot of thinking about "strategic thinking," spending time upfront thinking through questions about what I want, what readers want, and where money comes into all of it. I've just published a post about this and how it has helped me reach a deeper level of understanding of what I truly want. This also helps craft those really critical front end elements: Substack Title, profile, short description, About Page, Welcome email and what to do with our pay walls. ... https://gratitudemojo.substack.com/p/before-you-open-the-substack-door
I went into Substack blind. I had no idea of its potential, except that I could make something of it, as well as myself. All I wanted to do was put my stories up. I had a lot of older stories I was able to break into pieces and put up on my 'stack. But I'd gone through some workplace trauma and hadn't written a word for close to 10 months. When I finally started writing again, I discovered a certain freedom. I didn't have to bow down to word restrictions. I gave myself a 10,000 word 'ideal'. I thought, with that, I can tell the story I want to tell. I didn't think about the "audience" I was writing for, because I was writing for myself. It was my release after having gone through the shit I did. It was freeing, and it still is. (You can read what happened on my 'Stack: It was an Accident, Steve. I've read it once since I wrote it.) So, while I don't know what I'm doing, and I stumble along blindly, I'm having the time of my life!
Ben ... thank you for this comment ... this is what it's all about. It's awfully easy to be caught up in the numbers games and forget that this is how some of us process life. I tend to mosey along gathering shiny bits without reason until I finally sit down and write. If I'm lucky and have been honest, something emerges from the murky places.
Then we start thinking about audiences and money and numbers. And then, the system starts driving the car. May we all keep stumbling along, having the time of our lives!
Thank you! I guess I'm just so bad at meeting my own goals and finishing things that it feels like a cop-out, although it's something I've been very excited for.
If you're excited, that's a good thing.
If you're generally not great at meeting your own goals, you may have to ask yourself if your goals are realistic or aspirational? Maybe the issue is not you, but the goal. Maybe it needs to be smaller, or given more time, or readjusted periodically, etc. Sometimes a little bit of exploring the why and how of the goal before committing to it helps.
Like, I can set a goal or running a marathon, but first I need to ask my knees, is this even realistic? Why a marathon? If it's really that I want to run regularly and think a goal would help, maybe the goal needs to be 'run twice a week' and nevermind the marathon bit.
It's similar for finishing things, but that can be a lot of other stuff and I don't want to go on forever. But I write a Dear Abby-style writing advice column, so feel free to reach out to me with questions about finish stuff. It's one that lots of writers (myself included!) struggle with and I think it could be helpful for a lot of people to explore that answer.... because there's a lot of bad advice out there that results in people kicking themselves unnecessarily. :)
Thank you, I will have a look. Writer therapy sounds like something I could benefit from right now :D
I subscribe to Writer Therapy and it is a fantastic newsletter. I definitely recommend subscribing.
I feel you. I definitely feel the same way about my "pivots", but consider that maybe you're being driven by negative self-talk. Ask yourself - is this a distortion or a false interpretation of facts?
You will never face an enemy who is as fierce and effective an enemy as yourself. Prevail, and every other enemy will seem so much less threatening.
words to live by
you've hit the nail on the head there :'D do you have any advice on being able to tell?
i am working with a therapist who specializes in CBT & ADHD and she has been helping me notice all the MANY times i use distortions and negative self talk. these habits of thought are so engrained in our brains -- but it is possible to notice them and offer yourself a shift - not a complete 180 but a slight shift. how can we go from negative to neutral in our thinking?
I love this question. I was planning on collecting some of my stories and sending them out to see if I could find an agent, or publisher, but changed course, telling myself that I should try and grow my 'Stack instead. The market potential is HUGE, and tapping into would actually be more financially rewarding than publishing. (Let's face it, not everyone is going to be a bestseller with their first book.) But if you reach for the stars...you could find yourself with 1000s of paid subscribers. And the fact you get paid monthly, well, who can't use a couple of thousand a month? Imagine if you have 1500 PAID subscribers? So it takes you five years. It takes a year, sometimes two, just to publish a book. And then you'll make, what, $10-$15,000, broken up over the next 2-3 years? 1500 PAID on Substack is going to be at least $75,000 for the year. THAT'S why I changed my plans...
I publish "traditionally" as well as on Substack and have so enjoyed mixing things up this way. My print books are in the literary genre, mostly creative nonfiction from university presses and shorter pieces published places like The New York Times, Orion, The Sun, The Paris Review, etc. Then I wrote an environmental thriller that no agent or publisher was interested in, so I've serialized it on Substack behind a paywall and also write free essays. And these essays are much looser and more fun than the ones I write for fancy literary journals. And I'm making more money on Substack than I ever have on any other book. (Not a high bar.) Anyway, it's being a blast. And I have a collection of essays coming out from a university press in the spring.
This is great to hear. I'm getting my English MA and sending about 20% of my writing out as pitches to journals. The rest I publish here on Substack.
I had genuinely been wondering why it seems no one else is trying to do a mix of both 😅 So thank you for the example!
It is tricky because anything we publish on Substack is now considered previously published and that, as you know, disqualifies it from being accepted in nearly all other journals. Also, what we do here on Substack is considered self-published which the more academic/literary writing world has a snooty attitude about. But when I turned seventy I stopped caring about all that.
Wow, talk about prolific. I would love to be able to spend enough time and energy writing one day to be able to diversify. Sounds like the most fun, for sure.
Thank you! I didn't really consider the financial aspect of it at all. I'm at the stage in my writing career where I'm prepared to pay people to read my stuff rather than the other way round :D ! I just thought it would be a nice goal to have, to wrap up a year's worth of content, have something to show for it, and start a new year with some new aspirations.
But of course, you make very strong points about the more practical aspects of it. Traditional publishing has very little on Substack when it comes to rewards, but, of course, a following isn't easy to build. I just focus on what I can control and that's what and how much I write. That's hard enough right now :D
Getting followers is a long, uphill climb, especially if you don't have one coming in. I had maybe 50 Facebook friends -- about half of whom were family and friends. But as long as you are consistent, and as long as the writing is good, Subscribers will come. Put yourself up on Notes, join in the conversation here, go on LinkedIn, and Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, X, whatever it's called (I'm not on it.) But as long as you tell yourself you're in it for the long haul and that you deserve to be here because you ARE a writer, everything will work out in the end. You're not going to be an overnight sensation.
Just remember the old Clairol commercial where she told five friends, and then her friends each told five people, and so on, and so on. Networking works!! It really does. You just have to be willing to prime the pump and tell some people. Doesn't have to be many people. It can expand geometrically if you work at it.
of course! I'm so comfortable with where I'm at. I don't use much social media, and my instagram is private because I post photos of my kids for friends and family.
Friends sharing my writing, people trickling over from office hours, etc, has been a slow and steady growth. I love every comment I get on my substack, and actually kind of love how intimate it feels sometimes with the small group that's there!
Totally! I don't have a huge following, but it's growing. I'm picking up at least 1 subscriber every day. How can you complain about something like that?
That's awesome! :) Writing always speaks for itself huh!
Right there with you, Ben. A publisher friend of mine shared with me his perspective that, "the book is dead." At first, that was a shattering thought since I hadn't yet published one. Then I realized I was mistaking the container for the contents, the medium for the message. What I needed was a contemporary vehicle that could promote the value of my content to my target audience. Imagine my joy at finding Substack. My friend, we are the future of content creation. I'm psyched.
