Thank you!! This is incredibly useful information. Substack can be a lot of work—and I’m not talking about the writing!—and I wish they had a help desk. 😊
Totally feel you, Debra! Substack is a lot of behind-the-scenes work beyond the writing. I often wish I could be that help desk myself maybe we’re building it together, one post at a time. 😊💛
I spent my entire weekend trying and failing to find out why my images had disappeared. Then I had to create a new logo. Scream much?! For such a successful platform there could be a tad more support.
Great, actionable ideas, as usual! I'd appreciate a post about creating all those Notes, a little 'how-to', if you could. I know you shared some pointers with me earlier in my journey about pinning quotes, graphics, and such within the note. Heck, I can't even figure out how to italicize or bold print a word in Notes! Just an idea. Thanks for putting this information out there in your style. So easy to digest and follow. I appreciate you❣️
I’m actually working on a project right now that’ll be my most detailed how-to yet covering all the technicalities of the different main forms of content here on Substack I will even include frameworks exercises and templates. It’s a bit more of a premium offering, but I’d love to make a simpler, shorter version to share around here too.
As always, I really, really appreciate your kind words and support. Truly keeps me going and aiming to do better as a writer here. 💛
Hi, I’m new here on Substack. I’d love to connect with like-minded souls, hear your stories, and grow through this shared journey.
I’ve always leaned toward the philosophical — and life, with all its trials, shaped me into a fighter. What I write comes from lived experience: stories of pain, resilience, and healing. If my words reach even one person who needs them, then it’s worth it.
If you resonate with my writing, I’d be grateful if you could help share it. I’m just starting out, and every small ripple helps this find the hearts it’s meant for.
Looking forward to being part of this space with you.
Hi and welcome to Substack! Your writing sounds deeply meaningful, and I love that it comes from such authentic experience. Sharing stories of resilience and healing is so powerful it really can touch people in ways they need most.
I’ll definitely check out your work and share it where I can. Looking forward to seeing your journey here and supporting each other along the way!
I think these are super helpful tips for those readers already in the Substack ecosystem. But what about converting from outside Substack? Because LinkedIn and FB suppress your posts anytime you put an external link (like to your substack article) in them. I am lost at trying to promote my newsletter outside of Substack - open to any tricks and tips there! :) Thanks in advance.
Great question, Karen! Promoting outside Substack can definitely be tricky, especially with platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook limiting reach when you share external links. One approach that works well is to share valuable snippets or insights from your newsletter posts directly on those platforms without links think of it as giving a preview or teaser that sparks curiosity. Then invite people to DM you or sign up via a simple link in your profile or bio.
I’ve also noticed some writers here use the automatically generated images or graphics that come with each new article to help promote their work outside Substack. Personally, I haven’t tried promoting beyond Substack yet, so my growth has been purely organic within the platform. I can’t fully validate how well external promotion works from my own experience, but sharing what I’ve seen others do might spark some ideas for you.
Also, consider engaging in relevant groups or communities where you can add value and naturally mention your newsletter when appropriate.
Happy to brainstorm more if you want this is a challenge many of us face!
Super helpful - thank you. The various social media ecosystems definitely don't like outsiders (meaning... the links from external sites). I'll play around with your ideas and see if I notice an uptick. :) I appreciate your time!
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
Thanks for sharing, Harrison! Your newsletter sounds awesome adapting fine dining recipes for home cooks is such a cool idea. I’ll definitely check out The Secret Ingredient. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, John! I really appreciate your kind words it means a lot to hear the article was helpful. Always happy to share and keep things clear and useful!
Absolutely, Jane! That’s a great reason to subscribe. Mental health and happiness are so deeply intertwined, and I love that you’re diving into that connection. Looking forward to reading the piece thank you for sharing it! 😊
Thank you so much Frey, for your kind words. Glad to have the chance to share. I hope you find value and depth in this piece, and the publication as a whole. Cheers!
How many serious creators have found that the subscription model of Substack is not working for you, and is not going to work for you? In the critical words of Matt Giaro: “subscriptions are a fantasy dressed up as a strategy.” He asserts that subscriptions are like handcuffs and mostly produce drudgery because they do not fit what people do, and he backs that up with logic and experience in the post that must be recommended: https://open.substack.com/pub/mattgiaro/p/do-not-monetize-substack-with-subscriptions?r=5d7dmx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web. Further to this most astute post by Mr Giaro about monetization for the benefit of the owners of Substack, let me submit the following. The algorithm is not your friend, nor is the Substack business model. If you want to know what is wrong with Substack, just unmute the Notes, Posts, and Comments of the Substack founders that you muted because they are so lame, humorless, pedestrian, prosaic, sophmoric, trivial, belligerent, vulgar, snide, and shallow (look for all of that if they attack or ridicule this Note). That will tell you why Substack is failing you, and is never going to deliver what creators need. Substack changes constantly and every change seems to diminish its value to its serious contributors in inverse proportion to the effort of the corporate owners to build a machine to harvest profit, and profiteer off of the misappropriation of intellectual property by the likes of the plutocrat venture ghouls who are funding Substack and effecting their Artificial Imperialism by vacuuming up your work. Look for my forthcoming SUPERSTACK: An Antidote to the Algorithm for Serious Creators of Intellectual Property. This will be a blueprint for a better platform, what it seems the serious creators we encounter on this site really need, a site that serves and protects those creating the value, those creating the intellectual property that people are looking for here. SUPERSTACK is a trademark of Jerome Schweich.
