First, it's still a young platform, so it's still in the honeymoon phase where the competition is low and the platform works for the creators.
This is especially true for Notes. They introduced the algorithm only a few months ago. Before it was just useless. So now it's the wild west, everything is up for grabs.
But I see that articles also get organic reach beyond my free subscribers. So the platform helps in many ways.
Then, for now, most people here share a "we're all in this together" mindset. This is why Recommendations work so well.
I don't know how it will evolve. But for now it's much better than all Meta properties, LinkedIn, X, and Medium. I tried the last two. I'm still writing on Medium. With much more effort I got far fewer results.
In 35 days on Substack I collected 160 subscribers, 400 followers, dozen of comments.
Great advice! I’ve been doing a lot of what you’ve suggested here, and I’m seeing good results. I’m sure you’ll hit 365 in a year! I would say the other big thing that has really helped me is having other Substacks in my niche recommend my newsletter (and I do the same for them) - this has led to quite a few new subscribers.
Very good point, I'll try that thanks! Do you have any tips on finding fellow niche writers? I feel like I'm still wading through a sea of diverse content at the moment.
You're welcome! I originally used Substack's search functionality for phrases related to what I write about (which are celiac, gluten-free, etc.) and found a whole bunch that way. I've also connected with other writers in my niche/similar niches from the threads Sarah Fey posts where writers can introduce themselves!
I saw that working for me even though I only have a couple of posts up (a situation I keep beating myself up about). My foundation niche is nature writing, which I'm hoping/trying to unpack and expand into teaching/writing through that lense. A common question that comes up for a lot of writers, too, I talk to is the paywall thing. Still thinking that one through. And I think I've just worked up the courage to start on Notes, after reading them (and loving the experience) for so long. Wish me luck.
I remember Xanga! It's like the teenaged substack :)
You deliver on your headline - your takes were honest and I have felt the way you have felt. I think Sarah Fay also recommended to only subscribe to one or two people you like when it comes to accounts about growth, otherwise read creative people.
Thank you for the writing feedback--it's rare and so very helpful! I checked out your stack and saw the article you wrote for Modern Love on NYT. What a cool story, and I relate so much! I am also a Bangladeshi Muslim, and my husband is decidedly not either of those things. I'm so glad you decided to put your story out there. :)
Hi Noor. Thanks so much for this extremely thoughtful post. Congrats on leaving Big Law to write. I left Big Medicine - one of the best decisions I've made. I'm also new-ish to Substack, posting twice a week since April, though I admit I've been avoiding taking any steps at all to encourage subscriptions thus far. Thinking it might be time, however, to change all that, and I greatly appreciate your insights as I contemplate making moves toward greater visibility. Looking forward to checking out Sarah Fey and seeing what else you have to say.
Congratulations on quitting Big Law to live your dream as a writer. For most of us on Substack, growth is slow and takes commitment. Writing must be its own reward. That never really changes, unless you crack the ranks of Big Writing.
I haven't tried the audio part of Substack, but maybe I will in the near future. My take on new features like audio/video on platforms is that the algorithms tend to boost those because platform wants wider adoption of the features. So my suggestion--give it a try and see if you get more visibility. Let me know if that happens if you do give it a try :)
Hey K, I agree, let us know how it goes (I'll try and keep an eye/ear out). I confess to being snobby about audio production, a perfectionism that has ankle-tapped me from giving it a go. But I think (maybe?) a plus side of that is I might know what works better. Here's one: speak, don't read. That is, memorise it like a script, or just use your words to spring from, let yourself ad lib around the written words. (I actually think this would make the audio a more interesting add on). Also saying the words out loud is a classic editing check for flow and clarity, so you win even by practicing.
Maybe I should do a round up of ones that work and why I think that is? Would that be helpful, maybe?
("Ankle tap" - for the non-sportoes, is as it sounds a slight kick to the ankle in soccer or rugby, causing someone to fumble the ball or trip. Nasty. And we do this to ourselves!? Boo! Send him off! Yellow card! No typewriter for a week?
This was soooo helpful and insightful! Thank you for taking the time to share.
I tried a few recordings, but like you already seem to know- the production is NOT GREAT 😂 (part of why I wonder if audio is important to general audience??)
My 3y/o Admin Assistant is also lingering in the background and/or trying to divert my attention to more exciting things- that comes across loud & clear.
Just subscribed Noor. The main reason? I love the open hearted enthusiasm of the readers here, a crew I can just feel myself enjoying hanging out with, even if I just hang at the back of the room and snack on those little pastries things with cream. Thanks for organising the gig.
I enjoyed your article. You make a great point about the differences between Substack and Medium. As a newbie, I was only going to post content here, but now maybe not. Best of luck!
Thank you so much for writing this and I LOVE / cracked up when you said “snake oil salesman”. It’s SO true. I’m calling those “influencers” and fake coaches that from now on. I just turned one week old on Substack. I’m new to writing and excited to grow a following for my business.
