My life has changed since I started posting on Substack! I've developed a healthy amount of subscribers and followers and even a few friends. I've tapped into writing in a way I've never been able to do before. I'm so glad Substack is here!
I launched my writer website a few months ago and issued my first monthly newsletter in November. I have close to 75 subscribers which felt a little underwhelming, so I appreciate your comments about how those are good numbers. It resonated with me that these will be loyal readers who will review, talk and post about my novel when it's ready for publication. I haven't migrated to Substack yet since I want to get into the habit of newsletter writing and I'm not sure how much Substack will help at this juncture. Do you believe Substack newsletters are significantly better than a newsletter sent via my website?
Thanks Brian! What Substack offers is the community of people who already read newsletters, and the powerful recommendation engine that is built into Substack. What I have found is that newsletters tend to grow much more quickly on Substack, than if they are just on one’s website. In other words: Substack offers bridges, and a website is a bit more like an island.
Thanks, Dan. I'm slightly torn as one of my "North Stars" in this writing biz, Jane Friedman, doesn't seem to be sold on the benefits of Substack. I may be misinterpreting her views so I'll have to give this all more thought. Appreciate your perspective, for sure.
I also want to say thanks for this autumn's program about diving in to identify our readers. It's been very helpful.
Brian, you have to be consistent on Substack for people to find you. It's a bit of work but I'm seeing good results and feel the effort is well worth it. Also, the engagement is so much better and friendlier here than I've experienced elsewhere.
I'm finding that I'm making much more meaningful connections here on Substack than on any other social media platform. My IG and FB followers are mostly people I know from my everyday life, yet I feel disconnected from them. Here I'm finding others who love expressing themselves in words as much as I do.
Your post today reminded me that calls to action to subscribers are a powerful tool, so thank you! I included one in my post today (just asking people to click the Like button, which is easy to forget as most of my readers see my newsletter in their email inbox). Not only am I raking in the Likes, but I'm also getting lovely comments like this one, which make it all worthwhile: "Love your posts Annette, ever since you suggested the book to help me with the anticipatory grieving of an aging mother."
I do both a regularish substack article and a shorter newsletter. To me they are different and while I have invited my newsletter subscribers to subscribe to my substack, I haven't imported my newsletter subscriber list. My substack articles are longer and more varied in topics, going deeper into my life and interests. My newsletter is more focused on my art.
As a result, I have far fewer substack subscribers. I guess I am afraid of losing my loyal newsletter subscribers, trained over the years to expect shorter missives, if I simply import them to my substack without their consent.
Thank you for sharing this Suzanna. What you could do is spend sharing your vision of what is to come, with your newsletter subscribers. Spend a month, or three months, slowly letting them know that in (for example), March, things will look different. You will be bringing together both of your lists, and that it may look a tiny bit different, and they will receive one short post a month, and one long (or whatever your schedule is.) Frame this around who you are, and your art, and the holistic-ness of it all. Give it the time that it needs so that your readers feel a part of something with you. Just an idea!
"At 56, a little red heart on an Instagram post was as satisfying as a shiny sticker on my grade school homework—and as sweet as brown sugar. Positive feedback propelled me through a thirty-year career—every ‘atta girl’ kept me coming back for more."
After leaving my job, I found myself seeking validation in the form of "likes" ❤️👍🏻
Thanks, Dan for all this on Substack. I transferred over from MailChimp which I'd been using for more than a decade for a couple of reasons: I liked the Substacks I was receiving and the opportunity for dialogue via the comments section, and because of the different business model. Rather than paying MailChimp, I have the opportunity for my newsletter to be income producing. I'm still new on the platform, still learning, still tweaking and trying out, but I am so glad I made the switch and look forward to learning and developing this form of communication. And always your helpful and thoughtful and practical guidance along the way.
Thank you for this encouraging article. I have been here on Substack for a little over two months and still learning my way around, but really enjoying it. The only "problem" is the volume of amazing writing each day that I barely have time to read!
Thanks for this, Dan. I questioned using Substack here back in April (vs. using my website) and appreciated your answer then. Now you’ve got me thinking about Substack again, and I liked a comment you made above/below, saying: “Substack offers bridges, and a website is a bit more like an island.” That resonates, although I’m leery of taking on more with a new Substack newsletter. FREQUENCY QUESTION: If weekly is too much for me, would bi-weekly or monthly still work? Thanks for feedback (you or anyone else).
The most important Substack benefit for me is external accountability. A free subscription to my newsletter will get you an essay every Wednesday and every Friday. Those deadlines keep me writing, and writing regularly makes me a better writer. I have a paid option, where I offer, once a month, a sneak peek chapter from the book I'm currently working on. This keeps me working steadily on my next book. But it's also building interest in the next book, which won't be out for another two years or so. I'm finally following Dan's advice of building interest in my book before it's published. I use Notes to compliment writers I otherwise wouldn't see.
