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One thing I see ended up in having more subscribers was my exposure in this forum. Participating in these Writter office hours clearly gave my newsletter more visibility and an spike on subscribers.
So, my advice: participate in the comments during the Writter office hours
Congratulations, Marcos! Post that accomplishment in the Notes. I did, and two weeks later I had more than 300. I feel so grateful to the Substack community.
The best way to use Notes, I find, is to use it with comments that others put up. A lot of writers put links up and have small articles to read. Hit the like button, and they get a notice that you sent them a like. Leave a comment. Click the link, read the article, and leave a comment on the writer's page, under the COMMENTS section. Notes is best used, when you use it as a tool. The more you interact with people, the more they're going to notice you...and so will others. It might take a while, but it's well worth it.
It's never overkill. It's all a matter of personal preference. Some you just give a like to because you read it, and you want them to know that you did, so you send a little heart. Some you send a heart, and tell them in a comment what you liked about it. You make a connection. And when you think others "need" to see it, restack it. You can also restack it with a note above it.
Notes is a bit like Twitter used to be, but nicer(!) You can use it to interact with other Substack writers and readers in an informal way. And you can use it to get your work in front of more people. Here's a tutorial I wrote about Notes: https://pubstacksuccess.substack.com/p/substack-notes-a-tutorial
@Sarah Fay did a great workshop on Notes about 10 days ago, titled How to Find Your and Other People's Notes (Jan 18). It goes into depth beyond the title. Check it out! Good luck!
I use Notes kind of Twitter or similar social media tool. I've publish there thoughts, my new newsletter issues, and interesting things from other newsletters. I did not get so much engage with that feature though
It's hard to get engagement on original Notes if you only have a small number of subscribers. The best way to use Notes if you are starting out is to jump into other 'conversations' that have bigger audience.
That's my experience because I've not yet hit 100 subscribers and many of those readers aren't on Substack. My biggest issue is finding time to engage with Notes because I've not been active on social media for years and gotten out of the habit of putting aside an hour here and there to interact. It's going to have to be something I pay more attention to going forward.
The Notes feature is a great way to find a community, for other writers to find you. I love it when people share their accomplishments. And when they restack the posts by others, that they enjoyed. And when they post little things they wouldn’t necessarily post on their sites.
Hi Mary! You seem to have a good handle on Notes. Do you happen to know who sees Notes? Is it everyone in one large thread or is it just those that you follow or follow you? I've not seen any real return or comments from mine and was just curious.
The only people who see your Notes are your subscribers and followers and their subscribers and followers. My understanding is there is no 'algorithm' to show your work to people outside your network. That means the best way to get 'seen' by more people is not by creating original Notes but by jumping into other people's conversations.
I wish I knew what the algorithm is behind Notes. I do know that it privileges those who post frequently. I like it as a way of discovering writers I might not otherwise find. I really enjoy that part the most, along with commenting on and restacking the posts of others. It’s really just like living in a great neighborhood where you can connect with other writers, enjoy, and share their work. A positive space. I love spending time there.
I love that! Sounds like the notes are also delivered to writes who don't follow us yet. I never realized that and thought I had to first grow my community to then be able to have more reach/impact through notes.
Hi Heloisa, that's actually something I've been trying to understand. Are notes only visible to our existing community of readers and followers, or are they visible to the greater Substack community? I imagine it has to be somewhere in the middle.
Right!? Indeed it is a huge milestone for me, I must to confess. I see some writers with thousands of subscribers and I always wondered how they got some visibility. Because in my opinion having visibility is one of the most important things, because every writer does a great job and all of us have our public... But if that public do not see you then...
I like a couple tips I read recently for growing your Substack: have a ‘hero’ post that’s permanently pinned to your landing page (I think this came from Veronica Llorca Smith?), and engage with people on Notes. I think that can help your visibility!
I read about the "hero" post in the past office hours and I did not try it yet. Did you felt an increase of subscribers because of that or some positive feedback about it?
Yeah, I think so! I feel like, since putting up the hero post, I’ve gotten a pretty steady trickle of new subscribers. I got maybe 20+ this month—so worth a try!
I have pinned one of my most responsive posts to the top, we'll see how that does. But I do intend to write a specific Hero Post for that purpose. Haven't locked down my approach on that yet.
Yes, writing comments on other 'Stacks is a great way to get yourself out there. Notes is a great tool. As well as this forum. The more you comment on someone else's writing, and RESTACK them, the better. You should also RECOMMEND the 'Stacks you like and follow, and, if you think your follower/subscribers will like something, CROSS-POST. All of these thing will help you grow.
All great ideas, Ben. It takes a bit of work to hit all the angles, but worth it. Remember, though, no matter how much "work" it might be, relax and have fun with it.
When you go to a post, there're two buttons on the top right. One says SHARE, and the other is three dots. Click the three dots and three other options appear. One is Cross-post. When you Cross-post, you are sharing that particular post you're reading, with your email list. You're essentially sending it to them and recommending the post you're reading. Now, people worry about sending too much to their list, and are afraid that if they send too much, people will unsubscribe. If that's a reason to unsubscribe, then go ahead, I say. What you are doing is telling your readers that you think they might like what this person has to say.
I read too about the thing about recommend other newsletters. I already did, actually, writing a concrete review saying why I think people should subscribe, and it did not result in having more visibility
I believe clocking in daily/often to Notes, reading the thread and commenting on those you know answers to or want to communicate with. I believe Substack is all about sharing. Like one big family. Dive in and enjoy. I'm a newbie but love the feel of this platform. It's like for SURE someone will catch you. Welcome!
Congratulations and so agree: This is the place to be seen! I just started a new newsletter on content, branding and SEO, and I'd love to have more subscribers: https://contentclarity.substack.com/
Congratulations, Marcos! I used the occasion of hitting 100 readers to send an email to all of my subscribers updating them on reaching that milestone, giving them a sense of where my readers were located, and encouraging them to help me fill in the map by sharing my Substack with friends. It was a fun (and pretty successful) way to connect and expand the community!
I recently wrote on Substack about my failed attempt to adopt a child from foster care (after 3 years of infertility and 5 miscarriages). I was grieving the loss of this child through my writing, and I got a couple of replies telling me I was a horrible person because it didn’t work out. Someone even created a fake email shouldnothavekids@_____.com and a fake Substack account and paid my monthly subscription fee so they could post an anonymous comment telling me I was a piece of garbage and didn’t deserve to be a parent. I had to paywall the post and my subsequent response to it because I no longer felt safe sharing publicly.
❓ Has anyone else had this experience on Substack? How did you handle it?
My response, in general, basically comprises three steps: 1. Paywall all highly sensitive posts on the grounds that if someone wants to be nasty they can at least pay for the privilege; 2. Block anyone making nasty comments -- if the account is fake or anonymous, get the link to the comment and take a screenshot and send it to the Substack team because they might find it useful to know about; 3. Ignore them as in don't feed the trolls
I can't respond with how to handle the horrible situation (the kind of person that makes me ask WTF is wrong with people????) but sensitive posts are the reason I keep paid subscriptions turned on even though I make only a few dollars a month. People have to pay for my vulnerability. Since my blog space is my workshop for what I hope will be longer pieces later on, I don't feel bad that only a handful of people can see them every month. Someday those pieces may become something more significant.
That’s my dividing line too, Sarah— paywalling the sensitive stuff. I just happened to gamble wrong on that particular post. I thought I could compromise by making the post public and the comments private, but that clever troll found a workaround!
Trolls are the worst. And unfortunately, they are in every corner of the internet. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Being open and vulnerable with our infertility journey is so important to the women who are still suffering alone in silence. We shouldn't be afraid of what complete strangers will say while we are speaking from our heart to those who need to hear it.
I’ve got a post that’s kind of sensitive that I’d like to put behind the paywall. But I don’t have enough paid subscribers so virtually no one would see it. So I’m sitting on it for the time being
I put a tweet up once and got shit on by a bunch of people...I'd said something that maybe you should encourage kids to play outside rather than sit in front of the TV playing video games. People were screaming at me, calling me an old dinosaur and saying I was what was wrong with my generation. I just turned it off and walked away. It bothered me. But I can not begin to understand the hurt you must have felt with the cruelty levelled against you. No one deserves that.
I’m sorry you went through this too, Ben. Thank you for empathizing. It extra-sucked because I was already in such deep pain over my loss. In the end, though, I turned it around and wrote a second essay about why maybe they were right, but for all the wrong reasons:
Ugh, I'm so sorry! I have not yet had this experience on Substack but have dealt with TONS of haters on Medium, which is part of reason I'm exploring Substack instead. I've found that not engaging is usually the best way to go. There are a few anti-feminist but semi-respectful men I don't mind sparring with from time to time, but otherwise I ignore it. I'll admit, it's hard not to stew over the nasty comments, but I try to put as little energy into the haters as possible. They're clearly dealing with their own shit, and I'm not going to solve it!
LOL Kerala, THIS: “They're clearly dealing with their own shit, and I'm not going to solve it!” That pretty much sums it up. 😂 Thank you for your words of wisdom! I’m curious, what have your Medium readers taken issue with in your writing?
Anything related to gender, particularly gender equity in the workplace and between spouses/partners. It's funny, I also write a lot about racial issues since I'm in an interracial marriage, and I thought those posts would be the most controversial. But for me, it's been the gender stuff that lures most of the haters out of the woodwork. I have some very loyal hate readers, who follow me just to disagree with me. Mostly men, but a couple women here and there too!
I expect to have my own cadre of haters as soon as my blog makes it into some of the more rigid churches. That's fine with me. They propelled Harry Potter into the stratosphere preaching against the witchcraft in it.
Well, your writing must be impactful, Kerala, if they care enough to put that much energy into criticizing it! 😂 Are they mostly male critics, as far as you can tell, or mixed-gender?
And also... when my posts start attracting haters, that's how I know they're getting in front of a wider audience. So even though it feels shitty, it's kind of a good thing!
Once I realized that there are four stock comments that most of my haters have, it lost the sting. They are 1. You’re dumb. 2. You’re crazy. 3. Call to action (f off, be unalive, go join the rest of the dum dums) 4. You do not have the appearance or personality of which I approve, therefore you will remain sexually unfulfilled and lonely, likely with more than two cats.
I’ve had the haters on The Medium because of my content. I get it. I’m not for everyone. But it’s not like you have a gun to your head to read anything.
I’ve found Substack more supportive and encouraging an experience to write in over The Medium.
It feels like a safer space to me. I’m grateful for that.
✏️ - Looking for any tips/ tricks for promoting on social media. I have a pretty substantial following but it just seems like my posts don’t reach anyone.
I hear your pain, Arle. Indeed, social media's contribution is minimal. For context I write the Visual Storytelling Newsletter (https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/) and here are a few tactics I use:
- Use more Share buttons in your content
- Activate the Subscriber Referrals
- Search for writers with similar interests and do a collab
- Engage with other readers during Office Hours, their posts, Notes, Chat
- Comp people you care about (if you offer paid sub) and ask them to share your newsletter
- Recommend other newsletters, that's how I received lots of subs
- Beyond social, you can submit your newsletter to https://inboxreads.co/ and other newsletter networks
- Insert a link into your email signature (Canva has great email signature templates)
- Add a signup popup to your website
- The most effective is really when you network with new people on or offline to share. It worked for me every time.
I'm pretty new to substack, but have been writing a weekly newsletter that highlights new stuff on our website (SideHusl.com) for about five years. We have roughly 22,000 subscribers. The vast majority have joined because of the subscribe button on our website.
Your comments are most welcome. A great list and I'm trying them all. I'll be 80 in a few months (look and act younger - ha) and am not proficient with technology but have quality content. Only 400 subscribers so far but your ideas I'm sure will help. Thanks so much, Ron.
Hi Sandy, I am just getting back to Substack, after losing 7 family members over the last months. I was just notified my sister passed last week as well. Yet, at 70 I too am strong, motivated and have a passion to continue to write. The fog of grief was just beginning to lift until now. I shall write and continue through this platform, raw and vulnerable, yet realistic and full of passion to write while I am here. Thank you for posting your thoughts. Congratulations on 400 subscribers... that is great!
I'm about to be 82 and still writing – sometimes about issues to do with being old and sometimes about issues that affect everyone. Come have a look and see me stand on my head (2 minute video).
Hi Brenda. I'd never typically do this but my Substack might provide inspiration about how close your family members really are. I lost my only child in 2018 and wrote my first book in that space about being a closet medium for 35 years and instantly reconnecting with my son by accident. Now, tons of legends are coming with beautiful insight, descriptions, and general wisdom to help us all find peace and a better life here. Some are light hearted and all are tender and loving. If you're so inclined, the weekly articles might lift your spirits and help shift your grief to a stronger sense of connectedness with each of your loved ones. God bless you, Brenda. I chose Substack because I had no idea what to do with the hundreds of messages from icons that continue to come to me. So, this is my vehicle to share. Sending much love your way, Brenda, and thanks so much for your kind note.
so sorry for your losses, Brenda. that is a lot. Keep going....you sound wonderfully motivated...I just watched your video about Hope...beautiful and gives me inspiration.
Thanks for sharing these tips. I do a lot ofd sharing of other people's 'stacks, and subscribe to support them as well as read what they have to say. It's a bit of a pity when they don't reciprocate though (although most do)
Shlomi, this is a great list. I used recommendations when I first joined Substack but then stopped for some reason. I'm going to review my recommendations and give some thought to why I value those particular Substacks so much.
Wow, these are great ideas! Shlomi when you say 'more share buttons' do you mean more than one button in every post? I'm never sure if those buttons in the middle are going to annoy people...
No worries, Tanya :) Yea, I mean you can alternate between the Share and Refer A Friend buttons. For the latter, you first want to activate the Subscriber Referrals. Test these buttons and see how your subscribers react. If you have a great content you've already established a strong reason for them to share :)
🧠 We have to remember that we are itty bitty plankton in vast ocean of noise and bubbles. And I don't mean that negatively, just as a matter of point. Go slow and steady and don't wear yourself out trying to make a splash. Relax, have some fun with it. Post fun stuff. Enjoy yourself and let your promotions will carry that feeling.
There is NO end of people and companies out there that will sell you products and services to "promote" yourself. Don't burn your wallet or your patience. As a famous philosopher (Dory the fish) once said, "Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming."
Thanks, Lisa. I always like to quote the most influential philosophers of our time. Though her advice can be somewhat salty sometimes. 😁
Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for subscribing. YOU are my 100th Subscriber. Yaaaaaay!!! In recognition, you have my undying admiration and your name will be prominently displayed in my mental Hall of Fame. Thanks!
Instagram is my conversational platform of choice and I feel like Instagram totally suppresses Substack content. I have experimented with sharing pre-made Substack promo images, regular images, using vs. not using the word Substack, as well as "link in bio." I haven't collected rigorous data (LOL) but I just think IG (like Facebook, so it makes sense) kills anything that whiffs of taking a user out of the platform.
THAT SAID, while I think IG throttles feed posts, my audience is very tuned to engaging with me in Stories. So that is usually how I convert -- through organically weaving in my Substack content in Stories with the link sticker.
Arle, when I clicked on your Substack link, I saw a title but was unable to access any content without subscribing first. Is that deliberate? Perhaps that's what keeping people from your door, so to speak. On a more general note: I've come to believe that social media isn't the 'answer' to anything--certainly not engagement. Finding niches where people share your passions, interests, and goals can be more rewarding than trying to spread yourself across all the "tools."
Although clicking "No Thanks" will get the user to your Home page, many users might not click. There is a better way. I link to my About Page. Users can enter my Substack website through the About Page without having to subscribe or click the small "No Thanks" link.
Yeah, I appreciate that! I clicked on someone else’s Substack that just posted here and it did the same thing. I’ve also experienced it in the past and simply click “no thanks” but I think you are likely right about it feeling “pressured”.. It is definitely not deliberate on my end. I’ll look into it.
You can change the "no thanks" to display something else like "let me check it out first." Or, if you're particularly cheeky, maybe "Let me fondle the merchandise first!" lol
I've seen the "Let Me Check It Out First" which I really like. I also wonder why the referral and recommend buttons come up when I first go in to check someone out. I don't know anything about it yet to recommend it.
Arle, my bad! I simply needed to click the 'not now' button to get to your content. Oops. Silly me. I love the photo choices on your home page. You have a great eye, even if some or all are stock (and I suspect they are not!)
That is the normal process at Substack if you use the top level address. If you link directly to a post, it will take them there. I'm not sure I like this feature. On the one hand, it asks them directly up front to subscribe. On the other, it might put them off from exploring as the "no thanks" (or whatever you use) may not be truly intuitive.
Arle, you had me with Jack Kerouac's playlist. Just flagged that post for my reading hour! Nice to meet you. ;)
You mean social media beyond Substack, right? I wonder if many are getting a ton of traction that way? A resource that's on my to-do list to check out is https://on.substack.com/p/bringing-followers-from-instagram. I also keep telling myself to highlight other substacks on social media that I think followers would like because I get a sense that might catch people's attention, feel like something different. But I've mostly stopped posting on socials cuz of exactly what you're talking about--not a whole lot of traction.
Thanks for asking! Maybe we could stay in touch, let each other know if we find any strategies that seem to change the game.
Thanks Holly! I'm going to check that article out as well. I currently use my Instagram to post pics of my cute dog, so it would be great if I could have it work for me. Instagram is tough because you can only put links in the Bio.
Right? And don't rely on my for this because I'm not the expert. But I'm fairly certain I've heard phrases like "link in Bio" notch you down the ladder on the algorithm. IG wants people to stay there, not go to Substack. So, ...
My strategies are going to be (1) promote other people's Substack stuff too and (2) make videos instead of photo posts. I'll report back as to whether that does any good on some future office hours.
Not very helpful, I know, but that's simply how social media works in 2024. i.e., it's not useful as a promotional platform (unless you spend lots of money).
The only paid promo I do is bookfunnel, because it tends to convert well, and it's nice and honest in the way it functions. I write fiction, so it's a good way to find readers of my genres.
Otherwise, it's lots of networking, and paying careful attention to SEO (this one was initially accidental, but has since brought in lots of new readers).
Hi Arle! I briefly looked at your stack and the thing that jumped out is whether you have capability of sharing that playlist directly on the substack or at least drop a Spotify link. If we don’t have the software capability, then maybe you could share a quick note at the start of the post that says, follow me on Spotify to get this and my other playlists! As someone who celebrates winter solstice, I’d never heard these songs and was intrigued enough to want to subscribe. So keep using those tags!
Shlomi's recommendations are excellent, and I would also add:
- don't just add 'Share' buttons but actively tell readers to share and explain why (eg "If you liked this post, please share it with your friends. Sharing helps this community of xxx grow"
- spend more time on social media NOT pasting links to your work, but instead just interacting with others.. the aim is become "known" and "liked" so that when you do share your own work people are more likely to click through.
I feel like it's really hard to reach masses on social media unless you're really doing the work to grow on those platforms. I've had the most growth from networking here on the platform (or in places devoted to Substack such as LinkedIn, FB groups and Reddit).
I would love to follow your account as I am also struggling with exposure on social media and have been trying to connect with other writers on Instagram. My handle is @formysakenow! Feel free to reach out!
You make a wonderful point, Alison: we write for those who need to hear it, so that we all feel less alone. Thankfully, the positive comments have outweighed the negative ones a hundred times over, and for that reason, I keep going! 💪
Liz, I sent you an email. But I also want to say publicly, I admire your honesty and bravery. And I hope you're caring for your tender heart and cleaving to those who would do so too in this time of grief.
As hard as it is to do, I think ignoring is best. They say the best way to help someone being bullied is to turn your total attention to the person being targeted, be their friend, talk with them, walk with them, helping turn your and their back to the bully. It focuses the attention on what is good--warmth and connection between humans living their lives with all the attendant challenges--and away from nasty words and arguments that help no one. I think the same applies here.
Sending you warmth. I'm glad you're here, sharing your truth.
Thank you, Holly. Your words are so insightful, and so true. I received your email and many kind words of support from others, which has helped tremendously to drown out the unkind voices. I’ve been deep in my grieving process, but I look forward to replying to everyone when I come up for air. I am humbled to receive so much love from people who only know me through my words. I’m grateful that you are one of them! ❤️
I have no piece of advice but just words of support. Nobody understands well what it means to adopt children, especially when they come from foster care. Your decision is complety yours, and shouldn't be judged, I believe when people decide to send back a child they wanted and so much desired the wound is on both side.
I have seen you put your answer on a paywall and I clearly understood the reason why you did it, and you were right, in my humble opinion. Substack is a space that has been created for writers to have, yes conversation with their readers, but also control over nasty people, and paywalling is one way to go about haters. I am just apalled this person was so nasty to subscribe to hurt you more. Just screenshot everything and send it to the Substack help team.
Yeah, that was the real kicker, Emmanuelle! Originally I kept the post public and had the comments on paywall, because I was afraid of exactly this. So for someone to go to all that trouble of creating the new accounts and paying to comment anonymously… that was a surprise. And it’s too bad I had to paywall the whole post, because I know how annoying the paywalls can feel, especially to new subscribers.
This is a massive problem across every major platform unfortunately. It shocks me to see some of the comments on videos across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok especially. Much of this content is just the creator expressing their experiences in the world, as you have with your post.
The undeniable truth of the internet in the modern is age is: no matter what you put out there, there will always be harsh, unthoughtful and nasty responses. Given this reality, it's on you to accept it and continue in the face of negativity. I've actually gained a lot of respect for content creators who continue to put themselves out there when the world continually patronizes and belittles them. It's not an easy job.
My condolences for your loss and I hope you can find the strength to continue. I know you're not alone in your loss as my own family has dealt with these same problems. Your story will help others find peace.
At the end of the day if Lebron, or anyone achieving at that level, is dealing with these same issues, then you know it's not about them. It's about people's own insecurities and world views.
Well said, Reet—both you and LeBron! Mostly, I just laugh when I imagine these critical people trying to actually live the difficult experience I lived, let alone write about it and share it publicly. Going after what we want, failing, and being willing to talk about it (especially when it reveals our own shortcomings) requires courage… a trait that is conspicuously lacking in those who would hide in the crowd and jeer us from the sidelines.
I’m sorry to hear that your family, too, has had similar experiences. Thank you for your kind words, and for standing with me in solidarity. 🙏
Wow, I'm sorry that happened to you, Liz. I've had haters comment on my posts (although not on such a sensitive issue) and l basically block them and delete their comments. It still takes an emotional toll though so paywalling as someone suggested is probably a good idea.
WHOA. That's next-level horrible, and I'm so sorry to hear about it, Liz. I don't really have any words of wisdom for how to handle it that haven't already been covered here, but I can tell you that I know a writer who was excoriated both in online comments and in her Amazon book reviews--for an unrelated book--for admitting in a piece (which was given an inflammatory headline by the publication) that she'd never really wanted to have kids and, while she loved them very much, was happy to allow her husband, who was much more interested in parenthood, to have primary custody when they split up. She lived down the street from her kids and still saw them every day.
Somehow this got her comments declaring her "worse than Hitler" (I wish I was making that up, but I'm not). I share this story to illustrate that people get VERY worked up over parenthood, and especially motherhood, in this country, jumping to conclusions and spewing hatred with incredible ease--often without really reading or understanding the full story. It sounds like they didn't really read/understand yours, either.
You're definitely NOT the only person who's ever experienced something like this, which I hope is at least somewhat comforting.
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection, Nancy. I think you’re right—any story around motherhood (or impending motherhood) that isn’t rainbows and unicorns (or “it’s hard but it’s all worth it”) doesn’t fit the cultural narrative people want to believe. And you’re right that they don’t know even half the story; probably not 1% of it. They don’t know how desperately I’ve tried to become a parent, for so many years. They don’t know about the behaviors I experienced with this child that I was not informed of in advance; the diagnoses that were not disclosed; the fact that sending him to my home was, in fact, an experiment and his case workers didn’t know if it would work (it only took 24 hours to realize it wouldn’t). All this after I’d fallen in love with this beautiful child who I desperately wanted to help, but couldn’t. Yet these haters distill all of that into “I gave up on him” based on a 500-word reflection I shared about love and loss. This probably explains why I’ve struggled to find any similar stories of other failed adoptions to help ease my pain—it’s too taboo to talk about. But that’s exactly why we need to talk about it.
I would be fascinated to read the piece you mentioned; are you able to share that author’s name, or link to it? What a shame that they sought out her other books to try to discredit her. These people will stop at nothing, even if you ignore them, which is what makes it so scary. But I wish more of us had the courage to face them. My strategy (after blocking them) was to write about how maybe they were right, but for the wrong reasons:
You're so welcome, Liz. I'll email you the link--I don't want to take the risk of inflaming anyone else and sending more hate her way, even on a piece that's a decade old.
I hadn't read your post yet, but I just did, and I suspect the fact that you didn't go into detail about what happened that made the match untenable just meant they filled in the gaps with their own crazy--but as you'll see in the piece I'm sending you, even giving details about how much you see your kids even if you don't live with them did not stop them from just raging blindly and being horrible, so my guess could be completely incorrect and wouldn't have made a difference anyway.
To me, the anguish was perfectly clear in your writing, details or no, but I fear we have become incredibly empathy challenged as a culture... which is probably best left as another conversation for another day.
Honestly this says a lot about them and nothing about you. I hate that you experienced that when sharing something so personal. Some people are so miserable they just have to make others miserable, too...and sadly, I think topics surrounding parenthood and children can sometimes get people really riled up. In addition to the other suggestions (like paywalling from the get-go) and ignoring, I'd also consider adding a content warning to your posts. While your publication clearly states it deals with infertility, it might be helpful for those who want to decide if they have enough spoons to read whatever you're sharing at that moment. Just a thought!
Thanks, Theresa. I think part of the problem was that I had not posted in two months, because of the turmoil of the adoption process, and in the meantime I had added 450 new subscribers to my list! Some of those people had joined via Office Hours when I mentioned that I was going to be writing a piece about how I grew my audience. (That piece has also been delayed by my grief, but it will be coming!) Unfortunately this attracted some people who were not interested in the topics I normally write about, and were not respectful in the ways that my regular readers are. So it makes me more cautious about sharing in this space, or sharing something off-topic that would attract the wrong people to my audience in the first place.
yes. seconding all the supportive things other have said here. I think you sharing at this level is courageous and profound. I suppose any subject can elicit fanatical and attack energy especially in this day and age, but writing honestly about parenting, adoption, the complexities and actual realities of it....that is especially brave and challenging. thank you..glad you are taking care of yourself.
Thank you, Ellen. I’m really grateful for your perspective, and your kind words. It is difficult stuff to share about, and I feel honored that you consider my writing “courageous.” I think the most difficult things are the ones that need to be written, so that someone, somewhere might feel less alone. We need to “brave” the haters in order to make that happen. 🙏
Secondly, remember it is all external to you and does not determine your value.
Thirdly, in my experience with psychology, usually the people who ache are the ones who take their energy and feelings *for themselves* onto someone else (that would be you in this case).
For all we know this is someone with too much free time to spend on creating an email address, paying and commenting with the sole purpose of hurting you. Pitiful at best. Ridiculous at worst.
You’re right on all counts, Katrin. I appreciate your compassion. And yes, it’s almost comically ridiculous—so much so that I used this person’s “Should not have kids” fake email address as the inspiration for my next post, exploring why maybe they’re right; maybe I shouldn’t have kids:
Oof. So painful, so awful, Liz. I haven't had any haters pay for a sub, but I did receive an extremely hateful email and at least one or two hateful responses on Notes. I delete and block immediately in such cases. I welcome differing opinions and dialogue. I will not waste any energy on haters (most of whom don't post their picture, are basically anonymous, etc.).
I did the same recently when I shared a vulnerable essay about money and explicitly requested that folks only share about their experiences and not offer unsolicited advice (I request this every post and also lay it out as a policy in my About page). I received so many beautiful, powerful comments...and one that ignored that request and proceeded to comment on how I've lived "all" my life and how I should fix it. I deleted and blocked. The essay in question: https://danaleighlyons.substack.com/p/financial-binging-vs-financial-anorexia
Ugh, I’m sorry you’ve been through this too, Dana. Thank you for sharing your post - it is very vulnerable, and it makes me feel less alone in where I am financially at this stage in life (mid-40s). I can also imagine how it would open you up to judgment of the judgers out there.
Like you said, there’s a difference between healthy debate/dialogue versus hate and judgement. The difference is curiosity: I may not understand exactly where you’re coming from, but am I curious enough to learn? Those who are not—who think they have all the answers—could just keep their mouths shut, but of course they don’t. Because they need to justify themselves to themselves, and anyone who thinks differently is a threat.
