Do you ever feel this way when posting a Note? You write something, press publish, and then… not much happens.

Not many replies. Not many likes. Maybe just a few quiet views.

It can feel like your words are sitting alone in the feed.

I feel that too. So I started trying to understand how people actually get seen on Substack. In this post, I just want to share a few small things I’ve been learning, and I hope they can be helpful to you too.

1. Notes Are Small Doors

Notes is the social feed inside Substack. It lets writers and readers share short posts, thoughts, links, quotes, images, or small updates without writing a full essay.

A Note doesn’t just reach the people who already know you. Sometimes it travels further and introduces your voice to someone who has never read your work before.

That’s why I started thinking of Notes as small doors. They may look small, but they can be the first place someone discovers you.

Now here’s how to make those small doors work for you.

• Make Note easier to find

  Sometimes, more people see your Note when it connects with something they already care about.

  It could be a recent Substack update, a creator trend, a news moment, or a question many writers are thinking about. For instance, I noticed one of my Notes got far more visibility after tying into the Canvas downtime event. This feels a little like SEO to me: you’re not forcing keywords into your writing, just giving your thought a clearer chance to be found.

• Make Note feel like a small story

  Being found is good, but being remembered matters more.

  Your Note doesn’t need to be perfect. Start with a small, real moment — a morning thought, a small mistake, or something that stuck with you. A useful idea helps, but a personal detail makes people think, “I’ve felt that too.”

  Wes Pearce shared that posting simple, consistent Notes helped drive 70% of his growth by letting readers connect with his real voice.

  That’s the power of a story-like Note: it gives people something to remember, not just something to read.

2. Comments Are Small Knocks on the Door

If Notes are small doors, then comments feel like small knocks on someone else’s door.

Substack is full of interesting writers and thoughtful posts. Sometimes the best way to be seen isn’t waiting for people to find you, but actively going out and engaging with what others are creating.

When you leave a thoughtful comment, you’re doing more than saying “great post.” You’re showing that you truly read, felt, and thought something in response. That kind of comment can spark real conversation.

And sometimes, that conversation leads people to click on your name and explore your publication. More importantly, you also get to meet more interesting people and build genuine connections.

3. Restack Turns Reading Into Connection

Restack is one of the most useful ways writing travels on Substack. It lets you share posts, Notes, or comments with your subscribers and followers, either as they are or with a few words of your own. Substack also describes Restack as a way to start a new conversation in the Home feed.

When you Restack your own older posts or Notes, you give your previous writing a second chance to be seen. Sometimes a post you wrote months ago still carries a useful or timeless idea. New readers may never have seen it, and even returning readers may appreciate the reminder.

Landon Poburan saw this firsthand when he Restacked an older post, and he later shared that it brought him more than 100 new subscribers overnight.

This is why I like to think of Restack as more than a repost button. It is a small bridge between writers, readers, ideas, and different moments in time.

4. Not Competition, But Introduction

Recommendations are another way people can discover you on Substack.

You can recommend other publications to your readers. Substack says this feature is meant to help creators promote and support one another, and the writers you recommend may also be prompted to recommend you back.

I like to think of it less as competition, and more as introduction. You are telling your readers, “Here is another voice I trust.”

And sometimes, that trust travels back. You help others get seen, and slowly, more people may find their way to you too.

5. Posts Are Still the Home

All these small actions can help more people find you. A Note may help someone notice your voice. A comment may start a conversation. A Restack or recommendation may bring your writing to new readers.

But posts are still the home.

A post gives readers more room to understand you. It is where your ideas can breathe, where your stories can unfold, and where someone can decide, “I want to keep reading this person.”

Substack is still built around publishing posts that can live on your publication and reach readers through email, the web, and the app. That makes posts different from the smaller moments in the feed. They are not just quick signals. They become part of the place you are building.

So while Notes, comments, Restacks, and recommendations may open the door, your posts are what make people stay.

They are the room readers return to.

I hope this small sharing is helpful for your own Substack journey.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on building connections here on Substack. How do you meet and engage with other writers in this community?

We've all been there. Staring at a blank page, cursor blinking mockingly, feeling the pressure to be brilliant. We wait for the "perfect idea," the spark of genius. But on Substack, the real magic happens when you show up consistently, even without that spark. Consistency isn't just the result of great ideas; it's the engine that generates increasingly better ones. This is the Consistency-Idea Feedback Loop...

