This all sounds like very good advice, but as a humor writer I find it hard to comply with. I publish twice a week, but would find it impossible to publish a humor post daily. Also, solving a problem is tricky. The problem is life is not always fun. But I can't fix it, only offer a brief respite!
Exactly. This is a marketer’s viewpoint. There are different purposes for writing. I do like the idea of trying several projects. That’s why I started two on here. They are not really related. And I really want to only have people who want to read my work subscribe and follow. I’m not just into numbers but quality.
I’ve always thought that humour was about solving problems! Just not in a direct, linear way. All the rest of the advice—about engaging with others in the social space of Substack sounds like a sound approach to building a daily presence (something I do, but not regularly enough).
Thanks for posting, Jennifer. I'm in the same boat. Humour's all I have. Your post and the helpful replies have collectively been the footprint on Crusoe's island: I now know I'm not alone.
You're right, Jennifer, you can't achieve any success in social media by publishing a good-quality humor post daily. Even if you were able to think of a very good joke every single day, the majority of the users will not reward you for this.
The problem is that unfortunately the social media platforms are NOT platforms for distributing high-quality content or even medium-quality content. Rather they are platforms for spreading gutter-trash far and wide, and the users love it. The trashier it is, and the more stupid it is, the more the users love it. You can easily find thousands examples of this trash-loving bullshit-eating behavior in all social media platforms. That's simply the behavior of well over 50% of the human population.
Hey Matt, I agree with a lot of this, although I do get a bit weary with being told 'to solve people's problems'. Not everyone is here to learn the tricks of creating products they can sell on autopilot.
When I read a novel, or watch a documentary, I'm not really looking to have my problems solved - I'm hoping to be intellectually stimulated, or simply amused.
I agree, a lot of anyone's success is showing up, doing the job, on a consistent basis.
For me at least, I chose to set up two Substacks: one writing on copywriting and brand (Fukc Typos) - and yes, at some point I may be able to monetise this, as I'm a senior copywriter - the other on a theme, which embraces some of my creative writing and more personal posts (From Resilience To Reward).
I think if you have a theme, you stand a good chance of engaging with others. A theme focuses your mind and those who chance on your Notes or Posts.
Sometimes life comes in the way and momentum drops. When the only chance during those moments is reading and liking notes without creating own then people forget. The only way to success is mindful consistency with intent. Thanks Matt!
I really liked this article, thank you! I'm still quite new to Substack - I've been here for just a few weeks and I'm still finding my way around. I'm writing a few posts and trying to engage with other users' Notes as well. So far, I'm enjoying it. I don’t have huge expectations, but I definitely want to get more involved in the community :) Thanks again for the article!
This has been a key to my sanity and how I have grown on other platforms. I don’t feel “gross” commenting on the things I actually enjoy or find valuable and I get to tell those folks I really enjoyed their work. Win win.
P.s I really enjoyed this post. It was a great reminder as I start writing more on this platform and as I plan out my YouTube channel. Thanks 🙏🏻
A lot of content writers who took a break from platforms came back with much more oomph, just like you describe. There's something to taking a prolonged break after hopelessly trying to break through - let's hope your recommendations are a quick fix for that!
I have definitely seen a difference since I started to engage more with other substackers. I contribute to the publication https://www.dearamericanetwork.com/
And I used to get confused because I would see subscribers on my account, but they wouldnt automatically transfer over to where I actually publish from.
I love community and will continue to learn how to build further.
I also love learning how consistency is key, and to just hit publish.
Thank you so much for this! It is very helpful to know more about how to grow a Substack. Do you happen to know why there are so many posts where people say to “drop your Substack” below so we can support one another? Maybe I am doing this part wrong but when I see that and the writer seems like one my work relates to, I’ve been pasting my Substack link in the comments but getting zero response. I could probably ask Perplexity this - but I am trying to interact with humans and you seem to be a wealth of Substackian info! Thank you again either way. 🙂
Being fairly new to this platform, I really appreciated this article. I just can't seem to get that one area of content nailed down in my genre of nonfiction. That's also been a big problem for my website too.
