Thanks for putting this together, Karen. The “clear offer” point really hit home, I realized mine was way too broad and probably confusing people. Also, I hadn’t thought about Notes as something that could really drive growth; I’ll start engaging more there. Appreciate the reminder that slow growth is normal and it’s OK to pivot topics if things aren’t working. Super helpful checklist, saved for regular review!
I absolutely love this Karen. I'm one of those stagnating-but-doing-everything-right peeps. Kudos to you for saying the elephant in the room about some topics simply being harder to grow. Although I think I'm the other one, I had a meteoric rise that slowed down and now growth isn't as fast as I'd like.
"Comparison’s a recipe for despair: avoid it if you can."
Love that line, Karen! Thank you. It's important for me, and most likely all of us, to "watch/observe" that strategic mind, which is always comparing, rather than buying into it what it says.
You make a very good point about having a "channel" outside of Substack, because not everybody likes the subscription newsletter format - or wants to get a bunch of emails every week. A wider audience is really essential.
Hi Meera, just took a look at your publication and now I'm thinking maybe your topic does need a rethink (forgive me!)
I'm wondering if people are asking ChatGPT how to code these days, instead of wanting to learn from you?
If beginners are trying to use tools like ChatGPT for creating and debugging code I bet they are running into all kinds of problems. Perhaps you can help with that instead of teaching how to code from scratch?
Hi Karen, I love ❤ your honesty so 💗 💕 💖 😊 much! After reading this post, I feel, the reason for my stagnation here is due to the wrong topic I am doing here. I noticed that my topic web development tutorials are doing great on my youTube and Medium account but not here! I would be always very grateful to you if you could suggest a common list of topics that would do great on substack. I am stuck with 47 subscribers for the last 1 year here! I feel, it's time for me to either pivot my topic or quit if I don't have skills in the topics that would do well here. Kindly suggest me some topics that I could consider for pivoting! Thanks 💙 😊 a lot dear. At the moment I can't afford to be a paid subscriber.
Menon, congratulations on your success with YouTube and Medium. People are clearly interested in your topic.
My guess is that people are finding you on YouTube and Medium after they have searched for help with web development.
But people probably don't find your Substack posts in the same way.... it's probable that your YouTube videos outrank your Substack posts in search results.
It's also possible that if people do find your Substack posts, they don't know that they have landed on a newsletter, so they don't sign up. Or, they do realise they have landed on a newsletter but don't sign up because they feel like they don't need your help every week, they just want a one-off answer.
Substack is completely different to YouTube and Medium: those platforms distribute your work for you. Substack doesn't. If you don't actively promote your Substack publication, no one will see it.
I suspect your problem is not your topic but that you have been expecting Substack to work the same way as Medium and YouTube.
If I was coaching you I would help you map out your subscribers' journey: who they are, how they find you, and what they would want from you week after week.
Once you can answer these questions, you'll be able to reassess your topic/approach.
Karen tells it like it is: maybe your topic is not of interest. Tough love!
Thanks for putting this together, Karen. The “clear offer” point really hit home, I realized mine was way too broad and probably confusing people. Also, I hadn’t thought about Notes as something that could really drive growth; I’ll start engaging more there. Appreciate the reminder that slow growth is normal and it’s OK to pivot topics if things aren’t working. Super helpful checklist, saved for regular review!
Thank youuuuu for sharing. Helpful and I will apply not all but..... May tell you how it goes or not if it explodes! 🤭
This is one of the most helpful pieces I’ve read about Substack growth - very practical and not overwhelming for an introvert with something to say 😉
I absolutely love this Karen. I'm one of those stagnating-but-doing-everything-right peeps. Kudos to you for saying the elephant in the room about some topics simply being harder to grow. Although I think I'm the other one, I had a meteoric rise that slowed down and now growth isn't as fast as I'd like.
So you completely nailed it :)
Really helpful insights. Have subscribed to learn more.
This list is really helpful. Thanks Karen.
"Comparison’s a recipe for despair: avoid it if you can."
Love that line, Karen! Thank you. It's important for me, and most likely all of us, to "watch/observe" that strategic mind, which is always comparing, rather than buying into it what it says.
Loved how you framed this ♥️ It reminded me of something I wrote recently, maybe you’d enjoy it too?
What if fall wasn’t just pumpkin spice clichés… but an actual guide to tiny rituals, snack hacks, and slow joy?
Your 2025 cozy kit is here
https://calmfeed.substack.com/p/cozy-fall-guide-2025
Loved this. Had 20 new subs last week (29 total) but started feeling stagnant.. thank you for the great ideas! 💜
Very informative and helpful advice. Thanks!!!
You make a very good point about having a "channel" outside of Substack, because not everybody likes the subscription newsletter format - or wants to get a bunch of emails every week. A wider audience is really essential.
yep stagnant month… reading now…..
Thanks Karen, I totally agree with you 👍 😊. As a beginner, I wantbto focus more on writing and creating content, rather than market my stuff.
Karen, this is my newsletter link https://open.substack.com/pub/meeramenon
I have posted my comment just above with my queries .Thanks in advance for the suggestions.
Hi Meera, just took a look at your publication and now I'm thinking maybe your topic does need a rethink (forgive me!)
I'm wondering if people are asking ChatGPT how to code these days, instead of wanting to learn from you?
If beginners are trying to use tools like ChatGPT for creating and debugging code I bet they are running into all kinds of problems. Perhaps you can help with that instead of teaching how to code from scratch?
Hi Karen, I love ❤ your honesty so 💗 💕 💖 😊 much! After reading this post, I feel, the reason for my stagnation here is due to the wrong topic I am doing here. I noticed that my topic web development tutorials are doing great on my youTube and Medium account but not here! I would be always very grateful to you if you could suggest a common list of topics that would do great on substack. I am stuck with 47 subscribers for the last 1 year here! I feel, it's time for me to either pivot my topic or quit if I don't have skills in the topics that would do well here. Kindly suggest me some topics that I could consider for pivoting! Thanks 💙 😊 a lot dear. At the moment I can't afford to be a paid subscriber.
Menon, congratulations on your success with YouTube and Medium. People are clearly interested in your topic.
My guess is that people are finding you on YouTube and Medium after they have searched for help with web development.
But people probably don't find your Substack posts in the same way.... it's probable that your YouTube videos outrank your Substack posts in search results.
It's also possible that if people do find your Substack posts, they don't know that they have landed on a newsletter, so they don't sign up. Or, they do realise they have landed on a newsletter but don't sign up because they feel like they don't need your help every week, they just want a one-off answer.
Substack is completely different to YouTube and Medium: those platforms distribute your work for you. Substack doesn't. If you don't actively promote your Substack publication, no one will see it.
I suspect your problem is not your topic but that you have been expecting Substack to work the same way as Medium and YouTube.
If I was coaching you I would help you map out your subscribers' journey: who they are, how they find you, and what they would want from you week after week.
Once you can answer these questions, you'll be able to reassess your topic/approach.