read any 3-4 of my short-stories and you’ll read them all. funny, drama, spooky, mystery, and more. easy 6-8 min. reads. my approach is unique on this platform. several new reads each week, and I’ll scale 100 short stories this month since I began writing on new year’s day. come along.
I love that you’re bringing something unique to the platform. I’ll definitely check out @the smell of smoke and look forward to diving into your collection. Keep up the awesome work!
Absolutely, Lóránt! Starting with authority and clearly showing the WIIFT is such a powerful way to hook your audience right away. It sets the tone and instantly answers the question everyone’s asking: “Why should I care?” Thanks for highlighting that!
Totally get that, Liz! Keeping bios and about pages concise but impactful can be tricky. Glad the tips helped, sometimes a little trimming and focusing on what really matters makes all the difference. You’ve got this! 😊
Thanks for such a simple ACTIONABLE post of things to build community on Substack that wouldn't take a course, a week, a year to learn :) I am so used to writing on my blog, that there is much to learn here. Enjoying the pace and people here very much!
I’m really glad you found it actionable, Christa! Making community-building simple and approachable is exactly the goal. It’s great to hear you’re enjoying the pace and people on Substack it’s such a unique space. Looking forward to seeing how you grow there!
Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome, Jess! Thank you for reading I appreciate you being here 🌿✨
Thank you!! This is incredibly useful information. Substack can be a lot of work—and I’m not talking about the writing!—and I wish they had a help desk. 😊
Totally feel you, Debra! Substack is a lot of behind-the-scenes work beyond the writing. I often wish I could be that help desk myself maybe we’re building it together, one post at a time. 😊💛
And thank you for letting me vent!
I spent my entire weekend trying and failing to find out why my images had disappeared. Then I had to create a new logo. Scream much?! For such a successful platform there could be a tad more support.
That sounds incredibly frustrating, Debra. Glad you managed to create a new logo though, silver linings, but still, not the weekend you signed up for!
Eh, it’s all part of the process!
Great, actionable ideas, as usual! I'd appreciate a post about creating all those Notes, a little 'how-to', if you could. I know you shared some pointers with me earlier in my journey about pinning quotes, graphics, and such within the note. Heck, I can't even figure out how to italicize or bold print a word in Notes! Just an idea. Thanks for putting this information out there in your style. So easy to digest and follow. I appreciate you❣️
I’m actually working on a project right now that’ll be my most detailed how-to yet covering all the technicalities of the different main forms of content here on Substack I will even include frameworks exercises and templates. It’s a bit more of a premium offering, but I’d love to make a simpler, shorter version to share around here too.
As always, I really, really appreciate your kind words and support. Truly keeps me going and aiming to do better as a writer here. 💛
Hi, I’m new here on Substack. I’d love to connect with like-minded souls, hear your stories, and grow through this shared journey.
I’ve always leaned toward the philosophical — and life, with all its trials, shaped me into a fighter. What I write comes from lived experience: stories of pain, resilience, and healing. If my words reach even one person who needs them, then it’s worth it.
If you resonate with my writing, I’d be grateful if you could help share it. I’m just starting out, and every small ripple helps this find the hearts it’s meant for.
Looking forward to being part of this space with you.
https://substack.com/@oceansnmoonlight
Hi and welcome to Substack! Your writing sounds deeply meaningful, and I love that it comes from such authentic experience. Sharing stories of resilience and healing is so powerful it really can touch people in ways they need most.
I’ll definitely check out your work and share it where I can. Looking forward to seeing your journey here and supporting each other along the way!
I think these are super helpful tips for those readers already in the Substack ecosystem. But what about converting from outside Substack? Because LinkedIn and FB suppress your posts anytime you put an external link (like to your substack article) in them. I am lost at trying to promote my newsletter outside of Substack - open to any tricks and tips there! :) Thanks in advance.
Great question, Karen! Promoting outside Substack can definitely be tricky, especially with platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook limiting reach when you share external links. One approach that works well is to share valuable snippets or insights from your newsletter posts directly on those platforms without links think of it as giving a preview or teaser that sparks curiosity. Then invite people to DM you or sign up via a simple link in your profile or bio.