Dan, thank you for this post! I had an author page on Facebook for years and posted on and off. It was a frustrating experience dealing with algorithms and it was difficult to engage people. After taking your Substack newsletter class I started a weekly email newsletter on Substack, Future Trends and Science Fiction. Here's a link to my latest post. https://substack.com/@brucelanday/p-151522375 I started with 66 people on my email list and I'm now at 92 subscribers and 143 followers. Growth has been slow but steady. I'm also seeing more engagement over time, likes and comments. What I love about Substack is the friendly and supportive "vibe" I don't see anywhere else. As you've stated before, yes it's work to make this happen but I feel it's really worthwhile. I write military political technothrillers, though nothing published yet, and for me a newsletter is to find and engage with an audience. I'm working on my third novel now. One that I feel is actually publishable. :-) The techniques you teach are really helpful - publish weekly, track newsletter topics, use photos, and work ahead. I normally work at least one week ahead but with the holidays I'm now working several weeks ahead so the newsletters go out on schedule with no stress. It's also nice knowing that my newsletters go into email boxes of people who want to read my writing. I don't have a pay wall and at this point have no interest in pursuing payment. I just want to connect with readers and share my books when they are ready. I'm also engaging with both other writers and readers on Substack, trying to support them. Again, thank you for the weekly inspiration, coaching, and constant reminders. Yes, Substack is worth it!
Great insights here, Dan, especially as a follow-up to my recent Substack posting. Also enjoyed reading the perspectives found in all the comments. All good stuff to unpack...and I'm still unpacking on this writing platform!
What I enjoy most about Substack is how the weekly posts that I didn't think anyone would really be interested in garner so many responses. Goals are important, as is sharing regularly. Don't be hesitant.
Hi Dan. What an incredible photo of your Mom!!! You've captured the woman...not only the "Mom, Grandma, Friend"...but the essence and purity of who she is within herself. I'm grateful that you shared this image. Have a wonderful day.
I love your Substack comments, I am white-caning my way into this space as an almost 77-year-old. Soaking up your posts is great and I'm seriously wanting to upgrade but want to begin a newsletter first. Just have to figure that out. Then I'm up for a little quicker learning.
My life has changed since I started posting on Substack! I've developed a healthy amount of subscribers and followers and even a few friends. I've tapped into writing in a way I've never been able to do before. I'm so glad Substack is here!
Great to hear! Thanks Dan.
I launched my writer website a few months ago and issued my first monthly newsletter in November. I have close to 75 subscribers which felt a little underwhelming, so I appreciate your comments about how those are good numbers. It resonated with me that these will be loyal readers who will review, talk and post about my novel when it's ready for publication. I haven't migrated to Substack yet since I want to get into the habit of newsletter writing and I'm not sure how much Substack will help at this juncture. Do you believe Substack newsletters are significantly better than a newsletter sent via my website?
Thanks Brian! What Substack offers is the community of people who already read newsletters, and the powerful recommendation engine that is built into Substack. What I have found is that newsletters tend to grow much more quickly on Substack, than if they are just on one’s website. In other words: Substack offers bridges, and a website is a bit more like an island.
Thanks, Dan. I'm slightly torn as one of my "North Stars" in this writing biz, Jane Friedman, doesn't seem to be sold on the benefits of Substack. I may be misinterpreting her views so I'll have to give this all more thought. Appreciate your perspective, for sure.
I also want to say thanks for this autumn's program about diving in to identify our readers. It's been very helpful.
Aw, thank you Brian!
Brian, you have to be consistent on Substack for people to find you. It's a bit of work but I'm seeing good results and feel the effort is well worth it. Also, the engagement is so much better and friendlier here than I've experienced elsewhere.
I'm finding that I'm making much more meaningful connections here on Substack than on any other social media platform. My IG and FB followers are mostly people I know from my everyday life, yet I feel disconnected from them. Here I'm finding others who love expressing themselves in words as much as I do.
Doreen, I'm also finding much better connections on Substack than elsewhere. People are so much friendlier!
Thanks Doreen!
Your post today reminded me that calls to action to subscribers are a powerful tool, so thank you! I included one in my post today (just asking people to click the Like button, which is easy to forget as most of my readers see my newsletter in their email inbox). Not only am I raking in the Likes, but I'm also getting lovely comments like this one, which make it all worthwhile: "Love your posts Annette, ever since you suggested the book to help me with the anticipatory grieving of an aging mother."
Annette, that's a great idea to ask for likes. I'll have to try that. Thank you!
Ask and you shall receive!
Nice! Thank you Annette.
I do both a regularish substack article and a shorter newsletter. To me they are different and while I have invited my newsletter subscribers to subscribe to my substack, I haven't imported my newsletter subscriber list. My substack articles are longer and more varied in topics, going deeper into my life and interests. My newsletter is more focused on my art.
As a result, I have far fewer substack subscribers. I guess I am afraid of losing my loyal newsletter subscribers, trained over the years to expect shorter missives, if I simply import them to my substack without their consent.
