You make a good point, but it's so weird to me that an awful lot of writers have succumbed to the idea that everything they do has to SELL SELL SELL. You're right. We can calm down, put away the cash register for a moment and be authentic.
I have a hard time seeing notes as slowing down from social media, especially if we all start posting such notes now. I find notes to be a mistake by Substack that will bring it closer to social media. Lately, many writer use notes as if it were X.
There wouldn't be anything wrong with social media had it not turned into the giant sales machine it is now. Notes isn't like that at all. Nobody is selling ads here, we're engaging with each other.
Publishers do bang onto writers about the need to do all their own marketing, so it is easy perhaps to slip into sell-sell-sell mode. But this post is a wake-up call – chill out, engage!
Amazing Insights—This reminds me of David Brooks' advice on the Relationist mindset in his book 'The Second Mountain':
"The movement toward becoming a person is downward and outward: To peer deeper into ourselves where we find the yearnings for others, and then outward in a relationship towards the world."
I am curious how a strategy like this works with *depth*, because my assumption is that the subscribers that come from notes like this aren’t as likely to engage in comments & community spaces.
480 folks opting to click the free subscribe button - a worthwhile endeavor.
How many will actually step up and honor writers work by becoming a paid subscriber. Most substack creators offer monthly subscriptions for a fraction of typical monthly streaming services. I've a hunch most free subscribers spend more than $50 a month on stuff they don't remember (coffees, treats, bottle water, etc.).
Every now and then I notice free subscribers - who according to Substack's stats - haven't opened or read even ONE post sent to them in six months. I boot inactive subscribers to maintain numbers that reflect ACTIVE subscribers. I give paid subscribers free access to other content outside of Substack as a way of showing my gratitude.
When I encounter posts tooting their horns they've reach "XXXX" subscribers - I smile. Congrats. Know I know that maybe 1% of that # is honoring your actual time by sharing pennies on the dollar for your hard work.
This is all so true! The two Notes I've posted that have done the best have just been random thoughts I didn't expect anyone to care about. Loved this read 💓
We all make mistakes, well I did at least, but in still learning Substack-language. I learned a bit more just now, thank you dear Lea 🧡
Happy to hear that you benefited from it Henrik, thank you so much for reading! 🙏
You make a good point, but it's so weird to me that an awful lot of writers have succumbed to the idea that everything they do has to SELL SELL SELL. You're right. We can calm down, put away the cash register for a moment and be authentic.
I have a hard time seeing notes as slowing down from social media, especially if we all start posting such notes now. I find notes to be a mistake by Substack that will bring it closer to social media. Lately, many writer use notes as if it were X.
What do you think?
There wouldn't be anything wrong with social media had it not turned into the giant sales machine it is now. Notes isn't like that at all. Nobody is selling ads here, we're engaging with each other.
Great tips, straightforward and right on point.
Indeed, there's nos substitute for originality, especially here on substack.
I wish I would have known this back in July of the previous year.
I only wrote a new post each week and promoted through a Note. No interaction, no connection with others, just throwing stuff into the void.
I’m going to try this out, thank you for sharing!
Publishers do bang onto writers about the need to do all their own marketing, so it is easy perhaps to slip into sell-sell-sell mode. But this post is a wake-up call – chill out, engage!
I’m sure it works. Thanks for sharing
It does!!
Amazing Insights—This reminds me of David Brooks' advice on the Relationist mindset in his book 'The Second Mountain':
"The movement toward becoming a person is downward and outward: To peer deeper into ourselves where we find the yearnings for others, and then outward in a relationship towards the world."
I don't really use Notes but I probably should..Thank you for sharing, I definitely hear you, people are sick of advertising.
A good reminder to be ourselves first. Thank you. This is what I needed today. The question is, will I remember this lesson next week? I sure hope so.
I am curious how a strategy like this works with *depth*, because my assumption is that the subscribers that come from notes like this aren’t as likely to engage in comments & community spaces.
480 folks opting to click the free subscribe button - a worthwhile endeavor.
How many will actually step up and honor writers work by becoming a paid subscriber. Most substack creators offer monthly subscriptions for a fraction of typical monthly streaming services. I've a hunch most free subscribers spend more than $50 a month on stuff they don't remember (coffees, treats, bottle water, etc.).
Every now and then I notice free subscribers - who according to Substack's stats - haven't opened or read even ONE post sent to them in six months. I boot inactive subscribers to maintain numbers that reflect ACTIVE subscribers. I give paid subscribers free access to other content outside of Substack as a way of showing my gratitude.
When I encounter posts tooting their horns they've reach "XXXX" subscribers - I smile. Congrats. Know I know that maybe 1% of that # is honoring your actual time by sharing pennies on the dollar for your hard work.
Thanks for that, I badly needed that...
This is all so true! The two Notes I've posted that have done the best have just been random thoughts I didn't expect anyone to care about. Loved this read 💓
I haven’t had this level of success with notes but it’s awesome that she did!