All great advice, especially the restacking only. I also give that advice in my ghost notes packages.
The only point I disagree with here is lack of focus. I think ANY note has potential, regardless of whether it was your dog today and a unicorn tomorrow. My unicorn note was one of a kind and still went viral 😁
You can do that Melissa. I think there’s like an 80/20 split you can do where 80% of your Notes are niche based and 20% are random stuff. It’s important I think to keep your audience on their toes as well by throwing random stuff at them every once in a while. But some people don’t even have any strategy at all and are all over the place all the time. That’s generally not a good idea to me.
That makes it more fun and interesting to be a part of in the first place. I don't want to have to think or research too much (or at all haha) for Notes.
I'm new to Substack, so I have no idea what works here. I'm glad that "lack of focus" came up in this conversation, and I appreciate the perspectives y'all shared. Thanks for the insights.
This topic is of interest to me because I keep seeing viral notes of peoples' kittens, cats and pets. Is it just me?
So after seeing the nth adorable kitten pic in my notes, I thought to myself, "Is this what I have to do to gain traction around here? Okay, maybe I should begin each of my posts with a gratuitous cute cat photo?
Or maybe I should scrap my current Substack publications and start a publication about cats?"
I've been part of a group that helps to take care of feral cats, so I have about one zillion cute kitten pictures of my own that I could be posting.
Hey Amy! It just depends on what you like writing about I would say. If you like writing about cats, then go for it, but if you feel like you’re stretching yourself to write about something only because you think that might get you views, then I would say stay away from it. If viral content translates to the stuff you already like to write, then by all means go for it. :)
Great advice. I've just started batching my notes and putting them in a spreadsheet ready to post - that way I'm keeping then to topic rather than whatever pops into my head.
Thank you for your encouragement in here! This is my fave line: “If you have trouble with all five, then that’s good news for you. Now you know why you’re getting no tractions on Notes.” Your positivity here is what makes us all feel welcome! I haven’t prioritized writing notes at all and just a couple days ago, I pushed hard to post one in between cooking and kid-wrangling. Then I spent some time reading others’ notes and engaging in comments. At the end of the day, the note had seven likes and I gained two new subscribers—all total strangers! At this stage, that’s big for me since my readers so far are supportive friends and family. Just that little bit of honor of new readers has been enough motivation to get more momentum going.
You touch on a point that's been important for me as well, and that's just to be happy about any progress you make at all. For me, if I had to start from scratch today, I'd just be happy to get 1 subscriber per day. I'd work hard to get just that 1 subscriber. Then the next day I'd go for two maybe. Just baby steps is all.
Thanks for these tips. I’m new here (like about 1 week new)—-& I just realized that Notes are different from Posts. What’s your take on using 1 versus the other?
This was really helpful in understanding the platform more as a new Substack user. I have only had a couple of days so far and was wondering how best to approach notes. I plan on writing large pieces 1x a week and then do you suggest still using notes 5x a week?
This was SO HELPFUL! Also the "300+ word" note made me laugh because it's so true. When I see the "See more...." button I immediately move on to the next post almost every time.
This is great to get this confirmation from you on this Emily. Part of me would just love to watch how 100 Substack users use their Notes feed. How often do they stop, like, comment, etc. That would be fascinating.
All great advice, especially the restacking only. I also give that advice in my ghost notes packages.
The only point I disagree with here is lack of focus. I think ANY note has potential, regardless of whether it was your dog today and a unicorn tomorrow. My unicorn note was one of a kind and still went viral 😁
Kristi I hear you. I won't argue with the Notes Queen. 😊
Oh I don’t think that’s true anymore lol. My notes have been pretty average the last couple months. Definitely a shift!
I LOVE the unicorn note!
Hahaha same here! It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime!!
Thanks Tom for your Roadmap to growing my mind up with your substack.
My question is, though it's a stupid question ⁉️ but answer me as it is...
You talked about writing "Notes" ... What really kind of notes one is to write ✍️? Any or ?
I occasionally deviate with notes topics as I feel it's a place where we can talk about what's on our mind, even if it's not based on our niche.
You can do that Melissa. I think there’s like an 80/20 split you can do where 80% of your Notes are niche based and 20% are random stuff. It’s important I think to keep your audience on their toes as well by throwing random stuff at them every once in a while. But some people don’t even have any strategy at all and are all over the place all the time. That’s generally not a good idea to me.
Oh 100%! I treat notes like how Facebook USED to be. A fun and collaborative place to share everything.
That makes it more fun and interesting to be a part of in the first place. I don't want to have to think or research too much (or at all haha) for Notes.
