Substack Notes Playbook
50+ prompts with examples to help you connect, grow, and stand out on Substack
When I first heard about Substack Notes, I ignored them.
I was focused on writing long-form newsletters, growing slowly (and painfully), and hoping my next essay would somehow “go viral.” Notes felt like just another thing to do. Another distraction. Another feed full of noise.
But then I gave myself a challenge: Write two Notes a day for 30 days.
By Day 7, one Note—just a short story about retiring early to follow my dream—went viral. It brought in over 350 new subscribers. More importantly, it brought something back I hadn’t even realised I’d lost: momentum.
Notes are one of the most powerful, underused growth tools on Substack.
But writing Notes that work—Notes that resonate, engage, and convert—takes more than showing up. You need ideas that spark conversation, build trust, and showcase who you are and what you stand for.
That’s what this playbook is for.
Inside, you’ll find 50+ proven prompts (and examples) to help you:
Start meaningful conversations with your readers
Share ideas without overthinking or oversharing
Build visibility and authority—without being pushy
Make Notes a natural part of your writing rhythm
Each prompt has given me at least one free subscriber.
Whether you’re new to Notes or trying to reignite your consistency, this resource will give you the tools to write confidently, connect deeply, and grow sustainably.
You don’t need to post perfect content. You just need to start.
Let this be your start.
1. Reintroduce yourself and your Substack
Then share 3–5 similar newsletters readers might love.
Why it works: Many Notes reach new eyes. A reintroduction builds trust and signals what you're all about. Bonus: it's a soft CTA.
2. Write about what your ideal reader’s struggles are.
What’s your ideal reader struggling with? Say it in their words. Then offer your take or solution. Alternatively, write about what you are struggling with.
Why it works: When people feel seen, they lean in. This builds an instant connection.
3. Ask for advice/ give yours
“What’s your best advice on [topic]?” Then share your own.
Why it works: Everyone loves sharing advice. You get engagement + a chance to position your expertise.
4. Share a lesson learned.
What’s one lesson you learned recently?
Tell the mini story behind it.
Why it works: Lessons build credibility. Stories make them memorable.
5. Boost a post (the right way)
Tease a recent (or old) post. Don’t summarize—spark curiosity.
Why it works: Curiosity converts. Use bold formatting, emojis, or bullets to make it pop.
6. Describe a routine
What’s one daily or weekly habit that keeps you grounded or productive?
Why it works: People are obsessed with routines. Bonus points for being relatable, not perfect.
7. Reshare an old story
Dig up an old post or memory. Tell how it came to be. What sparked it? Why it still matters?
Why it works: Behind-the-scenes always intrigues. It also revives forgotten gems.
8. Call out a specific group
Call on a specific group (e.g., “Writers under 500 subs” or “50+ creators”). Ask them to intro themselves, share their work, and follow the ones they like. Respond to your own post and introduce your own publication.
Why it works: Clear calls foster community. When you start, others follow.
9. Share quick writing advice
Drop a tiny writing (or life) tip that helped you this week. One line. Two max.
Why it works: Bite-sized wisdom is easy to share, save, and remember.
10. Teach a tiny thing
Teach one thing you know. One tip. One tool. One trick. That’s it.
Why it works: Notes are built for fast value. If it helps today, they’ll remember you tomorrow.
11. Share a dream, chased or achieved
Did you ever have a dream? Share how you made it real—or how you’re still chasing it.
Why it works: Vulnerability builds connection. Dreams invite resonance, whether fulfilled or in progress.
12. Share a quote
Drop a quote—yours or someone else’s—that made you think.
Why it works: Quotes are sticky, shareable, and spark conversation or reflection.
13. Post a photo or video and tell the story
Share a visual moment and write a line or two about what it means to you.
Why it works: Images break the scroll. Stories around them keep readers hooked.
14. Restack something you liked
Restack a post you loved or learned from. Add a line on why it matters.
Why it works: Great content deserves a second life—and it builds goodwill and discovery for both of you.
15. Ask a short question
Post one thought-provoking question. Keep it snappy.