How Consistency Breeds Better Ideas

It might seem counterintuitive, but consistently writing, even when you're not feeling particularly inspired, can actually improve the quality of your ideas. Here's how the magic happens:

1. Writing as a Refining Process:

Writing isn't just about putting down ideas; it's about developing them. Each writing session shapes, refines, and improves your concepts, like a sculptor chiseling marble. You're not just expressing an idea; you're bringing it closer to its true form.

2. A Dialogue with Yourself and Your Audience:

Consistent writing is a continuous dialogue with yourself and your audience. As you write, you explore your own thoughts. As your audience engages, their feedback refines your ideas, tailoring them to their needs and interests. You're writing not just for them, but with them.

3. The Serendipity of Showing Up:

The best ideas often arrive unexpectedly. By consistently engaging in the writing process, you create space for serendipity. You stumble upon unexpected connections, discover new interests, and find yourself drawn down new paths, leading to your most original and insightful work.

Cultivating the Consistency-Idea Feedback Loop

So, how do you cultivate this virtuous cycle? How do you leverage the power of consistency to not only generate ideas but to make them progressively better, more relevant, and more compelling?

1. Embrace the Rhythm of Regular Writing:

Instead of viewing writing as a task to be completed only when inspiration strikes, think of it as a natural rhythm, like the ebb and flow of the tide. Establish a regular writing routine that fits your life. This rhythm becomes the foundation of the feedback loop.

2. Welcome Every Idea, Big or Small:

Don't pre-judge your ideas. Keep a dedicated Idea Bank – a digital document, voice memo, or notebook – and jot down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how raw. These fragments are the raw material from which your best ideas will emerge.

3. Reflect and Connect:

Regularly reflect on your writing and your audience's response. What resonated? What questions arose? Look for connections between seemingly disparate ideas – these connections can often lead to breakthroughs.

4. Experiment and Iterate:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats, styles, and topics. Use feedback to iterate on your ideas, making them stronger, clearer, and more aligned with your audience's interests.

The Joy of Writing with Purpose

As you nurture this feedback loop, something wonderful happens. Writing becomes less of a chore and more of a joy. You're no longer struggling to come up with ideas; you have a wealth of them, each one refined and improved through the process of consistent writing and audience interaction.

• Your Idea Bank overflows with potential topics, each one waiting to be explored.

• Your ideas become sharper, more focused, and more relevant to your audience.

• You find yourself not just willing to write, but eager to share your insights with the world.

This is the power of the Consistency-Idea Feedback Loop. It's a transformative process that not only elevates your Substack but also deepens your connection with your audience and ignites your passion for writing.

The Takeaway

Remember the virtuous cycle:

• Consistency breeds ideas.

• Better ideas fuel engagement.

• Engagement drives growth.

Write. Refine. Engage. Repeat.

Creating that first impression on your Substack can feel like shouting into the void. You know the drill—pour your energy into crafting a compelling welcome page, hit publish, and then... crickets. We've all been there, right?

The Art of the Skip Button

Here's a little secret: your Skip button is more than just a way to bypass the welcome page. It's a golden opportunity to guide your readers directly to the heart of your content. Why not make it memorable?

Personalization: The Key to Engagement

Think of your Skip button as a personal handshake with your reader. A little customization goes a long way in building that connection. It's about making them feel at home and eager to explore further.

Pre-Made Copy Ideas to Elevate Your Game

Let's dive into some ready-to-use ideas that could transform your reader's journey:

Quirky & Fun

1. "Zoom to the Zest!"

2. "Skip the Small Talk!"

3. "Fast Track to Fun!"

4. "Leap into the Action!"

5. "Let's Get Rolling!"

Warm & Inviting

1. "Join the Adventure!"

2. "Step Right In!"

3. "Welcome to the Heart!"

4. "Come On In, Friend!"

5. "Start Your Journey!"

Direct & Clear

1. "Dive Right In!"

2. "See the Main Event!"

3. "Straight to the Good Stuff!"

4. "Get to the Core!"

5. "Begin the Experience!"

Testing and Perfecting

Remember, finding the perfect Skip button text is a journey. Experiment, see what clicks (pun intended), and adjust accordingly. The goal is to create a seamless path that feels natural to your readers.

In the End

Your Substack is a vibrant community waiting to unfold. By fine-tuning even the smallest details like the Skip button, you're enhancing the reader experience and inviting them to become part of your world. So, let's get creative and see where it takes us.

Let's be honest, growing a Substack can feel like shouting into the void sometimes. You pour your heart and soul into your writing, hit publish… and then… crickets. Been there?

You see other publications racking up thousands of subscribers and wonder, "What's the magic formula?" While social media definitely has its place, it can feel like a never-ending hustle.