I think this allows more creative freedom so I’m all for it
I'm new to Substack, so I have no idea what works here. I'm glad that "lack of focus" came up in this conversation, and I appreciate the perspectives y'all shared. Thanks for the insights.
This topic is of interest to me because I keep seeing viral notes of peoples' kittens, cats and pets. Is it just me?
So after seeing the nth adorable kitten pic in my notes, I thought to myself, "Is this what I have to do to gain traction around here? Okay, maybe I should begin each of my posts with a gratuitous cute cat photo?
Or maybe I should scrap my current Substack publications and start a publication about cats?"
I've been part of a group that helps to take care of feral cats, so I have about one zillion cute kitten pictures of my own that I could be posting.
(...or maybe I should just stay on target...)
Hey Amy! It just depends on what you like writing about I would say. If you like writing about cats, then go for it, but if you feel like you’re stretching yourself to write about something only because you think that might get you views, then I would say stay away from it. If viral content translates to the stuff you already like to write, then by all means go for it. :)
You got me curious: Where can I find your unicorn note?
Nikki, it's here! (I hope I copied the right link)
https://substack.com/@kristikeller/note/c-59233343?r=2qffbg
Great advice. I've just started batching my notes and putting them in a spreadsheet ready to post - that way I'm keeping then to topic rather than whatever pops into my head.
That's a great strategy Wendy. I just made my first ever content calendar for this newsletter because I've been all over the place as well.
There's just so much inside my head!
You are hilarious and truthful: “murder those darlings” is a catchy phrase for sure.🤭
I’ll remember it when I post my notes.
Thank you for your encouragement in here! This is my fave line: “If you have trouble with all five, then that’s good news for you. Now you know why you’re getting no tractions on Notes.” Your positivity here is what makes us all feel welcome! I haven’t prioritized writing notes at all and just a couple days ago, I pushed hard to post one in between cooking and kid-wrangling. Then I spent some time reading others’ notes and engaging in comments. At the end of the day, the note had seven likes and I gained two new subscribers—all total strangers! At this stage, that’s big for me since my readers so far are supportive friends and family. Just that little bit of honor of new readers has been enough motivation to get more momentum going.
You touch on a point that's been important for me as well, and that's just to be happy about any progress you make at all. For me, if I had to start from scratch today, I'd just be happy to get 1 subscriber per day. I'd work hard to get just that 1 subscriber. Then the next day I'd go for two maybe. Just baby steps is all.
GIVING TIME TIME. UNTIL THEN WE KEEP PUSHING FORWARD IN FATIH.
Dang Tom. Thanks for the butt kicking I didn't know I needed. (And now, if you'll excuse me; I've got a NOTE to write.)
Let's go! Share it with me when you're done. DM it to me.
As a newbie to Substack, thank you for this awesome post!!!
Happy to help Adrienne! :)
There is lots of helpful information in the post, and its probably just the kick up the butt I need :)
Happy to help! :)
Damn, you killed it with the headline.
I usually don’t click on these kinds of posts, but I just couldn’t not click on this one.
Onto reading 😏
LOL. I hope you liked it.
But what if dogs ARE your newsletter topic? Then are we allowed to post Notes of our dogs?
Yes for sure 😆
😂
This was super helpful, really well written, and witty! What a fun read.
Haha thanks Kelsey! Happy you stopped by.
Thanks for these tips. I’m new here (like about 1 week new)—-& I just realized that Notes are different from Posts. What’s your take on using 1 versus the other?
I think a healthy strategy is to use both. Try to write 3-5 Notes per week and one “Post” per week as well.
Thanks! So far, I’m not sure how many people are really seeing my Notes or Posts, but I’ll just keep posting I guess.
Great advice, I think I struggle most with finding ways to translate my content to shorter form for notes.
Me too!
This was really helpful in understanding the platform more as a new Substack user. I have only had a couple of days so far and was wondering how best to approach notes. I plan on writing large pieces 1x a week and then do you suggest still using notes 5x a week?
Yes that’s exactly what I would do Nick!
Awesome thanks!
This was SO HELPFUL! Also the "300+ word" note made me laugh because it's so true. When I see the "See more...." button I immediately move on to the next post almost every time.
This is great to get this confirmation from you on this Emily. Part of me would just love to watch how 100 Substack users use their Notes feed. How often do they stop, like, comment, etc. That would be fascinating.
Substack Notes are a great tool for growth if done correctly.
Keep them concise, clear, and…
Be a little contrarian.
GOTTA WORK ON KEEPING IT CONCISE.
My notes are too long ;-)
Love how you’re always learning.
I could pretend I have it all figured ;-)
Made me laugh that the next post I read of yours was REALLY long :)
Can’t shut me up haha
That’s a GOOD thing!