Why it works: Questions are magnets for engagement—and often your best-performing Notes.
16. Write about either writing or life.
Two kind of Notes do well on Substack Notes:
a) Writing related notes (writing advice, Substack advice, creative advice.)
b) Non-writing related (personal stories, expert advice, personal updates.)
Either teach, inspire, or share. Or tell personal stories. Both are powerful.
Why it works: A clear content lens helps readers know what to expect, and keeps your creativity flowing.
17. Talk about an insecurity
Write about a fear or insecurity you wrestle with—and how you manage it.
Why it works: Naming what others hide builds instant trust and relatability.
18. Share a struggle
Be honest about something you're finding hard right now.
Why it works: Realness cuts through noise. It makes people care—and remember you.
19. Share messy incoherent writing
Let readers see your behind-the-scenes process—your drafts, doubts, experiments, and small wins.
Why it works: Transparency builds trust. Sharing the journey makes your audience feel included, not just impressed.
20. Tell your last five years in five bullets
Summarise your last five years in five lines. No fluff.
Why it works: People love timelines. It’s a quick way to show growth, pivots, or surprises.
21. Talk about a habit
Share a habit that helps—or hurts. Yours or someone else’s.
Why it works: Habits are relatable. One line of insight can spark a whole conversation.
22. Name a modern-day curse
What’s one sneaky, modern curse we’re all dealing with? Name it and unpack it.
Why it works: Naming the unspoken is powerful. It makes readers feel seen—and sparks replies.
23. Give inverse advice
Flip the script. Don’t say how to succeed—say how to fail.
Why it works: Inverse advice is unexpected, funny, and often more memorable than the usual tips.
24. Celebrate a milestone
Hit a milestone? Big or small—share it, reflect on it, and thank your readers.
Why it works: Milestones are story moments. People love cheering you on (and learning what worked).
25. Share a how-to
Teach something simple, useful, and fast. One clear step readers can apply today.
Why it works: Value-packed Notes build trust—and keep people coming back.
26. Reflect on the 30-day Notes challenge
What did you learn from posting Notes for 30 days? Share results, surprises, or shifts.
Why it works: People love behind-the-scenes progress. It inspires and encourages them to try too.
27. Write about your goals
Share one or more creative goals you're working toward—and why they matter to you.
Why it works: Naming your goals creates momentum. It inspires others to reflect on their own direction and purpose.
28. Share a life lesson
Share one piece of life advice you’ve learned—recently or long ago—and how it shows up in your life.
Why it works: People connect with wisdom in action. It makes the lesson feel lived, not lectured.
29. Name a mindset shift
What’s one tiny shift in thinking that made a big difference for you?
Why it works: Mindset Notes are relatable and highly shareable. One shift can unlock someone else’s progress.
30. Write about a hobby
Share a hobby you love—and what it teaches you about creativity, discipline, or joy.
Why it works: Hobbies reveal the human behind the writing. They spark unexpected connections and make your Notes more relatable.
31. Share behind-the-scene moment your writing process
Walk us through how you wrote something—what worked, what didn’t, what surprised you.
Why it works: Writers love seeing how others work. The mess behind the magic is the most engaging part.
32. List 10 one-line rules
Write 10 short, sharp rules or truths from your niche—writing, wellness, business, anything.
Why it works: Rule lists are quick, punchy, and save-worthy. Perfect for scrollers and skimmers.
33. Share your project progress
What are you working on? What’s done, what’s next, what’s stuck?
Why it works: People love progress updates. It invites encouragement and accountability.
34. Share a lesson from a book or movie
What’s one takeaway from a book or film that stayed with you?
Why it works: Story-based lessons are sticky. They connect culture with personal insight.
35. Find and upgrade an old note
Revisit an old Note. Improve it. Add context or insight. Then share the before/after.
Why it works: It shows growth and encourages others to revisit their own work.
36. Share the transformation you offer
People don’t buy products—they buy change. What transformation does your Substack or service offer?