Thank you, Liz. And yeah - I try to stay out of the way of Those Who Know The Answer as much as possible. There's no space there - for anyone or anything.
I'm so sorry this happened to you Liz. That is horrible and I can't believe anyone reading about your journey would then want to be insensitive. I hope you heard from Substack on ways to support you through this. It sounds like the steps you took were pretty smart.
Thank you, Colleen. I haven’t heard anything from Substack… I did hit the “report comment” button, but I don’t know where that goes, or what they consider to be abusive. That could be another question for another Office Hours. I appreciate your support!
🧠 Welcome Substackers. This is my top read article on growing followers and it has helped me grow my social media followers to 140K and I have implemented the same ideas on Substack and so far I have a steady growth. I hope it helps you all.
✏️ what was the biggest growth moment for your newsletter, and what led to it? i finally became a bestseller, woohoo! 50 people paid to do The Artist's Way in my accountability group - the single biggest (paid) growth moment my newsletter has ever seen. now the work comes in making my newsletter so great that they want to stay and finding new community experiences we can do together. would love to hear about other people's biggest moments of growth!
Just recently, I posted something on Notes about what I've learned on Substack. I got well over 100 likes, and restacks, shares, the whole nine yards. I picked up at least 25-30 new subscribers in 2 days. The biggest growth I've ever had. I'm now sitting at 430, wondering how that happened. Because I write fiction, I know it's a hard sell. But I'm here for the long haul, working my way to get one of those little check marks beside my name.
That's awesome, Ben! And yep, it take TIME. I started my newsletter in the Spring of 2022. I'm finally starting to use Notes after avoiding it for the same reasons I quit Twitter, and it seems like a really fun and effective place for growth.
Wow, Ben, that’s great! And excited to learn that you write fiction. It seems a natural fit for Substack. My chosen categories are “literature” and “fiction” but I don’t put my fiction up on Substack. I think that people who care about literature take a natural interest in all genres. I write mostly memoir and personal essays, so there’s a an obvious overlap. I would love to read your work. And am always excited to see serialized long-form stories. Glad you brought up this topic. Heading over to your place right now.
I'm in almost exactly the same boat. After very little traction ever on Notes, one my insider articles with tips/insights from my first year on the platform get a bunch of play and recycling. And it was the same day that another of my articles on the art of listening started taking off. Just some rare magic for me on Notes that day. And I won about 15 new subscribers and am now up to 350. Yay for us! It's a long haul but then there's a blip that lifts you to the next level. Keep on keeping on. (And here's the article if it helps anyone: https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips)
Ali! Congratulations. That is an amazing accomplishment!! And now I'm excited to check out your work.
I really love this question. It sent me to my stats to try and determine whether there is a single biggest growth moment I can point to. I started with 31 people from a former blog six months ago and have grown to nearly 400. The chart shows a steady increase, and I've certainly noticed a sharper growth recently as I've fallen into my groove with an editorial calendar and an amazing community of writers and readers whose hearts and minds and words I'm falling in love with.
I've just announced a new offering. They're workshops on how to turn editorial eyes and perspectives on your own work. (I've been a professional editor for twenty years and have geeked out on how to use the editorial tool box in shaping my own writing.) I'd be lying if I didn't say I hope to look back it these workshops as growth moments.
And I so agree, the work after growth comes in making the newsletter great and connecting with more and more awesome people.
Thanks for the question! My future growth moment 😜:
A steady increase is definitely something to celebrate! Workshops can definitely help drive growth, I do them too, but it's taken me time to figure out what my audience wants. A lot of trial and error, but it all helps. Good luck with your workshop and yes to future growth moments :)
this is amazing. My current followers are mostly colleagues and family/friends so I've not chosen to have a paid option yet. Because my focus is niche (chronic pain) I have felt awkward asking for $ from the current base. When did you shift to paid, what was the tipping point? PS I am going to check out your substack now!
I launched with a paid option. I'm a TV writer and was already hosting writing retreats and teaching when I started my Substack, so it felt a natural extension to have a paid feature for giving writing advice and teaching through craft posts. I also gave retreat discounts to paying subscribers (which I've since discontinued as I've figured out my Substack more). It took a while to figure out what people actually wanted/what they felt was worth paying for, and I imagine it's something I'll always be reevaluating. I'd say if there's something specific and valuable you can offer people with chronic pain, it's worth giving the paid option a shot!
Have you figured out what people are willing to pay for? I haven't. But then, I only write fiction. People don't want to pay for that. I finally decided to put my paywall up and put my serialized "novels" there (I just call them stories) and ignore it. I figure, people will either want to read them, or they won't. I'm thinking, as the page grows, so will the PAID subscribers. I was just looking through my "followers" (I looked because I was curious as to how many I have -- 163 -- and because I noticed that you followed me today...I really wish you would have subscribed, but neither here nor there.)
Fabulous question, Ali. So far, my biggest growth moments have come from direct outreach to various networks with a link to my latest essay. I've only been at this for 4 months now, but I still feel a bit stuck in the "friend zone" in terms of subscribers, even though my growth has been pretty consistent. I look forward to reading more responses to your wonderful question!
Single growth? I set myself a challenge to write and gift poems to the first takers. Got about 10 followers from that! Wrote personalized poems and it created a small community. How is the artist way workshop ?
🧠 - Something I wish I knew when I started is that at some point, you will want to give up. As you struggle to grow, you will question everything: Is this worth it? Is anybody actually reading this? What am I doing? Expect it, and write down your answers to these questions BEFORE you feel them. Keep them close as inspiration and a reminder for your intentions, the WHY behind your newsletter. That way, when all those feelings come up, you're less likely to actually quit.
Oh, I love this, Ali! I've been in that headspace and it's often a challenge to redirect my focus to the "why" and long-term goals. Definitely going to write them down so it's easier to remind myself. Thanks for the tip! :)
Don't quit! If you feel that way, it just means you have to rethink your page. I've changed mine twice. I had the paywall up, and took it down, and then put it up again. When I feel down because people quit my 'Stack, I look at the little graph on my subscriber page which goes up at a steady 45º angle. I put out two stories a week, one FREE, and the other behind my PAYWALL. But maybe that's too much for you, or maybe not enough. Only you know that answer...but I can tell you what the answer isn't: quitting. I'm retired, so I got all the time in the world -- well, not as much as you probably. Just keep writing and don't sweat the small stuff. If you miss a deadline, remember, it's a self-imposed deadline. You're not going to lose your Substack because of it.
I'm a newbie here still. This is such great advice, actually... I know why I do my newsletter, but I never actually written it down. Getting on that now!
Yes!! Write it down and keep it close. Write down the more internal reasons too (creative fulfillment, a regular writing practice) — the things that aren't about numbers and growth. It will help a lot!
YESSSS! You have to know your why and remember your why, especially when you're putting yourself out there and making yourself vulnerable. The more powerful your why, the more insulated you are when things get hard, because we all have those days when we think know one is reading, connecting, engaging...
✏️ As a new writer on Substack, I'm excited to be on here chatting with writers and readers, and about my first 16 subscribers :) I wonder how established writers like you would approach starting out in 2024? I'm also interested in collaborating with writers in different ways.
Katie, thank you foir ebung here. I have exactly 1100 x 220 dpi PNG. How big -- long-- is a banner expected to be? Is it supposed to take up/fill across the top space?
Hey Rebecca, I use Canva for the banners and things. Although, I also had it very easy bc of the Substack soirée course - it was all pre-done. But I’ve since messed around in Canva (on my very own 😁) and it worked well.
I can make any sort of graphic in Photoshop. It's the Substack design tools/commands/whatever I can't find or don't know how to use. I ewidh there was a tutorial on this.
You've gotten a lot of answers, and Katie gave you the banner dimensions. You can't "adjust" the size or positioning of the banner on your page. So you want to make sure it is correctly sized and you like how it shows up. (Or edit, resize, and upload again.)
Within your actual posts, you can "drag" to resize images (or set them full-width).
On Canva, you can choose, alter and adjust relatively easily. If you have little experience in design, it is your go-to. If you don't have much time, it is your go-to. If you have any questions, shoot me an email or, even easier, connect with me on Instagram @formysakenow. :)
As was said by others, Canva is good if you want a user-friendly experience. Inkscape is also a great tool. You build graphics from scratch but its super easy to learn, enjoyable to create and offers an additional tool in your repertoire!
✏️ I am having a hard time with joining the herd in announcing my subscribers. I know that substack recommends that we do our own advertising to gain more subs but it just feels not organic to me. Any advice would be recommended. I don't think I can read another "I am so grateful for you and i have reached X number of subscriber" posts. Does that mean I do not belong here? I also cannot turn on my paid which I presume means substack does not even circulate my stack b/c there is zero incentive. Thoughts? Advice? Words of wisdom?
You have to do what feels authentic to you. If you don't want to do the milestone post, don't do it. I feel like it's so easy to get caught up in what we should be doing, but if I've learned anything about Substack, it's that the usual rules don't apply. Do what feels right to you.
I wrote a comment below and did so using my reader account rather than my writer account, so I wanted to check in under my writer account as well. I just started a second Substack and it is missing the listening feature, which I really need for my new publication. I have reached out for help to get this resolved and I have gotten a combination of the runaround and having my messages ignored. Can I please get help with this? I have been a writer on Substack for nearly three years with my previous publication, which I still write at consistently. I believe in Substack's mission enormously. I just really would like this resolved so I can begin growing my second publication as well. Thank you.
Hey James, text-to-speech is currently only available to some publications. As you grow the new publication,it will be enables.
Since you have test-to speech on your other publication, I understand how important this feature is for you. I've logged your request for the text-to-speech feature to be added to your new publication.
Just reading some of the conversation and discussion. Very grateful for this community. Thank you all for sharing, really helpful for a newbie - just joined this week :)
🧠 Main thing I've observed this week? That whenever I’m a bit nervous about a newsletter, or think it might be too personal or too weird, those are always the editions that do really well.
It’s happened at least three times now, with newsletters I very nearly didn’t send. And they all really resonated with readers.
As writers I think we have to feel a bit uncomfortable and as if we’re about to fall over, in order to write our most compelling stuff.
My most deeply personal posts are the ones that receive the most attention. I’m pretty careful about boundaries. But I have stories to tell, and sometimes it’s a challenge to hit “ publish.” But I love and trust my readers, and I’m willing to risk being vulnerable. What I don’t do is share stories that are not mine to share. And I don’t post pictures of children, or write about them in a way that makes them identifiable. It’s not easy. I try. I fail. And then try to fail better.
Fully agree! I was a little nervous to start writing about something like ketamine treatment for depression, but I’ve discovered that the more personal and honest I am, the more my readers respond to the work. Which is gratifying and helps conquer the associated anxiety!
I love that the resurgence of newsletters as a form has really helped readers and writers of all sorts find each other in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.
Love this, Simon! it’s scary. And yet it’s what we all crave, that vulnerable, brave voice I’m all about befriending the inner monkeys of fear that try to stop us. Yay 🙌🏽 you did that.
Totally agree with this Simon. I have 2 substacks and one is called Letters to my father and is incredibly personal about my journey as we deal with his leukaemia diagnosis. I avoided posting on it for a while. But the comments and messages I’ve received from them has been wonderful and a huge comfort to me.
That's it. Although there's also the conundrum that if you try and do it *on purpose*, it then ceases to be authentic. It has to be almost accidental, I think.
Correct! Follow your intuition when to share this type of story. Overuse like anything else can backfire. I’ve written one that was based on a true experience and it was also nicely received.
🧠 Simon, thanks so much for saying that out loud. Most of my posts are about unintended consequences other people have experienced. I inject a bit of myself in most of them, but a few... a few end up focusing on my experience and start to get very personal.
I feel good in that area, but it is hard sometimes to understand where that boundary is. How much is truly private? How much is shareable? I find that when I start to become uncomfortable is when I start to just let loose and let it go to see where it heads. Do I publish it all? Most I think. I have pulled back a few times, but only when the thread seems to be a bit tarnished.
Amazing to hear! I have struggled with the same feelings, always wondering "Am I oversharing? Who will even care?" But then I hear how much it helped readers or struck a chord and it affirms that the scary stuff is often the most rewarding. Definitely leaning into more vulnerability this year. Glad to hear it's worked well for you!
That's awesome! I'm starting to learn how to be more personal more as well. I realize that even in writing about horror, people want to know who you are too!
Totally agree with this. I published a piece about my father's passing this week and I was pretty nervous about it, ended up receiving a lot of positive feedback from my readers. Link if anyone wants to check it out: https://astralprojections.substack.com/p/grief
This! Going over old works to publish, I never noticed how personal I got with dealing with grief through poems. Sort of now balancing the line of revision or just scraping it completely. Which doesn't feel fair since alot of other writers here are clearly comfortable with showing vulnerability, so it's pretty clear I should grant them the same courtesy.
🟧 Have y’all ever thought about allowing writers to limit posts to all subscribers, including free? Think paywall sans payment, where a reader would have to become at least a free subscriber in order to see the whole post. I for one would value this!
We've heard this request before and it's really interesting.
Would you want the post to be for subscribers only to create privacy or to drive more new subscribers because people would have to subscribe to access? Or something else?
I think it’s compelling to set up a publication this way in order to create a more private ecosystem while not requiring a paid subscription. It would be neat to only interact with subscribers no matter the subscription level. Maybe some posts can be public, but free subscriber viewing mode would be super interesting! It might even generate more free signups in the process.
My interest in it was mostly for the purpose of driving more subscribers. I know there are a bunch of people who wait for me to post a link on other social media, and they then read my newsletter but don’t subscribe.
Both! But specifically to incentivize subscribing > following, only the former of which aligns with Substack’s differentiating promise of audience portability. Also could be an impediment to trolling.
Honestly, as someone who reads a lot on Substack, I would not like this. If I need to subscribe before I can experience a few posts, I'll probably bounce along. But that's just my feeling.
I agree. I don't want to have to entice people to subscribe. I have some readers who don't and they've said it's because they get too many emails so they like just seeing when I share my post on social media
I tend to agree with that. I understand why some writers want that option. But my own experience as a reader is that the road to being a subscriber generally starts with a peek at where it is going. It's a process, not a moment.
This has been discussed before. In my view, this is clever, but also confusing and complicated. And frankly, I doubt it will result in more subscribers. If your open to everybody writing isn't compelling enough to subscribe, hiding it behind any sort of wall is unlikely to help.
You can currently make an entire publication private, and only those you approve can view its content (free or paywalled). This can have the effect you're looking for -- but with the downside that the wall is at the publication-level not at the post-level
Does this mean that anyone who "follows" me but doesn't subscribe is getting all the same free content as a subscriber? (All my content is free, by design.) I'd prefer more subscribers than followers!
This is brilliant! On Instagram (@formysakenow), I have a linktree that shows that my posts are checked so many times, yet I do not get any new subscribers. Seems rather unfair.
✏️ 🟧 I only just started paying attention to my “Weekly Substack Reads” email and am quite impressed by how much I’ve enjoyed each and every story that’s been recommended. It’s been a great way to discover new writers who speak to me. I assume there’s some mysterious algorithm driving the selections; does anyone know how it works or what it’s based on? If we’re featured in someone’s Weekly Reads, would we know?
To oversimplify a bit.. It is based on what readers similar to you are also engaging with (reading, liking, subscribing/paying, etc.). Also try to ensure some diversity of content so it isn't entirely one theme (food, politics, science, etc.).
We don't currently share when you are featured in it but that's a good idea! You should be able to tell if someone subscribes to you through Your Weekly Stack via the new subscriber email (it will have a source of "Substack Network — Your Weekly Stack").
I’m a newbie and I’m wondering what’s the difference between following someone and subscribing? What’s the benefit of following and not subscribing? I recently got a few new followers that I don’t think also subscribed and I’m so curious about this!
This is a good question. It took me a minute to understand the distinction (or more precisely why I wanted to follow or be followed).
In short:
Following means you'll see their Notes. https://substack.com/home. Go here and scroll down to see Notes. (I will tag you in one after I post this.)
Subscribing means you'll get their newsletter in your inbox.
A metaphor:
Following is like hanging out with someone at a party. You get to hear what they have to say, who and what they're boosting and recommending.
Subscribing is like inviting them to a more intimate space where they can regularly share their work and thoughts and the art or thought pieces they've created for you.
Being followed and being subscribed to are both fantastic I think! I follow people to keep them on my radar, to remind myself I'd love to check out their work and maybe subscribe if it speaks to me, especially if I like what they're doing on Notes.
Omg, thank you soooo much, Holly! This is amazingly helpful and I deeply appreciate you taking the time to send such a thorough and insightful response. ❤️
Yeah, Winston, I'm kinda wondering if you've ever seen my name up there? Isn't that how it's supposed to work? Or do they put it up for everyone to see? I thought they were just sort of putting up 'Stacks you were following.
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you mentioned in my weekly stack. Im not familiar with how it works though. Id think it would be a mixture of interest and network.
🧠 - One thing I’ve noticed I’ve told several writers over the past week or two that I believe would be a beneficial reminder to ANYONE who creates for a community:
ALWAYS COMMUNICATE YOUR INTENTIONS!
It makes everyone involved feel SO much better :)
I can struggle with perfectionism and wanting things to come across “just right.” Or just forgo a series idea or whatever because I don’t know exactly how I’ll structure it or if I’ll like sharing it or if my peeps will like it...
So just say so!
Tell your people if you’re wanting to try something new, or if you’re going to take a hiatus and what to expect.
Starting something completely different on the same Substack? Put it in a section, share an announcement about it, and link them to be able to manage their subscription in case they aren’t interested in that particular topic.
Hold polls for your people, update your welcome pages when schedules change... it’s all so appreciated (and gives us the biggest exhale to do more of what we’d like!) on both ends when you just communicate what you’re doing.
I very much relate with that perfectionism! Thank you for the insights, Cierra. I'm going to work on my welcome page and email this weekend to lean into more of that intentionality.
Great way to tame those Perfectionist Monkeys and use your honest, authentic, real voice. That's what we all want.
I too have struggled with this, not liking posts to get too "Meta" - e.g. writing about my own Substack! Truly it's about Golden Rules of connecting...
🟧 Hi all, just a big 👏 to the Substack team in response to the new tools for international readers & writers. I'm based in Ireland and while most of my readers are American, it's great to see the community grow here in Ireland. 🇮🇪
🧠 I just want to say that collaborating with other creatives has been my favourite thing about this platform since I began writing here in July. I love how easy it is to tag other writers and co-author work.
I’m currently on the lookout for female and non-binary multi-hyphenates to interview for the next series of my podcast that I host here. Get in touch if that’s you and you’re interested!
This sounds amazing, Hannah! Would love to collaborate on this and also help you out in any way that I can, as well :) I'm a continuously evolving multi-hyphenate and can share unique perspectives given my South Asian background and some of the stigmas around pursuing a creative path.
Hi Hannah! I’m multiple-passionate and would love to play on your podcast. I’m a Human Design reader and, in Human Design, Manifesting Generators (one of the energy types) NEED to be multi-passionate to be in alignment. I am a Manifesting Generator.
Hi Hannah, total multi-multi-here. Loving collabs, too. I'd love to chat about ways to befriend the inner Distraction Monkeys that jump from tree to tree! It's a jungle out there. And in here. Thank you 🙏🏼
🟧 I recently speculated a future where Substack becomes a powerhouse in the digital ebook marketplace by enabling several key integrations. The response was positive, and the resulting discussion has been really insightful, with several folks asking that it be elevated. I figured sharing the article here at Office Hours might be the best place to follow up with the Substack team or other independent authors who might have takeaways on whether the direction is viable for Substack in general.
Great vision Winston! It would breath a new life into our old but great posts. The reality is that posts have a very short shelf life. ebooks can definitely offer a new reach and revenue stream.
This is a big issue for me so thank you for raising. I feel pressure to write more but I'm also writing a book and juggling my day job (like I am sure most everyone here does)!
Echoing that. I have decided to move to a post every other week in 2024 because that will work so much better for my schedule. I published inconsistently last year anyway, and I did not see a drop in subscribers.
Totally agree with this. When I first got started I got caught up in the ‘I must publish the same time every week’ and then anything I wrote either struggled to come out of me or was just not how I envisioned it to post. I now post when the writing is bubbling out of me and the growth has happened more so because I’m writing with real emotion. Don’t fall for the ‘it has to be regular’ hype!
✏️ 🟧 As someone who has always been a writer, but hesitated to call myself one, I am so grateful for the creative freedom and consistent writing practice that Substack has empowered me to sustain. Now that I'm 20 weeks in, I want to focus on growing the reach and impact of my writing with a stronger following. Aside from promoting to my existing networks, what else can I do?
Hello Jess, it's fantastic to know you're enjoying your Substack experience! One effective strategy for expanding your audience involves collaborating with other Substack creators, either by sharing content or contributing guest articles. Additionally, leveraging Substack's recommendation tool can significantly boost your followership. I'm adding two links in case you want to dig a bit deeper:
Subscribed the moment I saw the name of your publication! We should connect and collaborate (@formysakenow/ourtribeheals@gmail.com)!
Thank you for bringing up this discussion as well. I think it also matters how you promote yourself on your existing networks (and which are they, of course).
Hello Jess! (I say from the future, haunting an old office hours). I just wrote up some insights I've accrued in my first year here. And I love it here so much! Hope this helps you further grow. https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
✏️ what is everyone's best advice for getting your work out there and growing an audience/community, when you are pretty much starting from scratch on Substack? How do I help the right people see my writing and want to subscribe/pay to see my writing?
✏️ What rituals or processes do you have for making your way through your favorite writers' essays?
I've been reserving time for my Substack Inbox every evening, keeping it up to date with essays that I'm excited to dive into, and archiving essays if they don't spark curiosity during the initial skim through. I use Reader (Readwise's save now, read later tool) if I find myself drawn to passages I'd like to highlight and revisit in the future
With so many Substack newsletters crashing my inbox, I find myself relying on titles and subheads to choose what to read first, if at all. And I should heed that advice with my own posts!
I borrowed a page out of one of my favorite writers on Substack, Elle Griffin – she says she's quick to subscribe *and* quick to unsubscribe
I'm much more likely to make it through my Substack inbox when I have a lot of essays I'm excited to read and don't feel bad unsubscribing when a writer's essays don't land with me. I wouldn't want a reader to stay subscribed to my Substack despite not resonating with my writing :)
Right now I don’t have a process and feel so behind with what I’m excited to read on here! Haha
I end up saving reads I wanna return to, to give my undivided attention. And also saving emails with Weekly Reads that’ve perked my ears.
Had a little hiccup this morning, but last night I tried to finish some things a little early so I could spend a good chunk of today reading Substack, making ricotta blueberry pancakes, and working on a Human Design project for Generators I’ve been excited to dive into! We’ll see how it goes!
Thank you so much!! And I’m designing it as efficiently (and as fast!!) as I can because I’m SO eager to test it! It’ll be for daily use hopefully! Ahhhh!
Cool! I'm a Manifesting Generator, who suffers from too-much-ness. I posted a scheduling tool, "The JoyFinder" last week. To let the feeling of Joy guide the stuff you want, AND what you gotta do.
Whoo, fellow generator! Sorta? I think I'm on to something where I see how goals are typically made and set for others, but it doesn't feel quite right as we're to respond throughout our day and sometimes that can lead us away from an "ideal schedule", and that's not bad for us! I'm exploring a layout for daily guidance and reflection woven into our daily planners. I penned it all out in a notebook and am now designing it so I can test it out. :D
sounds amazing! I totally resonate with that. I'm moving away from scheduling my days to having a list of things I intend to get done and following the flow (preserving mornings for the most meaningful work)
I've been trying really hard to read one story a day at a specific time each day. That's probably the most I can manage, and it's better for me to set a realistic goal than try to do it all!
I'm all about the audio feature. There are too many fantastic writers and work I want to delve into for me to get it done in my reading hour before bed most nights. So, I save from my inbox or from scrolling notes for recommendations from writers I admire. Then I choose a few to listen to as I'm going throughout my day, preparing food, cleaning, do laundry and what-not.
I've always been a listener. I was doing books on tape back in the day. Now Substack posts have edged out podcasts and share space with audio books.
How are you listening to them? Are these all Substscks where the author has embedded a voice over or are you using a TTS tool of some sort or is there a read to me feature in Substack I don't know about?
I absolutely love when authors have embedded a voiceover and definitely listen to those. As for others, many allow you to listen on the app to an AI robot reading. It's not ideal but allows me to keep up with more of the writers whose work I love. It's a little play button at the very top of the post next to an archive box and the ... pull-down menu. If it's dark gray, you can play it. If not, you can't.
Thanks for the tip. I just looked at 5 posts and 3 had the play button. Any idea how one enables/disables it on a post? I just looked at my latest post and it's there. Mind blown. I had no idea this existed. Thank you!
I LOVE Reader – there are formatting issues, but I don't save all of the essays from Substack to Reader (I often am saving essays from the rest of internet to Reader). I usually try to read most Substack essays in app with the audio
I really love surfacing the quotes I've highlighted every morning in Readwise. I have 3 quotes waiting for me every morning that I get to re-read and enjoy again
Too funny—we are Reader twins. Most of my saves are from places other than Substack as well, because I do like to read the essays here on the app. And I read my highlights in Readwise every morning too. I love that feature.
Funny, I'm haunting old office hours here, but I think I did write this article - my 10 tips from one-year involve hitting up friends, then neighbors, local papers, etc. I hope something in here might stick: https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
I worked for three years to create a following on Medium and in the beginning, most subscribers were coming from there. I've been a lot more intentional about engaging with the Substack community over the last couple weeks and am encouraged to see more subscribers coming from the community. I will say though, my open rate has gone down quite a bit! I think the folks on Substack who subscribe are more likely to subscribe to tons of other Substacks and less likely to read every story.
Most of mine come from the Substack community. I post my releases on Facebook, and linkedIn when I remember, but for the most part, it's Substack. I don't know if it's because I can't be bothered with social media anymore, or if it's just easier that way. People have shared and restacked one of my most recent Notes, and because of that, I went up from 389 to 430 in a couple of days. It just seems to work out.
I use Notes all the time. It helps in little ways. I make connections, and people connect with me. I also use this forum. I encourage people to recommend and cross-post and restack and share, because it helps us all when we help each other.
That's great, Brittany. Any tips on how you get people to come over from IG?
I used to promo my posts there, but it sorta felt like crickets. I want to find a way to engage followers without feeling like a monotonous gimmick. I wrote a thing. Check it out. I wrote another thing. Check it out. I wrote this thing. Check it out. Ad nauseam. Ha!
Sometimes I share in my stories, but a lot of times I post an excerpt on my feed and tell people they can read the rest at the link in my bio. Every time I do that, I get a few new subscribers.
I have 350+ subscribers with about a 65% open rate, just to give you an idea of the numbers I’m working with.
I’m @brittanytinsleywrites on IG if you want to take a peek!
Brittany, good idea. Of course, there are too many here. 😉 I post my title and image, but hadn't thought of actually posting an excerpt. I'll give that a try. Thanks!
Great, thanks, Brittany. We're working with very similar subscriber and open rates. ;) But my instagram following is way lower than yours. I'm old school. My Facebook following is bigger. But I'm not sure it's a great place for conversion. Just followed you! I'm @roadquill over there.
It is my experience that advertising is designed to make money for the people who sell it, not for the people who buy it. Unless you have a business plan that can explain how you will use the advertising to make back the money you spend on it, you might as well empty your wallet and throw the bills out the window. Think about online communities where you can post for free. I got the most new traffic when I wrote a review of a computer game and posted the link in that game's community section on Steam.
I just make up new email addresses and subscribe to myself to grow my subscribers. 😉 Okay, not really. I link on a couple of those blog consolidation sites and get some traffic and subscribers there. After I used up all my favors from friends and family, most come from (1) the Substack community.
This Substack community. I haven't had the time to figure out how to promote myself on other platforms yet. It takes an a lot of time to do this. Before you know it, you're spending 12+ hours a week creating content on other platforms to draw in readers to one site. I would like to know of any easy ideas anyone has other than the obvious, even if it only draws in a couple of subscribers.
🧠 - My latest on the dangers of nostalgia: “I love nostalgia.
I crave it.
I seek it out as much as I can.
Through it, I can tap into those choice moments that have made my life beautiful; memories that include the first time I set eyes on my future wife, the thrill of hurling my mortarboard skyward after graduating, the pleasure of curling up with a good novel on a cold winter’s night.”
