I'm really not trying to be snarky here, but did you look at any notes that weren't specific to others making substack growth posts/notes? Because it would be really helpful to read one of these sometime that had examples for other niches. Otherwise it seems like every category is only applicable to this one.
I really appreciate this thoughtful comment, and I totally agree! That’s a great idea, and I’ll definitely take note of it for future posts. I also realize that I haven’t given much consideration to other niches, and looking at it now, I can see how that makes my perspective is indeed biased—which is a fair point. I think it’s a blind spot on my part since most of my observations come from my own category, and the algorithm tends to show me more of what I engage with—my followers, my subscribers, and similar content.
I should have at least clarified that in the post. While I did acknowledge that well-performing notes vary depending on the genre, another mistake I made was not making it clear that this post was specifically tailored to this particular group of Substackers.
I’ll be adding this to areas I want to explore more and making a note of it upfront in future posts. Thanks again for the great feedback—I really appreciate perspectives like this, as they genuinely help me grow as a writer. Thank you so much!
You're very welcome! I really appreciate the thoughtful engagement, and as much as I want to share what I’ve learned, I also want to learn from you all! Constructive and polite discussions are always welcome and even encouraged. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts it means a lot 🤗
Thank you for these thoughtful insights and examples. Notes do feel like their own sort of language. It seems all the platforms have their unique welcoming methodology, and this is a great truncated “how-to” on Substack’s.
What are your thoughts about including images? Do you think that makes a difference on performance?
Thank you for your kind words, Kate! 😊 I completely agree each platform has its own unique vibe and way of welcoming writers.
As for images, I think they can definitely enhance performance, especially on Substack. Particularly for categories that require visuals, like fashion or food, images really add to the appeal. For something more educational, I also dabble with concept maps and diagrams to break down the essence of my notes. I haven’t really studied their direct effectiveness, but it’s such a wonderful question. I’ll be sure to share any insights if I do try to study their effects. Personally, I find that images help capture attention, especially when they are well-suited to the content.
Interesting perspective! I think engagement naturally forms around shared interests and experiences. When people feel seen or understood, they’re more likely to join the conversation. 😊
Hi Karen! Great questions. When you post a Note on Substack, it’s visible to your subscribers immediately and can also be discoverable by anyone who visits your profile or follows your public link. Notes are typically shorter, quick updates or thoughts that keep your audience engaged between full articles.
To determine if they’re effective, you can track things like open rates, likes, comments, and any replies you get. These interactions show how your audience is responding and help you adjust your content over time. Since you’re new, experimenting with Notes alongside articles can be a great way to learn what resonates best.
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you want tips on using Notes effectively.
Maybe you know the answer. Substack AI support does not. Why, when I subscribe to someone am I automatically subscribed to 3 or 4 other stacks that I have no interest in? It happened when one of my friends subscribed to me as well. Yes, I can unsubscribe, but I shouldn't have to. Am I doing something wrong?
One thing that might be happening is that when you first subscribe to a newsletter on Substack, a prompt sometimes appears asking if you want to subscribe to other recommended newsletters related to that publication. If you agree, it can result in automatic subscriptions to a few additional newsletters. I’m not sure if this was the case for you, but I wanted to mention it so you can watch out for it next time.
Thank you so much for sharing all these tips for notes! It's true it's quite daunting, you don't always know what to post at first, especially when the nice isn't writing !
Thank you, Inès! I totally get that it can feel overwhelming at the start, especially when you’re still finding your niche. Glad the tips helped a bit! You might want to check out my publication I have tons of articles for beginner Substack writers there, and I hope they can help you even more. Keep experimenting and trusting the process. You’ve got this! 😊
Wow, Freyja is such a beautiful namelove the connection! I’ll definitely take a peek at your latest post. Thanks for sharing and sending good vibes your way! ❤️
So glad to hear this, DiDi! Getting clear on the how can make all the difference. Keep leaning into that structure it’ll serve you well as you grow your Substack. And I’m always here if you want to bounce ideas around!
This was an interesting read. I JUST got into notes a few days ago. I'm appreciating the community and the little amount of growth it's given my very new Substack already.
Thanks so much, Jen! That’s awesome to hear welcome to Notes and the Substack world. It’s such a fun space to grow in, and I’m glad it’s already giving your work a little boost. Looking forward to seeing more from you!
Thank you for these thoughtful insights and examples. I love how you covered core and values as well as the technicals. This is the best one I've seen on using notes. I'm in a FAFO when it comes to notes. LOL. I'm still on the FAFO in Substacks. 😜
Thank you so much, Lucille! That means a lot especially coming from someone on the FAFO journey too 😄 Notes and Substack can both feel like experiments in real time, but I love that you’re diving in. Here’s to figuring it out one step (and note) at a time! 💪✨
I'm really not trying to be snarky here, but did you look at any notes that weren't specific to others making substack growth posts/notes? Because it would be really helpful to read one of these sometime that had examples for other niches. Otherwise it seems like every category is only applicable to this one.
I really appreciate this thoughtful comment, and I totally agree! That’s a great idea, and I’ll definitely take note of it for future posts. I also realize that I haven’t given much consideration to other niches, and looking at it now, I can see how that makes my perspective is indeed biased—which is a fair point. I think it’s a blind spot on my part since most of my observations come from my own category, and the algorithm tends to show me more of what I engage with—my followers, my subscribers, and similar content.
I should have at least clarified that in the post. While I did acknowledge that well-performing notes vary depending on the genre, another mistake I made was not making it clear that this post was specifically tailored to this particular group of Substackers.