Can’t wait to read more from you, Noor. Unsurprising given your pivot from lawyering, your writing is so deliciously concise! Thanks so much for sharing what you’ve learned this far along—honestly, generously, and also with zero punches pulled. 🙏🏻
Thanks so much! Love the writing feedback, it's so hard to know whether I'm getting long-winded while editing, so I'm happy to see I managed to keep things short-ish.
Saw you're questions on the AMA doc, thanks for participating, answers forthcoming :)
Felt just right! So interesting to hear of each other’s writing challenges, isn’t it? And then to get reassurance that we’re doing what we set out to?? Pretty amazing.
Thanks, Noor, for your good analysis. I have a point to add that others might find useful, and a question. On Twitter I have a large-ish following, and I promote my Substack there. But I've gained NOT ONE reader from a Twitter link. Not one! Which tells you something about the state of Twitter. Are you, or anyone you know, on a similar platform, such as Mastodon or Bluesky, and gaining readers via posts there? (I'm not on FB. Never have been. Yuck. I find Instagram confusing and although I have an account I've never posted.)
Very good question and one that I've seen come up in other settings. I've seen a post by Emma Gannon (the Hyphen) where she comments that she never gets subscribers from Twitter. On the other hand, I know Tim Denning has had massive success getting followers/subscribers on Substack through twitter. I'm not sure how he does it, but if I find out I'll let you know!
There has been quite a few comments across Substack that X, some time ago, banned links to Substack, and that Meta has recently followed suit. (Followed Suit - where does that expression come from, and what does it even mean?)
Noor, this is really enlightening. I haven't written a blog and am new to substack (having poured nearly all my energy into my consulting career until recently) so all your lessons learned are very helpful. Keep writing!
I started blogging in 2010. I can confirm that growth was easier.
But I find it easier on Substack than on other platforms.
I combine:
Notes
Recommendations
Engaging with other people's content
And just this week I wrote a guest post.
Thank you! I haven't tried recommendations, but I'll give that a try. What about Substack do you think makes growth easier than other platforms?
First, it's still a young platform, so it's still in the honeymoon phase where the competition is low and the platform works for the creators.
This is especially true for Notes. They introduced the algorithm only a few months ago. Before it was just useless. So now it's the wild west, everything is up for grabs.
But I see that articles also get organic reach beyond my free subscribers. So the platform helps in many ways.
Then, for now, most people here share a "we're all in this together" mindset. This is why Recommendations work so well.
I don't know how it will evolve. But for now it's much better than all Meta properties, LinkedIn, X, and Medium. I tried the last two. I'm still writing on Medium. With much more effort I got far fewer results.
In 35 days on Substack I collected 160 subscribers, 400 followers, dozen of comments.
Wow! That's a great encouragement. More reason I will stay put and focused on Substack. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Great advice! I’ve been doing a lot of what you’ve suggested here, and I’m seeing good results. I’m sure you’ll hit 365 in a year! I would say the other big thing that has really helped me is having other Substacks in my niche recommend my newsletter (and I do the same for them) - this has led to quite a few new subscribers.
Very good point, I'll try that thanks! Do you have any tips on finding fellow niche writers? I feel like I'm still wading through a sea of diverse content at the moment.
You're welcome! I originally used Substack's search functionality for phrases related to what I write about (which are celiac, gluten-free, etc.) and found a whole bunch that way. I've also connected with other writers in my niche/similar niches from the threads Sarah Fey posts where writers can introduce themselves!
I saw that working for me even though I only have a couple of posts up (a situation I keep beating myself up about). My foundation niche is nature writing, which I'm hoping/trying to unpack and expand into teaching/writing through that lense. A common question that comes up for a lot of writers, too, I talk to is the paywall thing. Still thinking that one through. And I think I've just worked up the courage to start on Notes, after reading them (and loving the experience) for so long. Wish me luck.
These are great insights, Noor. Sarah Fay is the real deal, and provides incredible value with her teaching.
Thanks that helps to know. Without paying for the (multiple) upgrades it's hard to get a handle.
Thank you, and totally agree!
I remember Xanga! It's like the teenaged substack :)
You deliver on your headline - your takes were honest and I have felt the way you have felt. I think Sarah Fay also recommended to only subscribe to one or two people you like when it comes to accounts about growth, otherwise read creative people.
Thank you for the writing feedback--it's rare and so very helpful! I checked out your stack and saw the article you wrote for Modern Love on NYT. What a cool story, and I relate so much! I am also a Bangladeshi Muslim, and my husband is decidedly not either of those things. I'm so glad you decided to put your story out there. :)
No way! let’s be friends!!!
Hi Noor. Thanks so much for this extremely thoughtful post. Congrats on leaving Big Law to write. I left Big Medicine - one of the best decisions I've made. I'm also new-ish to Substack, posting twice a week since April, though I admit I've been avoiding taking any steps at all to encourage subscriptions thus far. Thinking it might be time, however, to change all that, and I greatly appreciate your insights as I contemplate making moves toward greater visibility. Looking forward to checking out Sarah Fey and seeing what else you have to say.