Thank you for sharing this Suzanna. What you could do is spend sharing your vision of what is to come, with your newsletter subscribers. Spend a month, or three months, slowly letting them know that in (for example), March, things will look different. You will be bringing together both of your lists, and that it may look a tiny bit different, and they will receive one short post a month, and one long (or whatever your schedule is.) Frame this around who you are, and your art, and the holistic-ness of it all. Give it the time that it needs so that your readers feel a part of something with you. Just an idea!
You always make me think. Thank you
Thank you Sue!
Funny you should ask. From my most recent post:
"At 56, a little red heart on an Instagram post was as satisfying as a shiny sticker on my grade school homework—and as sweet as brown sugar. Positive feedback propelled me through a thirty-year career—every ‘atta girl’ kept me coming back for more."
After leaving my job, I found myself seeking validation in the form of "likes" ❤️👍🏻
Indeed, I think they are so pervasive online (the ability to “like” something) because they work. Thank you Catherine!
Thanks, Dan for all this on Substack. I transferred over from MailChimp which I'd been using for more than a decade for a couple of reasons: I liked the Substacks I was receiving and the opportunity for dialogue via the comments section, and because of the different business model. Rather than paying MailChimp, I have the opportunity for my newsletter to be income producing. I'm still new on the platform, still learning, still tweaking and trying out, but I am so glad I made the switch and look forward to learning and developing this form of communication. And always your helpful and thoughtful and practical guidance along the way.
Yay! Congratulations on the move. Thank you Judy.
Thank you for this encouraging article. I have been here on Substack for a little over two months and still learning my way around, but really enjoying it. The only "problem" is the volume of amazing writing each day that I barely have time to read!
Indeed! Thanks Gail.
Thanks for this, Dan. I questioned using Substack here back in April (vs. using my website) and appreciated your answer then. Now you’ve got me thinking about Substack again, and I liked a comment you made above/below, saying: “Substack offers bridges, and a website is a bit more like an island.” That resonates, although I’m leery of taking on more with a new Substack newsletter. FREQUENCY QUESTION: If weekly is too much for me, would bi-weekly or monthly still work? Thanks for feedback (you or anyone else).
Thank you Harald. Yes, it’s find to start with monthly or biweekly. You can always change the frequency later on.
The most important Substack benefit for me is external accountability. A free subscription to my newsletter will get you an essay every Wednesday and every Friday. Those deadlines keep me writing, and writing regularly makes me a better writer. I have a paid option, where I offer, once a month, a sneak peek chapter from the book I'm currently working on. This keeps me working steadily on my next book. But it's also building interest in the next book, which won't be out for another two years or so. I'm finally following Dan's advice of building interest in my book before it's published. I use Notes to compliment writers I otherwise wouldn't see.
Oh! That's a great idea about the sneak peek chapter. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!
Love that! Thank you Dawn!
Dan, thank you for this post! I had an author page on Facebook for years and posted on and off. It was a frustrating experience dealing with algorithms and it was difficult to engage people. After taking your Substack newsletter class I started a weekly email newsletter on Substack, Future Trends and Science Fiction. Here's a link to my latest post. https://substack.com/@brucelanday/p-151522375 I started with 66 people on my email list and I'm now at 92 subscribers and 143 followers. Growth has been slow but steady. I'm also seeing more engagement over time, likes and comments. What I love about Substack is the friendly and supportive "vibe" I don't see anywhere else. As you've stated before, yes it's work to make this happen but I feel it's really worthwhile. I write military political technothrillers, though nothing published yet, and for me a newsletter is to find and engage with an audience. I'm working on my third novel now. One that I feel is actually publishable. :-) The techniques you teach are really helpful - publish weekly, track newsletter topics, use photos, and work ahead. I normally work at least one week ahead but with the holidays I'm now working several weeks ahead so the newsletters go out on schedule with no stress. It's also nice knowing that my newsletters go into email boxes of people who want to read my writing. I don't have a pay wall and at this point have no interest in pursuing payment. I just want to connect with readers and share my books when they are ready. I'm also engaging with both other writers and readers on Substack, trying to support them. Again, thank you for the weekly inspiration, coaching, and constant reminders. Yes, Substack is worth it!
Great to hear your experiences on all of this! Thank you Bruce.
Great insights here, Dan, especially as a follow-up to my recent Substack posting. Also enjoyed reading the perspectives found in all the comments. All good stuff to unpack...and I'm still unpacking on this writing platform!
Thanks Nancy!
What I enjoy most about Substack is how the weekly posts that I didn't think anyone would really be interested in garner so many responses. Goals are important, as is sharing regularly. Don't be hesitant.
Thank you Linda!
Hi Dan. What an incredible photo of your Mom!!! You've captured the woman...not only the "Mom, Grandma, Friend"...but the essence and purity of who she is within herself. I'm grateful that you shared this image. Have a wonderful day.
Thank you Lori!
Yep!
I love your Substack comments, I am white-caning my way into this space as an almost 77-year-old. Soaking up your posts is great and I'm seriously wanting to upgrade but want to begin a newsletter first. Just have to figure that out. Then I'm up for a little quicker learning.
Thank you Jill!