I know. When I first stumbled across this site, I didn't know what to make of it. But it didn't take me long to see the potential. The fact I write fiction and everyone else was doing these "bloggy" newsletters didn't deter me. I just thought it left the playing field wide open. With 20-30 million followers, all you need is a 10th of a percentile to be successful.
'Zactly!!
I see so much great fiction on here. I was nearly deterred by the fact that most things I see here are very educational, or, at the very least, informational, and I have like... the opposite of that. I decided it's fine, in the end. Obviously.
That's exactly what I thought. I don't do financials, stocks, pop culture, politics. I'm not an essayist, or a diarist. I'm a fiction writer. You just have to find and build your own little niche and see where it goes from there. It's all a matter of the long game. I don't ask myself where I see this being in five years from now...because five years from now, I'll still be here writing.
beautifully put. I don't want to be anywhere else. I just want to still be writing, but, hopefully, better (and more! since my kids will be at school haha)
Life is one big messy experiment!
I've been struggling with my 3rd (at least) rebrand and my Substack's kinda been in limbo after saying I was going "all in" earlier this year. I felt myself pressure, well, myself to GET BACK TO IT! But I didn't wanna just post nonsense just because I felt like I should be posting.
I feel like our communities know who we are and our intentions. If you're wanting to switch up, go ahead! If you need a break and need to reformulate some things, it's all apart of life.
Life happens. Moods change and shift and the best thing we can do is follow our inner compass (and also ask ourselves WHY we want something, TRULY. Same with WHY we may be abandoning something. And if we're just postponing it, giving it up, and again, WHY?).
Really good idea, I might actually do it in writing for myself, just try to write up my Whys. Thank you! I wish you well in getting back to it, but gently haha!
I agree, goals are constantly changing. Evolving. My newsletter here started in the planning stages as a very different thing than it is now! It’s important to be flexible I think.
If you want to pivot, it’s ok to give yourself permission to do it. Readers can tell when our hearts not in it.
When we make goals, we do so without knowing the forecast ahead. I see it merely as a guideline to stay on track, and something that needs to be flexible given all the unknowns. Everyone is different but I also am a firm believer in quality over quantity. I know it will take years to finish my WIP, and Substack has done a great job at holding me accountable for reaching that, but I need to make it worth the time I've already put in, and that looks like going slowly and making sure I do it right.
Goals are pointless unless accompanied by achievable plans.
That's very true. I love the point of making it worth the time you've already put in, and I think for me right now... it feels like the time I put in is worth it in experience, rather than in the actual tangible output. Although I'm proud of that work, too, I just think about the longevity and consistency of the Substack, rather than producing a book I can hold.
I often think of something James Altucher (author and podcaster) once said:
Paraphrased:
"Goals are stupid. They're like telling your future self you know more about what they want than they do."
I know James! Well, of him. I’m a follower! ☺️good reminder thank you’
I think it’s natural and necessary to take stock of what is working and not working while following a plan. We have to be able to say, you know what, this isn’t working for me anymore, and I need to find a new direction.
I’ve done this going into year 2 of my Substack, and I’m drafting an essay about how my goals and expectations have changed based on how Substack is working for my style of writing.
You might also be interested in reading Sara’s story, who is a guest writer for me this week. She made several pivots in her business, including eventually closing it down.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jenzug/p/pretend-youre-good-at-small-business?r=6er4f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I saw this! Great article!
I guess I'm just used to seeing writing as one thing, so the whole idea that I could be writing something ELSE, or differently, is new to me. I never really thought about writing at all, or any particular direction. It's quite nice to actually allocate it some conscious brain power.
🧠I think short, more frequent posts are the better way to go. When I say short I mean 300-500 words. I feel like writing for Substack has improved my writing and my education! When I have had to do a little research after I write the piece, I learn so much. I'm very happy I joined and this coming year I will try to get more paid subscribers. sabrinalabow.substack.com
I wonder if you can offer yourself compassion for changing goals--and also, yay, you for recognizing what is feasible and feels good to you.
Thank you. I think showing myself compassion is something I forgot to do. Once you start drinking the bottomless mom-guilt cocktail everything else tends to be thrown in there as well
I agree that you shouldn't stick with a plan if you're just not feeling it anymore. Growth and the change that comes with it is part of a writing career, just as it is part of life in general.
If it’s just a personal goal, and isn’t letting someone else down (like a project team or publisher) then I would simply change my plan and choose a different delivery date that worked for me. Otherwise it’s pressure and would likely leave me feeling disempowered. Circumstances change all the time. I would not consider it a failure to change the date, but rather adapting to new information and/or altered circumstances.
There's a difference between giving up and recognizing and important shift in your priorities and preferences. If your preferences have shifted and what you're doing now is more meaningful to you, then you're on the right path. You might not have your book published by the end of the year, but when you do publish it, it will mean more to you.
I've achieved two of the three goals I set out for this year. The other goal I've shifted, like you, although for different reasons. I realized I was taking on too many things at once, not giving any single thing my full attention, and I needed to cut back to focus on one or two things. It feels a lot better (and I'm having more fun).
You know, I was just thinking about the beauty of evolving--the way I write, the why I write constantly being refined by the waves of time and growth and engagement with others. I think it’s one of the things that’s kind of brilliant about Substack. It enables that growth and evolution to occur more rapidly than it might otherwise in a real-time pool of connection with other writers similarly honing who they are on the page.
For me, I’m showing up for myself just as much by allowing for change as I am to sticking to a plan. It’s about finding the balance between the two.
Best of luck with whatever you decide. And glad you’ve found something that feels like being in the flow--if I’m reading you right. :)
🟧 Can we please have a theme option to have a progress/scroll bar at the top of the page so that the reader knows how much of the article is left and how far into the article they are? I see this a lot now with other newsletter services and blogs and it’s a really neat feature!
Hey John, we had experimented with something like this in the past and do offer something like this for readers in the app. I will pass along to the team for further consideration.
Could we also please have the reading time back in the inbox?
I second this, Melanie. Knowing the reading time of every piece in my inbox allows me to establish a pecking order for what to read based on time available.
Agree with both suggestions!
✏️OK, so I am new to Substack, and I have not posted anything yet (because I’m like 13 years old) but I REALLY love writing. I follow my friends and stuff, but I don’t think anyone would actually read my content. And since y’all are all high and mighty writers and interviewers who write newsletters and articles, is there a way for me to make my writing interesting and what should I write about? I would really appreciate any feedback from anyone😊
Maybe start to write about stuff you enjoy talking about with your friends? 😁
Well, me and my friends talk about books and give each other recommendations so…..😅
Just start writing and experimenting! And I think book reviews and recommendations from a 13-y.o. would be amazing (among whatever else you want to dabble in). It's a unique voice and angle, which is what any writer is after!
There you have it! 😁 Write about those books, pros and cons. And why others should read them too 😊
Ok thanks!🫶
When I was 13 years old, my father was working on one of those trucks with a bucket they use when they work on the telephone wires overhead. It was summertime, holidays, and I'd climb in there and write stories that entertained me. I didn't share them with anyone. But they were fantasy stories about space travel, and living on different worlds, in different times. Barbarians, knights, outlaws, pirates. Don't write what people suggest, write what YOU want to read. If you can't find the story you want to read, that means YOU have to write it. And READ. Read a lot. S.E. Hinton wrote THE OUTSIDERS when she was about sixteen. Shoot for the stars. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do this, because you can. Your age is not a factor. And don't think your education is either. I only have grade 12. And to you, I'm as old as dirt (65). I'm not a high and mighty writer. I have no books published, but that doesn't make me any less than anyone else here, and the same goes for you.