Congratulations on quitting Big Law to live your dream as a writer. For most of us on Substack, growth is slow and takes commitment. Writing must be its own reward. That never really changes, unless you crack the ranks of Big Writing.
"Big Writing" LOL, that really had me laughing out loud. Time and commitment is necessary, I agree.
I absolutely loved every second of this, Noor! Please keep us updated on your novel :)
My question is about audio!
Substack has a recording capability - have you tried it, and do you feel this would be a helpful tool in growing an audience?
Thank you so much for hosting an AMA. 🙏
Thanks so much!!
I haven't tried the audio part of Substack, but maybe I will in the near future. My take on new features like audio/video on platforms is that the algorithms tend to boost those because platform wants wider adoption of the features. So my suggestion--give it a try and see if you get more visibility. Let me know if that happens if you do give it a try :)
Hey K, I agree, let us know how it goes (I'll try and keep an eye/ear out). I confess to being snobby about audio production, a perfectionism that has ankle-tapped me from giving it a go. But I think (maybe?) a plus side of that is I might know what works better. Here's one: speak, don't read. That is, memorise it like a script, or just use your words to spring from, let yourself ad lib around the written words. (I actually think this would make the audio a more interesting add on). Also saying the words out loud is a classic editing check for flow and clarity, so you win even by practicing.
Maybe I should do a round up of ones that work and why I think that is? Would that be helpful, maybe?
("Ankle tap" - for the non-sportoes, is as it sounds a slight kick to the ankle in soccer or rugby, causing someone to fumble the ball or trip. Nasty. And we do this to ourselves!? Boo! Send him off! Yellow card! No typewriter for a week?
Or, even worse: No caffeine.)
Hi Peter!!
This was soooo helpful and insightful! Thank you for taking the time to share.
I tried a few recordings, but like you already seem to know- the production is NOT GREAT 😂 (part of why I wonder if audio is important to general audience??)
My 3y/o Admin Assistant is also lingering in the background and/or trying to divert my attention to more exciting things- that comes across loud & clear.
Thank you again!!
Peter, I’d love to read your round up of ones that work and why you think that is!
This stands out as an exceptionally helpful newsletter.
Thank you! Just checked out your stack and subscribed! Seems like really useful stuff related to my interests :)
Thank you!
Just subscribed Noor. The main reason? I love the open hearted enthusiasm of the readers here, a crew I can just feel myself enjoying hanging out with, even if I just hang at the back of the room and snack on those little pastries things with cream. Thanks for organising the gig.
Thanks so much for being here!
Thank you for the insights!
I enjoyed your article. You make a great point about the differences between Substack and Medium. As a newbie, I was only going to post content here, but now maybe not. Best of luck!
Thanks! Let me know if you try out cross-posting on Medium and if it works for you :)
Thank you so much for writing this and I LOVE / cracked up when you said “snake oil salesman”. It’s SO true. I’m calling those “influencers” and fake coaches that from now on. I just turned one week old on Substack. I’m new to writing and excited to grow a following for my business.
Happy one-week birthday! Best of luck on your journey.
Can’t wait to read more from you, Noor. Unsurprising given your pivot from lawyering, your writing is so deliciously concise! Thanks so much for sharing what you’ve learned this far along—honestly, generously, and also with zero punches pulled. 🙏🏻
Questions forthcoming!
Thanks so much! Love the writing feedback, it's so hard to know whether I'm getting long-winded while editing, so I'm happy to see I managed to keep things short-ish.
Saw you're questions on the AMA doc, thanks for participating, answers forthcoming :)
Felt just right! So interesting to hear of each other’s writing challenges, isn’t it? And then to get reassurance that we’re doing what we set out to?? Pretty amazing.
Excited for your AMA results!! 🙌🏻🎉
Solid advice here. Glad to find an honest and original voice. Good work!💯
Thanks, Noor, for your good analysis. I have a point to add that others might find useful, and a question. On Twitter I have a large-ish following, and I promote my Substack there. But I've gained NOT ONE reader from a Twitter link. Not one! Which tells you something about the state of Twitter. Are you, or anyone you know, on a similar platform, such as Mastodon or Bluesky, and gaining readers via posts there? (I'm not on FB. Never have been. Yuck. I find Instagram confusing and although I have an account I've never posted.)
Very good question and one that I've seen come up in other settings. I've seen a post by Emma Gannon (the Hyphen) where she comments that she never gets subscribers from Twitter. On the other hand, I know Tim Denning has had massive success getting followers/subscribers on Substack through twitter. I'm not sure how he does it, but if I find out I'll let you know!
There has been quite a few comments across Substack that X, some time ago, banned links to Substack, and that Meta has recently followed suit. (Followed Suit - where does that expression come from, and what does it even mean?)
Wow, I never saw those, thanks for sharing here!
Noor, this is really enlightening. I haven't written a blog and am new to substack (having poured nearly all my energy into my consulting career until recently) so all your lessons learned are very helpful. Keep writing!
Thanks so much Ashley!