What if I told you there's a way to attract readers who are actively searching for the kind of content you create? No shouting required.

The secret? SEO.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is simply about making your Substack posts easy for Google (and other search engines) to find. Think of it as a lighthouse, guiding readers searching for specific information directly to your publication.

Why SEO Matters for Substack Writers (Like You!)

Look, I know most of us are passionate writers, not marketing gurus. SEO offers a more sustainable, organic way to grow your audience. It's about attracting readers who genuinely resonate with your work, not just chasing fleeting likes and shares.

• Think Long Term: SEO is like planting a tree. It takes time and effort to nurture, but once it takes root, it provides shade (and fruit!) for years to come. Your Substack is a long-term investment, and SEO helps it grow in value over time.

• Find Your Tribe: SEO connects you with readers actively searching for information related to your specific niche. These are highly engaged readers who are much more likely to become loyal subscribers.

• Less Hustle, More Flow: SEO isn't about constant self-promotion. It's about crafting valuable content that naturally draws readers in.

Simple SEO Tips You Can Use Today

The great news is, thanks to Substack, you don't need to be a tech expert to start using SEO effectively. Try these straightforward steps to get started:

Listen to Your Audience (with Keyword Research): Free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends reveal what your target audience is actually searching for. For example, if you write about productivity, you might find that "time management tips for freelancers" is a popular search term. Weave these keywords naturally into your titles and subtitles.

Craft Compelling Titles: Your title is your first handshake with the reader. Make it inviting and specific. For instance, instead of "Productivity Tips," consider "How Freelancers Can Master Time Management." Notice the clarity and focus? It speaks directly to the reader's needs and interests.

Make it Readable: Google loves content that's easy to digest. Use short paragraphs, headings, and bullet points to break up your text. Tools like the Hemingway Editor can help you polish your writing.

Build Connections for Backlinks: Think of backlinks as endorsements for your publication. As a Substack creator, you can build these by collaborating with fellow writers. Consider co-authoring posts, interviewing experts in your niche, or featuring guest contributions. These collaborations naturally lead to sharing and linking between publications, boosting your visibility and credibility in search engines.

Check Your Stats: Substack's built-in analytics and Google Analytics are powerful tools for understanding your audience. Start by identifying which articles have the highest open rates and engagement. Look for patterns—are there certain topics or formats that consistently perform well? Pay attention to metrics like average read time and subscriber growth linked to specific posts. This data can guide your future content strategy, helping you focus on what truly resonates with your readers. Additionally, track referral sources to understand how readers are finding your publication, which can inform your promotional efforts.

In the End

Remember, SEO isn't a sprint—it's a marathon. Start small, experiment, and be patient. By consistently creating valuable content and applying these SEO strategies, you can cultivate a thriving community of engaged readers who truly appreciate your work.

Ultimately, SEO serves as a valuable pathway to enhance the visibility of your Substack publication. By focusing on meaningful content and leveraging these techniques, you're not just expanding your subscriber base—you're fostering a community of readers who genuinely connect with your message.

So, take that first step today. Experiment with these tips, observe the changes, and watch your community flourish.

Let's flip the script. If content isn't king, then what is for our publications and newsletters?

Subscribe now

Influence? Sure, it's great.

But let's be honest, we didn't start writing these in-depth Substacks chasing clout. If influence was the goal, we'd be spending our time on X (formerly Twitter) or TikTok, where it comes much faster.

What about networking?

Building connections is valuable, it shows people see your worth. But without compelling content, and unless you're already a big name, those connections will likely stem from...you guessed it, great content.

Strong relationships with readers?

Absolutely crucial for a thriving Substack, no doubt. But again, these relationships don't appear out of thin air. Without quality content, there's little reason for readers to stick around.

Influence, a solid Substack network, and close reader relationships are all vital for a successful publication.

But let's not forget, from the audience's perspective, most of their time is spent reading what you create.

So yeah, content is still king, especially in the Substack world.

It's easy to get caught in self-doubt, to feel like giving up, especially when you see other Substacks blowing up while yours seems stuck. Don't fall into that trap.

• Focus on your niche, keep producing quality content that makes people think, content that becomes more valuable over time. Trust me, it's the best way to build a truly valuable publication.

• Think about what your audience wants to read.

  • Engage with your readers.

  • Ask for their feedback.

  • Pay attention to what resonates with them.

• Finally, don't get sidetracked by publications with massive numbers but little relevance to your audience. They're not your people!