Thanks for the advice! I’m going to try my best
I second that. It may be cliche, but it's true: write about what you know. And pretty soon others will follow you. A YA thread would be useful even to adults who don't necessarily read YA fiction. I know there are many books that we SHOULD be reading. We might learn something!
Thanks!
Welcome to Substack! :) Just want to reassure you that not everyone on here is a professional writer - many of us are really just like you (people who love to write). I would recommend picking one topic that gets you really excited (it looks like YA fiction might be one for you!) and focusing your newsletter on that. Then connect w/ other writers on here who are covering a similar topic. Best of luck!!
Thank you so much!
JUST WRITE! I got started later than you, but with my music blog I just... WROTE. This was 2001, before social media! Just write, keep writing, and don’t stop. You’re gonna FIND OUT what works, less so than FIGURING OUT what works.
I don’t know, what if people don’t like my content
Who cares if people don't like it? You'll still be learning stuff and having fun.
Also, you don't have to show your friends or family... the internet is a huge place.
Here you are on Substack interacting with a bunch of complete strangers who don't know you in real life. You can do that with your writing too... share your work in places where your friends/schoolmates won't see it. Then you won't care if no one likes it, so you'll be free to write without worrying about what anyone thinks.
Ok, thank you!
So what? If you like it, keep putting it out! Build a body of work. Also - you’re 13! If you start writing and don’t stop for 10 years you’re gonna be in a great spot when you’re 23!
That’s a great idea! The thing is, once I start writing a story, I will be SO exited but then after a while, I would basically get bored and forget about it
You're young - you're SUPPOSED to get bored and move on to other things. Keep trying as much stuff as you can. Who says you need to be locked into one genre, or one theme?! Try 10 things, or 100 things! It costs you nothing but time, and being as young as you are YOU'VE GOT TIME!
Very true, thanks for the advice!
It took me a while to figure out what I should write about as well. So when I first created a Substack account, I simply posted a weekly digest of articles I curated throughout the week that all centered on areas of interest for me: Video & Film Production, Movies TV, Marketing, etc. Maybe you could do something like that. And it would give you a chance to read other writers and gain some inspiration.
Welcome to Substack! It gets said a lot because it's true, write about what you know and like (or what. you like and want to learn more about). Especially when you're getting started. If you find something you're really interested in, that will help you create engaging writing that readers love. 😊
Welcome!!! 🥳
🟧 - pretty minor, but I would appreciate a button to share to Threads added. Just go ahead and get rid of the twitter share button since it famously doesn't work anyway.
I wouldn't use the Threads option, but I'm all for eliminating the twitter button.
And the memory of Twitter/X from my brain.
I would withdraw my request for a Threads button if it meant getting rid of the Twitter button.
It doesn’t have to be either or. You can have your threads button and I will continue to ignore any social media that isn’t Notes and filled with wonderful writer friends. You do you and I’ll do me and we’ll still be friends and we’ll all enjoy the free space where the Twitter butting used to be.
Yes! and, we can get behind getting rid of the twitter button. Icky, ew.
I agree with this one! it is always complicated to cross post to Threads
Thanks, Andrew! We'll pass it along.
🟧 Any plans to ever have a native writing app? Several of my staff *only* write on mobile/phone and the mobile version of the publishing section is pretty awful. Love literally everything else about Substack, keep up the great work!
This would be so awesome! I often write on my phone while nap trapped in the car with my baby, and I have to use the browser version of Substack to do this.
same here
lol @ nap trapped
What’s nap trapped? Like literally taking a nap in your car? I’ve done this.
Browser is glitchy (I also know bc of nap traps 🙃) but I think overall it's better than it was.
Yes, I second third and fourth this!
Yes! I'd love this. I do so much writing in transit and on the go -- would be great to be able to do drafts right into Substack vs having to convert from different apps.
I too write on my phone!
We'll pass this along to our Product team. Thanks for the feedback!
This would be a great feature. 👍
Echoing this!!!
Agree. Would love to have this feature on the app.
I was little suprised you could not even edit a post via the app.
Fully agree!
🧠 Oh blimey,. I'm late to this party today. I doubt anyone will see this, but here's something that's worked like gangbusters for me in building my audience:
🤯 ** Share your enthusiastic response to learning about something awesome for the first time ** 🤯
This was my social media strategy on Twitter before it became....what it is now. I did it with excited-sounding threads, promoting a sciencey story I just learned about for the first time. The biggest of these totally blew up, reached 10 million people and sent 6,000 free subscribers to my newsletter. (Substack interviewed me about it here: https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-7)
Now I'm trying it again on Threads, and - it seems to be working? https://www.threads.net/@mikeachim/post/CyQUL3TM5tG
I'm far from the first to discover the power of this approach. For example, it's why "unboxing" videos work on YouTube. But it's incredibly useful for newsletter writers wanting to reach new people and get them intrigued enough by your reaction (and their reaction to your reaction!) to want to click through and learn more.
Try it!
This might be the best idea I have heard yet. I was immediately intrigued! I am now going to subscribe to you. Thanks for the great advice! sabrinalabow.substack.com
Hey Mike! I saw this and what a smart idea. I am always learning something new, as a journalist always doing research, voracious reader, consumer of podcasts, etc, etc. Will definitely follow this tip and read your pieces/interview.
Please steal if it would work for you, Amy! It's really powerful. Since so much of social media is powered by negative emotions, it's nice to see when the positive ones (in this case, enthusiastic wonder) work as well - and maybe do a lot more good for the world in the long run, I think?
Thanks, Mike!
I absolutely love this!
This seems like something that'll fit well for where I'm thinking my rebranded Substack will head: late bloomer documentation (and learnings! And self-improvement!).
I wrote some bullet points in a draft about headphones, and how I think it's weird (and something I'll grow better with) that people can just put them in and... tune the world out! Especially if they live with people!
I never could do that cause my mom always needed me at any moment as a caregiver for 8 years. Now that I was gifted a pair of noise cancelling ones for my birthday, the way I act with this new experience is probably something most don't even bat an eye at!
Don't know yet how I can make it a valuable piece for my audience (may do some research about headphones on Reddit) but it IS an abnormal first experience I wanted to share.
Next up (eventually), sharing my first solo drive as a 32 year old who just got her driver's license last month!
🟧 - Sorry to flood with questions! This is my 4th and last question today, and it's only because I've been bumping up against lots of little things while trying to use substack for a community building discussion forum behind the paywall. I would love to be able to keep using substack comments to do deep discussions with my paid subscribers... I'm trying it out, and one discussion post has 444 comments. Exciting, but MAN they are unruly and impossible to navigate. People are complaining and saying substack isn't really the best for this discussion because the comments are so hard to navigate. It would be amazing if they would all collapse to just show the first comment, and then expand to see all the replies of each comment only when clicked... does this request make any sense?
Hi, Caroline! That definitely makes sense and would come in handy for navigating this thread, as well. Thanks for the feedback! We'll pass it along to the team.
Yes! Was bumping into the same thing trying to re-find my comments here! Having to scroll past long long threads with no option to collapse.
One more thing is that clicking the notification of a comment reply doesn't actually seem to bring you to the comment reply in question, but to the main comment it's replying to. Even worse on the app than on desktop. It would be so helpful if it actually brought you to the thing it's notifying you about!
That's great. I just lost a comment I was trying to edit. The page updated and whoosh - it was gone!
Yes collapsible would be such an improvement!