- Request: an ability to create templates that can be used as the starting point for each post rather than duplicating old posts
- Use case: I use the same template / framework for each post (same CTA buttons, an “other essays you may enjoy” section, and a “thank you [xyz] for reviewing drafts”). Currently, I duplicate an old essay or start fresh with a blank template for each new essay
For Notes
- Request: a schedule send feature
- Use case: I typically batch reading my Inbox during a specific time of day (and have heard others do the same) and want to engage with a number of pieces using Notes, but find myself flooding the feed when I do — would love a way to send out my Notes throughout the day
The ability to create/save templates would be nice. Until that's possible, you could set up a template as a draft and just duplicate "that" (from your draft list) each week rather than duplicating a live post and stripping things back out.
I'm at a loss with this. When I post something on my 'Stack, I write it out on a page in my Pages on my Mac. Then I just copy/paste it, throw on a couple of buttons, link it to the previous one (if it's part of a serial and I remember to), and that's it. Every post is different, I know, but it seems like the easiest way for me.
This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the less time I have to write, the more productive I am. I only have about 30 minutes to write each morning before starting my day job so I make the most of them!
My best stuff comes when I’m running - which isn’t always convenient. 😁And I sometimes have the best stuff come to me in the middle of the night, also not convenient. 😁 How do you find your flow?
A fav podcaster of mine shared his embarrassing story as a warning. He apparently took out his phone to do some sort of work on his podcast while running, fell, and broke his collarbone! I appreciated his honesty. So, take all precaution and care necessary!
Same here! I generally run right before I write. Even then, sometimes I can't recreate the amazing sentences that were flowing through my head somewhere around mile 2.
i’m the same - i enter flow state most easily when i’m driving or biking somewhere. otherwise it’s also the late night thoughts for me... so i get you on the inconvenience 😂
if it helps at all, i’ve found audio-based tools like audiopen pretty useful!
Haha love it! I’ll check out the audiopen, for sure. I have quite a number of huffy, puffy voice notes to myself from my running time. Because, no matter how confident I am that I’ll remember, man, it really is like a dream, right? It can all evaporate with such speed!
I start my days with grounding into my long game. I meditate, journal, do breath work, get out for a walk. I write 1000 words stream of conscious as a way to emotionally plumb anything that's swirling in my headspace
I tried writing morning pages by hand for a few months, but often felt like I was brute forcing my way through out
I experimented with typing 1000 words and it feels way more of an unlock for me :) depending on how much I have floating in my mind, it'll take me 15-45mins to write. it's still definitely an act of slow and consistent writing some days, but words seem to pour through me with more ease at a keyboard!
Okay, I have the advantage of being retired so I can write all day if I want. I don't, but I cam. When I was employed, I wrote in the morning, getting up at unGodly hours. But when I do get into a flow, I don't count the words. I just write. I find myself writing and rewriting in my head as I do menial chores around the house, or when I'm in the shower. I don't have a phone to dictate ideas into, so I hold them in my head and rework them over and over again. I write things on scrap pieces of paper. I'm so 'old school', it hurts.
Alternatively, perhaps consider enlisting your phone as your assistant! When a creative idea pops into my head, getting it "written" via voice-to-text on my phone frees my mind, and fuels me as well, making mental room for the next (devoutly hoped-for!) creative notion.
Leave it in another room when you get home from work. That's what my wife does. If you have it on you, you're going to look at it. The fact that I grew up in a day and age when we didn't have them, probably makes it easier. I didn't have a job where I needed one.
Same! Three pages wrecks my hand. I even tried using my non-dominant one for a while. I've never tried typing my morning thoughts. It seems like it could be super valuable to my writing practice, to get the ideas out instead of backspacing so much and editing while I write. Thank you for sharing this gem!
Cissy, I just finished my 1,000 stream of consciousness words. I feel like there could be some seeds of ideas in there, but if not, I still enjoyed the practice of not editing as I write. Thank you SO much for helping me open my mind to this method!
Usually my flow state comes when I’m interacting with the rest of the world! Or I can usually stoke the fire if I intentionally sit down to read others’ stories. It moves something in me and then I’m sometimes able to just channel something through me pretty easily if I’m intentional about it!
Words flow through me when I’m biking, walking and running. I often finish a ride and grab my phone and let the words pour out. After years of practice, I’ve learned that these are my best pieces. I almost never sit down at my computer to write. I trust that the perfect words will flow through me when I move my body.
As a storyteller/voice person, my flow is best when I'm in motion, e.g. on a walk. AND I rely on voice-to-text to transcribe my flow into raw material. I call this process a "Soul Session." Sharing a post on how to do this tomorrow!
When I'm walking, and my mind is freed from my mental to-do list of responsibilities, I love the feeling of that creative burst. Using voice-to-text on my phone frees me further, making room for the next (hoped-for) creative flurry!
Ah, it's so rare for me. I love it when it happens--especially because it doesn't happen often! The trigger for me is being deep into working out ideas, and to be extremely present while doing that. This is true for fiction and nonfiction (I write both.)
🧠 The best way for me to get into "flow state" is to STOP whatever I'm doing at the moment and write when I feel "that special feeling". Unfortunately, I don't have the flexibility to just stop when the flow hits. Then I feel like an opportunity was wasted. If you feel that special feeling and can stop to write, do so. You won't regret it.
Usually works for me when i finally get down to write. The more i research and explore the topic the better it gets. Though I doubt itd work if a timeline was in place.
Two things help me more than anything: (1) Setting timers or time limits. Typically an hour or two for projects I'm already into. Typically eight to twenty minute for free writes and first drafts. (2) Promising myself I'll look at anything I plan to publish with fresh editor's eyes and shape and polish it into as close to the art I'm envisioning as I can get it. This allows me to write without the proverbial critic on the shoulder. Shameless plug--I've been a professional editor for twenty years, and I'm giving workshops on how to look at your own work with an editor's eyes and apply editorial strategies to it.
🧠 This is how I’m building community. I started a library to highlight Black writers called the Cookout Library 👋🏿👋🏽👋🏾. It’s a different kind of collaboration - it’s a living space where I can add and share the work I love with my subscribers and community.
As Black History month is quickly approaching, if you’re looking to support Black writers, check out this virtual and interactive library. I’m adding some every day while giving them their flowers on notes. Black writers, tap in, there’s room for you on my shelf.
This is absolutely the sweetest! You have such a creative mind; thank you, Marc for sharing this and having it as a resource! Checking it out now and would love to be added as well to The Cookout(TM), haha!
Not at all Christine. If you look at the library there’s a picture of a famous painting of a barbershop. It’ll take you to the source too. I thought about the barbershop initially, but it didn’t feel inclusive enough
I recently wrote on Substack about my failed attempt to adopt a child from foster care (after 3 years of infertility and 5 miscarriages). I was grieving the loss of this child through my writing, and I got a couple of replies telling me I was a horrible person because it didn’t work out. Someone even created a fake email shouldnothavekids@_____.com and a fake Substack account and paid my monthly subscription fee so they could post an anonymous comment telling me I was a piece of garbage and didn’t deserve to be a parent. I had to paywall the post and my subsequent response to it because I no longer felt safe sharing publicly.
❓ Has anyone else had this experience on Substack? How did you handle it?
Sorry I missed this! haha yeah I can appreciate a direct attack of that quality. O that's weird, it's not showing up by my name. Here it is :) https://wrongchannel.substack.com/
That is awful and I am sorry someone did that. My advice would be to remember that whatever is upsetting this person about your writing is a reflection of something in them, not in you. Keep up the good work!
Unfortunately this inevitably happens, and it kind of makes sense when you think about it because there are a lot of mentally unstable people out there with a credit card and too much time on their hands. This hasn't happened to me a lot on Substack yet, but it has on other platforms. I would deprive them of oxygen, dont give them the attention they want, block them when you can and delete select comments when you can.
You nailed it, Kerry: “There are a lot of mentally unstable people out there with a credit card and too much time on their hands.” 😂
I didn’t delete the comment, because I don’t necessarily believe in silencing my critics (I absolutely would have if the comment had degraded another person or group of people, though). But I did block them from further engagement, since you’re right, it’s the attention they crave.
I’m sorry you’ve been through this too. Thank you for understanding.
I am so sooo sorry you had to deal with that type of nonsense!!! That’s absolutely appalling and disgusting.
Also ????????? You really stirred someone up for them to PAY to hate on you!
I think there’s a way to report abusive accounts on Substack, I’m not entirely sure. I’m so sorry...
I wouldn’t have thought you needed to paywall a post like that, but paywalling potential “hate bait” may lessen that type of attention (though I see someone’s hurt enough to fuel their own projections with money).
I don’t mean to belittle what you’re going through AT ALL. Just wanted to give some words of encouragement... that a lot of the time when people spew hate or judgement or gossip or just are SOOO emotionally invested in a life that’s not their’s, there’s something going on within them that they need to work on or process.
I’ve seen it for myself, I can definitely see it in that case... that’s so maddening that you even have to go through something like that though.
Thank you for your kind words, Cierra. ❤️ Luckily after years of therapy, self-help, and certification as a life coach, I know a lot about people’s judging and shaming parts, and I know I wouldn’t want to live inside their brains. One of my critics subscribes to a number of conspiracy theorists, so there’s that, too. I’m doing a decent job not taking it personally, but yeah, it’s messed up.
When people get to the point that they're willing to *pay* to spread hate REALLY has me feel concerned for them... I'm so sorry again about that whole situation, and that I don't have much more help to give! I'm glad you have plenty of resources and tools to handle it mentally, despite it still being sucky!
The MOST annoying part was that when I unsubscribed them, Substack issued them a full refund! Which essentially means that anyone could do this: pay to subscribe, say something shitty, get blocked, and get their money back. I wish I could have at least kept their five bucks for the trouble!
🟧 What is up with this, Substack?! I feel like I should be able to set my own refund policy, like if you’re going to be a dick, that is nonrefundable. 😂
Oh yeah there HAS to be a workaround for that! Since Office Hours are over, I wonder if the head hancho of The Department of Salad would have any advice? I think she has nearly everything behind a paywall because she said something like "you're gonna have to pay if you want to insult me!" So I wonder if she has to deal with it still or how she handles it here on Substack.
I want you to know this and I mean it.... when you start to get haters that means you're doing something RIGHT. it means your content is reaching people OUTSIDE your common interests... and you know what that means... REACH. ENGAGEMENT.
Keep going and just know you're doing something right. :)
I’m new here and 25 people already subscribed to my newsletter. I think that’s an exciting achievement and I’m looking forward to engaging more with people.
🧠 Recently, a fellow Substack writer came to me for assistance with her publication. Her needs motivated and inspired me to take it one step further and offer virtual Substack assistance to anyone who needs it. I'm very active here as a writer and I'm ALL IN on the Substack train. So, why not take it one step further and put my time and skills to good use? I'm here for the greater good and success of anyone who's looking for it! Here's more info about how I can help! 😊😊 www.UnstackSubstack.com
I've been thinking a lot about collaborations lately. I wanted to be more of an active participant in the Substack community rather than a lurker type! I take time each week to read (not skim!) all of the substacks I subscribe to and I leave a comment if they're not limited to paid subscribers. If I'm lucky, some collaborative opportunities may grow out of this in the future. I've found some amazing writers and content on Substack in such a short space of time! There are some talented folks out there who are very inspiring.
These are good habits to form, Laura. I am also wondering what collaboration looks like on here and in my lane. Perhaps a good way to start is to swap guest posts with people you found.
BTW I just clocked your "wild boar tagine" recipe. As irresistible a combination of three words as I can recall in recent months. I'll explore more.
Thanks Amar! Guest posting is a great idea. I was also thinking about the podcast function and how to bring those collaborations / conversations to life (although I really do enjoy reading Q&A articles!).
✏️ : Also I write Monstellar, which is a collective of ideas, mindsets and inspiration for the curious. We are finally a community of 60+ people.
I have a very important query for my fellow writers here: How do you make a choice between writing relevant and hot topics v/s insights that might not really make sensation but you’re passionate about?
The first one definitely brings in followers but the latter comes right from the soul. What do you do in such situations?
🧠 I almost always try to do BOTH. I write about Unintended Consequences and most of those have nothing to do with me, my background, or my experiences. When I don't feel the passion in the beginning, I try to find an ANGLE that circles it back to me so that I can tie some personal experiences that demonstrate the power behind the Consequences.
But once I got into the research, I was able to bring in some themes I am passionate about such as entrepreneurialism. This allowed me to write with humor, some insight, and yes, some passion. It actually ended up being one of my favorite cases of Unintended Consequences.
✏️ First day of going paid yday and a whopping 0.5% of free subscribers made the jump....how have other people's launch days gone? Any tips on picking up momentum during the first month?
✏️ We just started our substack and have gotten a tremendous response which is wonderful. A lot of free subscribers coming from our instagram account. I wonder how and when people have decided to paywall things. Our approach is to ensure all critical information is open and accessible but we also need to eventually make some money to support the content. Any and all advice appreciated!
🟧 Thoughts/insights on why one might have a consistently high open rate (i.e. readers are presumably interested in the content!) but a low paid subscriber rate? And/or ideas on how to change this?
I don't know, but I just had a look and all the posts seem to be paid ones. So perhaps people read what they can of the articles, which may not be enough to convince them to upgrade. I made all my free posts go behind a paywall, but only after a year. That hasn't led to more paid subscribers either, so what do I know?
I agree, Terry. I went Paywall in December. I only put my Serial novels there. I don't expect a lot of PAID subscribers lining up to sign up, but I've had a few. I've decided to paywall my ARCHIVES after five months, as well. But everything else is free. But FICTION is a hard sell. That's why I don't worry about my paywall too much. I'm of the belief that if they want to read it, they will. I don't have a huge following, and my conversion rate is low, probably 3%, if that. But when I do grow, I'm thinking that will change as well. But I'm not going to be able to finance my retirement on it.
Me neither, Ben, but I'm a born optimist. I've worked out that at my present rate of conversion I should be making a decent living by the time I'm 120, which is a big incentive to look after myself!
Asking as someone who hasn't turned on paid yet: when you do, can you customize which archives are free and paid (i.e. your 5 months cutoff for example - is that customizable by writer? Can you also do by tag by chance?)
Archives are a weird thing. I never paid a lot attention to them at first, because everything was FREE. When I turned on the paywall, my ARCHIVES were also there. I wasn't expecting that. But you CAN change them. You have to go into settings and scroll down until you find the 'pages' that you may or may not have created. Below that, you'll find the 'archives' and there's a place there where you can change the length of time you want them to be free. I used to have it set for ten years. When I went to my paywall, I basically said, Fuck it. If people want to read my stuff, they can read it the way I want them to do it. I put my main stories up on the FREE page.
My Paywall stuff is whatever serial novel I happen to be working on. The only reason I have it in the first place is because I had 7 paid subscribers who were all friends of mine. I had to give them something, so I started to write not one, but two books. (It's complicated...to say the least.) Anyway, I put my novels there, behind the paywall, for them to read. (It's seat of your pants writing with no plot to speak of.) But people have started to look at it. That's why I don't pay attention to it. I WANT them to read what I put out on SUNDAY. That's my "serious" shit. They're long stories that I love to write, because they challenge me in all sorts of different ways. I love dialogue, and enjoy moving the story along with dialogue.
So, I believe I changed my ARCHIVES to 6 months today. That freed up 11 posts. I don't even know how many stories that is. But I basically don't pay attention to the paywall. I have 17 subscribers there. They are there because they actually like the story.They want to be there. One person signed up because she was reading my Camelot story before it went up behind the paywall. (I guess $30 a year (CAN,) isn't such a bad deal after all.) Another one is my brother.
Definitely put up your paywall, but don't fret if you don't make any money. I'm expected to make a whopping $460 this year; it can only go up. The thing is, I've never been paid for my writing before. Anything I earn is bonus. If you don't hold high hopes, you're not going to get down on yourself...because you will at times. When I do, I take a deep breath, look at the small graph on my subscriber page and see that it's at a straight out there 45º angle. You find things to lift your spirits. Just don't quit. I've been waiting 45 years to retire so I could write for the rest of my life. You've probably got a lot more time than I do...
Thanks for sharing all this, Ben. It both gives me some specifics on the how to and also some things to think about. I'm happy for you to be able to write as you desire and also find a growing audience (and a paying one, too).
I only paywalled the archive very recently (have been writing the newsletter for several years) - before this very little of the content was paywalled.
Commenting to follow -- My substack is new and growing, so I haven't turned on paid options yet. I do have a very high open rate so far, so I'm curious to see where this takes me!
I say open one part of it for as cheap as you can ($30/year) and just see what happens. If no one signs up for six months, offer a few comps to people you know. But push yourself on Notes and make yourself known in a small crowd that have the same interests you do. Just make sure that everything you offer, is high quality. People know what good writing is, even if they don't say so. Just don't give up.
Curious if you're willing to share what you consider a low paid subscriber rate? Mine is quite low and my guess is that I don't have a compelling offer to convince folks to pay. It's mostly just about supporting me. Given how many subscribers you have, I imagine you can get away with paywalling more of your posts and comment threads.
Exactly! But I think the subscriber/conversion also has to do with what you write. For myself, I have 17 paid subscribers out of my 430. That's 3.95% I wouldn't call that great, but I'm good with it so far. But Fiction is a hard sell. The ones that make it big are the Politicos and Financial gurus, along with Cultural and Religion. I figure I'm going to wait it out.
✏️ I'd like to compile a list of other writers that are writing about parenting in an authentic way. NOT superficial self-care tips, not mommy hacks, not "30-minute" weeknight recipes, not "expert advice" about how to parent your child. I'm looking for real stories about the realities of parenting in the 21st century. I've got a good list drafted that I'm excited to share but would love additional suggestions and nominations. Thanks in advance!
Hi Kerala, my Substack is not about parenting per se, I write about languages, but I am a single parent to two trilingual kids and I write (and plan to write more) about all aspects of what it takes to raise a child when you're just one parent, many times displaced, and have two home languages. No tips or tricks, just stories.
my apologies in advance if this is not what you were looking for, but maybe it is, even as just inspiration to find parents who can tell their individual real stories on the same topics, so...
I shared why I think that two of the realities of parenting today are:
My daughter is 12 and smartphones are a popular topic of conversation in our household. I'm so jealous of my parents, who never had to have these tiresome arguments. Looking forward to checking out your posts, thank you!
"never had these tiresome arguments"... SAME here. Explaining what life without smartphones and internet was like feels every year more like explaining colors to someone born with total blindness: nobody's fault, of course, but lots of effort just to find appropriate words or metaphors to build common ground.
I love the more authentic stories, too! I write about pregnancy loss, which is unfortunately a reality for many parents. Even though no one talks about it.
Hi there! I write about parenting often as I can’t help but not. I’m trying to think if I’ve ever posted a newsletter without mentioning my son, being a mother or coparenting 🫠 My newsletter is called dialoguing. I use my background as a psychotherapist to talk through how we are navigating all this life stuff--and parenting is such a big part of that for me.
✏️ My question for fellow writers is…are there any GenZ writers out in the Substack universe? I started a Substack for us to connect and sure would love to collaborate, share, and learn from one another. And if there’s any advice on how to find my fellow Zoomers I’m all ears. https:genzwrites.substack.com
(don’t worry, I appreciate all writers. nothing personal!)
Love your vision with this newsletter! I find myself at weird points where I definitely identify with some millennial views yet strongly disagree with some, all whilst struggling to understand Gen Alpha and their language! 😂
Writing on Substack is keeping me sane, as I haven’t really seen much hip slang here! 🤣
Welcome! I'm a parent of 2 GenZ teens, does that count? I've been encouraging my son, a music creative, to check out Substack, but he's more of tik tok/reels guy. Good luck with your newsletter!
🧠 I've edited others' work for two decades, helping authors tease out what they want to say and shape it into the best version possible is a career that's brought me great delight. Learning to turn the perspective and strategies I honed over the years to my own writing has been amazing!! It's made my writing practice way more joyful and free. And it's for sure made my writing better. I think that's reflected in my having gone from a list of 31 subscribers I brought from my old blog to nearly 400 since starting to publish here six months ago, a number of them paying. Yay!! I don't quite have words for the gratitude I feel. So, my advice is this, if you're wanting to take your writing to a new level, try and look at your early drafts from a fresh perspective. Try to see the writer and the editor in you as separate entities.
Because I'm a systems person, I've geeked out on how I can transform the tools I used over my years as an editor to suit working with my own writing. And I've been developing that into workshops so I can share it with other writers. So, if you'd like to get into how to do this, I'd love to invite you to check out my Be Your Own Editor workshops. :)
✏️ Hi. This is my first time on Writer Office Hours and I feel like I’ve been missing out. I currently have two subscribers (my husband and I!) and would like to connect with writers on the same subject of parenting teens. Any advice?
I looked at your substack. You write well and the stories are personal and interesting. But why don’t you try unique headlines for each posts? That could be a game changer. Now it has the newsletter name for each post, all the recent ones at least. Just a thought. Headlines have power in raising curiosity and attracting readers.
You're absolutely right. When readers are potentially getting emails from multiple Newsletters, the right title can make or break the whole thing. It definitely helps if you can arouse a little curiosity... 😎
I'm fairly new as well and I don't have hundreds of subscribers, but my main piece of advice is to be true to what interests you. If you want this to be an ongoing project where you'll build a community of people with teens, you'll attract your audience by telling stories about your own experiences and sharing advice in a way that isn't preachy. Readers who like your style will stay, and those who don't gel with it will move on, so the result will be a natural filtering out as you go along.
Notes is a great place on here to connect with other writers and readers. There are always lots of discussions going on to contribute to and get involved with. Welcome to the site and best of luck with your Publication... 😎
✏️ 🟧 After a year of Substack I just announced that I'm going to be going paid at the start of February 😬 I'm really nervous! I just have a handful of pledges.
I want to keep as much of my content as possible free because I know it has value and I love serving my community, but I want to give value to my paid subscribers and make it truly worth it and enticing for them. Any thoughts would be so helpful!
Context: I offered a free Oracle card reading (similar to tarot but made by an artist) to those that pledge before Feb 1st but super interested in other ideas for offers or other ways I can add to the value of a paid subscription.
Hey there! First off, congrats on making the leap! Here are a couple of general buckets of ideas about how to add value:
Community: Create a private chat or forum where paid subscribers can connect with you and each other. This can foster a sense of exclusivity and community.
Early Access: Give paid subscribers early access to your content before it goes public.
Live Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions, workshops, or readings that are only available to paid subscribers.
Input: Allow paid subscribers to vote on topics or questions for upcoming newsletters or readings.
Remember, it's all about finding the right balance that works for you and your audience.Good luck! 🌟
I also want to share my content free because I am trying to support the chronic pain community and also because I am trying to build interest in the book I'll be eventually publishing about the topic. I have some fear about the paywall and how people will react!
✏️- What’s a good way to craft post titles/subject lines that are *not* clickbaity but still draw a reader’s interest?
I think my titles might be too niche and I’d like to improve in this area. A bit unsure on what to do because I still want to use my voice and writing style.
Sarah Fay at Writers @ Work has a paid Substack where you can get headline help 24/7 (just saw a few people in my notifications asking for help while writing this haha).
But a tip or two I’d give you for keeping your voice but writing catchy headlines is to intentionally browse Substack and see which headlines catch your eye. Which ones make you wanna click? Why?
Also keep in my clarity for the most part, over too much flowery or poetic riddles in a headline so people know what’s to come in the post rather than scrolling past cause their brain didn’t get it, ya know?
Cierra, thanks for chiming in! I do think I have titles that really only I understand and that might be doing a disservice to readers and Nōto in general. I just didn’t think much about it till yesterday, so I’m glad I asked.
I'm glad you asked too! And yeah I'm gonna start taking my own advice and be more intentional when seeing headlines to see what catches my eye and why. It really is a task to find the right balance to hopefully make people "stop their scroll", huh?
🧠Hi Erika! I write what I like to call "articles" as opposed to "newsletters," so I lean toward more conventional headline writing (capitalized words, etc GASP!), plus, I love wordplay, and that seems to help with my headlines!
Also, I've written about (and they've written for me!) singers/songwriters/musicians, and instead of wracking my noggin for headlines, I've been known to "let" them write the headlines.....I'll use lyrics from one of their songs! If I'm writing about them (or one of their songs), they've already written my headline......I just have to isolate it and fit it in appropriately!!
When singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor, Stephen Michael Schwartz (album for RCA Records in '74 at age 20), wrote me 20 articles about his experiences in '70s Hollywood record biz, I simply used his name to make a lane of shorter anecdotes about him....."Schwartz Stories"! He loved that one.
Chat GPT is your friend. Seriously, just ask for 15 not click bait titles on _____ topic. The results won't be exactly what you need, but usually that is a good starting point and you can use them to craft something that sounds like you. Good luck!
I love specificity. In the Writers @ Work headline chat, many of us go for broad themes. Give me a few nitty gritty details and I'm more inclined to trust you as a writer. 🙌🏼 Brava to all brave, authentic voices!
Yikes, can’t think of one immediately (this thread is such such a fire hose of goodness.) however, one potential headline I commented on was “the beauty of nature.” Yes, it’s relatable. Yes, I want to feel that Hope. Still I want to know, what is it specifically about the beauty and the healing of nature that you want us to feel?
Erika, your titles (at a glance, anyway) are pithy and very short--and that can be a good thing. But I don't see a clear point of view in those titles, something to raise a question for the reader.
Okay, Kim. Your titles are a very eclectic mix that range from easy click bait (I don't mean that as an insult, just a reflection of what clickbait is, e.g., holiday gift guide) to the semi-confessional. I'd like to see more content in many of your titles: what's the angle or point of view of the piece? Some are too short to tell. And your titles don't reflect a consistent point of view in that some pieces seem like service journalism (how-to) while others seem more personal and episodic. That may be a deliberate choice on your part. Feel free to critique mine!
I love The Dividends of doing hard things with the sub heading Pushing past one’s limit etc. That is so good. I see the consistency in your titles and that makes sense given you have a consistent theme. I wish I had the discipline and to be consistent in a theme but I’m focussing on a time of life that has a lot of ingredients and input. From child free to empty nest the thing in common is a touchy subject: age. The words Middle Age are a kiss of death for content attraction. Anyway. I admire your pithy and intriguing titles. And thank you for your time and chats!
Kim, just keep pouring your passions and interests into your writing. I'm late into middle age and still putting myself out there. There's no time limit on creativity! But I will suggest that you consider honing the theme and main subjects for your newsletter if you want to target any kind of niche audience. Going narrow rather than broad is often a good strategy. In any case, all best wishes!!
Thank you, Amy! I pretty much either have an interview, or a personal reflection each week. I do an annual gift guide, too. I used to title my pieces differently. I need to give it more thought...many thanks!
thank you Amy! I am trying to figure out how to use this important observation " I'd like to see more content in many of your titles: what's the angle or point of view of the piece?" my posts are inconsistent in what I talk about. Some are semi confessional (age, empty-nest) and some are interviews with people or shopping guides...but, that doesn't mean I can't title them better. Def inconsistent. What would you do in that case? I am going to look at yours now.
I agree with the comments about specificity. I write about food in films, so my headlines often say the name of the film + an interesting food item or factoid that one can expect to learn more about in the piece. Often, that food item or factoid isn't the first thing mentioned in the newsletter, so folks have to open and read a little bit of the way down before they get to it. I'm a new and growing newsletter, but my open rate is high so I'm going to keep up with this method for now!
I sometimes use a headline analyzer like this one (https://www.monsterinsights.com/headline-analyzer/) to make sure I hit the right balance between 'my voice' and 'super clickable'... I consciously avoid being too mysterious or poetic in the headlines, but I sometimes use hyperbole if it's a humorous piece both to draw attention and to reflect the mood... It's a delicate dance I find.
such a great question...I think my post titles are not great and that matters. Agreed we need to take a look at other, bigger blogs and see what they do...I'll put that on my list!
Two things: (1) You can use Google's keyword planner to find phrases that are being looked up frequently and think about how to incorporate them. My thinking is it just tells you that's how people interested in your subject matter phrase it. It's a bit clunky, and I only use it occasionally. (2) Do you know Sarah Fay here on Substack? She has an entire chat thread that is a title workshop. Other writers here offer each other help with titles, and I've seen some terrific results. Plus it's a fun way to meet new writers.
