Hey Frey, this is such a good guide on the value of subscriber chats. Will be restacking as soon as I finish this comment. I recently added a poll to one of my posts asking my readers if they wanted me to add a subscriber chat, and everyone voted against having one. Which I thought was odd, I can see the potential for them. Maybe most of the chats aren’t being executed very well and that’s why people aren’t fans.
Hi Mack, as always, your comments are so well thought out. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this!
Yes, there’s so much potential in subscriber chats. I’ve seen many writers around here execute them really well, maximizing their usage. It’s such a valuable space for both writers and readers. When I first started using it, I wasn’t seeing much engagement either, but what I’ve noticed is that it gets better over time. Plus, I get to know my subscriber base much more intimately. In fact, the whole name of my publication came from a subscriber chat when you replied to my thread!
Like everything else here, I think it just takes a little time to find your sweet spot with your subscribers.
So many useful insights! I hadn’t considered starting a chat while my publication was still new, but you’re right; that’s a great way to connect with early readers while getting a feel for how I want to manage it. I’ll have to consider this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Alyssa! Starting a chat early can feel a bit daunting, but it’s such a great way to build connection and learn what your readers really want. Glad the idea resonated hope it works well for you! Feel free to reach out if you want to brainstorm more.
That’s a great breakdown, Anfernee. Your weekly themes really cover a wide range of engagement and make the Subscriber Chat feel vibrant and personal. It’s a smart way to build connection and keep things interesting throughout the week.
Frey, this is so wonderful. Like others, I haven't known how to use chats. And it's a great reminder to let myself be known by my subscribers. That's been harder for me than I wish it was.
Thank you so much, Marlita. I totally get that. It can feel hard to let ourselves be seen, even in spaces we’ve built. But you showing up here already says so much. Bit by bit, it gets easier and we’re all learning together. 🌿
You're welcome, Joel! The chat can definitely be a bit tricky at first, but it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Glad to hear the post helped! Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions, and do let us know how it goes for you. Just like everything else here, it takes some time to find your sweet spot in executing your subscriber chat. What I shared are just ideas to inspire you, and of course, the sweet spot for your readers as well!
Hey Frey, this is such a good guide on the value of subscriber chats. Will be restacking as soon as I finish this comment. I recently added a poll to one of my posts asking my readers if they wanted me to add a subscriber chat, and everyone voted against having one. Which I thought was odd, I can see the potential for them. Maybe most of the chats aren’t being executed very well and that’s why people aren’t fans.
Hi Mack, as always, your comments are so well thought out. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this!
Yes, there’s so much potential in subscriber chats. I’ve seen many writers around here execute them really well, maximizing their usage. It’s such a valuable space for both writers and readers. When I first started using it, I wasn’t seeing much engagement either, but what I’ve noticed is that it gets better over time. Plus, I get to know my subscriber base much more intimately. In fact, the whole name of my publication came from a subscriber chat when you replied to my thread!
Like everything else here, I think it just takes a little time to find your sweet spot with your subscribers.
Thank you! I had no idea how to use it.
You’re so welcome, Debra! I’m glad it helped.
Feel free to reach out if you ever have more questions!
So many useful insights! I hadn’t considered starting a chat while my publication was still new, but you’re right; that’s a great way to connect with early readers while getting a feel for how I want to manage it. I’ll have to consider this. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Alyssa! Starting a chat early can feel a bit daunting, but it’s such a great way to build connection and learn what your readers really want. Glad the idea resonated hope it works well for you! Feel free to reach out if you want to brainstorm more.
Your post made a click.
I’m glad to hear that, Jose! Sometimes all it takes is one click to spark something new. Thanks for letting me know!
Love this distinction that you mentioned:
- Notes = Visibility. If you post smartly and consistently, Notes bring new readers in.
- Subscriber Chat = Retention and Relationship. It makes your newsletter feel premium and personal.
In fact, I have been working on making my Subscribers’ Chat more lively with these ideas:
- Monday - 🎯 Weekly Kickoff Question
- Tuesday - 📸 Behind-the-Scenes
- Wednesday - 🧠 Idea Validation
- Thursday - 🎙 Share & Learn
- Friday - 🔥 Spicy Hot Take
- Saturday - 💡 Personal Reflection
That’s a great breakdown, Anfernee. Your weekly themes really cover a wide range of engagement and make the Subscriber Chat feel vibrant and personal. It’s a smart way to build connection and keep things interesting throughout the week.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Frey, this is so wonderful. Like others, I haven't known how to use chats. And it's a great reminder to let myself be known by my subscribers. That's been harder for me than I wish it was.
Thank you so much, Marlita. I totally get that. It can feel hard to let ourselves be seen, even in spaces we’ve built. But you showing up here already says so much. Bit by bit, it gets easier and we’re all learning together. 🌿
I’ve had a hard time figuring out the chat and its best use case, thanks!
You're welcome, Joel! The chat can definitely be a bit tricky at first, but it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Glad to hear the post helped! Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions, and do let us know how it goes for you. Just like everything else here, it takes some time to find your sweet spot in executing your subscriber chat. What I shared are just ideas to inspire you, and of course, the sweet spot for your readers as well!
love it!
I am trying to work out if I should use this feature or not, as I am quite new here and just testing the waters
You’ll never really know until you try. Things like this are always worth experimenting with either way, you end up learning something valuable.
Wishing you lots of luck on your experiment, Sushmita! Feel free to let us know how it goes. We’re all figuring things out together.
I've been delaying starting a Chat because I haven't known how to use it along with notes. Your post has given me some ideas. Thank you.
Very helpful guide.
The Substack chat works for subscribers that are using the Substack App.
For those who don’t have the app do you send out the odd email message to them to keep them engaged between your newsletter issues?
Being in some subscriber chats is the best way to see what kind of content engages people. And what doesn't.