🟧 Can writers please please get the option to hide their subscribers from their profile page? This feature is way too much social media for my liking.
Hi, Mona! We pass along to our Product team that you're looking for that option. Thanks for the feedback!
Personally, I don't see what the problem is with this. Looking at the subscribers on a profile page is something you have to "click" on, right? So...I just don't click on it. When I do, I'm looking for writers I seldom see, and it gives me the option of following or subscribing to that page, which, for me, is a good thing.
This is great for you. But can others who have a problem with this (be it rational or irrational) please have the option to hide their subscribers?
I don’t want to have my subscribers on my profile page. It‘s my profile. I think I should have the chance to design it to my liking.
I'm with you Ben. I have found plenty of new writers to read by looking at other people's lists. I like it.
Thank you so much, Hannah.
I second this! It unconsciously leads to comparison & then worrying about how many people are reading my work. When I actually just want to write because I enjoy creating & get joy from others who enjoy it as well
I second this too!
following
👍 I third it!
Seconding this!!
Second this also!
🧠 I've been here about a year and a half and the one thing I wish I had done more of before getting started was think through what I wanted to accomplish here and develop a strategy. I've just posted a piece to help others do that front-end thinking.
https://gratitudemojo.substack.com/p/before-you-open-the-substack-door
Joyce, thank you so much for sharing that wonderful freely downloadable workbook. Generous of you and appreciated. I just launched Oct 3 and am eager to learn from the expertise and experience of so many. My strategy is just forming and your guidance will help a lot.
Amy ... best wishes on your journey ... may you enjoy it all. joyce
✏️ My newsletter has been free, and I want to change to a paid subscription model. What are best practices for deciding on what subscribers will receive (I read something somewhere about always making sure your best content is available to everyone?), how much to charge, and how to roll-out/announce the change to current subscribers? Thanks, everyone!
Mine’s been free too. And I’m also planning to go paid eventually. I’ve been using the time in the meanwhile to see what works for me as a reader--what turns me off about methods of paywalling? What do I admire? What compels me to become a paid subscriber?
I plan to use this data to inform my choices. Perhaps my readers will find what works and doesn’t for them similar.
✏️🟧I have the same question. Have been writing my newsletter for 2+ years and would like to go paid. Do people advise having a minimum number of free subscribers to start with, for example? I’m using the 🟧 here as well because it’s obviously in Substack’s interest if writers switch on the paid option.
My advice is to turn it on today, whether you have 1000 followers, or 2.
To start, leave everything “free,” but put anything older than ,say, 3 weeks behind the paywall. You can always change it up.
Agreed. I have a paid option but everything is still free. I do have some people paying just because they want to. I believe if you don't have the option to pay you're taking that opportunity away from people who really do want to support you.
Great advice. Why leave money on the table - even if it’s just one person!
This is a really good idea.
I’ve been grappling on how to incentivize people converting to paid since w everything is free - thank you Kevin! Is this something you would announce to your subscribers or would you just do it.
Great tip! Thank you
I'm a relatively new writer, 9 months, and decided to open the paid option, leaving access the same for both. People have an option to support my mission to encourage everyone to get lost in the weeds.
As I learn, audio and video technology, etc. I will offer some convenience options for people who support weedom, but the mission dictates that the essential information will remain open and available to everyone.
There are a lot of different options, and ability to change what is offered to free and paid subscribers.
I think convenience options work well.
I would at least turn pledges on immediately and see how many people will pay if you turn it on, but I don't think there is a minimum.
Clever you! 🟧
My newsletter is a weekly publication about the Dallas suburb my family calls home. I went paid in early 2021, four weeks after I launched, when I had about 400 subscribers. I charged the minimum amount Substack would allow at the time, which was $30. (I believe the minimum is now $50.) These days, I send the final edition of each month to everybody on my list, and I mention all of the content that's been for paid subscribers' eyes only since the last time my free subscribers heard from me. I now have more than 800 paid subscribers, plus an additional 1,200 freeloaders.
Wow Dan, congratulations! That's a unique model, and very successful at 40% paying subscribers (most of us are happy to get 5%!). Well done, and thanks for sharing your model and being transparent with your numbers.
Freeloaders! I love that!
I've had my paywall on and off; it's back on right now, but I only have 8 Paid subscribers. I don't concern myself with them too much. 5 are close personal friends, one is a girl I went to school with, and one is my big brother. Only one of them is a stranger to me. Because of that one person, I've started putting things up on my paywall. I wrote a movie once, just to see if I could, so I'm putting that up. Usually I write stories about the mill I used to work in. But I came into this with no followers or social media to speak of. I've got 300 freeloaders. Oh, did I tell you I write fiction? That's a hard sell. With fiction, you're dealing with peoples' personal tastes. If I write it, and you don't like it, you're not going to come over for a visit? If I tell you I write Novellas, it's an even harder sell. So it has to be good to attract readers.
This is question that has driven a lot of us a bit mad. It deserves deep thought. Money is important but it is really easy to turn off readers when it starts to feel too commercial. I've changed my paywall countless times. I just posted a long series of questions about what we really want from our Substacks. I've heard there are 20,000 Substack writers ... imagine a reader being flooded with requests for paid subscriptions. Buttons and requests for paid subscriptions are ads that come between you and your readers.
Writers deserve to be paid, however, email newsletters thrive on connection between readers and writers. Ads create a commercial dissonance that deserves careful handling.
I base it on the time and effort it took me to write something. If I managed to create an experience with my writing, not just share a thought, then it is a paid post. This works well for me, however, simply because I'm sharing my WIP here as a serialized novel, which warrants a paywall. I feel that everything else I write about, whether its on writing or a journal entry, should be completely free.
We make 1 article a week paid. It's worked out incredibly well for us. Usually are most interesting stories.
Hi fellow-Karen! I make $15K per year with a paid 'for work' newsletter.
My post about going paid could help. Find it here: https://pubstacksuccess.substack.com/p/substack-payments-everything-you It includes:
When to turn on payments;
Who shouldn’t use payments (and who can’t use payments on Substack);
What you need to know about Stripe;
Whether you should use the local currency feature;
What to offer paying subscribers; How to tell your subscribers; Pitfalls to avoid
It seems like the lower you charge the higher the percentage of people convert, but the higher the more revenue you make. I put everything behind a paywall after three weeks which allows everyone to get everything for free at first and then it goes behind a paywall, except I have this 50,000 word guide for free. https://authorstack.substack.com/p/how-to-go-paid-on-substack-without
✏️ I’m looking for moms who want to be included in my interview series, Moms in America. It’s 15 questions, about motherhood and what it’s like to be a mom currently in the USA. Drop your email below for more details :)
If you need another, I'm Misty, mother of twin boys who are now 25, and an author. My email is mistyevansbooks@gmail.com. Glad to promote your series, too.
Awe thank you!
Ooh I’m interested. I’ll msg you ☺️
Lovely. Let me know if you ever want to interview an empty nester. It’s a whole different ball of wax. Hands off yet you still have good advice. A tricky mix.
Yes, all moms are included!
penmom@gmail.com
Looking forward!
readablemomentsbookclub@gmail.com I have a LOT of thoughts on motherhood in the US lol.
Can't wait to read your answers!
🙌 laurapatranella@gmail.com
would love to participate! carmella dot guiol at gmail dot com
I'd be happy to contribute! arielle@ariellegreenleaf.com
Teacher/mom here: sarahstyfwriter@gmail.com
Are you looking for new moms?