I tend to be quite good at helping others with titles and a bit precious with my own. So, I'm trying to train myself to see my titles as if they're for someone else's work. I'm a professional editor, and oddly, I'm much better at looking at my own writing from a fresh perspective than I am titles. I should probably dig into why that is. ;)
Appreciate your encouragement and the resources you shared here. I've heard Sarah Fay's name passed around several times now but am not yet familiar. I've got some homework to do! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 😊
Just to let you know that using this forum and connecting with people works, I've picked up 2 new subscribers today.
The fact that I also lost a couple and gained a couple in the last two days is fine. People are going to come and go. Don't let that discourage you. You have to look at being here as a life-long commitment. Me? I'm here for the long haul. We all have different reasons for being here. Some want to express themselves through their writing -- well, I suppose we all do -- but some want to share life experiences and some have political opinions, and some want to tell you how you should handle your money, or what books to read, or what movies to watch. Me? I just want to write. I want to prove to myself that I CAN write, and that people like what I write.
I'm retired, so I have a lot of time to hang around and be creative, which is what I've always wanted to do. But being older, and retired, I know my time is limited to just a handful of years. While others in their 30's and 40's can look at forty or fifty years to create a following, I'm lucky if I get 20. So I write. I could have pick an easier target though, with Fiction being what it is, a hard sell.
But there are about 40-45 million people using Substack now, according to the latest write ups I could find. You only need a small percentage to prove to yourself that this is working for you. Right now, I'm probably sitting at .001%, so I've got my work cut out for me. And as for my PAID Subscribers, well, I don't even look at those numbers. NOBODY wants to PAY for fiction. They'd rather read it for FREE.
Absolutely spot on. Participating in this Forum is a great way to connect with other writers and readers, and perhaps find new ones who want to read your content. I completely agree that you have to write because you love writing. If other people love it, too, that's a bonus. The same is true with the money aspect. No one should ever be setting out to be a writer hoping to make big money. If the money comes, even in small amounts, that's also a bonus... 😎
I run a small newsletter called Unwind where I write about the meaningful things in life.
I really wanted to explore the option of writing guest posts for other substacks and inviting other writers to write guest post on my newsletter (~120 subscribers). I have the following questions:
1. How do I approach other writers?
2. How does the whole process of guest posting work? Like, do we connect over video calls or do we simply restrict it to emal communication where we share the respective drafts?
Notes is a great place to find other like minded people who might want to exchange Guest Posts. On even here in this Forum. I'd say it's probably easiest just to message each other via email, yes, and discuss what you both want to Post and then send the content. Good luck with it all... 😎
Just like this 😀 because the first time I rushed out for guest posts were on these forums and I have done a couple. It is good idea. I’m interested. Let’s connect, we can talk.
Lovely!! I write about things like self-care, personal growth, self awareness etc. Most of my writing comes from personal experiences in my journey and the realisations I’ve had along the way.
Would love to know if this is something you are interested in or your readers might like! 😄
The Marinade has an eclectic mix of topics from culture, to politics, to travel. Every one of them is baked with personal stories so it’s meant to be diverse. So is that regard, your topics would fit. Since we don’t have messaging here, feel free to connect specific on insta listed on my profile. Looking fwd to it.
🧠 - I see a lot of advice about how writers shouldn't worry if they can only write once a week, or even once every couple of weeks. Well, I'm in the opposite boat -- I started a DAILY newsletter! (The idea is that I send subscribers one Rush song every day + a few random thoughts or facts on the song: https://oneadayrush.substack.com/ )
Anyway, I was so nervous my potential readers would be put off by the frequency of emails, but I've found the opposite to be true. My core audience is really engaged, and I've gotten a lot of feedback that they look forward to finding out whatever that day's new song is. So I just wanted to share that Substack can be powerful for more frequent newsletter publishers as well!
I can see that a song, a poem or a drawing every day is a really generous gift. My posts take 3-4 minutes to read. Hmmm. Not quite up to every day, but happy to be back to weekly after a drought.
A Rush A Day! That sounds amazing. And very unique. I don't think you've done 'Passage To Bangkok' yet. I'll keep an eye out for it. I love the main guitar riff in that one... 😎
Hi I started my sub stacked named Jonathan's substack just out of curiosity and it has grown quite a bit. My questions are that I am kind of a polymath and I write about several different subjects yet I keep reading that it is best to stick to one subject so your readers know what to expect. However that is not my goal so that being said what are the best strategies for people who write about several different subjects in my case medicine Aviation suicide ketamine and Sports Medicine and such. Thank you
I too am an MD, and began my Substack 7 months ago while my memoir is awaiting publication. I started posting "on brand", on medical themes, but now that I've grown to 270+ subscribers I'm planning to follow personal instincts, and allow myself to drift a bit "off brand". On one hand it's being true to myself, and on the other hand, it will be a test of my subscribers' interests.
I also write about different topics, and would like to have the icons, or whatever they're called, to match the area (which I select in the posting process), but I always seem to get the wrong one. I'm posting a novel set in 6th century Britain (hence the deer), but I'm also very much interested in writing about my crowdfunding campaign for my patent-pending wind turbine. If I could include the right icon at the top of each post I could save my readers from wasting their time and attention dealing with a post from another dimension, so to speak.
✏️ Any writers not adhering to a specific niche? I started my substack yesterday and got one subscriber but my content will vary based on my wholly personal life experiences. I’m worried they will fall off if I don’t stick to a certain topic.
As others have noted (here and elsewhere) sometimes it's a question of experimenting until you find what works best for you. As you keep trying different things, you will find what you enjoy writing about the most and what gets you the response that you want.
I am not necessarily adhering to a specific niche either. I think it’s perfectly fine especially if you state that as a part of your “welcome” or “about” to your Substack👍 Congratulations and welcome on beginning your Substack!!!
Agree. I write about a range of topics – most have a common thread of politics/diversity/equality, but some are way different, like a snarky critique of Scientology. I put them all in my About section. I think if I write about a similar topic 80% of the time, people appreciate a change of pace and topic the other times. So maybe write for 6 months, and see what you wind up writing the most about. That's your niche.
Clarifying your intentions in your “welcome” or “about” is a great idea. Alternatively, you can do as I am doing, and wait until you have a good subscriber base before you allow yourself to go "off brand".
I sort of take the "influencer" route without being an influencer lol like, what's in common in your writing is YOU. And the youness will draw the right people if that makes any sense.
I also write about personal musings and reflections about every aspect of my life
I have no specific niche, beyond "me," my voice, and whatever I feel like. Seems to be working so far! And it does become more clear what you're gravitating most to/best at as you go, and what the readers dig most... Hope it's going well!
Mine isn't strictly in one niche but I set forth in the About page the themes I may cover and have seen relatively steady growth since starting last January and while I've had a few unsubscribe here and there the ongoing readership is far greater. Hope that perspective is helpful.
🧠 Hi! I launched my Substack a couple months ago. It's called Everything Is Compostable. I contend that you can turn anything that happens to you, no matter how shitty, into fertile soul-soil. That's what I'm doing through my writing. Here's the link, if you'd like to check it out: https://helenzuman.substack.com/.
Thought this might be of interest to other new Substackers: I started out with a list of about 200 subscribers, which I imported from MailChimp. From the beginning, I put most posts behind a paywall (partly because what I write is often highly personal). I have 14 paying subscribers. There are certainly downsides to this approach—and it's been fun to experiment with doing the opposite of what most recommend.
✏️ Would love some advice about how to grow my following. Have no interest in using this platform to make money and I write under a pseudonym so it’s not about building a ‘personal brand’. I guess I just feel really compelled to write about things that make me frustrated to live in a world which I know has such capacity to be kind and tolerant - and yet out political classes seem to make that very difficult. Thanks in advance :-)
Hi and welcome to the site! I also post Fiction (along with other things). The platform is very suited to short stories and episodic novels, so I'm sure you'll find a great home here. Best of luck with it all... 😎
🧠 My advice is to be consistent and know what your intentions are. I have two Substacks - one under my name called An Abundant Life and Tales of Karnum that goes with my fledgling author career.
An Abundant life is closing in on 1.5 years and is a weekly I post on Mondays. Most of the time I get at least 3 Mondays out of the month, but I've been more consistent lately. My numbers are not growing fast, but they doubled in the past 6 months. Within 24 hours I have an average open rate of at least a third of my subscribers. I haven't gotten many comments, but I have readers that respond in email. I'm happy with how it is going no matter the size.
Tales of Karnum was created almost a year ago but hasn't seen regular activity until my first book came out. Part of my issue was too much going on at once. I mostly have a monthly wrap up that goes out as email. The rest of my posts I link in that rather than doing email. I get a pretty high open rate on my wrap ups, usually 40 to 50% in the first 24 hours. I put a paid section on this for a longer dystopian tale that I pulled off of Vella because I wanted more control of it. I also do book reviews. So this one needs a tad more consistency beyond the monthly wrap up and more content showing off my writing around my books. I have yet to gain a paid sub here other than the one I gave to a friend for all her help with my writing.
My goal this year is to keep it up and learn how to get my substacks noticed more. I link things on my socials, which is one of my higher access points but direction seems to be increasing for where readers come from.
Here's to all of us finding more readers, consistency and fun in our writing adventures here.
Hope you have fun with your writing adventures, too! I find Social Media is a great place to get reads, and people seem happy to click things, but it tends not to convert to Subscribers. I may just be using the wrong ones! 😎
Thanks for sharing. Your consistency is impressive. I don’t know how you are able to maintain two newsletters, which I find impressive. Wishing you greater success in 2024.
I have a very small readership and would love to grow before going paid, but have been pondering on the idea of paid content and what that could look like. I write about nutrition and health, but don't consider myself a recipe developer (which I think would do great in paid) but any other ideas?
It depends what works best for you and your readers. It's good to always keep a mix of Free and Paid content, so you've still got some things out in the open as a taster to attract new Subscribers. The Paid content should probably be mainly self-help and advice content that people would usually expect to pay for in a book and so on. The most important thing is that it is in your unique style and voice - because regardless of what the content ends up being, that is, ultimately, what people will hopefully want to pay for and what will keep them there. Good luck... 😎
When you're creating a Post, in the bar at the top there's a button to 'Add Image'. Click that and you can add whatever you want and resize it and so on. Good luck... 😎
🧠 Do you have those weeks when you simply don’t have a good idea for your upcoming newsletter drop? Since I write about visual storytelling for marketers (https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/) my approach is to look at photos on my phone. You’d be surprised how many ideas a mere photo can generate - all coming from the photo’s backstory.
🧠 - my advice, if you're not clear on your niche, don't overthink it! Start writing and see where the writing takes you, and then listen to your heart and see where you're led, and where people react best.
I started this 7 months ago under the Publication Name "Prone to Hyperbole" writing about my experiences as a second generation Canadian child of immigrants. My topic was my own, but it wasn't quite "niched down" enough.
As I continued, I found that I most loved writing about (and got the best reactions) when I wrote under my "Letters from a Muslim Woman Series". This week, I used The Substack Soiree's branding bundle and rebranded the whole newsletter as "Letters from a Muslim Woman" and I've jumped up about 150 subs in a week, to over 500 subscribers.
🧠 Notes is the way to go to meet collaborators, like-minded individuals, or just find people to hang out with for a while. Join in conversations, share your own and other people's work, and if you find 'stacks you like then recommend them in your own 'stack and on Notes. Don't expect immediate growth - people have to get to know you and you have to find your 'tribe'. Also remember that very obvious and frequent 'marketing' can put some people off. Don't stress about going paid. Do it whenever you feel like it, there's nothing to lose as long as it's an option and not absolute. I write for free but if people want to pay to support me, they can. I don't offer anything extra for paying readers, just grateful thanks! All my stuff is here if you're interested https://junegirvin.substack.com
June, you've become something of an example for me to follow. I really like the way you mix up your subject matter, include some personal stuff, and experiment with things like the audio option, even when doing so feels scary because you're not an expert at recording your own pieces. Your use of Notes is also something I've learnt from. Thanks, and well done.
🧠 Think no one is reading your work? Think again. My Substack alone has opened doors to major opportunities, media coverage, and more. Keep writing and experimenting. You never know where this will take you.
✏️ - HELLO! My name is Maggie! I recently launched my substack, The Back Half of Gratitude Hour (https://maggiesdigitaldiary.substack.com/about). It's my twice weekly musings on love, dating, relationships, friendships, work, life and all things womanhood.
I'm seeking feedback on my writing and also advice on how to grow an audience of readers from fellow writers.
Where do you promote your substack?
What has had the biggest impact on audience growth?
Have you tried sharing on social media?
Would love to test & learn from all the phenomenal writers here! Thank you so much!
✏️ Hey, CHAT is hard! Do you have chat turned on? How is it going? My goal this year is to promote the chat and hopefully spark a community feeling there. I would be happy to discuss any ideas and insights. For example, do you send chat treads as email? In my experience, every time I do it, a few people unsubscribe.
I have just been experimenting to see what resonates. I do not email it out.
So far, weekly series do well. These two are really fun (I use the same text every week, one on Tues (NZ) and Sat (NZ)):
✨LIGHT UPS - what has lit you up this week. It could be something you've read, watched, listened to. It could even be a bit of news from your own life!
🟧SUBSTACK ACCOUNTABILITY CORNER: In this thread, we'll harness the power of accountability to fuel our creative journeys on Substack. Share your intentions for this week. For example, “I’m going to write a post about ….”, “I want to update my welcome email”, I’m going to tweak my footer”. Then come back and let us know how you went so we can celebrate you! Let's make it happen together – because when we write it down, we commit to making it a reality. Join us and let's thrive on Substack! 🚀
This last Substack accountability corner got 42 replies!
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.
🧠Today I've reached 100 subscribers!
One thing I see ended up in having more subscribers was my exposure in this forum. Participating in these Writter office hours clearly gave my newsletter more visibility and an spike on subscribers.
So, my advice: participate in the comments during the Writter office hours
Congratulations, Marcos! Post that accomplishment in the Notes. I did, and two weeks later I had more than 300. I feel so grateful to the Substack community.
I have not started to use notes yet and would appreciate guidance on how best to use this function.
The best way to use Notes, I find, is to use it with comments that others put up. A lot of writers put links up and have small articles to read. Hit the like button, and they get a notice that you sent them a like. Leave a comment. Click the link, read the article, and leave a comment on the writer's page, under the COMMENTS section. Notes is best used, when you use it as a tool. The more you interact with people, the more they're going to notice you...and so will others. It might take a while, but it's well worth it.
Hi Ben, So you like, comment AND restack? If one restacks w/ a note, should they also comment? Or is that overkill? Thank you.
It's never overkill. It's all a matter of personal preference. Some you just give a like to because you read it, and you want them to know that you did, so you send a little heart. Some you send a heart, and tell them in a comment what you liked about it. You make a connection. And when you think others "need" to see it, restack it. You can also restack it with a note above it.
I share all of my posts after publishing it as a note as well. One of the ways Notes can be used.
Hi Nora, do you mean you share the responses by readers of the notes? Thank you.
I mean when I write an article I also share it as a note.
I do, too.
Notes is a bit like Twitter used to be, but nicer(!) You can use it to interact with other Substack writers and readers in an informal way. And you can use it to get your work in front of more people. Here's a tutorial I wrote about Notes: https://pubstacksuccess.substack.com/p/substack-notes-a-tutorial
Thanks, have been publishing stuff but haven't been sharing as notes. This clears up a bit of confusion.
thank you!
Me too! I’ve used them a bit but am still unclear about them overall 🙃
@Sarah Fay did a great workshop on Notes about 10 days ago, titled How to Find Your and Other People's Notes (Jan 18). It goes into depth beyond the title. Check it out! Good luck!
treat it like a group chat! ;) like your FaceTiming your best friend. <3
Yes Allie!
I use Notes kind of Twitter or similar social media tool. I've publish there thoughts, my new newsletter issues, and interesting things from other newsletters. I did not get so much engage with that feature though
It's hard to get engagement on original Notes if you only have a small number of subscribers. The best way to use Notes if you are starting out is to jump into other 'conversations' that have bigger audience.
That's my experience because I've not yet hit 100 subscribers and many of those readers aren't on Substack. My biggest issue is finding time to engage with Notes because I've not been active on social media for years and gotten out of the habit of putting aside an hour here and there to interact. It's going to have to be something I pay more attention to going forward.
Seems a good advice! Thanks a lot Karen!
I'm with you. I post all of my articles to Notes and then crickets LOL
You're so right, Mary! My post about reaching 70 subscribers has over 100 likes so far! And, it's helped gain me over 20 additional subscribers!
Great idea. Thanks! I'm at 98 subscribers and pushing for a jump.
Free or paid 98 subscribers?
Almost there! Hope your reach today the 100!!
Good to know that the Notes are helpful for that too! I'm still to learn more about and explore that feature better.
The Notes feature is a great way to find a community, for other writers to find you. I love it when people share their accomplishments. And when they restack the posts by others, that they enjoyed. And when they post little things they wouldn’t necessarily post on their sites.
Hi Mary! You seem to have a good handle on Notes. Do you happen to know who sees Notes? Is it everyone in one large thread or is it just those that you follow or follow you? I've not seen any real return or comments from mine and was just curious.
The only people who see your Notes are your subscribers and followers and their subscribers and followers. My understanding is there is no 'algorithm' to show your work to people outside your network. That means the best way to get 'seen' by more people is not by creating original Notes but by jumping into other people's conversations.
I wrote a tutorial about how to use Notes if you are interested: https://pubstacksuccess.substack.com/p/substack-notes-a-tutorial
I wish I knew what the algorithm is behind Notes. I do know that it privileges those who post frequently. I like it as a way of discovering writers I might not otherwise find. I really enjoy that part the most, along with commenting on and restacking the posts of others. It’s really just like living in a great neighborhood where you can connect with other writers, enjoy, and share their work. A positive space. I love spending time there.
I've followed your advice Mary! :)
https://substack.com/profile/40136239-marcos-f-lobo/note/c-48098847
I love that! Sounds like the notes are also delivered to writes who don't follow us yet. I never realized that and thought I had to first grow my community to then be able to have more reach/impact through notes.
Hi Heloisa, that's actually something I've been trying to understand. Are notes only visible to our existing community of readers and followers, or are they visible to the greater Substack community? I imagine it has to be somewhere in the middle.
Happy 😊 day for me
Wow! That was great spike! Congratulations 🎉
Thank you, Marcos! And I’m just so excited for you. Celebrate your accomplishments.🎊🍾🎉
That’s 🤩 amazing! Nothing happened like that! Maybe I ought to post again.
That’s a good tip! 🙏🏻
I agree! As a newbie, joining in the conversation last week helped connect me to tons of great people. So hiiii 👋🏼
Thank you. I am new to the Substack community. I have not shared a post on Substack yet! I look forward to it. This is a great forum.
Join the crowd! the more the merrier! And welcome!
I also found subscribers and great publications here! ✨
So so many! It's really fabulous.
It’s such a goldmine!
Congratulations Marcos! That's a good achievement! I'm around that mark number myself, perhaps will join you in the 100+ club soon. ✌🏼
Best wishes!
Congratulations! Seeing those 3 digits is such a thrill, isn’t it? Well done!
Right!? Indeed it is a huge milestone for me, I must to confess. I see some writers with thousands of subscribers and I always wondered how they got some visibility. Because in my opinion having visibility is one of the most important things, because every writer does a great job and all of us have our public... But if that public do not see you then...
I like a couple tips I read recently for growing your Substack: have a ‘hero’ post that’s permanently pinned to your landing page (I think this came from Veronica Llorca Smith?), and engage with people on Notes. I think that can help your visibility!
I read about the "hero" post in the past office hours and I did not try it yet. Did you felt an increase of subscribers because of that or some positive feedback about it?
Yeah, I think so! I feel like, since putting up the hero post, I’ve gotten a pretty steady trickle of new subscribers. I got maybe 20+ this month—so worth a try!
I added a hero post. I think it helps.
I got a few more, then it went dead
I'm wanting to do this soon, a start here post! Thank you for the reminder, Mary.
Oooooh I like the concept of a ‘start here’ post--much clearer than ‘hero’!
I have pinned one of my most responsive posts to the top, we'll see how that does. But I do intend to write a specific Hero Post for that purpose. Haven't locked down my approach on that yet.
Great tip. I'm working on a hero post right now!
💪💪💪👏
where can i learn more about 'hero' posts?
This one's good too: https://open.substack.com/pub/pubstacksuccess/p/how-to-get-more-subscribers-with?r=f3c9o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
From https://substack.com/@karencherry
You can start here: https://substack.com/@veronicallorcasmith/note/c-47620196?r=1qvm79&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Karen Cherry gives explicit instructions in a recent post. Really looks easy to follow. Good luck!
What is a 'hero' post, please?
It could be what you feel is your ‘best’ post, or one that best captures what you/your Substack is all about.
Congratulations! I just recently hit 100 as well its such an amazing feeling!
Congratulations 🎉
Congratulations! All the best!
Great job Maggie!
Congrats on 100 subscribers! What else, if anything, has driven growth outside of writer office hours?
Thanks Maggie!
I do not have real proof, but I have the feeling that commenting in others newsletter' issues as well brought attention to my newsletter.
Using the Notes feature though, I did not feel getting more visibility
Yes, writing comments on other 'Stacks is a great way to get yourself out there. Notes is a great tool. As well as this forum. The more you comment on someone else's writing, and RESTACK them, the better. You should also RECOMMEND the 'Stacks you like and follow, and, if you think your follower/subscribers will like something, CROSS-POST. All of these thing will help you grow.
All great ideas, Ben. It takes a bit of work to hit all the angles, but worth it. Remember, though, no matter how much "work" it might be, relax and have fun with it.
True, true. It takes time I'm learning but give it all you've got and little by little, as the Clapton song says, let it grow.
i'd forgotten about cross-posting!
Not sure how to cross-post??
cross-posting is right below!
what is cross posting, exactly? and restocking also is a wonder....
When you go to a post, there're two buttons on the top right. One says SHARE, and the other is three dots. Click the three dots and three other options appear. One is Cross-post. When you Cross-post, you are sharing that particular post you're reading, with your email list. You're essentially sending it to them and recommending the post you're reading. Now, people worry about sending too much to their list, and are afraid that if they send too much, people will unsubscribe. If that's a reason to unsubscribe, then go ahead, I say. What you are doing is telling your readers that you think they might like what this person has to say.
I read too about the thing about recommend other newsletters. I already did, actually, writing a concrete review saying why I think people should subscribe, and it did not result in having more visibility
I believe clocking in daily/often to Notes, reading the thread and commenting on those you know answers to or want to communicate with. I believe Substack is all about sharing. Like one big family. Dive in and enjoy. I'm a newbie but love the feel of this platform. It's like for SURE someone will catch you. Welcome!
Good to hear!
Congratulations Marcos.
I'm a newbie here too and I hope to connect with lots of great people here.
Joining you in the 100+ club soon 🤭
Thanks! And best wishes to reach your milestone soon! 🚀
Thank youu.
Thank you for your post, I’ll do my best to attend the next one.
Wow that’s amazing. I’m closing in on 50. 100 is the next goal after that
Best wishes!
Congratulations and so agree: This is the place to be seen! I just started a new newsletter on content, branding and SEO, and I'd love to have more subscribers: https://contentclarity.substack.com/
Best wishes!!
Congratulations, Marcos! I used the occasion of hitting 100 readers to send an email to all of my subscribers updating them on reaching that milestone, giving them a sense of where my readers were located, and encouraging them to help me fill in the map by sharing my Substack with friends. It was a fun (and pretty successful) way to connect and expand the community!
Thanks! Wow! that sounds a good tip! I will follow your advice! Thanks for sharing!
I hope it helps, Marcos! I'll gladly accept any tips from you too!!
Also, just flagged your post on digital nomads in Spain for my reading hour. :) Looking forward to checking out your work.
Great! Any feedback is more than welcome!
Huge congratulations Marcos, I’m also so close to getting to my 100 milestone, such an amazing feeling to achieve a big milestone!
Thanks! Best wishes for you! 🚀
Oh thank you so much 😊
Congrats, Marcos!
Thanks Chris!
Very good advice! I do the same when I can.
✏️ How do you handle the haters? ✏️
I recently wrote on Substack about my failed attempt to adopt a child from foster care (after 3 years of infertility and 5 miscarriages). I was grieving the loss of this child through my writing, and I got a couple of replies telling me I was a horrible person because it didn’t work out. Someone even created a fake email shouldnothavekids@_____.com and a fake Substack account and paid my monthly subscription fee so they could post an anonymous comment telling me I was a piece of garbage and didn’t deserve to be a parent. I had to paywall the post and my subsequent response to it because I no longer felt safe sharing publicly.
❓ Has anyone else had this experience on Substack? How did you handle it?
(Here’s the piece, and my response:)
https://www.lizexplores.com/p/adoption-breakup
My response, in general, basically comprises three steps: 1. Paywall all highly sensitive posts on the grounds that if someone wants to be nasty they can at least pay for the privilege; 2. Block anyone making nasty comments -- if the account is fake or anonymous, get the link to the comment and take a screenshot and send it to the Substack team because they might find it useful to know about; 3. Ignore them as in don't feed the trolls
Wise words, Terry. I’ve learned from this experience to do all these things.
I can't respond with how to handle the horrible situation (the kind of person that makes me ask WTF is wrong with people????) but sensitive posts are the reason I keep paid subscriptions turned on even though I make only a few dollars a month. People have to pay for my vulnerability. Since my blog space is my workshop for what I hope will be longer pieces later on, I don't feel bad that only a handful of people can see them every month. Someday those pieces may become something more significant.
That’s my dividing line too, Sarah— paywalling the sensitive stuff. I just happened to gamble wrong on that particular post. I thought I could compromise by making the post public and the comments private, but that clever troll found a workaround!
Trolls are the worst. And unfortunately, they are in every corner of the internet. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Being open and vulnerable with our infertility journey is so important to the women who are still suffering alone in silence. We shouldn't be afraid of what complete strangers will say while we are speaking from our heart to those who need to hear it.
I’ve got a post that’s kind of sensitive that I’d like to put behind the paywall. But I don’t have enough paid subscribers so virtually no one would see it. So I’m sitting on it for the time being
I always try to think whether the people who do pay would benefit from seeing it
Good way to look at it
Great advice.
I put a tweet up once and got shit on by a bunch of people...I'd said something that maybe you should encourage kids to play outside rather than sit in front of the TV playing video games. People were screaming at me, calling me an old dinosaur and saying I was what was wrong with my generation. I just turned it off and walked away. It bothered me. But I can not begin to understand the hurt you must have felt with the cruelty levelled against you. No one deserves that.
I’m sorry you went through this too, Ben. Thank you for empathizing. It extra-sucked because I was already in such deep pain over my loss. In the end, though, I turned it around and wrote a second essay about why maybe they were right, but for all the wrong reasons:
https://www.lizexplores.com/p/maybe-i-shouldnt-have-kids
Ugh, I'm so sorry! I have not yet had this experience on Substack but have dealt with TONS of haters on Medium, which is part of reason I'm exploring Substack instead. I've found that not engaging is usually the best way to go. There are a few anti-feminist but semi-respectful men I don't mind sparring with from time to time, but otherwise I ignore it. I'll admit, it's hard not to stew over the nasty comments, but I try to put as little energy into the haters as possible. They're clearly dealing with their own shit, and I'm not going to solve it!
LOL Kerala, THIS: “They're clearly dealing with their own shit, and I'm not going to solve it!” That pretty much sums it up. 😂 Thank you for your words of wisdom! I’m curious, what have your Medium readers taken issue with in your writing?
Anything related to gender, particularly gender equity in the workplace and between spouses/partners. It's funny, I also write a lot about racial issues since I'm in an interracial marriage, and I thought those posts would be the most controversial. But for me, it's been the gender stuff that lures most of the haters out of the woodwork. I have some very loyal hate readers, who follow me just to disagree with me. Mostly men, but a couple women here and there too!
I expect to have my own cadre of haters as soon as my blog makes it into some of the more rigid churches. That's fine with me. They propelled Harry Potter into the stratosphere preaching against the witchcraft in it.
Well, your writing must be impactful, Kerala, if they care enough to put that much energy into criticizing it! 😂 Are they mostly male critics, as far as you can tell, or mixed-gender?
That's what I tell myself! I'd say they meanest ones are 90% male. I had to screenshot this precious thread on Twitter/X about one of my most widely read/controversial stories, "These Tired Jokes About Women Just Aren't Funny Anymore": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3SFHAVctbi2lbG0vbeqimO1J6haghe2/view?usp=sharing
I don't bother with most social media anymore, and especially not Twitter!
