Thanks Neera. I'm uncertain about the efficacy of notes. Posting more feels like social media without the interaction or feedback - silence in a void. I've been on this platform for 18 months, writing my weekly newsletters and have 60 subscribers. I'm on the fence about continuing here, the integration of my newsletters here with my website once it's built, and whether to continue with Substack or move to fully on my website. It's a conundrum! Definitely no viral notes thus far. 🤣
I hear you, Jocelyn. It can feel like shouting into the void sometimes, especially when you’re showing up consistently and not getting much feedback. But I’ve seen that things start to shift when you approach Notes more like a conversation than a post. Engage with others, comment, reply, share little moments or questions. Substack is more like old-school blogging—it rewards connection over virality.
Continue with the notes please. This is what Anna Dahland wrote to me "I had to do something to express my deep gratitude to you. My Note from three days ago blew up – 55 new subscribers today, almost double all of last month (which I was already happy with!) All because you encouraged us to write Notes and modeled for us how to write an effective one."
As for the website vs. Substack dilemma, maybe think of it as both/and, not either/or. You can use your website for long-term control and discoverability, while Substack gives you a built-in community and email delivery system. Integration is definitely possible—and can work well once you’ve clarified your goals for both platforms.
I have similar thoughts as you, Jocelyn. Substack can make me feel overwhelmed and exhausted by all of the content ... and like you noted, talking into a void! 😳
I'd recommend that you think strategically about your article (newsletter). Where are your ideal readers and what's your goal for the content you are writing? If they are here on Substack, keep going. If they are also on IG, FB or Pinterest, create shorter content that links back to your Substack to read/subscribe.
I've just started doing Substack and use this approach (my ideal audience is on LinkedIn). Its a lot of work, but I think the days of posting and hoping are long gone. Its about being where your audience is ... and giving thrm lots of breadcrumbs to want to follow along.
Beautifully said. Your advice is spot on. Being strategic is key: know where your audience hangs out and use those platforms to gently guide them back to your Substack. It’s not about being everywhere, but being intentional.
Being on two platforms is hard for me too. I always find myself giving more attention to one while the other sits quietly in the background. It’s like an ongoing tug-of-war, trying to stay consistent and present on both.
What’s helped me a little is choosing one as my “home base” (Substack, in my case) and using the other more as a feeder or discovery platform. But even then, it’s easy to feel stretched. You’re definitely not alone in this!
It’s not difficult so what’s holding you all back?
Every experienced marketer on Substack that I have read says Notes is the place to grow your subscribers. Neera is leading the pack and I’m so glad I met her and joined her Authors Circle.
If you’re not posting Notes, you’re missing out. Start today!!
I love your energy, Marylee. And you’re absolutely right, Notes is where so much growth and connection can happen. It’s low-pressure, high-reward if you show up consistently and treat it like a conversation.
But I also get why some people hesitate. It can feel like social media, and not getting engagement can be discouraging. That’s why having a supportive community through a 30-day challenge can make the difference.
We’re figuring it out together, one Note at a time.
This is such a powerful tool SStack has . Hope it creates more dreamers and fulfill many a dream of growth - both as a human and on every other aspect of life
Thank you! I share your hope that it inspires more dreamers, helps them grow, connect, and maybe even discover parts of themselves they hadn’t explored before.
I’ve been collecting the real lessons no one tells you about sales—like how to earn trust when your product isn’t perfect, or why most pitches flop before you open your mouth.
I share one short, practical idea each day (free) for those who want to sell with more clarity and less noise.
If you’re into high-impact selling without the fluff, you might enjoy it.
I love Notes! and I agree, they make connecting to other writers so easy
Thanks Neera. I'm uncertain about the efficacy of notes. Posting more feels like social media without the interaction or feedback - silence in a void. I've been on this platform for 18 months, writing my weekly newsletters and have 60 subscribers. I'm on the fence about continuing here, the integration of my newsletters here with my website once it's built, and whether to continue with Substack or move to fully on my website. It's a conundrum! Definitely no viral notes thus far. 🤣
I hear you, Jocelyn. It can feel like shouting into the void sometimes, especially when you’re showing up consistently and not getting much feedback. But I’ve seen that things start to shift when you approach Notes more like a conversation than a post. Engage with others, comment, reply, share little moments or questions. Substack is more like old-school blogging—it rewards connection over virality.
Continue with the notes please. This is what Anna Dahland wrote to me "I had to do something to express my deep gratitude to you. My Note from three days ago blew up – 55 new subscribers today, almost double all of last month (which I was already happy with!) All because you encouraged us to write Notes and modeled for us how to write an effective one."
As for the website vs. Substack dilemma, maybe think of it as both/and, not either/or. You can use your website for long-term control and discoverability, while Substack gives you a built-in community and email delivery system. Integration is definitely possible—and can work well once you’ve clarified your goals for both platforms.
Happy to brainstorm more with you if you’d like!
Thanks Neera, very helpful. And yes, I'm going to have both. 💞
I have similar thoughts as you, Jocelyn. Substack can make me feel overwhelmed and exhausted by all of the content ... and like you noted, talking into a void! 😳
I'd recommend that you think strategically about your article (newsletter). Where are your ideal readers and what's your goal for the content you are writing? If they are here on Substack, keep going. If they are also on IG, FB or Pinterest, create shorter content that links back to your Substack to read/subscribe.
I've just started doing Substack and use this approach (my ideal audience is on LinkedIn). Its a lot of work, but I think the days of posting and hoping are long gone. Its about being where your audience is ... and giving thrm lots of breadcrumbs to want to follow along.
Beautifully said. Your advice is spot on. Being strategic is key: know where your audience hangs out and use those platforms to gently guide them back to your Substack. It’s not about being everywhere, but being intentional.
Being on two platforms is hard for me too. I always find myself giving more attention to one while the other sits quietly in the background. It’s like an ongoing tug-of-war, trying to stay consistent and present on both.
What’s helped me a little is choosing one as my “home base” (Substack, in my case) and using the other more as a feeder or discovery platform. But even then, it’s easy to feel stretched. You’re definitely not alone in this!
Notes is the path now🌹
Great.
It’s not difficult so what’s holding you all back?
Every experienced marketer on Substack that I have read says Notes is the place to grow your subscribers. Neera is leading the pack and I’m so glad I met her and joined her Authors Circle.
If you’re not posting Notes, you’re missing out. Start today!!
I love your energy, Marylee. And you’re absolutely right, Notes is where so much growth and connection can happen. It’s low-pressure, high-reward if you show up consistently and treat it like a conversation.
But I also get why some people hesitate. It can feel like social media, and not getting engagement can be discouraging. That’s why having a supportive community through a 30-day challenge can make the difference.
We’re figuring it out together, one Note at a time.
And I’m so glad I took the plunge with you Neera!!
This is such a powerful tool SStack has . Hope it creates more dreamers and fulfill many a dream of growth - both as a human and on every other aspect of life
Thank you! I share your hope that it inspires more dreamers, helps them grow, connect, and maybe even discover parts of themselves they hadn’t explored before.
Thank you for your message. Wonderful!
You're welcome!
I concur.
Kindest regards
Carol Power
Johannesburg
South Africa
Great!
I’ve been collecting the real lessons no one tells you about sales—like how to earn trust when your product isn’t perfect, or why most pitches flop before you open your mouth.
I share one short, practical idea each day (free) for those who want to sell with more clarity and less noise.
If you’re into high-impact selling without the fluff, you might enjoy it.
https://thesalescode.substack.com/about