No, all moms are welcome, even if your kids are older. The only criteria is that you were a raising your kids in America 🇺🇸
cairish6@gmail.com
Well then I would love to be included.
Hi! I'd love to be included. I'd rather not share my email publicly, but is there a way I can get in touch with you to learn more?
Yes, you can message me on instagram @marissapaape
These shareable videos are a game changer Substack.
✏️- fellow writers who don’t write to a specific niche- how do you expand or promote yourself to readers? I’m not smart enough to only cover one specific area, and I don’t think I’d like to have that kind of narrow scope, but I’m not sure how one spreads the word about your Substack if you write about different topics every time- curious to see what others do!
I've been seeing the words 'niche' and 'brand' more and more recently.
The amazing factor that all of your posts have in common, Kunga, is YOU. If you're not writing to what you feel is a specific niche, that's fine, because actually you ARE. You're writing YOU. And that means a lot.
Those who read your words read them because they're your words. Trust yourself.
I started with a theme - I literally get lost in my (very small, not big enough to get lost in) house, but the more posts I've written - not just about getting lost, but other stuff too - the more my confidence has grown. These days I write about all sorts of things - think British life with a humourous twist - and yes, there's a lot of getting lost in there, but it's not my brand or my niche.
Write yourself. Write in your own voice. You've got this.
FWIW, I fully agree with this advice. There is too much specialization out there, and it REALLY, REALLY limits not just what the single author may enjoy writing (if he or she blindly follows the mantra to "find a niche and stick to it"), but also what we all as a society can understand and achieve.
When I started here on substack, one of the first things I wrote is that my newsletter would be "it will be almost the opposite of "niche" content" (*), exactly for that reason. So yeah, do write about all sort of things, if you seriously feel like doing it
(*) you can read why at https://mfioretti.substack.com/p/i-just-started-a-newsletter-and-its
Feeing very motivated after this, thanks :)
😘
A niche doesn't have to be a topic!! It could also be a style of writing, a particular tone or perspective, etc.
That's a great point. For me, how a writer writes is often more important than what they say or on what topic.
Never thought about it like that before, thanks :)
Think about the "niches" you do operate in, and engage in those communities. Everyone has a point of view and that POV exists some niches. For me, it's parenting, humour, business, mental health and probably a lot more. But I engage in each of those niches in different ways and it has helped build out my community on here. Just write out those "niches" for yourself and don't be afraid to engage. You don't need to be an expert! As long as you have POV and are contributing, you can take up space across many niches.
There are lots of Substackers like you Kunga. Me for one! I write about a whole host of different things and I like other Substackers that are a bit eclectic too.
Interesting! I talk about a lot of different things in my newsletter here each week, but they’re all framed in the art and music context. So there’s something that’s tying everything together, even though I’m talking about different stuff all the time.
My answer is "tell people." Tell people you know, and ask them to tell other people. The law of big numbers will carry you through. The more people you convince to pass the word, the more readers you will attract.
But a caution: A wise man said, "Winners focus. Losers spray." You really cannot be all things to all people. You want to be known for something.
I get your second point, and it’s really hard not to ‘spray’ when your choice of topic varies so widely, but I’m hoping that by applying a similar lens and method of dissection, it’s focused enough to be seen as something more than just spraying and praying:)
I am still figuring that out myself but this article from Noah Smith is really helpful. He has a section on what he calls generalists.
https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/how-to-write-a-successful-substack
You market your voice.
Is there a common thread somewhere you can point back to? I wholeheartedly agree with everyone else here saying that trying to niche ourselves down when we don't want to is unnecessary, and if you're still bothered by it, is there something you can always point back to? Like the audience you're talking to will probably be like you: are they gamers, love cutesy things, are you about to head off to college (whatever area of life you're in)>
Oh, an example is like a magazine! Are you writing things that seem similar to to a "type" of person?
Or just mention what you write: are they deep dives into something you found interesting? Are they shares of things you love lately? Is it about the news? The human experience? Personal development? Your own documented journey through something?
Ah I feel like I rambled! I hope I made sense!
Cant point to a specific thread, but just by looking at advice on other of these Substack hours or other tips or on Reddit u see the idea of ‘niches’ everywhere
Genuinely, if there’s one way I can characterize my writings is by trying to dive deeper in behaviors or phenomenons, explaining things that I have read about or found interesting, or trying to find and explain the links I see between different things- a bit of a mess, but I I’m trying to make sure it’s not always an incoherent ramble every week :)
I get trying to verbally explain what you do on here being tough, but maybe it'll come with time. Definitely more important to enjoy what you write and just infuse yourself in it which you seem to be doing already! This is definitely a long game and our people will come :)
I agree, before I even started writing I told myself only to write if I enjoy the process. I see so many start Substack's with the sole intention of growing an audience and I just can't see how that can be fun long term.
Oh but I'm seeing so many as well advocate for finally making this a place to lay the rules to the side and just *write*! I'm so glad you told yourself that too!
To our freedom!
✏️ For those who have had good success promoting and growing their subscriber based here on Substack: in terms of time, how much do you think you invest in writing and developing your newsletter vs promoting it?
For example, if you're spending 4 hours a week on writing and posting, how many hours should you be spending on promoting it?
All of them.
I don't promote mine at all and it's growing very nicely. All I do right now is engage and interact with others.
I abhor social media so it is unlikely I'll ever go that route 😁
Yess! Keep it up
Most of the scholarship around this, and the people I've talked to confirm, 20% writing, 80% promoting if you want to break through. I do less than that now b/c I have an audience.
🟧 How can I move around “Most Popular” on my homepage, and shift and change “recommendations” as well?
What do you mean by move around? There are a few different layouts you can choose for your homepage (under settings -> site design). But once you've chosen from the 3 options, I have no idea how to decide which one will be pinned to what spot. That's something I'd be curious to know as well.
As far as recommendations, you can choose manage recommendations which will let you manage who you recommend, and then manage blurbs will let you change what recommendations show up on your welcome page.
I hope that helps.
In case it's also helpful, here is our resource on customizing and organizing your homepage: https://on.substack.com/p/guide-website-customization-organization
✏️ I’d like to know how I can become a multi-millionaire Substack writer with adoring fans everywhere and my face on watch and underwear ads. Can I get some advice on that?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Keep writing smart-ass comments like this and you're bound to manifest billions 🤣
I’m interpreting that as a promise
I will personally guarantee it...as long as you pay off my car loan when it happens 😁
You'll have to remind me. But if I become a billionaire I will seriously do that.
Maybe a bit of Metallica-fueled weaponized incompetence? See if someone else will do it for you. 😉
I mean, I'd accept that.😂
Yeah, me too. :)
I’d love this kind of advice too!
See here, we’re asking the *real* questions
🟧 I include audio in my written posts that are shared with all subscribers but will be adding a pay wall limiting full access on some articles to paid subscribers. Is it possible to add a paywall within the audio itself in addition to the written part?
🟧 Can you post without sending an email blast out to anyone?
Yes, you can save a post to your Substack without it sending an email blast.
https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037831771-How-do-I-publish-a-new-post-
Check under the heading: How do I only publish a post to my publication?
Thanks for jumping in and offering great answers and links in the thread today! We really appreciate it.
Hey, I ❤️ Substack and helping folks (plus I had waaay too much coffee today haha)
Ditto!
When and why night you use this Seth. Just curious.
Maybe because you wanna write write write, but you don't want to send an email to people five times a week.
Yep, I've done that as I've slowly migrated old posts over here. Just copied, pasted, revised, and then backdated.