You might find this article from Substack's founders helpful: "Two Years of Substack."

Here are some key takeaways:

• “We believe great writing has intrinsic value”

• "What you read matters, and that there has never been a better time to bolster and protect those ideals.”

• "...social media products had become so compelling that we found ourselves trapped in an attention economy that prized “engagement” above all else...Rage had become a powerful currency."

Let me know what you think!

You're not alone. Many writers dream of turning their talents into income on Substack - and rightfully so! "A steady income helps you create better content, which leads to more earnings – a cycle every writer wants."

But the road to monetization is often full of uncertainty, especially when many writers aren't sure what to offer their paid subscribers. This leads to hesitation and a lack of confidence.

Monetizing your Substack can be simpler than you think.

This guide will walk you through the best business models, helping you find ways to turn your passion into profit.

Subscribe now

1️⃣ Selling Exclusive Content

This is the most common Substack monetization strategy. By offering premium posts only accessible to paying subscribers, you provide immediate value for their investment.

Opportunities:

• Easy to implement: Simply "lock" your best content behind a paywall.

• Focus on writing: You can concentrate on crafting high-quality content.

Challenges:

• Limited subscriber growth: Locking most of your content might deter potential subscribers, especially in the beginning.

• Reduced reach: Fewer free articles mean less opportunity to attract new readers organically.

2️⃣ Offering Closer Connections

Some readers connect with your personality just as much as your writing. For them, closer interaction with you is a major perk of becoming a paid subscriber.

Opportunities:

• Deeper communication: Build stronger relationships with a core group of readers and receive valuable feedback.

• Unexpected opportunities: Open doors to new opportunities, like collaborations or even consulting gigs, by connecting with readers on a personal level.

Challenges:

• Scaling nightmare: Imagine trying to cultivate individual relationships with thousands of subscribers - it's a recipe for burnout.

• Draining for introverts: Close interaction with many readers can be overwhelming and lead to burnout for some.

3️⃣ Curating a Resource Hub

Imagine you're a psychology writer. You could create a dedicated Notion library for paid subscribers, filled with handpicked books, films, articles, and studies you recommend.

Opportunities:

• A treasure trove of knowledge: Offer a curated collection of valuable resources readers won't find anywhere else.

• Low maintenance: Once set up, it requires less ongoing effort than regularly writing exclusive content.

Challenges:

• Requires extensive knowledge: You need a deep understanding of your niche and a vast library of resources to share.

• Showcase your unique expertise: Your curated content should reflect your unique perspective to resonate with readers and keep them coming back for more. If your recommendations miss the mark, it could lead to a decline in subscriber satisfaction and renewals.

4️⃣ Gifting Physical Goods

Sweeten the deal! Offer a physical item alongside a paid subscription. This could be a printed collection of your work or a unique, themed gift.

Opportunities:

• Lower barrier to entry: People are more likely to spend on a tangible product, making the digital subscription feel like a bonus.

• Expands income streams: Success with physical goods on Substack could lead to exploring platforms like Gumroad.

Challenges:

• Requires production skills: Even a simple printed booklet involves design, printing, and shipping logistics.

5️⃣ Selling Consulting Services

Your subscribers value your expertise. Offering one-on-one consultations or Q&A sessions provides personalized support and guidance.

Opportunities:

• High-value offering: Consulting commands premium pricing, attracting serious clients.

• Manageable workload: Even with limited availability, you can offer quarterly or bi-annual sessions.

Challenges:

• Demands expertise and experience: You need in-depth knowledge and practical experience to provide effective solutions.

• Reputation is paramount: Negative experiences can harm your credibility and deter future clients.

6️⃣ Offering Advertising Space

While Substack champions creator independence, incorporating tasteful ads can be a viable revenue stream.

Opportunities:

• Proven business model: Advertising is a classic monetization strategy, effective with a substantial subscriber base.

• Monetize free subscribers: Generate revenue from readers who haven't yet committed to a paid subscription.

• Diverse ad formats: Explore product placements, sponsored content, or even cross-promotion with other creators.

Challenges:

• Potential for reader annoyance: Ads can disrupt the reading experience if not implemented carefully.

• Logistical hurdles: Substack doesn't offer a built-in ad platform, requiring you to manage partnerships and placements.

• Erosion of reader trust: Promoting the wrong products can make readers question your judgment and honesty.

These are some of the most popular and effective Substack business models. You can choose the one that best suits your strengths and audience, or even combine several for a multi-tiered approach.

Remember, the key to sustainable success is delivering consistent value to your readers.