And also... when my posts start attracting haters, that's how I know they're getting in front of a wider audience. So even though it feels shitty, it's kind of a good thing!
You’re right, Kerala! That was my first thought after the initial sting subsided: Does this mean I have arrived? 😂
Once I realized that there are four stock comments that most of my haters have, it lost the sting. They are 1. You’re dumb. 2. You’re crazy. 3. Call to action (f off, be unalive, go join the rest of the dum dums) 4. You do not have the appearance or personality of which I approve, therefore you will remain sexually unfulfilled and lonely, likely with more than two cats.
I’ve had the haters on The Medium because of my content. I get it. I’m not for everyone. But it’s not like you have a gun to your head to read anything.
I’ve found Substack more supportive and encouraging an experience to write in over The Medium.
It feels like a safer space to me. I’m grateful for that.
✏️ - Looking for any tips/ tricks for promoting on social media. I have a pretty substantial following but it just seems like my posts don’t reach anyone.
https://arlebielanko.substack.com/
I hear your pain, Arle. Indeed, social media's contribution is minimal. For context I write the Visual Storytelling Newsletter (https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/) and here are a few tactics I use:
- Use more Share buttons in your content
- Activate the Subscriber Referrals
- Search for writers with similar interests and do a collab
- Engage with other readers during Office Hours, their posts, Notes, Chat
- Comp people you care about (if you offer paid sub) and ask them to share your newsletter
- Recommend other newsletters, that's how I received lots of subs
- Beyond social, you can submit your newsletter to https://inboxreads.co/ and other newsletter networks
- Insert a link into your email signature (Canva has great email signature templates)
- Add a signup popup to your website
- The most effective is really when you network with new people on or offline to share. It worked for me every time.
I'm pretty new to substack, but have been writing a weekly newsletter that highlights new stuff on our website (SideHusl.com) for about five years. We have roughly 22,000 subscribers. The vast majority have joined because of the subscribe button on our website.
I did put a Substack link on my health consulting website: https://www.agohealth.com/ but it isnt a "subscribe" button so I will check that out!
Your comments are most welcome. A great list and I'm trying them all. I'll be 80 in a few months (look and act younger - ha) and am not proficient with technology but have quality content. Only 400 subscribers so far but your ideas I'm sure will help. Thanks so much, Ron.
Hi Sandy, I am just getting back to Substack, after losing 7 family members over the last months. I was just notified my sister passed last week as well. Yet, at 70 I too am strong, motivated and have a passion to continue to write. The fog of grief was just beginning to lift until now. I shall write and continue through this platform, raw and vulnerable, yet realistic and full of passion to write while I am here. Thank you for posting your thoughts. Congratulations on 400 subscribers... that is great!
I'm about to be 82 and still writing – sometimes about issues to do with being old and sometimes about issues that affect everyone. Come have a look and see me stand on my head (2 minute video).
Hi Brenda. I'd never typically do this but my Substack might provide inspiration about how close your family members really are. I lost my only child in 2018 and wrote my first book in that space about being a closet medium for 35 years and instantly reconnecting with my son by accident. Now, tons of legends are coming with beautiful insight, descriptions, and general wisdom to help us all find peace and a better life here. Some are light hearted and all are tender and loving. If you're so inclined, the weekly articles might lift your spirits and help shift your grief to a stronger sense of connectedness with each of your loved ones. God bless you, Brenda. I chose Substack because I had no idea what to do with the hundreds of messages from icons that continue to come to me. So, this is my vehicle to share. Sending much love your way, Brenda, and thanks so much for your kind note.
so sorry for your losses, Brenda. that is a lot. Keep going....you sound wonderfully motivated...I just watched your video about Hope...beautiful and gives me inspiration.
Gladly, Sandy :) Keep that young sprit going!
Thanks for sharing these tips. I do a lot ofd sharing of other people's 'stacks, and subscribe to support them as well as read what they have to say. It's a bit of a pity when they don't reciprocate though (although most do)
True! It's not a 1:1 game but overall it works well.
Shlomi, this is a great list. I used recommendations when I first joined Substack but then stopped for some reason. I'm going to review my recommendations and give some thought to why I value those particular Substacks so much.
Thanks Leanne. It’s an error and trial process.
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Great advice thx
So helpful! Thanks much.
Wow, these are great ideas! Shlomi when you say 'more share buttons' do you mean more than one button in every post? I'm never sure if those buttons in the middle are going to annoy people...
No worries, Tanya :) Yea, I mean you can alternate between the Share and Refer A Friend buttons. For the latter, you first want to activate the Subscriber Referrals. Test these buttons and see how your subscribers react. If you have a great content you've already established a strong reason for them to share :)
🧠 We have to remember that we are itty bitty plankton in vast ocean of noise and bubbles. And I don't mean that negatively, just as a matter of point. Go slow and steady and don't wear yourself out trying to make a splash. Relax, have some fun with it. Post fun stuff. Enjoy yourself and let your promotions will carry that feeling.
There is NO end of people and companies out there that will sell you products and services to "promote" yourself. Don't burn your wallet or your patience. As a famous philosopher (Dory the fish) once said, "Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming."
Quoting Dory is top quality! Also, your own comments are hugely sensible. Agree agree agree!
Thanks, Lisa. I always like to quote the most influential philosophers of our time. Though her advice can be somewhat salty sometimes. 😁
Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for subscribing. YOU are my 100th Subscriber. Yaaaaaay!!! In recognition, you have my undying admiration and your name will be prominently displayed in my mental Hall of Fame. Thanks!
Haha that makes me so happy! Well done you! Congratulations on a wonderful achievement. Champers for everyone! 🥂🤩🐠
Instagram is my conversational platform of choice and I feel like Instagram totally suppresses Substack content. I have experimented with sharing pre-made Substack promo images, regular images, using vs. not using the word Substack, as well as "link in bio." I haven't collected rigorous data (LOL) but I just think IG (like Facebook, so it makes sense) kills anything that whiffs of taking a user out of the platform.
THAT SAID, while I think IG throttles feed posts, my audience is very tuned to engaging with me in Stories. So that is usually how I convert -- through organically weaving in my Substack content in Stories with the link sticker.
Arle, when I clicked on your Substack link, I saw a title but was unable to access any content without subscribing first. Is that deliberate? Perhaps that's what keeping people from your door, so to speak. On a more general note: I've come to believe that social media isn't the 'answer' to anything--certainly not engagement. Finding niches where people share your passions, interests, and goals can be more rewarding than trying to spread yourself across all the "tools."
Although clicking "No Thanks" will get the user to your Home page, many users might not click. There is a better way. I link to my About Page. Users can enter my Substack website through the About Page without having to subscribe or click the small "No Thanks" link.
Great tip, Leon.
I really like this idea, thanks, it solves an issue I encounter as a reader here.
Yeah, I appreciate that! I clicked on someone else’s Substack that just posted here and it did the same thing. I’ve also experienced it in the past and simply click “no thanks” but I think you are likely right about it feeling “pressured”.. It is definitely not deliberate on my end. I’ll look into it.
You can change the "no thanks" to display something else like "let me check it out first." Or, if you're particularly cheeky, maybe "Let me fondle the merchandise first!" lol
Can you really?! This is incredible to know. I’m cheeky as hell! 😂
I've seen the "Let Me Check It Out First" which I really like. I also wonder why the referral and recommend buttons come up when I first go in to check someone out. I don't know anything about it yet to recommend it.
Is that in the SETTINGS? How do you do that?
Arle, my bad! I simply needed to click the 'not now' button to get to your content. Oops. Silly me. I love the photo choices on your home page. You have a great eye, even if some or all are stock (and I suspect they are not!)
That is the normal process at Substack if you use the top level address. If you link directly to a post, it will take them there. I'm not sure I like this feature. On the one hand, it asks them directly up front to subscribe. On the other, it might put them off from exploring as the "no thanks" (or whatever you use) may not be truly intuitive.
Arle, you had me with Jack Kerouac's playlist. Just flagged that post for my reading hour! Nice to meet you. ;)
You mean social media beyond Substack, right? I wonder if many are getting a ton of traction that way? A resource that's on my to-do list to check out is https://on.substack.com/p/bringing-followers-from-instagram. I also keep telling myself to highlight other substacks on social media that I think followers would like because I get a sense that might catch people's attention, feel like something different. But I've mostly stopped posting on socials cuz of exactly what you're talking about--not a whole lot of traction.
Thanks for asking! Maybe we could stay in touch, let each other know if we find any strategies that seem to change the game.
Thanks Holly! I'm going to check that article out as well. I currently use my Instagram to post pics of my cute dog, so it would be great if I could have it work for me. Instagram is tough because you can only put links in the Bio.
Right? And don't rely on my for this because I'm not the expert. But I'm fairly certain I've heard phrases like "link in Bio" notch you down the ladder on the algorithm. IG wants people to stay there, not go to Substack. So, ...
My strategies are going to be (1) promote other people's Substack stuff too and (2) make videos instead of photo posts. I'll report back as to whether that does any good on some future office hours.
And you're welcome. :)
Not very helpful, I know, but that's simply how social media works in 2024. i.e., it's not useful as a promotional platform (unless you spend lots of money).
I appreciate the solidarity. What methods work better for you?
The only paid promo I do is bookfunnel, because it tends to convert well, and it's nice and honest in the way it functions. I write fiction, so it's a good way to find readers of my genres.
Otherwise, it's lots of networking, and paying careful attention to SEO (this one was initially accidental, but has since brought in lots of new readers).
Instagram has gotten me nowhere, but I do see a noticeable spike in readers when I share a link to my post on Reddit.
Hi Arle! I briefly looked at your stack and the thing that jumped out is whether you have capability of sharing that playlist directly on the substack or at least drop a Spotify link. If we don’t have the software capability, then maybe you could share a quick note at the start of the post that says, follow me on Spotify to get this and my other playlists! As someone who celebrates winter solstice, I’d never heard these songs and was intrigued enough to want to subscribe. So keep using those tags!
Shlomi's recommendations are excellent, and I would also add:
- don't just add 'Share' buttons but actively tell readers to share and explain why (eg "If you liked this post, please share it with your friends. Sharing helps this community of xxx grow"
- spend more time on social media NOT pasting links to your work, but instead just interacting with others.. the aim is become "known" and "liked" so that when you do share your own work people are more likely to click through.
I feel like it's really hard to reach masses on social media unless you're really doing the work to grow on those platforms. I've had the most growth from networking here on the platform (or in places devoted to Substack such as LinkedIn, FB groups and Reddit).
I would love to follow your account as I am also struggling with exposure on social media and have been trying to connect with other writers on Instagram. My handle is @formysakenow! Feel free to reach out!
I'm so curious about this as well!
Liz! This breaks my heart reading your words. I'm so sorry you went through that nastiness. Terry is so right: ignore. But oh my--that's tough!
Know that someone(s) out there really needed to hear about your experience, to give them strength and make them feel not alone. Focus on those!
You make a wonderful point, Alison: we write for those who need to hear it, so that we all feel less alone. Thankfully, the positive comments have outweighed the negative ones a hundred times over, and for that reason, I keep going! 💪
Liz, I sent you an email. But I also want to say publicly, I admire your honesty and bravery. And I hope you're caring for your tender heart and cleaving to those who would do so too in this time of grief.
As hard as it is to do, I think ignoring is best. They say the best way to help someone being bullied is to turn your total attention to the person being targeted, be their friend, talk with them, walk with them, helping turn your and their back to the bully. It focuses the attention on what is good--warmth and connection between humans living their lives with all the attendant challenges--and away from nasty words and arguments that help no one. I think the same applies here.
Sending you warmth. I'm glad you're here, sharing your truth.
Thank you, Holly. Your words are so insightful, and so true. I received your email and many kind words of support from others, which has helped tremendously to drown out the unkind voices. I’ve been deep in my grieving process, but I look forward to replying to everyone when I come up for air. I am humbled to receive so much love from people who only know me through my words. I’m grateful that you are one of them! ❤️
Hey Liz,
I have no piece of advice but just words of support. Nobody understands well what it means to adopt children, especially when they come from foster care. Your decision is complety yours, and shouldn't be judged, I believe when people decide to send back a child they wanted and so much desired the wound is on both side.
I have seen you put your answer on a paywall and I clearly understood the reason why you did it, and you were right, in my humble opinion. Substack is a space that has been created for writers to have, yes conversation with their readers, but also control over nasty people, and paywalling is one way to go about haters. I am just apalled this person was so nasty to subscribe to hurt you more. Just screenshot everything and send it to the Substack help team.
Yeah, that was the real kicker, Emmanuelle! Originally I kept the post public and had the comments on paywall, because I was afraid of exactly this. So for someone to go to all that trouble of creating the new accounts and paying to comment anonymously… that was a surprise. And it’s too bad I had to paywall the whole post, because I know how annoying the paywalls can feel, especially to new subscribers.
This is a massive problem across every major platform unfortunately. It shocks me to see some of the comments on videos across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok especially. Much of this content is just the creator expressing their experiences in the world, as you have with your post.
The undeniable truth of the internet in the modern is age is: no matter what you put out there, there will always be harsh, unthoughtful and nasty responses. Given this reality, it's on you to accept it and continue in the face of negativity. I've actually gained a lot of respect for content creators who continue to put themselves out there when the world continually patronizes and belittles them. It's not an easy job.
My condolences for your loss and I hope you can find the strength to continue. I know you're not alone in your loss as my own family has dealt with these same problems. Your story will help others find peace.
I'll leave you with this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYdN_UQ_Tik
At the end of the day if Lebron, or anyone achieving at that level, is dealing with these same issues, then you know it's not about them. It's about people's own insecurities and world views.
Well said, Reet—both you and LeBron! Mostly, I just laugh when I imagine these critical people trying to actually live the difficult experience I lived, let alone write about it and share it publicly. Going after what we want, failing, and being willing to talk about it (especially when it reveals our own shortcomings) requires courage… a trait that is conspicuously lacking in those who would hide in the crowd and jeer us from the sidelines.
I’m sorry to hear that your family, too, has had similar experiences. Thank you for your kind words, and for standing with me in solidarity. 🙏
Wow, I'm sorry that happened to you, Liz. I've had haters comment on my posts (although not on such a sensitive issue) and l basically block them and delete their comments. It still takes an emotional toll though so paywalling as someone suggested is probably a good idea.
Thank you, Tanya. That seems to be the consensus. I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this as well!
WHOA. That's next-level horrible, and I'm so sorry to hear about it, Liz. I don't really have any words of wisdom for how to handle it that haven't already been covered here, but I can tell you that I know a writer who was excoriated both in online comments and in her Amazon book reviews--for an unrelated book--for admitting in a piece (which was given an inflammatory headline by the publication) that she'd never really wanted to have kids and, while she loved them very much, was happy to allow her husband, who was much more interested in parenthood, to have primary custody when they split up. She lived down the street from her kids and still saw them every day.
Somehow this got her comments declaring her "worse than Hitler" (I wish I was making that up, but I'm not). I share this story to illustrate that people get VERY worked up over parenthood, and especially motherhood, in this country, jumping to conclusions and spewing hatred with incredible ease--often without really reading or understanding the full story. It sounds like they didn't really read/understand yours, either.
You're definitely NOT the only person who's ever experienced something like this, which I hope is at least somewhat comforting.
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection, Nancy. I think you’re right—any story around motherhood (or impending motherhood) that isn’t rainbows and unicorns (or “it’s hard but it’s all worth it”) doesn’t fit the cultural narrative people want to believe. And you’re right that they don’t know even half the story; probably not 1% of it. They don’t know how desperately I’ve tried to become a parent, for so many years. They don’t know about the behaviors I experienced with this child that I was not informed of in advance; the diagnoses that were not disclosed; the fact that sending him to my home was, in fact, an experiment and his case workers didn’t know if it would work (it only took 24 hours to realize it wouldn’t). All this after I’d fallen in love with this beautiful child who I desperately wanted to help, but couldn’t. Yet these haters distill all of that into “I gave up on him” based on a 500-word reflection I shared about love and loss. This probably explains why I’ve struggled to find any similar stories of other failed adoptions to help ease my pain—it’s too taboo to talk about. But that’s exactly why we need to talk about it.
I would be fascinated to read the piece you mentioned; are you able to share that author’s name, or link to it? What a shame that they sought out her other books to try to discredit her. These people will stop at nothing, even if you ignore them, which is what makes it so scary. But I wish more of us had the courage to face them. My strategy (after blocking them) was to write about how maybe they were right, but for the wrong reasons:
https://www.lizexplores.com/p/maybe-i-shouldnt-have-kids
You're so welcome, Liz. I'll email you the link--I don't want to take the risk of inflaming anyone else and sending more hate her way, even on a piece that's a decade old.
I hadn't read your post yet, but I just did, and I suspect the fact that you didn't go into detail about what happened that made the match untenable just meant they filled in the gaps with their own crazy--but as you'll see in the piece I'm sending you, even giving details about how much you see your kids even if you don't live with them did not stop them from just raging blindly and being horrible, so my guess could be completely incorrect and wouldn't have made a difference anyway.
To me, the anguish was perfectly clear in your writing, details or no, but I fear we have become incredibly empathy challenged as a culture... which is probably best left as another conversation for another day.
Honestly this says a lot about them and nothing about you. I hate that you experienced that when sharing something so personal. Some people are so miserable they just have to make others miserable, too...and sadly, I think topics surrounding parenthood and children can sometimes get people really riled up. In addition to the other suggestions (like paywalling from the get-go) and ignoring, I'd also consider adding a content warning to your posts. While your publication clearly states it deals with infertility, it might be helpful for those who want to decide if they have enough spoons to read whatever you're sharing at that moment. Just a thought!
Thanks, Theresa. I think part of the problem was that I had not posted in two months, because of the turmoil of the adoption process, and in the meantime I had added 450 new subscribers to my list! Some of those people had joined via Office Hours when I mentioned that I was going to be writing a piece about how I grew my audience. (That piece has also been delayed by my grief, but it will be coming!) Unfortunately this attracted some people who were not interested in the topics I normally write about, and were not respectful in the ways that my regular readers are. So it makes me more cautious about sharing in this space, or sharing something off-topic that would attract the wrong people to my audience in the first place.
Good LORD. I’m so sorry you’ve been put through this!
Thanks, Mary. It would be one thing if I’d been writing something polemical or pot-stirring, but of all things, the grief of losing a child?!
yes. seconding all the supportive things other have said here. I think you sharing at this level is courageous and profound. I suppose any subject can elicit fanatical and attack energy especially in this day and age, but writing honestly about parenting, adoption, the complexities and actual realities of it....that is especially brave and challenging. thank you..glad you are taking care of yourself.
Thank you, Ellen. I’m really grateful for your perspective, and your kind words. It is difficult stuff to share about, and I feel honored that you consider my writing “courageous.” I think the most difficult things are the ones that need to be written, so that someone, somewhere might feel less alone. We need to “brave” the haters in order to make that happen. 🙏
People often astonish me, but not usually because of something so bizarre and cruel.
Those are good words to describe what happened, Mary. Thank you for naming that.
Firstly, I am so sorry that this happened to you.
Secondly, remember it is all external to you and does not determine your value.
Thirdly, in my experience with psychology, usually the people who ache are the ones who take their energy and feelings *for themselves* onto someone else (that would be you in this case).
For all we know this is someone with too much free time to spend on creating an email address, paying and commenting with the sole purpose of hurting you. Pitiful at best. Ridiculous at worst.
You’re right on all counts, Katrin. I appreciate your compassion. And yes, it’s almost comically ridiculous—so much so that I used this person’s “Should not have kids” fake email address as the inspiration for my next post, exploring why maybe they’re right; maybe I shouldn’t have kids:
https://www.lizexplores.com/p/maybe-i-shouldnt-have-kids
Oof. So painful, so awful, Liz. I haven't had any haters pay for a sub, but I did receive an extremely hateful email and at least one or two hateful responses on Notes. I delete and block immediately in such cases. I welcome differing opinions and dialogue. I will not waste any energy on haters (most of whom don't post their picture, are basically anonymous, etc.).
I did the same recently when I shared a vulnerable essay about money and explicitly requested that folks only share about their experiences and not offer unsolicited advice (I request this every post and also lay it out as a policy in my About page). I received so many beautiful, powerful comments...and one that ignored that request and proceeded to comment on how I've lived "all" my life and how I should fix it. I deleted and blocked. The essay in question: https://danaleighlyons.substack.com/p/financial-binging-vs-financial-anorexia
Sending care and kindness your way.
Ugh, I’m sorry you’ve been through this too, Dana. Thank you for sharing your post - it is very vulnerable, and it makes me feel less alone in where I am financially at this stage in life (mid-40s). I can also imagine how it would open you up to judgment of the judgers out there.
Like you said, there’s a difference between healthy debate/dialogue versus hate and judgement. The difference is curiosity: I may not understand exactly where you’re coming from, but am I curious enough to learn? Those who are not—who think they have all the answers—could just keep their mouths shut, but of course they don’t. Because they need to justify themselves to themselves, and anyone who thinks differently is a threat.
Thank you, Liz. And yeah - I try to stay out of the way of Those Who Know The Answer as much as possible. There's no space there - for anyone or anything.
I am sorry about this experience on top of what you are dealing with…. Report and block. Don’t accept and move on.
Thank you for the pro tip. Keep it simple!
I'm so sorry this happened to you Liz. That is horrible and I can't believe anyone reading about your journey would then want to be insensitive. I hope you heard from Substack on ways to support you through this. It sounds like the steps you took were pretty smart.
Thank you, Colleen. I haven’t heard anything from Substack… I did hit the “report comment” button, but I don’t know where that goes, or what they consider to be abusive. That could be another question for another Office Hours. I appreciate your support!
🧠 Welcome Substackers. This is my top read article on growing followers and it has helped me grow my social media followers to 140K and I have implemented the same ideas on Substack and so far I have a steady growth. I hope it helps you all.
https://open.substack.com/pub/raisini/p/from-zero-to-100000-subscribers-the?r=aegif&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Thank you for the link! I will definitely check it out. We appreciate it!
🥃
🔥🔥🔥
Thank you for sharing the link!
🥃
Thank you for sharing, Raisini! I'll take a look!
🥃
✏️ what was the biggest growth moment for your newsletter, and what led to it? i finally became a bestseller, woohoo! 50 people paid to do The Artist's Way in my accountability group - the single biggest (paid) growth moment my newsletter has ever seen. now the work comes in making my newsletter so great that they want to stay and finding new community experiences we can do together. would love to hear about other people's biggest moments of growth!
Just recently, I posted something on Notes about what I've learned on Substack. I got well over 100 likes, and restacks, shares, the whole nine yards. I picked up at least 25-30 new subscribers in 2 days. The biggest growth I've ever had. I'm now sitting at 430, wondering how that happened. Because I write fiction, I know it's a hard sell. But I'm here for the long haul, working my way to get one of those little check marks beside my name.
That's awesome, Ben! And yep, it take TIME. I started my newsletter in the Spring of 2022. I'm finally starting to use Notes after avoiding it for the same reasons I quit Twitter, and it seems like a really fun and effective place for growth.
Wow, Ben, that’s great! And excited to learn that you write fiction. It seems a natural fit for Substack. My chosen categories are “literature” and “fiction” but I don’t put my fiction up on Substack. I think that people who care about literature take a natural interest in all genres. I write mostly memoir and personal essays, so there’s a an obvious overlap. I would love to read your work. And am always excited to see serialized long-form stories. Glad you brought up this topic. Heading over to your place right now.
Wow, you won't believe how long it took me to find this just so I could say thanks!
I'm in almost exactly the same boat. After very little traction ever on Notes, one my insider articles with tips/insights from my first year on the platform get a bunch of play and recycling. And it was the same day that another of my articles on the art of listening started taking off. Just some rare magic for me on Notes that day. And I won about 15 new subscribers and am now up to 350. Yay for us! It's a long haul but then there's a blip that lifts you to the next level. Keep on keeping on. (And here's the article if it helps anyone: https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips)
Ali! Congratulations. That is an amazing accomplishment!! And now I'm excited to check out your work.
I really love this question. It sent me to my stats to try and determine whether there is a single biggest growth moment I can point to. I started with 31 people from a former blog six months ago and have grown to nearly 400. The chart shows a steady increase, and I've certainly noticed a sharper growth recently as I've fallen into my groove with an editorial calendar and an amazing community of writers and readers whose hearts and minds and words I'm falling in love with.
I've just announced a new offering. They're workshops on how to turn editorial eyes and perspectives on your own work. (I've been a professional editor for twenty years and have geeked out on how to use the editorial tool box in shaping my own writing.) I'd be lying if I didn't say I hope to look back it these workshops as growth moments.
And I so agree, the work after growth comes in making the newsletter great and connecting with more and more awesome people.
Thanks for the question! My future growth moment 😜:
https://hollystarley.substack.com/p/be-your-own-best-editor-and-be-free
A steady increase is definitely something to celebrate! Workshops can definitely help drive growth, I do them too, but it's taken me time to figure out what my audience wants. A lot of trial and error, but it all helps. Good luck with your workshop and yes to future growth moments :)
Thanks!
this is amazing. My current followers are mostly colleagues and family/friends so I've not chosen to have a paid option yet. Because my focus is niche (chronic pain) I have felt awkward asking for $ from the current base. When did you shift to paid, what was the tipping point? PS I am going to check out your substack now!
I launched with a paid option. I'm a TV writer and was already hosting writing retreats and teaching when I started my Substack, so it felt a natural extension to have a paid feature for giving writing advice and teaching through craft posts. I also gave retreat discounts to paying subscribers (which I've since discontinued as I've figured out my Substack more). It took a while to figure out what people actually wanted/what they felt was worth paying for, and I imagine it's something I'll always be reevaluating. I'd say if there's something specific and valuable you can offer people with chronic pain, it's worth giving the paid option a shot!
Have you figured out what people are willing to pay for? I haven't. But then, I only write fiction. People don't want to pay for that. I finally decided to put my paywall up and put my serialized "novels" there (I just call them stories) and ignore it. I figure, people will either want to read them, or they won't. I'm thinking, as the page grows, so will the PAID subscribers. I was just looking through my "followers" (I looked because I was curious as to how many I have -- 163 -- and because I noticed that you followed me today...I really wish you would have subscribed, but neither here nor there.)
Just subscribed & recommended yours, Mara!! I have chronic pain as well, so I’ll be reading :)
thank you!
I am in the middle of mine. A flood of new subscribers when I offered a money prize for writing:
ESSAY CONTEST with Cash Prizes! Due February 14
It’s January 1, 2050. How, in 2024, did we pull off saving the world?
https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/p/an-essay-contest-its-january-1-2050
That's so cool, Suzanne! I'll check it out.
Fabulous question, Ali. So far, my biggest growth moments have come from direct outreach to various networks with a link to my latest essay. I've only been at this for 4 months now, but I still feel a bit stuck in the "friend zone" in terms of subscribers, even though my growth has been pretty consistent. I look forward to reading more responses to your wonderful question!
I've also started including both a link to my latest Substack essay and a link to my Substack publication generally in my email signature.
Single growth? I set myself a challenge to write and gift poems to the first takers. Got about 10 followers from that! Wrote personalized poems and it created a small community. How is the artist way workshop ?
🧠 - Something I wish I knew when I started is that at some point, you will want to give up. As you struggle to grow, you will question everything: Is this worth it? Is anybody actually reading this? What am I doing? Expect it, and write down your answers to these questions BEFORE you feel them. Keep them close as inspiration and a reminder for your intentions, the WHY behind your newsletter. That way, when all those feelings come up, you're less likely to actually quit.
Oh, I love this, Ali! I've been in that headspace and it's often a challenge to redirect my focus to the "why" and long-term goals. Definitely going to write them down so it's easier to remind myself. Thanks for the tip! :)
Don't quit! If you feel that way, it just means you have to rethink your page. I've changed mine twice. I had the paywall up, and took it down, and then put it up again. When I feel down because people quit my 'Stack, I look at the little graph on my subscriber page which goes up at a steady 45º angle. I put out two stories a week, one FREE, and the other behind my PAYWALL. But maybe that's too much for you, or maybe not enough. Only you know that answer...but I can tell you what the answer isn't: quitting. I'm retired, so I got all the time in the world -- well, not as much as you probably. Just keep writing and don't sweat the small stuff. If you miss a deadline, remember, it's a self-imposed deadline. You're not going to lose your Substack because of it.
Yay, hope it helps!
I'm a newbie here still. This is such great advice, actually... I know why I do my newsletter, but I never actually written it down. Getting on that now!