It's possible to create free versions of paid podcast episodes, which you can link to in you main post. It's more clunky than using the 'voiceover' feature but totally doable.
You can! If you just want roost to the site. There’s a box to uncheck right before you publish.
You *can* post without sending an email blast. Hit publish and it's one of the two last options on the popup window. Before you hit send it will warn you that you're about to publish without emailing.
Yeah! I found that out the other day. I wanted to send a post out to my PAID (8) subscribers and saw the box that said don't send email. I Clicked it, thinking it would only send it to my paid people. D'oh!
Following this. Would like to be able to read posts from some of the newsletters I subscribe to via app only. Can I switch email off or do I have to unsubscribe?
Don't unsubscribe, please! haha
It's a little confusing, but you can switch off emails and read them via the web:
https://on.substack.com/p/writerfaq
Check under the 'How do readers pause email notifications?' section.
Oh thank you. This is good to know. Do you know what this does to a writer’s open rates? Just curious.
I doubt anything since it was never sent to anyone... I've posted some "hidden pages" recently, and it didn't change my 30 day open rate.
🟧 Hi again. One issue with office hours is that I might not receive a notification to an answer until hours later. When I click on the notification I have to scroll through the thousands of messages and sometimes can’t find the response. Any tricks I’m missing? TIA.
It’s certainly tricky! Has made me a reluctant participant because it’s hard to have any real conversation.
I know exactly what you're referring to without having to "return to thread." Haha.
yea the notifications for comment replies are nearly useless, because they don't actually take you to the comment reply! Dealing that with my own substack too.. madness
I sometimes solve this problem using 'Find' (Ctrl + F) - on desktop - and searching the responder's name or your own name. If you get no results, click 'Show more' at the bottom of the page and try again.
Oh dear, that sounds really terrible
🟧 When I return to thread I can’t find what you are responsible musing to.
I’d love to know this too
🟧When you’re doing settings for a post, under “This post is for…” How can you make “Everyone” the default? It keeps defaulting to paid, and I don’t want that.
Thanks for reporting, Penny. I totally understand why this is frustrating and I shared it with our team to take a closer look.
I would love the same option. Thanks for highlight Penny
It's a pain, but you just have to manually click for everyone because the Substack default is to make money.
🧠🧠 If you’re tired of not growing on Substack or just starting out, come see me. I give you guidance based on the advice Substack gave me and how I built two bestselling, Featured Substacks.
I love helping writers succeed on here.
The writers I’ve worked with have
* doubled and tripled in subscribers,
* seen a sharp increase in revenue,
* gotten real engagement, and
* been Featured Substacks.
https://www.writersatwork.net/p/opportunities-to-meet-1-to-1
✏️I am curious about how the substack search feature works. My newsletter is pretty niche--I write about a not very good basketball team--but if I search using keywords I would assume would result in my newsletter, it doesn’t show up. Anyone else have this issue?
Yes. I don't have a lot of faith in the discovery tool here. Hopefully someone here knows more about it, but I have found it very hard to find Substacks that I am genuinely interested in that are aligned with what I'm looking for without accidentally stumbling upon it.
Your publication should show up if you search for terms in the name: https://substack.com/search/Wizards%20Points?searching=publication
Thanks for the reply, Hannah!
When I search "ASD" I get post with the word "and" in it instead. Dont have your hopes up on this part.
I messed up my emoji use. This should be🟧
🟧 hi Substack team! I've been trying out the new Beta version of "create video" after making a written article post.
I select the text, then try to upload custom mp3 audio for voiceover, which is not accepted (just shows 'in progress.') I then try to record audio straight to platform, and try as I might in several ways, I keep getting the error, "Substack does not recognize microphone."
Any suggestions? I'm using Firefox (and have tried Chrome) on Windows 11.
Thanks for reporting Erin, I am passing along to our team to take a look.
Thank you, Katie!
Yup. And if it does it by auto you can't change the background. Which you should actually be able to choose BEFORE it starts creating.
Yes, noticed that too. Though I've never been lucky enough to get that far because I can't upload or record audio voiceover.
I've just tried the auto voiceover, never doing it myself.
I tried that, too... Didn't work either!
Would love to know too.
✏️ What's the best way to find other writers similar to your own work? I'm finding the search and explore features on Substack a little too generic. clinttill.substack.com
I’ve been searching by keyword rather than category in the Substack app and that has been turning up more. I do it a few times a week on topics I am writing about. Consistently searching seems to be a key. Also, following similar writers on Notes has been helpful.
Thanks. I’ll give it a try.
find one and then they will likely recommend others when you subscribe, and keep going. I put that in stage 2 of my 50,000 word guide. https://authorstack.substack.com/p/how-to-go-paid-on-substack-without
That's how I did it. I just liberally subscribe and then follow their recommendations to find more.
Notes made a big difference
Use notes, and be yourself.
Get into conversations.
Share things you like.
Revise your Introduction, and your Welcome
What’s unique about yourself and your writing?
✏️Has anyone used the shareable videos on their IG account? Or on YouTube Shorts? Has it made an impact?
I love them in theory, trying to figure out how they would work in practice.
Yes have used it on my tiktok and it’s really helpful
So, I don't have TikToc, but maybe I could try it for a couple of weeks on IG...
Yes do try it surprisingly it might be helpful
Yes! Higher engagement than the videos I was throwing together and more cohesive aesthetically. Here's a recent example: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyi4_aRxCU6/
Lovely!
I have only downloaded the image.
I need to try this one! Thank you for sharing it
🟧 or ✏️ Hi! I've been on Substack a year now and would love to offer a discount for renewing, but it looks like coupons only apply to subscriptions. Is there a way to offer just to renewals?
Hi, Lisa! At this time, discounts can only be used to purchase subscriptions, but we'll pass along to our Product team that you're looking for the option to discount renewals.
+1
I’m going paid soon... getting courage to ask! My question is, with sharing on other SM 🤔 If folks can read me on Facebook, IG etc...get the newsletters ... why would they be inclined to pay? As for newsletters... I like reading the app each day... discovering new writers and categories. So don’t want newsletters clogging email each morning! I’m still learning, not whining...thank you.
I am a big fan of each of us supporting the other, so I offer all of my content as either free or paid. Those who can pay do and those who can not don't and everyone gets everything whether they are paying or not. I frame it this way to my readers so they know that if they choose to pay not only are they supporting my writing but they are supporting someone else being able to read my writing.
This is working for now, and I will reassess as time goes on.
I do this too.
Thanks for this…I agree! Getting paid will allow me to pay those I subscribe to, those that keep me coming back! It’s respect and support for each other. Appreciate your response. 😊
I still don't know why people pay for my work, but they do because they support the work. They buy the books and the buy the subscriptions even though so much of it is free.
Good point…libraries and social media/blogs are free. Thanks for responding, for sharing your experience.
Well done going paid (soon) Joan, very exciting! Perhaps you find something a little extra to offer your paid subscribers, something written just for them that cannot be found anywhere else. Also, you may be surprised how many folks choose to go paid to offer support for your work.
Thank you...a little something extra is good idea... is that what chat is for...just you and subscribers; a bit more personal and social?
Yes I have seen some writers use chat very effectively. I haven't used it myself because right now I'm not up for one more thing I have to manage and most of my readers access my posts via email so may not use chat. For my paid subscribers I offer video presentations on the personal growth work I do which will be presented via Zoom, guest posts and a deeper insight (hopefully) because I feel I can write from a more vulnerable place when it's an intimate setting behind the paywall.