I’ll be adding this to areas I want to explore more and making a note of it upfront in future posts. Thanks again for the great feedback—I really appreciate perspectives like this, as they genuinely help me grow as a writer. Thank you so much!
thanks for the through reply, and I appreciate that you took it in the spirit I meant it -- that is, without any malice!
You're very welcome! I really appreciate the thoughtful engagement, and as much as I want to share what I’ve learned, I also want to learn from you all! Constructive and polite discussions are always welcome and even encouraged. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts it means a lot 🤗
Thank you for these thoughtful insights and examples. Notes do feel like their own sort of language. It seems all the platforms have their unique welcoming methodology, and this is a great truncated “how-to” on Substack’s.
What are your thoughts about including images? Do you think that makes a difference on performance?
Thank you for your kind words, Kate! 😊 I completely agree each platform has its own unique vibe and way of welcoming writers.
As for images, I think they can definitely enhance performance, especially on Substack. Particularly for categories that require visuals, like fashion or food, images really add to the appeal. For something more educational, I also dabble with concept maps and diagrams to break down the essence of my notes. I haven’t really studied their direct effectiveness, but it’s such a wonderful question. I’ll be sure to share any insights if I do try to study their effects. Personally, I find that images help capture attention, especially when they are well-suited to the content.
This can be summarized as..
Look at the people in the comments: see any patterns? Say things that appeal to that demo’s ego. Done.
Interesting perspective! I think engagement naturally forms around shared interests and experiences. When people feel seen or understood, they’re more likely to join the conversation. 😊
I really enjoyed reading this. I could almost imagine your reassurance and support as if coaching me. Thanks!
Hey thanks!
One more question. Who sees your notes, when and how? And how do we determine if they were effective? Obviously, I'm new. Thanks.
Hi Karen! Great questions. When you post a Note on Substack, it’s visible to your subscribers immediately and can also be discoverable by anyone who visits your profile or follows your public link. Notes are typically shorter, quick updates or thoughts that keep your audience engaged between full articles.
To determine if they’re effective, you can track things like open rates, likes, comments, and any replies you get. These interactions show how your audience is responding and help you adjust your content over time. Since you’re new, experimenting with Notes alongside articles can be a great way to learn what resonates best.
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you want tips on using Notes effectively.
Maybe you know the answer. Substack AI support does not. Why, when I subscribe to someone am I automatically subscribed to 3 or 4 other stacks that I have no interest in? It happened when one of my friends subscribed to me as well. Yes, I can unsubscribe, but I shouldn't have to. Am I doing something wrong?
One thing that might be happening is that when you first subscribe to a newsletter on Substack, a prompt sometimes appears asking if you want to subscribe to other recommended newsletters related to that publication. If you agree, it can result in automatic subscriptions to a few additional newsletters. I’m not sure if this was the case for you, but I wanted to mention it so you can watch out for it next time.
Thank you so much for sharing all these tips for notes! It's true it's quite daunting, you don't always know what to post at first, especially when the nice isn't writing !
Thank you, Inès! I totally get that it can feel overwhelming at the start, especially when you’re still finding your niche. Glad the tips helped a bit! You might want to check out my publication I have tons of articles for beginner Substack writers there, and I hope they can help you even more. Keep experimenting and trusting the process. You’ve got this! 😊
That you for the writing motivation!! I'll definitely check out your publication!
My daughters name is Freyja so you caught my eye. Feel free to take a peek at my most recent post ❤ https://substack.com/@felasophi/note/c-117866293?r=32b4om
Wow, Freyja is such a beautiful namelove the connection! I’ll definitely take a peek at your latest post. Thanks for sharing and sending good vibes your way! ❤️
https://open.substack.com/pub/celestyan/p/gratitude-grace-and-the-long-path?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5fyr15
This was very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing
Glad you found it helpful, Alyssa! I appreciate you taking the time to say that.
Yes I'm looking forward to checking out more of your posts 😁 I subscribed 😁
https://substack.com/@theglobaledger?r=1vwwwn&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page&utm_source=direct
Restocked and subscribed
https://open.substack.com/pub/healingjournalwithsophie/p/sudden-appearance-of-anxiety-in-children?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5oan8y
Thanks for subscribing and sharing this, Sophia! I’ll definitely check out your Healing Journal sounds like meaningful work.
As someone new on Substack, this was a goldmine.
It’s rare to find something that actually breaks down the how, not just the why.
This post gave me the clarity and structure I didn’t even know I needed.
Saved this for repeat reads. Thank you for writing it!
So glad to hear this, DiDi! Getting clear on the how can make all the difference. Keep leaning into that structure it’ll serve you well as you grow your Substack. And I’m always here if you want to bounce ideas around!
This was an interesting read. I JUST got into notes a few days ago. I'm appreciating the community and the little amount of growth it's given my very new Substack already.
Thanks so much, Jen! That’s awesome to hear welcome to Notes and the Substack world. It’s such a fun space to grow in, and I’m glad it’s already giving your work a little boost. Looking forward to seeing more from you!
This was so useful! Thanks for sharing
Glad it helped, Zandri! Thanks for reading and taking a moment to say that it means a lot 😊
Thank you for these thoughtful insights and examples. I love how you covered core and values as well as the technicals. This is the best one I've seen on using notes. I'm in a FAFO when it comes to notes. LOL. I'm still on the FAFO in Substacks. 😜
Thank you so much, Lucille! That means a lot especially coming from someone on the FAFO journey too 😄 Notes and Substack can both feel like experiments in real time, but I love that you’re diving in. Here’s to figuring it out one step (and note) at a time! 💪✨