Yes!! Write it down and keep it close. Write down the more internal reasons too (creative fulfillment, a regular writing practice) — the things that aren't about numbers and growth. It will help a lot!
YESSSS! You have to know your why and remember your why, especially when you're putting yourself out there and making yourself vulnerable. The more powerful your why, the more insulated you are when things get hard, because we all have those days when we think know one is reading, connecting, engaging...
✏️ As a new writer on Substack, I'm excited to be on here chatting with writers and readers, and about my first 16 subscribers :) I wonder how established writers like you would approach starting out in 2024? I'm also interested in collaborating with writers in different ways.
Likewise! Let's connect! On Instagram, my handle is @formysakenow, or you can email me - ourtribeheals@gmail.com :)
thanks for the reminder to resurrect my IG...
Hello S Tallet!
Hey there Pilgrim
Welcome (I say from the future, haunting an old office hours). I just wrote up some insights I've accrued in my first year here. And I love it here so much! Hope this helps you further grow. https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
🟧 I'm having trouble finding the tools for site design, particularly how to scale an image: eg., the banner.
Hi Rebecca, for banner images we recommend 1100x220 PNG for the best results. What size have you tried?
Katie, thank you foir ebung here. I have exactly 1100 x 220 dpi PNG. How big -- long-- is a banner expected to be? Is it supposed to take up/fill across the top space?
The size it currently shows on your publication is the size intended.
Thank you, Katie!
Clearly the banner requires redesigning. I appreciate your clarlfying this for me.
I used Canva as well. It took some time to find the fonts and design elements I liked, that weren’t paywalled, but it was truly worth it.
Hey Rebecca, I use Canva for the banners and things. Although, I also had it very easy bc of the Substack soirée course - it was all pre-done. But I’ve since messed around in Canva (on my very own 😁) and it worked well.
What's the Substack soiree course? My page looks pretty bare bones. I used Canva to create a little logo, but not much else.
Your site looks beautiful.
Hi Suzy,
I created a banner in Photoshop but I cannot size it enough to be meaningful (or read). I do not know about the soiree course.
I can make any sort of graphic in Photoshop. It's the Substack design tools/commands/whatever I can't find or don't know how to use. I ewidh there was a tutorial on this.
You've gotten a lot of answers, and Katie gave you the banner dimensions. You can't "adjust" the size or positioning of the banner on your page. So you want to make sure it is correctly sized and you like how it shows up. (Or edit, resize, and upload again.)
Within your actual posts, you can "drag" to resize images (or set them full-width).
There are recommended sizes for different types of images: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4408381685268-What-are-the-optimal-image-dimensions-for-my-Substack-publication
Thank you!
(Note - the drag to size function works when editing a post in a browser from computer. I have not found that it works from the browser on iPad.)
I’m having the same problem, no tool bar
Frustrating.
It would good to have a zoom session or something where we could ask questions and make corrections to our own sites.
On Canva, you can choose, alter and adjust relatively easily. If you have little experience in design, it is your go-to. If you don't have much time, it is your go-to. If you have any questions, shoot me an email or, even easier, connect with me on Instagram @formysakenow. :)
As was said by others, Canva is good if you want a user-friendly experience. Inkscape is also a great tool. You build graphics from scratch but its super easy to learn, enjoyable to create and offers an additional tool in your repertoire!
✏️ I am having a hard time with joining the herd in announcing my subscribers. I know that substack recommends that we do our own advertising to gain more subs but it just feels not organic to me. Any advice would be recommended. I don't think I can read another "I am so grateful for you and i have reached X number of subscriber" posts. Does that mean I do not belong here? I also cannot turn on my paid which I presume means substack does not even circulate my stack b/c there is zero incentive. Thoughts? Advice? Words of wisdom?
You have to do what feels authentic to you. If you don't want to do the milestone post, don't do it. I feel like it's so easy to get caught up in what we should be doing, but if I've learned anything about Substack, it's that the usual rules don't apply. Do what feels right to you.
So true. Thank you. I will carry on with what feels right at each moment.
I wrote a comment below and did so using my reader account rather than my writer account, so I wanted to check in under my writer account as well. I just started a second Substack and it is missing the listening feature, which I really need for my new publication. I have reached out for help to get this resolved and I have gotten a combination of the runaround and having my messages ignored. Can I please get help with this? I have been a writer on Substack for nearly three years with my previous publication, which I still write at consistently. I believe in Substack's mission enormously. I just really would like this resolved so I can begin growing my second publication as well. Thank you.
Hey James, text-to-speech is currently only available to some publications. As you grow the new publication,it will be enables.
Since you have test-to speech on your other publication, I understand how important this feature is for you. I've logged your request for the text-to-speech feature to be added to your new publication.
Thank you so much. I hope this can happen soon. Thank you again for addressing my concern. It really means a lot.
🟧 Forgot to include emoji.
Does anyone else use Reddit to promote your substack and how do you do it?✨
How do I access the emojis you encourage to organize the conversation?
I just copied and pasted.
🟧 - Could you add the whatsapp in sharing options?
🟧 Hello, my substack isn't showing up when I comment on here. I must have turned it off somehow. Could you tell me how to get it back?
How do I find my question
🟧 Are these office hours scheduled every week on Thursday?
Just reading some of the conversation and discussion. Very grateful for this community. Thank you all for sharing, really helpful for a newbie - just joined this week :)
🧠 Main thing I've observed this week? That whenever I’m a bit nervous about a newsletter, or think it might be too personal or too weird, those are always the editions that do really well.
It’s happened at least three times now, with newsletters I very nearly didn’t send. And they all really resonated with readers.
As writers I think we have to feel a bit uncomfortable and as if we’re about to fall over, in order to write our most compelling stuff.
My most deeply personal posts are the ones that receive the most attention. I’m pretty careful about boundaries. But I have stories to tell, and sometimes it’s a challenge to hit “ publish.” But I love and trust my readers, and I’m willing to risk being vulnerable. What I don’t do is share stories that are not mine to share. And I don’t post pictures of children, or write about them in a way that makes them identifiable. It’s not easy. I try. I fail. And then try to fail better.
Yeah, I'd never want any vulnerability I put into my writing to tip over into being someone *else's* vulnerability.
Fully agree! I was a little nervous to start writing about something like ketamine treatment for depression, but I’ve discovered that the more personal and honest I am, the more my readers respond to the work. Which is gratifying and helps conquer the associated anxiety!
I love that the resurgence of newsletters as a form has really helped readers and writers of all sorts find each other in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.
Love this, Simon! it’s scary. And yet it’s what we all crave, that vulnerable, brave voice I’m all about befriending the inner monkeys of fear that try to stop us. Yay 🙌🏽 you did that.
Make friends with the monkeys.
I read your stuff and I would be scared if there wasn't your signature weirdness to it. :) Yes, sometimes it is more, but that shows us who you are.
Thanks, Althea!
Totally agree with this Simon. I have 2 substacks and one is called Letters to my father and is incredibly personal about my journey as we deal with his leukaemia diagnosis. I avoided posting on it for a while. But the comments and messages I’ve received from them has been wonderful and a huge comfort to me.
So true Simon! Vulnerability > authenticity > empathy
That's it. Although there's also the conundrum that if you try and do it *on purpose*, it then ceases to be authentic. It has to be almost accidental, I think.
Correct! Follow your intuition when to share this type of story. Overuse like anything else can backfire. I’ve written one that was based on a true experience and it was also nicely received.
🧠 Simon, thanks so much for saying that out loud. Most of my posts are about unintended consequences other people have experienced. I inject a bit of myself in most of them, but a few... a few end up focusing on my experience and start to get very personal.
I feel good in that area, but it is hard sometimes to understand where that boundary is. How much is truly private? How much is shareable? I find that when I start to become uncomfortable is when I start to just let loose and let it go to see where it heads. Do I publish it all? Most I think. I have pulled back a few times, but only when the thread seems to be a bit tarnished.
Amazing to hear! I have struggled with the same feelings, always wondering "Am I oversharing? Who will even care?" But then I hear how much it helped readers or struck a chord and it affirms that the scary stuff is often the most rewarding. Definitely leaning into more vulnerability this year. Glad to hear it's worked well for you!
That is so great to hear, and comes at the right time, as I will be sharing a post on Trauma 101. Thank you!
That's awesome! I'm starting to learn how to be more personal more as well. I realize that even in writing about horror, people want to know who you are too!
Totally agree with this. I published a piece about my father's passing this week and I was pretty nervous about it, ended up receiving a lot of positive feedback from my readers. Link if anyone wants to check it out: https://astralprojections.substack.com/p/grief
Also Yay 🙌🏽 Weird! I’m super weird, breaking out into spontaneous freestyle songs in my videos
This! Going over old works to publish, I never noticed how personal I got with dealing with grief through poems. Sort of now balancing the line of revision or just scraping it completely. Which doesn't feel fair since alot of other writers here are clearly comfortable with showing vulnerability, so it's pretty clear I should grant them the same courtesy.
🟧 Have y’all ever thought about allowing writers to limit posts to all subscribers, including free? Think paywall sans payment, where a reader would have to become at least a free subscriber in order to see the whole post. I for one would value this!
We've heard this request before and it's really interesting.
Would you want the post to be for subscribers only to create privacy or to drive more new subscribers because people would have to subscribe to access? Or something else?
I think it’s compelling to set up a publication this way in order to create a more private ecosystem while not requiring a paid subscription. It would be neat to only interact with subscribers no matter the subscription level. Maybe some posts can be public, but free subscriber viewing mode would be super interesting! It might even generate more free signups in the process.
There is a private publication level that does function pretty close to how I think you are imagining, though there are no public post options https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044389731-Can-I-make-a-private-Substack-publication
Thanks, Katie! I’ll look into it.
My interest in it was mostly for the purpose of driving more subscribers. I know there are a bunch of people who wait for me to post a link on other social media, and they then read my newsletter but don’t subscribe.
Exactly the same for me.
Both! But specifically to incentivize subscribing > following, only the former of which aligns with Substack’s differentiating promise of audience portability. Also could be an impediment to trolling.
Honestly, as someone who reads a lot on Substack, I would not like this. If I need to subscribe before I can experience a few posts, I'll probably bounce along. But that's just my feeling.
same for me, for the same reasons
You'll subscribe if it's good enough. :)
I get your point, but at least give writers an option.
I agree. I don't want to have to entice people to subscribe. I have some readers who don't and they've said it's because they get too many emails so they like just seeing when I share my post on social media
I tend to agree with that. I understand why some writers want that option. But my own experience as a reader is that the road to being a subscriber generally starts with a peek at where it is going. It's a process, not a moment.
I really want this feature! Like private, but for free subs with all the perks of a public 'stack. Great idea!
This is a great idea.
This would be an excellent feature to have!
Like it- IF we can choose to place the non-pay paywall - for peeps like me who shop before we buy.
Yes! This! Placement of the free-wall would be key.
Yah ideally it would work more or less exactly like the existing functionality for paid content
I would also love this feature!!!
Word to the wise this was originally Isabel’s great idea!
💁♀️ thanks for the Q credit
I actually tried to tag you but it wouldn’t let me… (another idea?!)
This has been discussed before. In my view, this is clever, but also confusing and complicated. And frankly, I doubt it will result in more subscribers. If your open to everybody writing isn't compelling enough to subscribe, hiding it behind any sort of wall is unlikely to help.
I love this idea! I know they do have a private option... maybe that's how that works? I'm not sure.
I like this idea, too! ❤️
You can currently make an entire publication private, and only those you approve can view its content (free or paywalled). This can have the effect you're looking for -- but with the downside that the wall is at the publication-level not at the post-level
Yeah, I’m thinking post level here
Agree! Or posts that could be entirely protected for subscribers only, even if just free!
Does this mean that anyone who "follows" me but doesn't subscribe is getting all the same free content as a subscriber? (All my content is free, by design.) I'd prefer more subscribers than followers!
That's probably my no 1 requested feature.
Literally every other email tool has this and it would make it so much easier to convert "free" readers into subscribers.
This is brilliant! On Instagram (@formysakenow), I have a linktree that shows that my posts are checked so many times, yet I do not get any new subscribers. Seems rather unfair.
I'd love this too
✏️ 🟧 I only just started paying attention to my “Weekly Substack Reads” email and am quite impressed by how much I’ve enjoyed each and every story that’s been recommended. It’s been a great way to discover new writers who speak to me. I assume there’s some mysterious algorithm driving the selections; does anyone know how it works or what it’s based on? If we’re featured in someone’s Weekly Reads, would we know?
Mostly just curious ;)
Glad to hear you are enjoying them!
To oversimplify a bit.. It is based on what readers similar to you are also engaging with (reading, liking, subscribing/paying, etc.). Also try to ensure some diversity of content so it isn't entirely one theme (food, politics, science, etc.).
We don't currently share when you are featured in it but that's a good idea! You should be able to tell if someone subscribes to you through Your Weekly Stack via the new subscriber email (it will have a source of "Substack Network — Your Weekly Stack").
Thank you, appreciate the additional context!
Love this question! And I’m wondering the same. 😊
Just followed you, Erika. I get perpetual project starting. ;)
I’m a newbie and I’m wondering what’s the difference between following someone and subscribing? What’s the benefit of following and not subscribing? I recently got a few new followers that I don’t think also subscribed and I’m so curious about this!
This is a good question. It took me a minute to understand the distinction (or more precisely why I wanted to follow or be followed).
In short:
Following means you'll see their Notes. https://substack.com/home. Go here and scroll down to see Notes. (I will tag you in one after I post this.)
Subscribing means you'll get their newsletter in your inbox.
A metaphor:
Following is like hanging out with someone at a party. You get to hear what they have to say, who and what they're boosting and recommending.
Subscribing is like inviting them to a more intimate space where they can regularly share their work and thoughts and the art or thought pieces they've created for you.
Being followed and being subscribed to are both fantastic I think! I follow people to keep them on my radar, to remind myself I'd love to check out their work and maybe subscribe if it speaks to me, especially if I like what they're doing on Notes.
Omg, thank you soooo much, Holly! This is amazingly helpful and I deeply appreciate you taking the time to send such a thorough and insightful response. ❤️
But of course. :)
So am I.
I noticed that this week, too. I ended up reading all of them. It was great! Going to pay more attention to it in the future for sure.
Yeah, Winston, I'm kinda wondering if you've ever seen my name up there? Isn't that how it's supposed to work? Or do they put it up for everyone to see? I thought they were just sort of putting up 'Stacks you were following.
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you mentioned in my weekly stack. Im not familiar with how it works though. Id think it would be a mixture of interest and network.
Great question! Following to see if the replies reveal anything. ;)
You're right. I should start paying more attention to that too.
Great question. I suspect it won't be something we have much control over or everyone would be gaming it. But would like to hear how those are chosen.
Same! And such an insightful question!
Great question, and following for the response too. :)
I used to ignore those but have actually found some GEMS in the roundups. So now I always check them out.
I have no idea how it works though, because on more than one occasion I've seen MYSELF in my weekly reads 😂😂
That's what I was wondering!
Ha! I was wondering if the algorithm was smart enough to exclude authors from their own reads. Guess not!
I received my own Substack one time. Never saw me again.
Nope lol. Good thing I like my own writing!
🧠 - One thing I’ve noticed I’ve told several writers over the past week or two that I believe would be a beneficial reminder to ANYONE who creates for a community:
ALWAYS COMMUNICATE YOUR INTENTIONS!
It makes everyone involved feel SO much better :)
I can struggle with perfectionism and wanting things to come across “just right.” Or just forgo a series idea or whatever because I don’t know exactly how I’ll structure it or if I’ll like sharing it or if my peeps will like it...
So just say so!
Tell your people if you’re wanting to try something new, or if you’re going to take a hiatus and what to expect.
Starting something completely different on the same Substack? Put it in a section, share an announcement about it, and link them to be able to manage their subscription in case they aren’t interested in that particular topic.
Hold polls for your people, update your welcome pages when schedules change... it’s all so appreciated (and gives us the biggest exhale to do more of what we’d like!) on both ends when you just communicate what you’re doing.
I very much relate with that perfectionism! Thank you for the insights, Cierra. I'm going to work on my welcome page and email this weekend to lean into more of that intentionality.
I hope it went well, Brina! And thank YOU for your lovely comment!
Great advice Cierra. I think readers want to see the stew brewing!
I think so too! We all like to be kept in the loop!
Great way to tame those Perfectionist Monkeys and use your honest, authentic, real voice. That's what we all want.
I too have struggled with this, not liking posts to get too "Meta" - e.g. writing about my own Substack! Truly it's about Golden Rules of connecting...
Yes yes!
Fantastic advice.
Thank you so much, Mary!
Ooh I might throw a poll in now and again so readers can choose what they would prefer to read in the next issue. Lots of sound advice here 🙏🏾
I hope you get some insights the more you reach out! And if nothing else, more relief to keep showing up and sharing!
Great advice, Cierra!
Thank you, Holly!
🟧 Hi all, just a big 👏 to the Substack team in response to the new tools for international readers & writers. I'm based in Ireland and while most of my readers are American, it's great to see the community grow here in Ireland. 🇮🇪
Hey Clare,
I will gladly share this with the team; they will appreciate this so much!
Hi Clare, I'm a substacker based in Ireland too, nice to meet you! 💕
Nice to meet you Ali, great to see another Irish woman here! 🙌
🧠 I just want to say that collaborating with other creatives has been my favourite thing about this platform since I began writing here in July. I love how easy it is to tag other writers and co-author work.
I’m currently on the lookout for female and non-binary multi-hyphenates to interview for the next series of my podcast that I host here. Get in touch if that’s you and you’re interested!
I'm exploring collabs this year – would love to chat, Hannah :)
here's an essay on my vision for this year if it aligns with the type of folks you're looking for: https://www.moremyself.xyz/p/glow-up
This sounds amazing, Hannah! Would love to collaborate on this and also help you out in any way that I can, as well :) I'm a continuously evolving multi-hyphenate and can share unique perspectives given my South Asian background and some of the stigmas around pursuing a creative path.
I would love to collab for your podcast, Hannah! ❤️
Hi Hannah! I’m multiple-passionate and would love to play on your podcast. I’m a Human Design reader and, in Human Design, Manifesting Generators (one of the energy types) NEED to be multi-passionate to be in alignment. I am a Manifesting Generator.
I'm a female multi hyphenate! My last post yesterday was literally about not wanting to niche down haha
I'm an actor, writer, comedian, educator, witch, who does drag, and also writes erotica 😊 Would absolutely love to chat!
Yes! I so agree that collaborating with others is just a fabulous thing.
Hi Hannah, total multi-multi-here. Loving collabs, too. I'd love to chat about ways to befriend the inner Distraction Monkeys that jump from tree to tree! It's a jungle out there. And in here. Thank you 🙏🏼
Yes, Hannah. My exploration about self-doubt among creative people might resonate with you and your readers.
🟧 I recently speculated a future where Substack becomes a powerhouse in the digital ebook marketplace by enabling several key integrations. The response was positive, and the resulting discussion has been really insightful, with several folks asking that it be elevated. I figured sharing the article here at Office Hours might be the best place to follow up with the Substack team or other independent authors who might have takeaways on whether the direction is viable for Substack in general.
Thanks for hosting these opportunities to further the discussion! Here is the article for reference: https://storyletter.substack.com/p/selling-ebooks-on-substack-could
It seems all energy that can move the market from Amazon or at least have equity in the writers dream is a worthy pursuit.
Agreed! Thanks, Prajna 😁
I read that piece and thought that it was amazing. If you could publish your work and sell it here as well...AWESOME! Let's hope they consider it.
Thank you, Ben! It would be a dream!
Great vision Winston! It would breath a new life into our old but great posts. The reality is that posts have a very short shelf life. ebooks can definitely offer a new reach and revenue stream.
Hey Winston,
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I've passed this along to the team for discussion!
Sweet! Thanks, Brock.
🧠write at your own pace. I publish less but still see daily growth. This allows me to focus on other things as well as create more impactful pieces.
This is a big issue for me so thank you for raising. I feel pressure to write more but I'm also writing a book and juggling my day job (like I am sure most everyone here does)!
Exactly. Your best work will come from when you have the freedom and time to do it, not rushing through it to keep to a schedule.
Echoing that. I have decided to move to a post every other week in 2024 because that will work so much better for my schedule. I published inconsistently last year anyway, and I did not see a drop in subscribers.
Agreed! Quality over quantity. We're all pressed for time. I dont want to waste other's, or my own, by forcing posts to obey a schedule.
Totally agree with this. When I first got started I got caught up in the ‘I must publish the same time every week’ and then anything I wrote either struggled to come out of me or was just not how I envisioned it to post. I now post when the writing is bubbling out of me and the growth has happened more so because I’m writing with real emotion. Don’t fall for the ‘it has to be regular’ hype!
Write when you have something to say
Exactly. You can always be drafting, just to jot down ideas before they fly away. Then refine and decide when to publish them.
✏️ 🟧 As someone who has always been a writer, but hesitated to call myself one, I am so grateful for the creative freedom and consistent writing practice that Substack has empowered me to sustain. Now that I'm 20 weeks in, I want to focus on growing the reach and impact of my writing with a stronger following. Aside from promoting to my existing networks, what else can I do?
Hello Jess, it's fantastic to know you're enjoying your Substack experience! One effective strategy for expanding your audience involves collaborating with other Substack creators, either by sharing content or contributing guest articles. Additionally, leveraging Substack's recommendation tool can significantly boost your followership. I'm adding two links in case you want to dig a bit deeper:
https://on.substack.com/p/collaboration
https://on.substack.com/p/recommendations
Subscribed the moment I saw the name of your publication! We should connect and collaborate (@formysakenow/ourtribeheals@gmail.com)!
Thank you for bringing up this discussion as well. I think it also matters how you promote yourself on your existing networks (and which are they, of course).
Hello Jess! (I say from the future, haunting an old office hours). I just wrote up some insights I've accrued in my first year here. And I love it here so much! Hope this helps you further grow. https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
✏️ what is everyone's best advice for getting your work out there and growing an audience/community, when you are pretty much starting from scratch on Substack? How do I help the right people see my writing and want to subscribe/pay to see my writing?
✏️ What rituals or processes do you have for making your way through your favorite writers' essays?
I've been reserving time for my Substack Inbox every evening, keeping it up to date with essays that I'm excited to dive into, and archiving essays if they don't spark curiosity during the initial skim through. I use Reader (Readwise's save now, read later tool) if I find myself drawn to passages I'd like to highlight and revisit in the future
With so many Substack newsletters crashing my inbox, I find myself relying on titles and subheads to choose what to read first, if at all. And I should heed that advice with my own posts!
I borrowed a page out of one of my favorite writers on Substack, Elle Griffin – she says she's quick to subscribe *and* quick to unsubscribe
I'm much more likely to make it through my Substack inbox when I have a lot of essays I'm excited to read and don't feel bad unsubscribing when a writer's essays don't land with me. I wouldn't want a reader to stay subscribed to my Substack despite not resonating with my writing :)
That's what I do too. There are a couple of Substack that I always open bc I know I always enjoy them and the rest I choose depending on the title.
Right now I don’t have a process and feel so behind with what I’m excited to read on here! Haha
I end up saving reads I wanna return to, to give my undivided attention. And also saving emails with Weekly Reads that’ve perked my ears.
Had a little hiccup this morning, but last night I tried to finish some things a little early so I could spend a good chunk of today reading Substack, making ricotta blueberry pancakes, and working on a Human Design project for Generators I’ve been excited to dive into! We’ll see how it goes!
That sounds like a fabulous day! May it be exactly what you're hoping for. :)
I don't think I replied to you, Holly! Thank you so much! I think the day turned out differently than I anticipated but it was good anyway! :D
good luck, Cierra! curious to hear more about your human design project 👀
Thank you so much!! And I’m designing it as efficiently (and as fast!!) as I can because I’m SO eager to test it! It’ll be for daily use hopefully! Ahhhh!
Cool! I'm a Manifesting Generator, who suffers from too-much-ness. I posted a scheduling tool, "The JoyFinder" last week. To let the feeling of Joy guide the stuff you want, AND what you gotta do.
https://heartsquest.substack.com/p/the-joyfinder
Oh, nice! Great minds! 👀
ooh, is there a framework you're following? I'm a generator :)
Whoo, fellow generator! Sorta? I think I'm on to something where I see how goals are typically made and set for others, but it doesn't feel quite right as we're to respond throughout our day and sometimes that can lead us away from an "ideal schedule", and that's not bad for us! I'm exploring a layout for daily guidance and reflection woven into our daily planners. I penned it all out in a notebook and am now designing it so I can test it out. :D
sounds amazing! I totally resonate with that. I'm moving away from scheduling my days to having a list of things I intend to get done and following the flow (preserving mornings for the most meaningful work)
I've been trying really hard to read one story a day at a specific time each day. That's probably the most I can manage, and it's better for me to set a realistic goal than try to do it all!
love that! I've also been finding the audio feature so helpful to listen to an essay when I head out for a quick walk :)
Oh, and what about fiction? I've been reading my story on line since September. You can actually watch my hair grow. Check it out: THE DAWN PATROL. https://open.substack.com/pub/benwoestenburg/p/the-dawn-patrol?r=254e8w&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true
And he has a fantastic reading voice, y'all. I for sure recommend checking out THE DAWN PATROL.
I'm all about the audio feature. There are too many fantastic writers and work I want to delve into for me to get it done in my reading hour before bed most nights. So, I save from my inbox or from scrolling notes for recommendations from writers I admire. Then I choose a few to listen to as I'm going throughout my day, preparing food, cleaning, do laundry and what-not.
I've always been a listener. I was doing books on tape back in the day. Now Substack posts have edged out podcasts and share space with audio books.
How are you listening to them? Are these all Substscks where the author has embedded a voice over or are you using a TTS tool of some sort or is there a read to me feature in Substack I don't know about?
I absolutely love when authors have embedded a voiceover and definitely listen to those. As for others, many allow you to listen on the app to an AI robot reading. It's not ideal but allows me to keep up with more of the writers whose work I love. It's a little play button at the very top of the post next to an archive box and the ... pull-down menu. If it's dark gray, you can play it. If not, you can't.
Thanks for the tip. I just looked at 5 posts and 3 had the play button. Any idea how one enables/disables it on a post? I just looked at my latest post and it's there. Mind blown. I had no idea this existed. Thank you!
I usually like to read them just prior to doing my own writing. It serves as both motivation and inspiration to see what others are doing.
Thanks for Reader tip. Getting overwhelmed. Yes, inner spark is best guide...
I pretty much do the same thing. Just curious--what do you think of Reader? I generally like it, but there still seems to be some formatting issues.
I LOVE Reader – there are formatting issues, but I don't save all of the essays from Substack to Reader (I often am saving essays from the rest of internet to Reader). I usually try to read most Substack essays in app with the audio
I really love surfacing the quotes I've highlighted every morning in Readwise. I have 3 quotes waiting for me every morning that I get to re-read and enjoy again
Too funny—we are Reader twins. Most of my saves are from places other than Substack as well, because I do like to read the essays here on the app. And I read my highlights in Readwise every morning too. I love that feature.
me too :) it often surfaces the exact words I need to hear as I start my day
Yes! It can be eerie sometimes.
For me, it feels like a treat that I save up to read when I’m having a little chill time
This comment is nudging me to develop a process for this rather than just chaotically jumping around publications lol.
let us know where you land :)
✏️ Question for everyone. Where are most of your new subscribers coming from?
1) Substack community
2) SEO
3) Paid ads
4) social media (please specify which)
5) other
4) Hassling aquaintences
please write "Ten Tips to Hassle your Acquaintances without Cringe"
Who said anything about re-educating cringe!
I do have a tip. They all fall into two equally hassable categories:
1. People you know well enough, you like or like you - who it’s acceptable to hassle.
2. People you don’t know well enough, and maybe don’t like or know - so who cares what they think if you hassle em.
This is a seriously amazing approach. I'm going to adopt it.
Funny, I'm haunting old office hours here, but I think I did write this article - my 10 tips from one-year involve hitting up friends, then neighbors, local papers, etc. I hope something in here might stick: https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
I need to get better at this lololol
Hah! me too :)
Same. :-)
HAHA! I'm with you on this!
Same!
This made me chuckle!
Bahaha!
I worked for three years to create a following on Medium and in the beginning, most subscribers were coming from there. I've been a lot more intentional about engaging with the Substack community over the last couple weeks and am encouraged to see more subscribers coming from the community. I will say though, my open rate has gone down quite a bit! I think the folks on Substack who subscribe are more likely to subscribe to tons of other Substacks and less likely to read every story.
i want readers not just subscribers!