✏️ Hi all, hope everyone is having a good October. Recently I wrote a post sharing my thoughts on AI. There are most likely a lot of differing opinions on this topic and I have come here curious to know what the overall consensus is on AI when it comes to writing (or in general I suppose). Many people I follow seem to be against it, but I know there are many out there that see this as a noteworthy tool. Any thoughts you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated, and if you use it, how does that work for you?
I made an entire Newsletter that was about making an AI write humorous self-help advice. I would then edit it a little bit and put *don't blindly listen to the robot* banners everywhere and hit "publish". It's not a terrible thing, and I use AI to help brainstorm titles for posts/YouTube videos and such. Hope this helps!
I'm far less worried about AI undermining my work as a writer and far more concerned about all the ways it will further blur our perceptions of reality and cause even more division/social strife. I feel like we're all in the same honeymoon phase as we were with social media in its early days, focused on all the shiny fun things we can do with it and somehow totally in denial about how evil people will inevitably twist it into a dark and divisive social force. Anyway, I could go on... but I'll get off my soapbox now!
It's totally fine I also have strong feelings about it and went on a whole post's worth of a soapbox about it lol. It's pretty wild to me that we have it writing poetry before helping us automate essential functions in medicine, assisting our general infrastructure, etc.
The only AI tool I use is in Carft Docs, but it mostly base on what I have written myself. Other than that, I want all laws to be in order before I dip my toes into it. Especially when it comes to art.
Here is the link where I give my take on it for context: https://open.substack.com/pub/kerryjane/p/my-controversial-take-on-ai?r=1hz15g&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
✏️ My question:
I am starting a new section in my existing Substack. I was originally going to start a separate Substack but Sarah Fay said that Substack doesn't recommend that for reasons that all made sense to me. I was originally NOT going to bring over my mailing list with me from my main section to my new section, but I am now having doubts. Does it make senses to keep different mailing lists: My two sections are:
Prone to Hyperbole, by Noha Beshir: Exploring the multi-generational, minority immigrant experience at the intersection of mental health, motherhood, and faith.
and
Letters from a Muslim Woman: Muslims and Arabs are rarely asked to speak for ourselves. This is my attempt to do so.
Any insights or suggestions would be welcomed.
You really can't keep separate mailing lists. It's really not ideal how the sections work. You can have a main list, but it's very hard to do segmentation.
Oh? Can you elaborate? The suggestion to port everyone over by default and then let them change their settings seemed straightforward enough. Does the app not handle it? Would love to know more
I wrote a whole 10,000+ word post about sections here. That is where I would direct you. https://authorstack.substack.com/p/how-to-use-substack-sections-to-beef
Thank you! Digging in why tea now.
You have to pick one or the other when you create the section, and you can never go back and choose differently. If you choose that way, then everyone would have to go into their individual settings and then choose the sections they belong.
I would include the main subscriber list with the new section, but let all of them know you started this new section, and mentioning that they can adjust their subscription settings to receive the content they opt for. Hope this helps!
perfect! Yes, that is the plan.
Hi, Noha ... these sound more like sections than separate Substacks. I would just opt for bringing all of your subscribers over. They will automatically skip over the posts of lesser interest. Best wishes ...
Thanks Joyce! That's about where I'm landing, but getting confirmation that you think it's a good idea is reassuring!
https://pronetohyperbole.substack.com/
Honestly, I think both topics work well together and if someone is subscribed to one, they will probably want to be subscribed to the other.
Thank you! I think I will turn on the subscription by default and allow people to opt out if they so choose.
I think that's best. What's funny is that Sarah told me to STOP niching down 😂 I think it totally depends on writer, purpose, and goals.
Ha! Well, now I'm curious what the backstory is there. My main newsletter is not as Niche as I think many are, so I feel like this new section will help me focus in on specific topics while the original newsletter can still be what it is... Maybe you were already at a good level of "niching" (is that a word? 😅)
https://pronetohyperbole.substack.com/
😂 Yeah, I think she felt that I was fracturing too much, and she's probably right. So the "in-between" I came up with was keeping my "On the Journey" theme as big picture with occasional series that are their own section: "Midwestern Reflections on the Lone Star State" and "Writing in the Margins."
We'll see how it pans out. I'm pretty excited about it.
Enjoying SubStack and the opportunity it offers indie writers like me. Great app!
Thanks for being here, Pete!
🟧 I'm confused about exactly when Writer's Office Hours actually starts. Your intro says 10am PST, but arriving at 10am I have frequently found posts from an hour before, so I figured it was really 9am. Today I immediately came upon a post two hours old. It's challenging to play catch up with all the interesting conversations that have already been taking place. Now, I know 10am PST is, at best, inaccurate since we're still in Daylight Savings Time and its 10am PDT, not PST, but I don't think that's the problem. Should I just start checking at 8am PDT?
I have the same problem. I arrived at the start time, according to my Apple calendar, but the chat seems to have been going for at least an hour beforehand. I don’t know whether I’m on time, or late.
🧠 Here's a thought: Don't drive yourself crazy chasing after subscribers and followers. Concentrate on posting the most engaging, authentic, well-written content you can. The joy should come from the creation side, rather than the marketing side.
This is definitely the best thought!
🟧 Thx for these office hours! I would love to see more design capabilities for the home pages. Instead of the most recent article being center stage, maybe an option to simply have the authors title, logo and logline of their stack? If this option does exist please share the instructions. Thx! From an analog mama.
You can choose which articles to "pin" on your homepage to highlight them, and also organize posts by "tags" (categories) -- they don't have to be your most recent articles! Does that help? Here are some resources:
https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039016032-How-do-I-pin-a-post-to-the-top-of-my-publication-s-homepage-
https://on.substack.com/p/homepage-layouts-and-tags
https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039015892-How-do-I-switch-my-publication-s-homepage-to-a-different-layout-
Thx!!
✏️ A question on encouraging comments and likes: most of my readers know me from outside Substack--from courses I've taught or social media. So they've subscribed to my Substack but haven't bothered with the app. As a result, they aren't likely to comment on my posts. I want my newsletter to grow into a community where freelancers can learn not only from me but from each other (and where we can all support each other).
I've tried asking questions and encouraging discussion (I often forget, so I need to get more consistent with this) but has anyone found other strategies to get subscribers to download the app and engage in community? Any tips for helping subscribers feel more comfortable interacting on Substack?
🟧
I've had a blog on a self-hosted Wordpress install for years. I don't post on it frequently enough to try to make proper mailing list and subscription model yet, but I'm considering trying.
I've heard that I can import my Wordpress posts into Substack directly, which is great. Just want to confirm that what I'm trying to do would work here.
I just want an online platform, where I own my own content, it can live online in public/searchable/findable way, and I can write new posts semi-regularly. People have the option to subscribe for free, or not, and maybe even later pay me a little because my thoughts are so inspiring and/or pity-inducing.
I just want to A) avoid paying so much for a hosting and a Wordpress instance, and B) not have all my old stuff live in one place and all my new stuff be here.
I hope that makes sense. Any advice is appreciated.
Hi there Drew! I believe that this is all possible for you here. You only pay us if you turn on paid subscriptions, in which case we'd take 10% and you'd make 90% of the revenue (minus credit card fees). So there are no "hosting" costs here if you're just publishing for free.
You can also import your entire archive from Wordpress here. Try using this page to do so: https://substack.com/switch
(If you have a really extensive archive, you may need to write into our support team for additional help.)
