Great advice. I didn't add images at first, as I just wanted to get my writing out there. When I went that route, I then had to avoid copyright. I'm sure you have written about that?
Further tweaks included using the tool that says "reading time" (eg. 7 minutes) so the subscriber knows how much time to set aside. And Buy me a Coffee as another income source. Some people actually do 🙂
This is very comforting. I’ve been at it since June 29th and although I’m chugging away. I do feel a little discouraged sometimes when I see I have less than 40 total subscribers. I’m finding me rhythm now and i high expectations for the future. Thanks for this post. It even more encouraged now.
Conrad, are you using the notes feature in the app? I've found it very useful for participating and attracting new subscribers. It really helps with organic growth.
I always share my posts as notes, usually with some additional commentary. I also comment and restack others that I interact with. I'm getting there, slowly, I started a new twitter (X,com) account the same say and it's up to 1400-1500 followers. I think I am doing things right, it just takes time I suppose.
Wow you are definitely doing something right on Twitter, Conrad.
1500 followers is awesome. I went all-in on X in June for three months, using Hypefury and following all the advice and managed to get to 50 followers! Well done.
This is super helpful as a newbie here. I’ve been writing an email newsletter to my list every week since April 2020 so I know I can be consistent! I’m figuring out how to use substack as both a creative outlet and a platform to grow my audience for my business.
It is reassuring and thanks for taking the pressure off, Karen. I have been playing around and trying things, which has been a good learning experience, and found a collaborator on another substack, which has been fun.
That said, I see people with a substantial number of subscribers who've been on here a while struggling with getting engagement. It seems as if certain topics by their very nature attract a lot of people (covid, current events), whereas others are not doing as well (e.g. music unless you're a 'name'). Social media no longer seems to work as an avenue for attracting audiences given changes in FB and twitter. I know some people are bringing audiences with them from other platforms, whereas some of us are starting from scratch.
Given the time involved in writing a decent post, there is a cost-benefit analysis involved at some point in terms of whether it's worth doing. I'm not at that point yet, but it is reassuring to hear that struggling at the beginning is normal.
Agree, E.! Cost-benefit is where it's at for sure.
As for people who've been here a while and have a substantial number of subscribers, they might be achieving their own goals without getting 'engagement' on posts. Good subscriber numbers is a sign that they are doing something right. Engagement (likes, comments, re-stacks) is great for some newsletter but it's not the holy grail.
For example, in this publication I encourage engagement and it's a wonderful way to create an army of loyal fans who might want to buy my book or hire me for Substack help. (Plus I love helping people so I find it fun). My engagement metrics here far surpass most of the large 'successful' publications.
However on my paid publication, engagement doesn't add value to my audience, who are very busy people and who mostly don't like to share their professional opinions/challenges in a public forum.
Responding to comments on that Substack publication doesn't move the dial on my goals at all. My goals there are to make good $$$, and engagement doesn't seem to increase conversions for that audience. Encouraging engagement there is a waste of my time. (Noting that I do a lot of engagement for that publication on LinkedIn, to attract new readers).
Thinking cost-benefit for you, E.Z., it's good if you are really clear on the benefits you are wanting (fun? learn new skills? income stream? build a community....?) - this makes the 'cost-benefit' decisions easier.
Hi Karen, thanks for this very helpful response, particularly in terms of how you think about goals with your own publications and why engagement and subscriptions are two very different metrics. You have left me with some valuable food for thought, and I am going to give it some serious consideration. Much appreciated!
Thanks for this very sound advice! It is overwhelming and the numbers you're mentioning as goals didn't even cross my mind. Thanks for the reminder. One step at a time.
Great advice. I didn't add images at first, as I just wanted to get my writing out there. When I went that route, I then had to avoid copyright. I'm sure you have written about that?