Agree. It's overwhelming. So many wonderful peeps to read! I need my Robot Clone to help me out.
Most of mine come from the Substack community. I post my releases on Facebook, and linkedIn when I remember, but for the most part, it's Substack. I don't know if it's because I can't be bothered with social media anymore, or if it's just easier that way. People have shared and restacked one of my most recent Notes, and because of that, I went up from 389 to 430 in a couple of days. It just seems to work out.
Have you been using notes more because of this?
I use Notes all the time. It helps in little ways. I make connections, and people connect with me. I also use this forum. I encourage people to recommend and cross-post and restack and share, because it helps us all when we help each other.
Ben, Are you encouraging your subscribers to share and restack? This is a tactic I've thought about but have not yet executed.
Most of mine come from Instagram and the substack community.
That's great, Brittany. Any tips on how you get people to come over from IG?
I used to promo my posts there, but it sorta felt like crickets. I want to find a way to engage followers without feeling like a monotonous gimmick. I wrote a thing. Check it out. I wrote another thing. Check it out. I wrote this thing. Check it out. Ad nauseam. Ha!
Any advice would be much appreciated. :)
Sometimes I share in my stories, but a lot of times I post an excerpt on my feed and tell people they can read the rest at the link in my bio. Every time I do that, I get a few new subscribers.
I have 350+ subscribers with about a 65% open rate, just to give you an idea of the numbers I’m working with.
I’m @brittanytinsleywrites on IG if you want to take a peek!
Brittany, good idea. Of course, there are too many here. 😉 I post my title and image, but hadn't thought of actually posting an excerpt. I'll give that a try. Thanks!
This is helpful, thank you! I’m a newbie to Substack and this is my first office hours...a bit overwhelming in a good way! ❤️
Great, thanks, Brittany. We're working with very similar subscriber and open rates. ;) But my instagram following is way lower than yours. I'm old school. My Facebook following is bigger. But I'm not sure it's a great place for conversion. Just followed you! I'm @roadquill over there.
That is an amazing open rate! And I just can't get people to come over here from IG.
Would love to connect with fellow Substack writers on Instagram. My handle is @formysakenow, let's connect!
Substack community but I'm curious about paid ads, are people using them and do they work? And where do people advertise?
Ali, I've wondered this too. It would seem harder as an individual acct most places and not a business account?
It is my experience that advertising is designed to make money for the people who sell it, not for the people who buy it. Unless you have a business plan that can explain how you will use the advertising to make back the money you spend on it, you might as well empty your wallet and throw the bills out the window. Think about online communities where you can post for free. I got the most new traffic when I wrote a review of a computer game and posted the link in that game's community section on Steam.
Most of my subscribers are from the Substack community. The second being social media (Facebook and LinkedIn).
I just make up new email addresses and subscribe to myself to grow my subscribers. 😉 Okay, not really. I link on a couple of those blog consolidation sites and get some traffic and subscribers there. After I used up all my favors from friends and family, most come from (1) the Substack community.
This Substack community. I haven't had the time to figure out how to promote myself on other platforms yet. It takes an a lot of time to do this. Before you know it, you're spending 12+ hours a week creating content on other platforms to draw in readers to one site. I would like to know of any easy ideas anyone has other than the obvious, even if it only draws in a couple of subscribers.
I'm with ya Kerry. Right now I'm trying to find a good schedule where I can hit all the marks and make my time here useful.
1
Mostly from Substack. Second Youtube.
From Substack Notes mainly
4) Facebook
🧠 - My latest on the dangers of nostalgia: “I love nostalgia.
I crave it.
I seek it out as much as I can.
Through it, I can tap into those choice moments that have made my life beautiful; memories that include the first time I set eyes on my future wife, the thrill of hurling my mortarboard skyward after graduating, the pleasure of curling up with a good novel on a cold winter’s night.”
More: https://www.whitenoise.email/p/confessions-of-a-nostalgia-junkie
Nostalgia comes from the Greek for painful return home, this haunts people more than you know.
So true.
sounds very interesting, Tom. I am wary of nostalgia myself, so will love to check out your take on it.
Thank you Tim!
🟧 Posts & Notes feature requests
For Posts
- Request: an ability to create templates that can be used as the starting point for each post rather than duplicating old posts
- Use case: I use the same template / framework for each post (same CTA buttons, an “other essays you may enjoy” section, and a “thank you [xyz] for reviewing drafts”). Currently, I duplicate an old essay or start fresh with a blank template for each new essay
For Notes
- Request: a schedule send feature
- Use case: I typically batch reading my Inbox during a specific time of day (and have heard others do the same) and want to engage with a number of pieces using Notes, but find myself flooding the feed when I do — would love a way to send out my Notes throughout the day
Thanks, team!
Thanks for your requests. I see where they can be helpful and I passed them along to the team.
Thanks, Katie – appreciate it :)
The ability to create/save templates would be nice. Until that's possible, you could set up a template as a draft and just duplicate "that" (from your draft list) each week rather than duplicating a live post and stripping things back out.
oh, that's an AWESOME hack – appreciate ya, Amy! 🙏🏼
That IS an awesome hack. Wish I'd thought of that sooner.
I'm at a loss with this. When I post something on my 'Stack, I write it out on a page in my Pages on my Mac. Then I just copy/paste it, throw on a couple of buttons, link it to the previous one (if it's part of a serial and I remember to), and that's it. Every post is different, I know, but it seems like the easiest way for me.
✏️ been thinking a lot about flow this week... it’s the state when my best work pours out of me.
i’m curious: how do you guys get into your ‘flow state’?
This might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the less time I have to write, the more productive I am. I only have about 30 minutes to write each morning before starting my day job so I make the most of them!
nothing like a lil time crunch to get the mind going :)
I'm the same way.
Gardening with mindfulness gets me there
My best stuff comes when I’m running - which isn’t always convenient. 😁And I sometimes have the best stuff come to me in the middle of the night, also not convenient. 😁 How do you find your flow?
I'm imagining you and Kerala with some sort of recording device with a great microphone that allows you to say those gems as you run.
Love it...now I’ll just have to practice running and talking!😁
A fav podcaster of mine shared his embarrassing story as a warning. He apparently took out his phone to do some sort of work on his podcast while running, fell, and broke his collarbone! I appreciated his honesty. So, take all precaution and care necessary!
OOooooooof. That’t rough! 😖
Same here! I generally run right before I write. Even then, sometimes I can't recreate the amazing sentences that were flowing through my head somewhere around mile 2.
Right? There’s got to be a way to harness that pure magic from the 5k - in a way that doesn’t involve talking into one’s phone the whole time.
i’m the same - i enter flow state most easily when i’m driving or biking somewhere. otherwise it’s also the late night thoughts for me... so i get you on the inconvenience 😂
if it helps at all, i’ve found audio-based tools like audiopen pretty useful!
Haha love it! I’ll check out the audiopen, for sure. I have quite a number of huffy, puffy voice notes to myself from my running time. Because, no matter how confident I am that I’ll remember, man, it really is like a dream, right? It can all evaporate with such speed!
I start my days with grounding into my long game. I meditate, journal, do breath work, get out for a walk. I write 1000 words stream of conscious as a way to emotionally plumb anything that's swirling in my headspace
Thank you for sharing! I am going to try and implement some of these rituals in my morning routine!
good luck, Maggie!
thank you so much, cissy! :)
love this, thanks for sharing! was the 1000 words inspired by julia cameron’s 3 morning pages?
Just popping in to say yayyy morning pages!
I tried writing morning pages by hand for a few months, but often felt like I was brute forcing my way through out
I experimented with typing 1000 words and it feels way more of an unlock for me :) depending on how much I have floating in my mind, it'll take me 15-45mins to write. it's still definitely an act of slow and consistent writing some days, but words seem to pour through me with more ease at a keyboard!
Okay, I have the advantage of being retired so I can write all day if I want. I don't, but I cam. When I was employed, I wrote in the morning, getting up at unGodly hours. But when I do get into a flow, I don't count the words. I just write. I find myself writing and rewriting in my head as I do menial chores around the house, or when I'm in the shower. I don't have a phone to dictate ideas into, so I hold them in my head and rework them over and over again. I write things on scrap pieces of paper. I'm so 'old school', it hurts.
I feel like not having a phone is an essential part of getting into the flow. I wish I could part ways with mine. Seriously.
Alternatively, perhaps consider enlisting your phone as your assistant! When a creative idea pops into my head, getting it "written" via voice-to-text on my phone frees my mind, and fuels me as well, making mental room for the next (devoutly hoped-for!) creative notion.
Leave it in another room when you get home from work. That's what my wife does. If you have it on you, you're going to look at it. The fact that I grew up in a day and age when we didn't have them, probably makes it easier. I didn't have a job where I needed one.
Same! Three pages wrecks my hand. I even tried using my non-dominant one for a while. I've never tried typing my morning thoughts. It seems like it could be super valuable to my writing practice, to get the ideas out instead of backspacing so much and editing while I write. Thank you for sharing this gem!
the best part of stream of conscious is very little backspacing unless it's a stream of typos 😆 good luck!
Cissy, I just finished my 1,000 stream of consciousness words. I feel like there could be some seeds of ideas in there, but if not, I still enjoyed the practice of not editing as I write. Thank you SO much for helping me open my mind to this method!
Usually my flow state comes when I’m interacting with the rest of the world! Or I can usually stoke the fire if I intentionally sit down to read others’ stories. It moves something in me and then I’m sometimes able to just channel something through me pretty easily if I’m intentional about it!
Words flow through me when I’m biking, walking and running. I often finish a ride and grab my phone and let the words pour out. After years of practice, I’ve learned that these are my best pieces. I almost never sit down at my computer to write. I trust that the perfect words will flow through me when I move my body.
As a storyteller/voice person, my flow is best when I'm in motion, e.g. on a walk. AND I rely on voice-to-text to transcribe my flow into raw material. I call this process a "Soul Session." Sharing a post on how to do this tomorrow!
When I'm walking, and my mind is freed from my mental to-do list of responsibilities, I love the feeling of that creative burst. Using voice-to-text on my phone frees me further, making room for the next (hoped-for) creative flurry!
Ah, it's so rare for me. I love it when it happens--especially because it doesn't happen often! The trigger for me is being deep into working out ideas, and to be extremely present while doing that. This is true for fiction and nonfiction (I write both.)
This week, it turned out I needed a break in order to get in a flow state...I wrote about it in this week’s newsletter
🧠 The best way for me to get into "flow state" is to STOP whatever I'm doing at the moment and write when I feel "that special feeling". Unfortunately, I don't have the flexibility to just stop when the flow hits. Then I feel like an opportunity was wasted. If you feel that special feeling and can stop to write, do so. You won't regret it.
Usually works for me when i finally get down to write. The more i research and explore the topic the better it gets. Though I doubt itd work if a timeline was in place.
Two things help me more than anything: (1) Setting timers or time limits. Typically an hour or two for projects I'm already into. Typically eight to twenty minute for free writes and first drafts. (2) Promising myself I'll look at anything I plan to publish with fresh editor's eyes and shape and polish it into as close to the art I'm envisioning as I can get it. This allows me to write without the proverbial critic on the shoulder. Shameless plug--I've been a professional editor for twenty years, and I'm giving workshops on how to look at your own work with an editor's eyes and apply editorial strategies to it.
https://on.substack.com/p/bringing-instagram-followers-to-substack
I send a text to my fam to not bother me for the next few hours 😆 (it’s summer holidays)
🧠 This is how I’m building community. I started a library to highlight Black writers called the Cookout Library 👋🏿👋🏽👋🏾. It’s a different kind of collaboration - it’s a living space where I can add and share the work I love with my subscribers and community.
As Black History month is quickly approaching, if you’re looking to support Black writers, check out this virtual and interactive library. I’m adding some every day while giving them their flowers on notes. Black writers, tap in, there’s room for you on my shelf.
https://raisingmyles.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-cookout-library
This is absolutely the sweetest! You have such a creative mind; thank you, Marc for sharing this and having it as a resource! Checking it out now and would love to be added as well to The Cookout(TM), haha!
Love it. Next up, Barber shop (hope this isn't too trope-y!)
Not at all Christine. If you look at the library there’s a picture of a famous painting of a barbershop. It’ll take you to the source too. I thought about the barbershop initially, but it didn’t feel inclusive enough
Alright Marc, this is so special! I’m sharing it multiple ways once I get to my computer!
✏️ How do you handle the haters? ✏️
I recently wrote on Substack about my failed attempt to adopt a child from foster care (after 3 years of infertility and 5 miscarriages). I was grieving the loss of this child through my writing, and I got a couple of replies telling me I was a horrible person because it didn’t work out. Someone even created a fake email shouldnothavekids@_____.com and a fake Substack account and paid my monthly subscription fee so they could post an anonymous comment telling me I was a piece of garbage and didn’t deserve to be a parent. I had to paywall the post and my subsequent response to it because I no longer felt safe sharing publicly.
❓ Has anyone else had this experience on Substack? How did you handle it?
(Here’s the piece, and my response:)
https://www.lizexplores.com/p/adoption-breakup
Don't let the bastards get you down!
That’s it, isn’t it! 🙌
I remember someone commented that I wrote like a child who stumbled upon a thesaurus
Wow, that is brutal, but at least they were clever about it. Now I want to see for myself! 😉 Where can I find your writing?
Sorry I missed this! haha yeah I can appreciate a direct attack of that quality. O that's weird, it's not showing up by my name. Here it is :) https://wrongchannel.substack.com/
That is awful and I am sorry someone did that. My advice would be to remember that whatever is upsetting this person about your writing is a reflection of something in them, not in you. Keep up the good work!
You are so right. I appreciate your kind words! 🙏
Also, I'm sorry this happened to you.
Thank you, Kerry. ❤️
Unfortunately this inevitably happens, and it kind of makes sense when you think about it because there are a lot of mentally unstable people out there with a credit card and too much time on their hands. This hasn't happened to me a lot on Substack yet, but it has on other platforms. I would deprive them of oxygen, dont give them the attention they want, block them when you can and delete select comments when you can.
You nailed it, Kerry: “There are a lot of mentally unstable people out there with a credit card and too much time on their hands.” 😂
I didn’t delete the comment, because I don’t necessarily believe in silencing my critics (I absolutely would have if the comment had degraded another person or group of people, though). But I did block them from further engagement, since you’re right, it’s the attention they crave.
I’m sorry you’ve been through this too. Thank you for understanding.
Following you! (Fan of Metanoia and Creating Universes)
I am so sooo sorry you had to deal with that type of nonsense!!! That’s absolutely appalling and disgusting.
Also ????????? You really stirred someone up for them to PAY to hate on you!
I think there’s a way to report abusive accounts on Substack, I’m not entirely sure. I’m so sorry...
I wouldn’t have thought you needed to paywall a post like that, but paywalling potential “hate bait” may lessen that type of attention (though I see someone’s hurt enough to fuel their own projections with money).
I don’t mean to belittle what you’re going through AT ALL. Just wanted to give some words of encouragement... that a lot of the time when people spew hate or judgement or gossip or just are SOOO emotionally invested in a life that’s not their’s, there’s something going on within them that they need to work on or process.
I’ve seen it for myself, I can definitely see it in that case... that’s so maddening that you even have to go through something like that though.
Thank you for your kind words, Cierra. ❤️ Luckily after years of therapy, self-help, and certification as a life coach, I know a lot about people’s judging and shaming parts, and I know I wouldn’t want to live inside their brains. One of my critics subscribes to a number of conspiracy theorists, so there’s that, too. I’m doing a decent job not taking it personally, but yeah, it’s messed up.
When people get to the point that they're willing to *pay* to spread hate REALLY has me feel concerned for them... I'm so sorry again about that whole situation, and that I don't have much more help to give! I'm glad you have plenty of resources and tools to handle it mentally, despite it still being sucky!
The MOST annoying part was that when I unsubscribed them, Substack issued them a full refund! Which essentially means that anyone could do this: pay to subscribe, say something shitty, get blocked, and get their money back. I wish I could have at least kept their five bucks for the trouble!
🟧 What is up with this, Substack?! I feel like I should be able to set my own refund policy, like if you’re going to be a dick, that is nonrefundable. 😂
Oh yeah there HAS to be a workaround for that! Since Office Hours are over, I wonder if the head hancho of The Department of Salad would have any advice? I think she has nearly everything behind a paywall because she said something like "you're gonna have to pay if you want to insult me!" So I wonder if she has to deal with it still or how she handles it here on Substack.
Some people dont have a life....
Best of luck for getting a kid in the near future! 😊
I want you to know this and I mean it.... when you start to get haters that means you're doing something RIGHT. it means your content is reaching people OUTSIDE your common interests... and you know what that means... REACH. ENGAGEMENT.
Keep going and just know you're doing something right. :)
Hi!
I’m new here and 25 people already subscribed to my newsletter. I think that’s an exciting achievement and I’m looking forward to engaging more with people.
Wow just like that. You must have done something right. I’ve been hustling for every one of them. 😀
🧠 Recently, a fellow Substack writer came to me for assistance with her publication. Her needs motivated and inspired me to take it one step further and offer virtual Substack assistance to anyone who needs it. I'm very active here as a writer and I'm ALL IN on the Substack train. So, why not take it one step further and put my time and skills to good use? I'm here for the greater good and success of anyone who's looking for it! Here's more info about how I can help! 😊😊 www.UnstackSubstack.com
I've been thinking a lot about collaborations lately. I wanted to be more of an active participant in the Substack community rather than a lurker type! I take time each week to read (not skim!) all of the substacks I subscribe to and I leave a comment if they're not limited to paid subscribers. If I'm lucky, some collaborative opportunities may grow out of this in the future. I've found some amazing writers and content on Substack in such a short space of time! There are some talented folks out there who are very inspiring.
These are good habits to form, Laura. I am also wondering what collaboration looks like on here and in my lane. Perhaps a good way to start is to swap guest posts with people you found.
BTW I just clocked your "wild boar tagine" recipe. As irresistible a combination of three words as I can recall in recent months. I'll explore more.
Thanks Amar! Guest posting is a great idea. I was also thinking about the podcast function and how to bring those collaborations / conversations to life (although I really do enjoy reading Q&A articles!).
Well that would be the next level and an intriguing prospect. Conversations with like-minded strangers in the form of podcasts.
🟧
Firstly, super grateful to Substack for sharing the piece on making Collaboration as a powerful tool to grow and create amazing content!
This was my question lastly, as I am exploring ways to write and curate more perspectives! ✨
Love the way Substack is such a wholesome platform of writers who are really passionate about sharing their ideologies.
This piece is an ode to me new found sense of community at Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/monstellar/p/reading-simple-steps-to-a-page-turning?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
✏️ : Also I write Monstellar, which is a collective of ideas, mindsets and inspiration for the curious. We are finally a community of 60+ people.
I have a very important query for my fellow writers here: How do you make a choice between writing relevant and hot topics v/s insights that might not really make sensation but you’re passionate about?
The first one definitely brings in followers but the latter comes right from the soul. What do you do in such situations?
🧠 I almost always try to do BOTH. I write about Unintended Consequences and most of those have nothing to do with me, my background, or my experiences. When I don't feel the passion in the beginning, I try to find an ANGLE that circles it back to me so that I can tie some personal experiences that demonstrate the power behind the Consequences.
A good example is my story called "When Poop Changed the World" at https://davidnemzoff.substack.com/p/when-poop-changed-the-world. Now seriously, how can you get passionate about poop?
But once I got into the research, I was able to bring in some themes I am passionate about such as entrepreneurialism. This allowed me to write with humor, some insight, and yes, some passion. It actually ended up being one of my favorite cases of Unintended Consequences.
✏️ First day of going paid yday and a whopping 0.5% of free subscribers made the jump....how have other people's launch days gone? Any tips on picking up momentum during the first month?
Following!
✏️ We just started our substack and have gotten a tremendous response which is wonderful. A lot of free subscribers coming from our instagram account. I wonder how and when people have decided to paywall things. Our approach is to ensure all critical information is open and accessible but we also need to eventually make some money to support the content. Any and all advice appreciated!
Me, too. Can you please expand?
Would love help with this too!
🟧 Thoughts/insights on why one might have a consistently high open rate (i.e. readers are presumably interested in the content!) but a low paid subscriber rate? And/or ideas on how to change this?
Hi Phoebe, the first things that comes to mind is there might be an opportunity to sharpen what you uniquely offer paid subscribers.
Start by asking two deceptively simple questions:
> What do these readers need or want more of?
> What’s a problem only you can solve for your readers?
That's the thing they likely will pay for.
Then, you can craft your pitch and put it everywhere -- your about page, your welcome email to paid subscribers, and in every post you publish.
This post can help you think through these questions: https://on.substack.com/p/free-vs-paid
I don't know, but I just had a look and all the posts seem to be paid ones. So perhaps people read what they can of the articles, which may not be enough to convince them to upgrade. I made all my free posts go behind a paywall, but only after a year. That hasn't led to more paid subscribers either, so what do I know?
I agree, Terry. I went Paywall in December. I only put my Serial novels there. I don't expect a lot of PAID subscribers lining up to sign up, but I've had a few. I've decided to paywall my ARCHIVES after five months, as well. But everything else is free. But FICTION is a hard sell. That's why I don't worry about my paywall too much. I'm of the belief that if they want to read it, they will. I don't have a huge following, and my conversion rate is low, probably 3%, if that. But when I do grow, I'm thinking that will change as well. But I'm not going to be able to finance my retirement on it.
Me neither, Ben, but I'm a born optimist. I've worked out that at my present rate of conversion I should be making a decent living by the time I'm 120, which is a big incentive to look after myself!
Asking as someone who hasn't turned on paid yet: when you do, can you customize which archives are free and paid (i.e. your 5 months cutoff for example - is that customizable by writer? Can you also do by tag by chance?)
Archives are a weird thing. I never paid a lot attention to them at first, because everything was FREE. When I turned on the paywall, my ARCHIVES were also there. I wasn't expecting that. But you CAN change them. You have to go into settings and scroll down until you find the 'pages' that you may or may not have created. Below that, you'll find the 'archives' and there's a place there where you can change the length of time you want them to be free. I used to have it set for ten years. When I went to my paywall, I basically said, Fuck it. If people want to read my stuff, they can read it the way I want them to do it. I put my main stories up on the FREE page.
My Paywall stuff is whatever serial novel I happen to be working on. The only reason I have it in the first place is because I had 7 paid subscribers who were all friends of mine. I had to give them something, so I started to write not one, but two books. (It's complicated...to say the least.) Anyway, I put my novels there, behind the paywall, for them to read. (It's seat of your pants writing with no plot to speak of.) But people have started to look at it. That's why I don't pay attention to it. I WANT them to read what I put out on SUNDAY. That's my "serious" shit. They're long stories that I love to write, because they challenge me in all sorts of different ways. I love dialogue, and enjoy moving the story along with dialogue.
So, I believe I changed my ARCHIVES to 6 months today. That freed up 11 posts. I don't even know how many stories that is. But I basically don't pay attention to the paywall. I have 17 subscribers there. They are there because they actually like the story.They want to be there. One person signed up because she was reading my Camelot story before it went up behind the paywall. (I guess $30 a year (CAN,) isn't such a bad deal after all.) Another one is my brother.
Definitely put up your paywall, but don't fret if you don't make any money. I'm expected to make a whopping $460 this year; it can only go up. The thing is, I've never been paid for my writing before. Anything I earn is bonus. If you don't hold high hopes, you're not going to get down on yourself...because you will at times. When I do, I take a deep breath, look at the small graph on my subscriber page and see that it's at a straight out there 45º angle. You find things to lift your spirits. Just don't quit. I've been waiting 45 years to retire so I could write for the rest of my life. You've probably got a lot more time than I do...
Thanks for sharing all this, Ben. It both gives me some specifics on the how to and also some things to think about. I'm happy for you to be able to write as you desire and also find a growing audience (and a paying one, too).
I only paywalled the archive very recently (have been writing the newsletter for several years) - before this very little of the content was paywalled.
Commenting to follow -- My substack is new and growing, so I haven't turned on paid options yet. I do have a very high open rate so far, so I'm curious to see where this takes me!
I say open one part of it for as cheap as you can ($30/year) and just see what happens. If no one signs up for six months, offer a few comps to people you know. But push yourself on Notes and make yourself known in a small crowd that have the same interests you do. Just make sure that everything you offer, is high quality. People know what good writing is, even if they don't say so. Just don't give up.
Curious if you're willing to share what you consider a low paid subscriber rate? Mine is quite low and my guess is that I don't have a compelling offer to convince folks to pay. It's mostly just about supporting me. Given how many subscribers you have, I imagine you can get away with paywalling more of your posts and comment threads.
Substack states that it tends to see "5-10% of free subscribers" converting to paid once paywalls go up, which is what I'm basing my assessment on.
Hmmm, I guess I'm at 5%, but most of them converted right away and it's been a very slow trickle since...
Yes I have a feeling substack’s estimate might be on the optimistic side!
Exactly! But I think the subscriber/conversion also has to do with what you write. For myself, I have 17 paid subscribers out of my 430. That's 3.95% I wouldn't call that great, but I'm good with it so far. But Fiction is a hard sell. The ones that make it big are the Politicos and Financial gurus, along with Cultural and Religion. I figure I'm going to wait it out.
✏️ Any tips for building a new audience, please!
This is one of my favorite stories of how a writer grew completely from scratch, by sending cold emails https://on.substack.com/p/grow-series-6
There are also a lot of other great stories how writers have grown here: https://on.substack.com/t/writer-stories
I like the idea of cold emails because that's how I got on here. I just don't have a list of emails.
Thank you!
What is wrong with the old audience?
I second this Q pls!
✏️ I'd like to compile a list of other writers that are writing about parenting in an authentic way. NOT superficial self-care tips, not mommy hacks, not "30-minute" weeknight recipes, not "expert advice" about how to parent your child. I'm looking for real stories about the realities of parenting in the 21st century. I've got a good list drafted that I'm excited to share but would love additional suggestions and nominations. Thanks in advance!
👋 I don't write about parenting exclusively, but I'm currently working on a parenting memoir and share some of the drafts with my newsletter readers. If you want to check it out, this is a good place to start: https://open.substack.com/pub/jenzug/p/why-im-writing-this-book?r=6er4f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
And I am intentionally writing a memoir, not a parenting how-to book, because blech.
Thank you, looking forward to checking it out! I'm working on a parenting memoir as well and no, it's not a how-to!
Hi Kerala, my Substack is not about parenting per se, I write about languages, but I am a single parent to two trilingual kids and I write (and plan to write more) about all aspects of what it takes to raise a child when you're just one parent, many times displaced, and have two home languages. No tips or tricks, just stories.
Hi Kerala,
my apologies in advance if this is not what you were looking for, but maybe it is, even as just inspiration to find parents who can tell their individual real stories on the same topics, so...
I shared why I think that two of the realities of parenting today are:
1) (for children up to 13/14 yrs old: giving them INDIVIDUAL smartphones is a HUGE mistake, that's very easy to solve, and does not mean depriving them of internet totally: https://mfioretti.substack.com/p/honestly-the-problem-with-children AND https://mfioretti.substack.com/p/it-doesnt-really-matter-whether-social
2) MISTAKING the purpose of education, that is considering it as a way to "get a good job", which is not true anymore, and never should have, here https://mfioretti.substack.com/p/innovation-scams-education-myths
My daughter is 12 and smartphones are a popular topic of conversation in our household. I'm so jealous of my parents, who never had to have these tiresome arguments. Looking forward to checking out your posts, thank you!
"never had these tiresome arguments"... SAME here. Explaining what life without smartphones and internet was like feels every year more like explaining colors to someone born with total blindness: nobody's fault, of course, but lots of effort just to find appropriate words or metaphors to build common ground.
I love the more authentic stories, too! I write about pregnancy loss, which is unfortunately a reality for many parents. Even though no one talks about it.
Hi there! I write about parenting often as I can’t help but not. I’m trying to think if I’ve ever posted a newsletter without mentioning my son, being a mother or coparenting 🫠 My newsletter is called dialoguing. I use my background as a psychotherapist to talk through how we are navigating all this life stuff--and parenting is such a big part of that for me.
✏️ My question for fellow writers is…are there any GenZ writers out in the Substack universe? I started a Substack for us to connect and sure would love to collaborate, share, and learn from one another. And if there’s any advice on how to find my fellow Zoomers I’m all ears. https:genzwrites.substack.com
(don’t worry, I appreciate all writers. nothing personal!)
Hey T!