That sounds awesome. Thanks for the helpful info!
I did forget one bit – I do have my own blog domain, and I would love to attach that to my substack. I thought I saw somewhere that it was a one time set up fee which would be totally fine for me.
Yes, that is how we do it for now! Here is a guide: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051222571-How-do-I-set-up-my-custom-domain-
You can migrate it, but I actually chose the more difficult route (before my previous WordPress site went dark) and copied, pasted, revised, and backdated all of my posts. I have a much older WordPress account that was free and so I kept those pieces there.
🟧 I’d like to congratulate Substack on the meetup initiative. I think sharing in-person common challenges and goals with fellow writers - is invaluable. Any update when is the plan to get back to hosts?
Oooh I’m curious abt this too. Thanks for posing this question
✏️ What’s the key to good SEO results for Substack content? My weekly newsletter is about Coppell, the Dallas suburb my family calls home. I have a Google News alert set up for “Coppell,” and my own content never appears in the emailed roundups I get from Google.
I’ve been writing my newsletter every week now for the past 26 weeks and it’s a huge accomplishment for me as far as consistency goes. Though there are moments where it feels like I need to focus more on distribution & getting more subs. Is it better to mostly focus on the quality of my work for now & slowly build the community by engaging with other writers posts?
✏️ So… How’s everyone writing their “from sender” on their Substacks?
I was under the impression that having my email say from “My Name from Substack Name” was the best strategy. Is it tho?
There’s so much about personalization online and how important that is—and I agree! (I even remember reading a study that said business cards with a person’s photo get picked up 3x more at events.)
But will new subscribers care what YOUR name is? I’m just looking in my extra inbox where I get my own Substack emails, and it cuts off right after my name when viewing on mobile.
Considering that most people are there for the subject I’m writing about (Raising Gen Alpha) vs me personally—I assume—do we think that putting our own names in the “from sender” field might be less useful than we’re lead to believe? Or is including your name still important, perhaps for long-term strategy?
Pls weigh in!
How do you change the from sender title? Mine has my name, but I know that I'm still a nobody in the writing world, and I feel like I need to remind people what I write about in the sender title so they actually open my emails 😬
I personally think our names are less useful! I've gotta check if my newsletter name comes up first, but I know when I'm scrolling through my email inbox, I'll come across names that are literally JUST names! And, confused, I just keep scrolling cause I feel like it's some scavenger hunt to figure out who the email's from rather than seeing the actual newsletter/Substack name.
🟧 How do I put link in my post like affliate link to direct people to another site have been trying to insert link but it keeps bouncing back and it’s really frustrating which browser can I use?
You should be able to share links in a post using any browser. We'll be glad to take a look into this. Could you reach out to our Support team here so we can investigate? https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Okay thanks
🟧 I’d like to keep my newsletter free to all subscribers, but make a (free) subscription required to view any post in full. Can you please advise how I should set up my paywall/preview settings?
Hi there! More info on to use paywall/preview is here: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407989020308-How-do-I-publish-a-free-preview-of-a-paid-post-on-Substack-
🟧 Thanks, I have seen this already. How do I send a free preview of a FREE post?
I don't think Substack is set up like that. If your posts are free, then anyone can view them without having to subscribe to your list. If people like what they read, they'll subscribe.
"Create an experience with my writing, not just sharing a thought." That makes so much sense. Thank you!
🟧 What criteria does Substack use in choosing which 'Stacks to feature in its various promotions (Substack Reads etc)? Obviously this is of great interest as the boost it gives to the chosen ones will be considerable.
You can find info about this here: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037455112-How-do-I-get-featured-on-Substack-
Thanks
Following! Great question.
🟧 I've sent out my monthly substack and it's landing in inboxes multiple times so one subscriber is receiving the same newsletter 2-3 times which is causing some unsubscribes. Worried about sending another in case it happens again, and have no idea how this can be fixed as it's not due to duplicate contacts. Please help!
Hi there! This definitely shouldn't be happening. It's likely that the subscribers this happened to have multiple accounts that forward to the same email. Can you have those readers submit a request to support? https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Even my test email account received it 3 times and I don't have any other emails forwarded to it.
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately that's not the case - I've checked in with a few of them. They simply received the same email multiple times. Some twice and some three times.
Never had this happen, curious on the fix though in case it becomes an issue.
I only discovered it through a few friends that informed me, otherwise would've had no clue!
🟧 - Hey. Here's my situation. I disconnected paid subs from my Substack because it was a stressful thing to ask for subs and what to put behind a paywall and other thoughts. So now I have pledges. I do want to start doing Google Meets where I create a room and myself and my readers can gather and talk wrestling. However, I don't just want to drop the room link in a new article, and anyone can join because once I removed paid subs, the ability to email all my free subscribers without the article showing up on my newsletter feed is gone. So, I'm trying to think of ways to work around this. I could use Substack Chat but it's dead silence in there with my readers. So what can I or what should I do? I was thinking of reconnecting paid subs back just to get that feature and only send my free subs room links for updates about personal life. I want to make money. My content is all wrestling based and requires travel and I don't always want to promote way more than like showing my journey. The hardest thing to grow is wrestling for some reason despite all the passions that drapes the tables. It's a little discouraging. Besides, upcoming will be my story on how I almost got stranded in Philly during the MLW Slaughterhouse event I covered. There's a brightside. So yeah.
You can send an email to subscribers without publishing your message as a post. Head to your "Subscribers" page, check off the box in the top left to select all addresses, then click the "Email" button in the upper right corner.
OHHHH!!!! That's how you send an email to subscribers without making a post?
I learned something new today and I can't be more excited about it!
Thank you.
following...
✏️Ok, I really do love all of the new shareable material from Substack and I'm making use of it and putting it into my FB and IG planner, scheduling out material weeks in advance.
Here's the problem: I have almost 900 subscribers on IG and I have VERY little traction on what I share. The same is the case for my podcast IG and FB. And if people aren't seeing what I'm putting out there, how can I possibly get them to come over to Substack. The piece about how to do it was great, but useless if people don't see my CTA.
That's the fun part about social media, right? GRRR!
A lot of my stuff never got any traction, but if I saw someone LIKE it, I would DM them and strike up a conversation. Eventually, I'd give them the link, in the DM.
It's slow, but it's been working for me.
That’s good for thought
Oh, now that's something to consider...
I had a Twitter account with 2600 people. RARELY could I get anyone to click over from JUST posting a link. Had to roll up my sleeves a bit, and invite people over haha
I call it "the vault." The vault of social media is still open, but you can only swipe a few dollars at a time.
https://socialmediaescapeclub.substack.com/p/the-vault-is-open
After years of using social media I have learned two things. People are lazy and don't like clicking links.
Yeah, I have to REALLY want something to click the link, but I do it if I want it.
This is a great question. I'm getting some traction from LinkedIn. From Instagram it's been minimal (although I'm also growing my audience over there, too).
Ugh, LinkedIn 😂
I think that most of my creative work is best left to IG, IF I can get people to pay attention.
😂 Totally. I use LinkedIn because a lot of my students and new freelancers are there (they're in my audience) but my more creative posts are on Instagram.
I'm starting a new monthly series next month titled "Writing in the Margins" and I think those will be suitable for LinkedIn.
I just found you on LinkedIn and followed you (sent a connection request). I'm excited to read your posts!
You might boost an IG post for a few days, setting the ad’s goals to send readers to Substack?
I thought about that. I think I have to look at that once I get other things rolling.