I’ve also noticed some writers here use the automatically generated images or graphics that come with each new article to help promote their work outside Substack. Personally, I haven’t tried promoting beyond Substack yet, so my growth has been purely organic within the platform. I can’t fully validate how well external promotion works from my own experience, but sharing what I’ve seen others do might spark some ideas for you.
Also, consider engaging in relevant groups or communities where you can add value and naturally mention your newsletter when appropriate.
Happy to brainstorm more if you want this is a challenge many of us face!
Super helpful - thank you. The various social media ecosystems definitely don't like outsiders (meaning... the links from external sites). I'll play around with your ideas and see if I notice an uptick. :) I appreciate your time!
This is greatly useful. Thanks.
Thank you, Osiris! I'm really glad you found it useful. Appreciate you taking the time to read 🙏
You got my attention 😁
So glad to hear that! 😊 I'm really happy you found my work valuable it means a lot!
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
Thanks for sharing, Harrison! Your newsletter sounds awesome adapting fine dining recipes for home cooks is such a cool idea. I’ll definitely check out The Secret Ingredient. Keep up the great work!
Excellent advice. Straightforward, clear, accessible. Thanks, Frey!
Thanks so much, John! I really appreciate your kind words it means a lot to hear the article was helpful. Always happy to share and keep things clear and useful!
Hope this is one reason for some to subscribe:
https://drjaneforhappiness.substack.com/p/how-important-is-happiness-for-mental
Absolutely, Jane! That’s a great reason to subscribe. Mental health and happiness are so deeply intertwined, and I love that you’re diving into that connection. Looking forward to reading the piece thank you for sharing it! 😊
Thank you so much Frey, for your kind words. Glad to have the chance to share. I hope you find value and depth in this piece, and the publication as a whole. Cheers!
How many serious creators have found that the subscription model of Substack is not working for you, and is not going to work for you? In the critical words of Matt Giaro: “subscriptions are a fantasy dressed up as a strategy.” He asserts that subscriptions are like handcuffs and mostly produce drudgery because they do not fit what people do, and he backs that up with logic and experience in the post that must be recommended: https://open.substack.com/pub/mattgiaro/p/do-not-monetize-substack-with-subscriptions?r=5d7dmx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web. Further to this most astute post by Mr Giaro about monetization for the benefit of the owners of Substack, let me submit the following. The algorithm is not your friend, nor is the Substack business model. If you want to know what is wrong with Substack, just unmute the Notes, Posts, and Comments of the Substack founders that you muted because they are so lame, humorless, pedestrian, prosaic, sophmoric, trivial, belligerent, vulgar, snide, and shallow (look for all of that if they attack or ridicule this Note). That will tell you why Substack is failing you, and is never going to deliver what creators need. Substack changes constantly and every change seems to diminish its value to its serious contributors in inverse proportion to the effort of the corporate owners to build a machine to harvest profit, and profiteer off of the misappropriation of intellectual property by the likes of the plutocrat venture ghouls who are funding Substack and effecting their Artificial Imperialism by vacuuming up your work. Look for my forthcoming SUPERSTACK: An Antidote to the Algorithm for Serious Creators of Intellectual Property. This will be a blueprint for a better platform, what it seems the serious creators we encounter on this site really need, a site that serves and protects those creating the value, those creating the intellectual property that people are looking for here. SUPERSTACK is a trademark of Jerome Schweich.
read any 3-4 of my short-stories and you’ll read them all. funny, drama, spooky, mystery, and more. easy 6-8 min. reads. my approach is unique on this platform. several new reads each week, and I’ll scale 100 short stories this month since I began writing on new year’s day. come along.
@the smell of smoke
I love that you’re bringing something unique to the platform. I’ll definitely check out @the smell of smoke and look forward to diving into your collection. Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks so much ! I hope you’ll enjoy !
Good one. I also think it’s important to start with authority and WIIFT (what’s in it for them) when you want grab their attention.
Absolutely, Lóránt! Starting with authority and clearly showing the WIIFT is such a powerful way to hook your audience right away. It sets the tone and instantly answers the question everyone’s asking: “Why should I care?” Thanks for highlighting that!
I could probably work on my bio and about pages. I think they’re a bit “TL/DR.” Thanks for the tips!
Totally get that, Liz! Keeping bios and about pages concise but impactful can be tricky. Glad the tips helped, sometimes a little trimming and focusing on what really matters makes all the difference. You’ve got this! 😊
Thank you!
Make them or get them
Short and powerful couldn’t agree more! Having the right tools or creating them makes all the difference.
Thanks for such a simple ACTIONABLE post of things to build community on Substack that wouldn't take a course, a week, a year to learn :) I am so used to writing on my blog, that there is much to learn here. Enjoying the pace and people here very much!
I’m really glad you found it actionable, Christa! Making community-building simple and approachable is exactly the goal. It’s great to hear you’re enjoying the pace and people on Substack it’s such a unique space. Looking forward to seeing how you grow there!