Why it works: Clarity about your promise builds curiosity, trust, and stronger connection with the right readers.
37. Ask a thoughtful question
Ask a simple, specific question your ideal reader would love to answer.
Why it works: Questions spark replies. Replies create relationships. That’s how you turn readers into friends.
38. Share an unpopular opinion
What’s one thing you believe that most people in your niche don’t?
Why it works: Contrarian takes grab attention and spark conversation—perfect fuel for engagement.
39. Share what your’ve obsessed with
What’s the thing you can’t not do—the work that energizes you, even when it’s hard? Tell the story behind it.
Why it works: Obsession is magnetic. When you share what lights you up, others lean in—and often reflect back their own.
40. Talk about promoting yourself
Share how you show up for your work—even when it feels uncomfortable or unseen.
Why it works: Many creators struggle with self-promotion. Your honesty gives them permission to do it anyway.
41. Share who you’re building with
Introduce the people inside your program, course, or community—and what makes them special.
Why it works: Showcasing your community builds credibility and curiosity. It invites others to see themselves in the story—and want to join.
(This note gave me a paid subscriber)
42. Return to your why
When in doubt, tell your story. Remind yourself—and your readers—why you started writing in the first place.
Why it works: It brings you back to your voice and helps readers connect with your purpose on a deeper level.
43. Write what matters to you
Share why writing what you truly care about creates stronger connection with your readers.
Why it works: Authenticity resonates. When your writing is rooted in personal meaning, it’s more likely to move others too.
(This note gave me paid subscriber.)
44. Tell your story
Share the moment that shaped who you are or why you do what you do. Big or small—just make it yours.
Why it works: Personal stories build emotional connection. They turn you from a name on a screen into someone worth following.
45. Reflect on the power of mentorship
Share how mentorship—giving or receiving—has shaped your path.
Why it works: Mentorship stories create ripple effects. They remind readers of the value of guidance, generosity, and paying it forward.
46. Write a group challenge or invitation
Share an experiment you’re running—or invite others to join you on one. Ask them to introduce themselves.
Why it works: Group energy builds momentum. Inviting readers to participate creates connection, accountability, and community.
47. Write about the moment you stopped postponing your life
What was the turning point that made you take your dream seriously? Share the story behind it.
Why it works: Moments of reckoning resonate deeply. They give readers permission to confront their own turning point—and begin.
48. Encourage someone to start now
Write a Note reminding readers that it’s never too late—and they don’t need permission to begin.
Why it works: Encouragement Notes speak directly to self-doubt. They inspire action and build emotional connection.
49. Reflect on the act you’re in
Which chapter of life are you living—and how is it different from the ones before?
Why it works: Framing life in “acts” invites reflection. It helps readers see their own story—and what they want next.
50. Challenge how people usually write
Flip the script on conventional writing advice. What should writers stop doing—and what should they do instead?
Why it works: Bold, counterintuitive tips stand out. They help readers rethink old habits in a fresh, memorable way.
51. Share a reinvention story
Tell a story of how you pivoted, upskilled, or reinvented yourself—especially when the odds were against you.
Why it works: Reinvention stories are empowering. They show readers that it’s never too late to start again.
52. Reflect on the power of your network
Write about how building relationships has shaped your journey—especially as a solo creator.
Why it works: Readers crave connection too. Notes like this inspire action and remind people they’re not alone.
53. Celebrate a small (or big) win
Share a recent achievement—big or small—and what led to it.
Why it works: Wins make people root for you. They also show what’s possible when you stay consistent.
I hope this gives you enough to get started with Notes.
You don’t need to write what I wrote—just use the ideas as a springboard. Make them your own. Let your personality shine through.
That’s all from me today.
As always, thanks for reading.
These are excellent Neera, such a comprehensive resource, thank you 🙏🏻
I appreciate this resource you’ve created for us! Some points have validated what I naturally do, while other points inspire creativity and variation in my writing. 👏👏👏 I’ve saved this post because there’s too much to integrate in one sitting. You could really make this a small book! 💗 Thank you for all you generously share.