Fellow Gen Z here!
Love your vision with this newsletter! I find myself at weird points where I definitely identify with some millennial views yet strongly disagree with some, all whilst struggling to understand Gen Alpha and their language! 😂
Writing on Substack is keeping me sane, as I haven’t really seen much hip slang here! 🤣
Internet Princess is probably the biggest one, and you could do a search here on Substack (like "Gen Z") and see what and who else comes up!
I recently found out I belong to the Gen Z group, as a 1997 baby.
We can connect! (@formysakenow; ourtribeheals@gmail.com)
Welcome! I'm a parent of 2 GenZ teens, does that count? I've been encouraging my son, a music creative, to check out Substack, but he's more of tik tok/reels guy. Good luck with your newsletter!
🧠 I've edited others' work for two decades, helping authors tease out what they want to say and shape it into the best version possible is a career that's brought me great delight. Learning to turn the perspective and strategies I honed over the years to my own writing has been amazing!! It's made my writing practice way more joyful and free. And it's for sure made my writing better. I think that's reflected in my having gone from a list of 31 subscribers I brought from my old blog to nearly 400 since starting to publish here six months ago, a number of them paying. Yay!! I don't quite have words for the gratitude I feel. So, my advice is this, if you're wanting to take your writing to a new level, try and look at your early drafts from a fresh perspective. Try to see the writer and the editor in you as separate entities.
Because I'm a systems person, I've geeked out on how I can transform the tools I used over my years as an editor to suit working with my own writing. And I've been developing that into workshops so I can share it with other writers. So, if you'd like to get into how to do this, I'd love to invite you to check out my Be Your Own Editor workshops. :)
https://hollystarley.substack.com/p/be-your-own-best-editor-and-be-free
Subscribed!
Yay! Thank you so much. Very pleased to have you along for the ride. ;)
Cool! Work that know-how and share it!
Thank you, Christine!!
✏️ Hi. This is my first time on Writer Office Hours and I feel like I’ve been missing out. I currently have two subscribers (my husband and I!) and would like to connect with writers on the same subject of parenting teens. Any advice?
I looked at your substack. You write well and the stories are personal and interesting. But why don’t you try unique headlines for each posts? That could be a game changer. Now it has the newsletter name for each post, all the recent ones at least. Just a thought. Headlines have power in raising curiosity and attracting readers.
You're absolutely right. When readers are potentially getting emails from multiple Newsletters, the right title can make or break the whole thing. It definitely helps if you can arouse a little curiosity... 😎
How very kind of you to take this trouble. I’ll certainly heed your advice. Many thanks.
I'm fairly new as well and I don't have hundreds of subscribers, but my main piece of advice is to be true to what interests you. If you want this to be an ongoing project where you'll build a community of people with teens, you'll attract your audience by telling stories about your own experiences and sharing advice in a way that isn't preachy. Readers who like your style will stay, and those who don't gel with it will move on, so the result will be a natural filtering out as you go along.
Thanks so much. That’s really good advice.
Notes is a great place on here to connect with other writers and readers. There are always lots of discussions going on to contribute to and get involved with. Welcome to the site and best of luck with your Publication... 😎
Thank you so much for your kind support.
Although I do have a teen I’m not writing about that, I write about therapy and well-being. I recommend lots of networking, reading others posts
, notes, commenting and following them and you’ll discover your community! ✨
Ah that’s really helpful thanks. Much appreciated 😊
✏️ 🟧 After a year of Substack I just announced that I'm going to be going paid at the start of February 😬 I'm really nervous! I just have a handful of pledges.
I want to keep as much of my content as possible free because I know it has value and I love serving my community, but I want to give value to my paid subscribers and make it truly worth it and enticing for them. Any thoughts would be so helpful!
Context: I offered a free Oracle card reading (similar to tarot but made by an artist) to those that pledge before Feb 1st but super interested in other ideas for offers or other ways I can add to the value of a paid subscription.
Hey there! First off, congrats on making the leap! Here are a couple of general buckets of ideas about how to add value:
Community: Create a private chat or forum where paid subscribers can connect with you and each other. This can foster a sense of exclusivity and community.
Early Access: Give paid subscribers early access to your content before it goes public.
Live Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions, workshops, or readings that are only available to paid subscribers.
Input: Allow paid subscribers to vote on topics or questions for upcoming newsletters or readings.
Remember, it's all about finding the right balance that works for you and your audience.Good luck! 🌟
Thank you so so much!!
I don’t have an answer, but you sound like my kind of people so I just subscribed
That's so kind thank you so much!! Also interested in human design!
I would advise you to communicate the reason for going paid. In my about section, I noted it as a story. :)
Just read what you wrote, it's awesome! Thank you!
I also want to share my content free because I am trying to support the chronic pain community and also because I am trying to build interest in the book I'll be eventually publishing about the topic. I have some fear about the paywall and how people will react!
✏️- What’s a good way to craft post titles/subject lines that are *not* clickbaity but still draw a reader’s interest?
I think my titles might be too niche and I’d like to improve in this area. A bit unsure on what to do because I still want to use my voice and writing style.
Would love any advice or tips here!
Sarah Fay at Writers @ Work has a paid Substack where you can get headline help 24/7 (just saw a few people in my notifications asking for help while writing this haha).
But a tip or two I’d give you for keeping your voice but writing catchy headlines is to intentionally browse Substack and see which headlines catch your eye. Which ones make you wanna click? Why?
Also keep in my clarity for the most part, over too much flowery or poetic riddles in a headline so people know what’s to come in the post rather than scrolling past cause their brain didn’t get it, ya know?
Cierra, thanks for chiming in! I do think I have titles that really only I understand and that might be doing a disservice to readers and Nōto in general. I just didn’t think much about it till yesterday, so I’m glad I asked.
I'm glad you asked too! And yeah I'm gonna start taking my own advice and be more intentional when seeing headlines to see what catches my eye and why. It really is a task to find the right balance to hopefully make people "stop their scroll", huh?
🧠Hi Erika! I write what I like to call "articles" as opposed to "newsletters," so I lean toward more conventional headline writing (capitalized words, etc GASP!), plus, I love wordplay, and that seems to help with my headlines!
Also, I've written about (and they've written for me!) singers/songwriters/musicians, and instead of wracking my noggin for headlines, I've been known to "let" them write the headlines.....I'll use lyrics from one of their songs! If I'm writing about them (or one of their songs), they've already written my headline......I just have to isolate it and fit it in appropriately!!
When singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor, Stephen Michael Schwartz (album for RCA Records in '74 at age 20), wrote me 20 articles about his experiences in '70s Hollywood record biz, I simply used his name to make a lane of shorter anecdotes about him....."Schwartz Stories"! He loved that one.
Anyway, poke around and see some examples, if you'd like (IT'S FREE!): https://bradkyle.substack.com/
Stephen Michael Schwartz's articles are tagged at the top of the main page! Good luck!
What a wealth of info! I'll definitely take a look. Thanks so much, Brad!
Happy to help, Erika! Good luck!
Chat GPT is your friend. Seriously, just ask for 15 not click bait titles on _____ topic. The results won't be exactly what you need, but usually that is a good starting point and you can use them to craft something that sounds like you. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip! I tried this and included my post to give it more context. I'll definitely have to play around with it more.
I love specificity. In the Writers @ Work headline chat, many of us go for broad themes. Give me a few nitty gritty details and I'm more inclined to trust you as a writer. 🙌🏼 Brava to all brave, authentic voices!
Christine, thanks for the reply! Would you be willing to share an example of a headline you enjoy?
Yikes, can’t think of one immediately (this thread is such such a fire hose of goodness.) however, one potential headline I commented on was “the beauty of nature.” Yes, it’s relatable. Yes, I want to feel that Hope. Still I want to know, what is it specifically about the beauty and the healing of nature that you want us to feel?
Erika, your titles (at a glance, anyway) are pithy and very short--and that can be a good thing. But I don't see a clear point of view in those titles, something to raise a question for the reader.
I'd love to get your thoughts on my titles, too! It's like getting a crit for painting! I can look at your's too!
Okay, Kim. Your titles are a very eclectic mix that range from easy click bait (I don't mean that as an insult, just a reflection of what clickbait is, e.g., holiday gift guide) to the semi-confessional. I'd like to see more content in many of your titles: what's the angle or point of view of the piece? Some are too short to tell. And your titles don't reflect a consistent point of view in that some pieces seem like service journalism (how-to) while others seem more personal and episodic. That may be a deliberate choice on your part. Feel free to critique mine!
I love The Dividends of doing hard things with the sub heading Pushing past one’s limit etc. That is so good. I see the consistency in your titles and that makes sense given you have a consistent theme. I wish I had the discipline and to be consistent in a theme but I’m focussing on a time of life that has a lot of ingredients and input. From child free to empty nest the thing in common is a touchy subject: age. The words Middle Age are a kiss of death for content attraction. Anyway. I admire your pithy and intriguing titles. And thank you for your time and chats!
Kim, just keep pouring your passions and interests into your writing. I'm late into middle age and still putting myself out there. There's no time limit on creativity! But I will suggest that you consider honing the theme and main subjects for your newsletter if you want to target any kind of niche audience. Going narrow rather than broad is often a good strategy. In any case, all best wishes!!
Thank you, Amy! I pretty much either have an interview, or a personal reflection each week. I do an annual gift guide, too. I used to title my pieces differently. I need to give it more thought...many thanks!
thank you Amy! I am trying to figure out how to use this important observation " I'd like to see more content in many of your titles: what's the angle or point of view of the piece?" my posts are inconsistent in what I talk about. Some are semi confessional (age, empty-nest) and some are interviews with people or shopping guides...but, that doesn't mean I can't title them better. Def inconsistent. What would you do in that case? I am going to look at yours now.
Thanks for taking a look, Amy! I like your observation a lot and will think about the reader’s POV and “raising a question.” This is helpful.
Here for the comments
Brittany! Hi! 🤗
I agree with the comments about specificity. I write about food in films, so my headlines often say the name of the film + an interesting food item or factoid that one can expect to learn more about in the piece. Often, that food item or factoid isn't the first thing mentioned in the newsletter, so folks have to open and read a little bit of the way down before they get to it. I'm a new and growing newsletter, but my open rate is high so I'm going to keep up with this method for now!
Via—I LOVE the concept of your newsletter! I subscribed and look forward to learning more from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here!
I sometimes use a headline analyzer like this one (https://www.monsterinsights.com/headline-analyzer/) to make sure I hit the right balance between 'my voice' and 'super clickable'... I consciously avoid being too mysterious or poetic in the headlines, but I sometimes use hyperbole if it's a humorous piece both to draw attention and to reflect the mood... It's a delicate dance I find.
Wonderful recommendation, thanks Tanya! This thread has turned out to be golden.
such a great question...I think my post titles are not great and that matters. Agreed we need to take a look at other, bigger blogs and see what they do...I'll put that on my list!
Here's to crafting stellar headlines, Kim! 💃
Thank you, Erika! imagine a happy face emoji!
Two things: (1) You can use Google's keyword planner to find phrases that are being looked up frequently and think about how to incorporate them. My thinking is it just tells you that's how people interested in your subject matter phrase it. It's a bit clunky, and I only use it occasionally. (2) Do you know Sarah Fay here on Substack? She has an entire chat thread that is a title workshop. Other writers here offer each other help with titles, and I've seen some terrific results. Plus it's a fun way to meet new writers.
I tend to be quite good at helping others with titles and a bit precious with my own. So, I'm trying to train myself to see my titles as if they're for someone else's work. I'm a professional editor, and oddly, I'm much better at looking at my own writing from a fresh perspective than I am titles. I should probably dig into why that is. ;)
Good luck with titles, Erika!
Appreciate your encouragement and the resources you shared here. I've heard Sarah Fay's name passed around several times now but am not yet familiar. I've got some homework to do! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 😊
Just to let you know that using this forum and connecting with people works, I've picked up 2 new subscribers today.
The fact that I also lost a couple and gained a couple in the last two days is fine. People are going to come and go. Don't let that discourage you. You have to look at being here as a life-long commitment. Me? I'm here for the long haul. We all have different reasons for being here. Some want to express themselves through their writing -- well, I suppose we all do -- but some want to share life experiences and some have political opinions, and some want to tell you how you should handle your money, or what books to read, or what movies to watch. Me? I just want to write. I want to prove to myself that I CAN write, and that people like what I write.
I'm retired, so I have a lot of time to hang around and be creative, which is what I've always wanted to do. But being older, and retired, I know my time is limited to just a handful of years. While others in their 30's and 40's can look at forty or fifty years to create a following, I'm lucky if I get 20. So I write. I could have pick an easier target though, with Fiction being what it is, a hard sell.
But there are about 40-45 million people using Substack now, according to the latest write ups I could find. You only need a small percentage to prove to yourself that this is working for you. Right now, I'm probably sitting at .001%, so I've got my work cut out for me. And as for my PAID Subscribers, well, I don't even look at those numbers. NOBODY wants to PAY for fiction. They'd rather read it for FREE.
Absolutely spot on. Participating in this Forum is a great way to connect with other writers and readers, and perhaps find new ones who want to read your content. I completely agree that you have to write because you love writing. If other people love it, too, that's a bonus. The same is true with the money aspect. No one should ever be setting out to be a writer hoping to make big money. If the money comes, even in small amounts, that's also a bonus... 😎
Love and appreciate your perspective here. Thank you.
Well said!
✏️ My newsletter is focused on children’s books and today I posted an article about diversity in children’s books.
ASK: If you (or your kids) have ever felt underrepresented in children’s books, I would love to interview you. You can go to the post: https://www.readablemomentsbookclub.com/p/we-need-diversity-in-childrens-books and hit the button at the very bottom if you’re interested.
Appreciate this community very much!
That's a great subject to be tackling and drawing more attention to. Best of luck with it... 😎
Thanks!
I’ve saved the article for reading. Seems like a good one. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Let me know your thoughts.
✏️- Hey everyone!!
I run a small newsletter called Unwind where I write about the meaningful things in life.
I really wanted to explore the option of writing guest posts for other substacks and inviting other writers to write guest post on my newsletter (~120 subscribers). I have the following questions:
1. How do I approach other writers?
2. How does the whole process of guest posting work? Like, do we connect over video calls or do we simply restrict it to emal communication where we share the respective drafts?
Notes is a great place to find other like minded people who might want to exchange Guest Posts. On even here in this Forum. I'd say it's probably easiest just to message each other via email, yes, and discuss what you both want to Post and then send the content. Good luck with it all... 😎
This is so helpful, Chris. Thankyou!!
Our newsletters are similar sizes. I may be interested in exploring with you.
Hey Bryce,
I notice that your content aligns with mine in many ways. We can definitely look out for a possibility of exchanging a guest post😄
Mansi, that sounds good. 👍
Just like this 😀 because the first time I rushed out for guest posts were on these forums and I have done a couple. It is good idea. I’m interested. Let’s connect, we can talk.
Lovely!! I write about things like self-care, personal growth, self awareness etc. Most of my writing comes from personal experiences in my journey and the realisations I’ve had along the way.
Would love to know if this is something you are interested in or your readers might like! 😄
The Marinade has an eclectic mix of topics from culture, to politics, to travel. Every one of them is baked with personal stories so it’s meant to be diverse. So is that regard, your topics would fit. Since we don’t have messaging here, feel free to connect specific on insta listed on my profile. Looking fwd to it.
🧠 - I see a lot of advice about how writers shouldn't worry if they can only write once a week, or even once every couple of weeks. Well, I'm in the opposite boat -- I started a DAILY newsletter! (The idea is that I send subscribers one Rush song every day + a few random thoughts or facts on the song: https://oneadayrush.substack.com/ )
Anyway, I was so nervous my potential readers would be put off by the frequency of emails, but I've found the opposite to be true. My core audience is really engaged, and I've gotten a lot of feedback that they look forward to finding out whatever that day's new song is. So I just wanted to share that Substack can be powerful for more frequent newsletter publishers as well!
I can see that a song, a poem or a drawing every day is a really generous gift. My posts take 3-4 minutes to read. Hmmm. Not quite up to every day, but happy to be back to weekly after a drought.
A Rush A Day! That sounds amazing. And very unique. I don't think you've done 'Passage To Bangkok' yet. I'll keep an eye out for it. I love the main guitar riff in that one... 😎
I haven't done "A Passage to Bangkok" yet! (Check back in April.) However, it does appear in the R30 medley I featured on Jan 13: https://oneadayrush.substack.com/p/r30-overture-live
Billy Talent does a pretty great cover on the 2112 40th anniversary release, too!
Thanks! I'll be checking both of those things out very soon... 😎
That so awesome! If only I could write that much! 😄
Thank you! Some might say I should write less, but "Once A Week Rush" has less pizzazz than "One A Day Rush." I think! 😄
Hi I started my sub stacked named Jonathan's substack just out of curiosity and it has grown quite a bit. My questions are that I am kind of a polymath and I write about several different subjects yet I keep reading that it is best to stick to one subject so your readers know what to expect. However that is not my goal so that being said what are the best strategies for people who write about several different subjects in my case medicine Aviation suicide ketamine and Sports Medicine and such. Thank you
I too am an MD, and began my Substack 7 months ago while my memoir is awaiting publication. I started posting "on brand", on medical themes, but now that I've grown to 270+ subscribers I'm planning to follow personal instincts, and allow myself to drift a bit "off brand". On one hand it's being true to myself, and on the other hand, it will be a test of my subscribers' interests.
I also write about different topics, and would like to have the icons, or whatever they're called, to match the area (which I select in the posting process), but I always seem to get the wrong one. I'm posting a novel set in 6th century Britain (hence the deer), but I'm also very much interested in writing about my crowdfunding campaign for my patent-pending wind turbine. If I could include the right icon at the top of each post I could save my readers from wasting their time and attention dealing with a post from another dimension, so to speak.
You could create a section where it’s just your novel, or maybe use emojis in the title?
Same question here — I don't have or want a niche!
✏️ Any writers not adhering to a specific niche? I started my substack yesterday and got one subscriber but my content will vary based on my wholly personal life experiences. I’m worried they will fall off if I don’t stick to a certain topic.
As others have noted (here and elsewhere) sometimes it's a question of experimenting until you find what works best for you. As you keep trying different things, you will find what you enjoy writing about the most and what gets you the response that you want.
I am not necessarily adhering to a specific niche either. I think it’s perfectly fine especially if you state that as a part of your “welcome” or “about” to your Substack👍 Congratulations and welcome on beginning your Substack!!!
I will definitely state that more clearly on my Substack. Thank you 😊
Anytime! I think this should be a forum where we support each other...my first writer’s hour😊👍🏻
Agree. I write about a range of topics – most have a common thread of politics/diversity/equality, but some are way different, like a snarky critique of Scientology. I put them all in my About section. I think if I write about a similar topic 80% of the time, people appreciate a change of pace and topic the other times. So maybe write for 6 months, and see what you wind up writing the most about. That's your niche.
Clarifying your intentions in your “welcome” or “about” is a great idea. Alternatively, you can do as I am doing, and wait until you have a good subscriber base before you allow yourself to go "off brand".
I sort of take the "influencer" route without being an influencer lol like, what's in common in your writing is YOU. And the youness will draw the right people if that makes any sense.
I also write about personal musings and reflections about every aspect of my life
This is reassuring. Thank you!
I have no specific niche, beyond "me," my voice, and whatever I feel like. Seems to be working so far! And it does become more clear what you're gravitating most to/best at as you go, and what the readers dig most... Hope it's going well!
I did write some tips from my first year in if the perspective helps any - https://sleepyhollowink.substack.com/p/hack-your-substack-10-tips
Mine isn't strictly in one niche but I set forth in the About page the themes I may cover and have seen relatively steady growth since starting last January and while I've had a few unsubscribe here and there the ongoing readership is far greater. Hope that perspective is helpful.
🧠 Hi! I launched my Substack a couple months ago. It's called Everything Is Compostable. I contend that you can turn anything that happens to you, no matter how shitty, into fertile soul-soil. That's what I'm doing through my writing. Here's the link, if you'd like to check it out: https://helenzuman.substack.com/.
Thought this might be of interest to other new Substackers: I started out with a list of about 200 subscribers, which I imported from MailChimp. From the beginning, I put most posts behind a paywall (partly because what I write is often highly personal). I have 14 paying subscribers. There are certainly downsides to this approach—and it's been fun to experiment with doing the opposite of what most recommend.
✏️ Would love some advice about how to grow my following. Have no interest in using this platform to make money and I write under a pseudonym so it’s not about building a ‘personal brand’. I guess I just feel really compelled to write about things that make me frustrated to live in a world which I know has such capacity to be kind and tolerant - and yet out political classes seem to make that very difficult. Thanks in advance :-)
Hi! I recently started my fiction newsletter where I send my short stories out. I’m a newbie to posting so I’d love to connect with other writers!
Hi and welcome to the site! I also post Fiction (along with other things). The platform is very suited to short stories and episodic novels, so I'm sure you'll find a great home here. Best of luck with it all... 😎
🧠 My advice is to be consistent and know what your intentions are. I have two Substacks - one under my name called An Abundant Life and Tales of Karnum that goes with my fledgling author career.
An Abundant life is closing in on 1.5 years and is a weekly I post on Mondays. Most of the time I get at least 3 Mondays out of the month, but I've been more consistent lately. My numbers are not growing fast, but they doubled in the past 6 months. Within 24 hours I have an average open rate of at least a third of my subscribers. I haven't gotten many comments, but I have readers that respond in email. I'm happy with how it is going no matter the size.
Tales of Karnum was created almost a year ago but hasn't seen regular activity until my first book came out. Part of my issue was too much going on at once. I mostly have a monthly wrap up that goes out as email. The rest of my posts I link in that rather than doing email. I get a pretty high open rate on my wrap ups, usually 40 to 50% in the first 24 hours. I put a paid section on this for a longer dystopian tale that I pulled off of Vella because I wanted more control of it. I also do book reviews. So this one needs a tad more consistency beyond the monthly wrap up and more content showing off my writing around my books. I have yet to gain a paid sub here other than the one I gave to a friend for all her help with my writing.
My goal this year is to keep it up and learn how to get my substacks noticed more. I link things on my socials, which is one of my higher access points but direction seems to be increasing for where readers come from.
Here's to all of us finding more readers, consistency and fun in our writing adventures here.
Hope you have fun with your writing adventures, too! I find Social Media is a great place to get reads, and people seem happy to click things, but it tends not to convert to Subscribers. I may just be using the wrong ones! 😎
Thanks for sharing. Your consistency is impressive. I don’t know how you are able to maintain two newsletters, which I find impressive. Wishing you greater success in 2024.
Agreed. Best of luck with all your endeavours.
✏️What are good ideas for paid content?✏️
I have a very small readership and would love to grow before going paid, but have been pondering on the idea of paid content and what that could look like. I write about nutrition and health, but don't consider myself a recipe developer (which I think would do great in paid) but any other ideas?
It depends what works best for you and your readers. It's good to always keep a mix of Free and Paid content, so you've still got some things out in the open as a taster to attract new Subscribers. The Paid content should probably be mainly self-help and advice content that people would usually expect to pay for in a book and so on. The most important thing is that it is in your unique style and voice - because regardless of what the content ends up being, that is, ultimately, what people will hopefully want to pay for and what will keep them there. Good luck... 😎
Thanks Chris! This makes sense I like the idea of self-help/advice for free content!
Hi, great question. This should help you. Some smart people actually did a research on what sells on Substack. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1387356/highest-earning-newsletters-substack/
Awesome thanks I’ll check it out!!
Still haven't figured out how to include graphic images in my post. What should I know or do about this.?
When you're creating a Post, in the bar at the top there's a button to 'Add Image'. Click that and you can add whatever you want and resize it and so on. Good luck... 😎
🧠 Do you have those weeks when you simply don’t have a good idea for your upcoming newsletter drop? Since I write about visual storytelling for marketers (https://newsletter.visualstorytell.com/) my approach is to look at photos on my phone. You’d be surprised how many ideas a mere photo can generate - all coming from the photo’s backstory.
That is an excellent idea. As a Fiction writer myself, I'm often inspired by all sorts of different things. Photos is definitely one of them... 😎
Oh, I LOVE this idea. I have a running list of ideas longer than I have time to write but may use this hack in a future low energy week. Thanks.
🧠 - my advice, if you're not clear on your niche, don't overthink it! Start writing and see where the writing takes you, and then listen to your heart and see where you're led, and where people react best.
I started this 7 months ago under the Publication Name "Prone to Hyperbole" writing about my experiences as a second generation Canadian child of immigrants. My topic was my own, but it wasn't quite "niched down" enough.
As I continued, I found that I most loved writing about (and got the best reactions) when I wrote under my "Letters from a Muslim Woman Series". This week, I used The Substack Soiree's branding bundle and rebranded the whole newsletter as "Letters from a Muslim Woman" and I've jumped up about 150 subs in a week, to over 500 subscribers.
https://nohabeshir.substack.com/
I was so stressed in those early days about what my niche should be, but I truly don't think I would have found it if I hadn't just started writing.
Also, keep your pub name generic so you can rebrand as often as you want 😅😅 - you can only change this once, so a generic name is best.
And for real for real. The branding bundle. Life changer: https://thesoiree.substack.com/p/the-substack-bundle
🧠 Notes is the way to go to meet collaborators, like-minded individuals, or just find people to hang out with for a while. Join in conversations, share your own and other people's work, and if you find 'stacks you like then recommend them in your own 'stack and on Notes. Don't expect immediate growth - people have to get to know you and you have to find your 'tribe'. Also remember that very obvious and frequent 'marketing' can put some people off. Don't stress about going paid. Do it whenever you feel like it, there's nothing to lose as long as it's an option and not absolute. I write for free but if people want to pay to support me, they can. I don't offer anything extra for paying readers, just grateful thanks! All my stuff is here if you're interested https://junegirvin.substack.com
June, you've become something of an example for me to follow. I really like the way you mix up your subject matter, include some personal stuff, and experiment with things like the audio option, even when doing so feels scary because you're not an expert at recording your own pieces. Your use of Notes is also something I've learnt from. Thanks, and well done.
That's really kind,Leanne. Thank you!
🧠 Think no one is reading your work? Think again. My Substack alone has opened doors to major opportunities, media coverage, and more. Keep writing and experimenting. You never know where this will take you.
Sometimes I receive lots of likes and feedback, sometimes it is quiet. Weird feeling.
I think that is everyone.
This is the scary part about it!!
✏️ - HELLO! My name is Maggie! I recently launched my substack, The Back Half of Gratitude Hour (https://maggiesdigitaldiary.substack.com/about). It's my twice weekly musings on love, dating, relationships, friendships, work, life and all things womanhood.
I'm seeking feedback on my writing and also advice on how to grow an audience of readers from fellow writers.
Where do you promote your substack?
What has had the biggest impact on audience growth?
Have you tried sharing on social media?
Would love to test & learn from all the phenomenal writers here! Thank you so much!
Would love to give and receive feedback, aaaaand our topics are close-ish! Let's connect! (@formysakenow on Instagram/TikTok, ourtribeheals@gmail.com)
✏️ Hey, CHAT is hard! Do you have chat turned on? How is it going? My goal this year is to promote the chat and hopefully spark a community feeling there. I would be happy to discuss any ideas and insights. For example, do you send chat treads as email? In my experience, every time I do it, a few people unsubscribe.
I have loved using the Chat Thread!
I have just been experimenting to see what resonates. I do not email it out.
So far, weekly series do well. These two are really fun (I use the same text every week, one on Tues (NZ) and Sat (NZ)):
✨LIGHT UPS - what has lit you up this week. It could be something you've read, watched, listened to. It could even be a bit of news from your own life!
🟧SUBSTACK ACCOUNTABILITY CORNER: In this thread, we'll harness the power of accountability to fuel our creative journeys on Substack. Share your intentions for this week. For example, “I’m going to write a post about ….”, “I want to update my welcome email”, I’m going to tweak my footer”. Then come back and let us know how you went so we can celebrate you! Let's make it happen together – because when we write it down, we commit to making it a reality. Join us and let's thrive on Substack! 🚀
This last Substack accountability corner got 42 replies!
https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/f4709713-7729-4c6a-8e2c-7bed91264699?r=iv86x&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
I am with you and would like to cultivate a more vibrant community in chat this year.
Most of my readers read via email and fewer than 10% read via app (which limits % in chat). I'm curious what others breakdown is?
For those that have vibrant chat communities, is it more than a higher % of your readers use app, you just have more readers, or post better hooks?
maybe, I am not sure. I'll check and see.