Further tweaks included using the tool that says "reading time" (eg. 7 minutes) so the subscriber knows how much time to set aside. And Buy me a Coffee as another income source. Some people actually do 🙂
This is very comforting. I’ve been at it since June 29th and although I’m chugging away. I do feel a little discouraged sometimes when I see I have less than 40 total subscribers. I’m finding me rhythm now and i high expectations for the future. Thanks for this post. It even more encouraged now.
Conrad, are you using the notes feature in the app? I've found it very useful for participating and attracting new subscribers. It really helps with organic growth.
I always share my posts as notes, usually with some additional commentary. I also comment and restack others that I interact with. I'm getting there, slowly, I started a new twitter (X,com) account the same say and it's up to 1400-1500 followers. I think I am doing things right, it just takes time I suppose.
Wow you are definitely doing something right on Twitter, Conrad.
1500 followers is awesome. I went all-in on X in June for three months, using Hypefury and following all the advice and managed to get to 50 followers! Well done.
Technically is 1465 as of this moment
Awesome, I'm glad you're staying positive about it! You'll get there 😊
This is solid and comfortable advice for starting out. It's human nature to want to do all and be all immediately. Nobody has any patience anymore lol
Great read and an important reminder that nothing is perfect, especially when starting out. Just keep on keeping on 🙌🏽
Absolutely great advice, Karen. We all been there, even if we had newsletters before, it takes time to get clarity from the chaos of beginning.
Needed to read this.
Thank you.
This is super helpful as a newbie here. I’ve been writing an email newsletter to my list every week since April 2020 so I know I can be consistent! I’m figuring out how to use substack as both a creative outlet and a platform to grow my audience for my business.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Just start and make the mistakes. It's the only way forward!
It is reassuring and thanks for taking the pressure off, Karen. I have been playing around and trying things, which has been a good learning experience, and found a collaborator on another substack, which has been fun.
That said, I see people with a substantial number of subscribers who've been on here a while struggling with getting engagement. It seems as if certain topics by their very nature attract a lot of people (covid, current events), whereas others are not doing as well (e.g. music unless you're a 'name'). Social media no longer seems to work as an avenue for attracting audiences given changes in FB and twitter. I know some people are bringing audiences with them from other platforms, whereas some of us are starting from scratch.
Given the time involved in writing a decent post, there is a cost-benefit analysis involved at some point in terms of whether it's worth doing. I'm not at that point yet, but it is reassuring to hear that struggling at the beginning is normal.
Agree, E.! Cost-benefit is where it's at for sure.
As for people who've been here a while and have a substantial number of subscribers, they might be achieving their own goals without getting 'engagement' on posts. Good subscriber numbers is a sign that they are doing something right. Engagement (likes, comments, re-stacks) is great for some newsletter but it's not the holy grail.
For example, in this publication I encourage engagement and it's a wonderful way to create an army of loyal fans who might want to buy my book or hire me for Substack help. (Plus I love helping people so I find it fun). My engagement metrics here far surpass most of the large 'successful' publications.
However on my paid publication, engagement doesn't add value to my audience, who are very busy people and who mostly don't like to share their professional opinions/challenges in a public forum.
Responding to comments on that Substack publication doesn't move the dial on my goals at all. My goals there are to make good $$$, and engagement doesn't seem to increase conversions for that audience. Encouraging engagement there is a waste of my time. (Noting that I do a lot of engagement for that publication on LinkedIn, to attract new readers).
Thinking cost-benefit for you, E.Z., it's good if you are really clear on the benefits you are wanting (fun? learn new skills? income stream? build a community....?) - this makes the 'cost-benefit' decisions easier.
Hi Karen, thanks for this very helpful response, particularly in terms of how you think about goals with your own publications and why engagement and subscriptions are two very different metrics. You have left me with some valuable food for thought, and I am going to give it some serious consideration. Much appreciated!
Thanks for this very sound advice! It is overwhelming and the numbers you're mentioning as goals didn't even cross my mind. Thanks for the reminder. One step at a time.
Ah, yes. "Analysis Paralysis" is so sneaky, the way it creeps in on me--and I know better!
Nice!
Thanks for the sound advice :)