This all sounds like very good advice, but as a humor writer I find it hard to comply with. I publish twice a week, but would find it impossible to publish a humor post daily. Also, solving a problem is tricky. The problem is life is not always fun. But I can't fix it, only offer a brief respite!
Agreed Jennifer.
This is geared towards non-fiction writers.
The problem you solve as a humor writer is boredom.
Exactly. This is a marketer’s viewpoint. There are different purposes for writing. I do like the idea of trying several projects. That’s why I started two on here. They are not really related. And I really want to only have people who want to read my work subscribe and follow. I’m not just into numbers but quality.
I’ve always thought that humour was about solving problems! Just not in a direct, linear way. All the rest of the advice—about engaging with others in the social space of Substack sounds like a sound approach to building a daily presence (something I do, but not regularly enough).
A brief respite is good. A smile a day... it's good for the soul.
Thanks for posting, Jennifer. I'm in the same boat. Humour's all I have. Your post and the helpful replies have collectively been the footprint on Crusoe's island: I now know I'm not alone.
You're right, Jennifer, you can't achieve any success in social media by publishing a good-quality humor post daily. Even if you were able to think of a very good joke every single day, the majority of the users will not reward you for this.
The problem is that unfortunately the social media platforms are NOT platforms for distributing high-quality content or even medium-quality content. Rather they are platforms for spreading gutter-trash far and wide, and the users love it. The trashier it is, and the more stupid it is, the more the users love it. You can easily find thousands examples of this trash-loving bullshit-eating behavior in all social media platforms. That's simply the behavior of well over 50% of the human population.
I'd enjoy a humorous observation per day... Just me.
Hey Matt, I agree with a lot of this, although I do get a bit weary with being told 'to solve people's problems'. Not everyone is here to learn the tricks of creating products they can sell on autopilot.
When I read a novel, or watch a documentary, I'm not really looking to have my problems solved - I'm hoping to be intellectually stimulated, or simply amused.
I agree, a lot of anyone's success is showing up, doing the job, on a consistent basis.
For me at least, I chose to set up two Substacks: one writing on copywriting and brand (Fukc Typos) - and yes, at some point I may be able to monetise this, as I'm a senior copywriter - the other on a theme, which embraces some of my creative writing and more personal posts (From Resilience To Reward).
I think if you have a theme, you stand a good chance of engaging with others. A theme focuses your mind and those who chance on your Notes or Posts.
That’s the difference between fiction vs. non function
You’re a copywriter
So you know about problems
95% of beginner writers don’t
This post hit me in the gut more than once… so I’m betting it’s right on!
I like that :)
Sometimes life comes in the way and momentum drops. When the only chance during those moments is reading and liking notes without creating own then people forget. The only way to success is mindful consistency with intent. Thanks Matt!
it's ALWAYS about managing the dip!!
I really liked this article, thank you! I'm still quite new to Substack - I've been here for just a few weeks and I'm still finding my way around. I'm writing a few posts and trying to engage with other users' Notes as well. So far, I'm enjoying it. I don’t have huge expectations, but I definitely want to get more involved in the community :) Thanks again for the article!
having small expectations is key to keep doing it (even with low/slow results) :)
“Comment on stuff you genuinely care about.”
This has been a key to my sanity and how I have grown on other platforms. I don’t feel “gross” commenting on the things I actually enjoy or find valuable and I get to tell those folks I really enjoyed their work. Win win.
P.s I really enjoyed this post. It was a great reminder as I start writing more on this platform and as I plan out my YouTube channel. Thanks 🙏🏻
Most welcome Christina
Glad it was helpful
thanks man im new to the platform and needed this :)
welcome :)
:)
A lot of content writers who took a break from platforms came back with much more oomph, just like you describe. There's something to taking a prolonged break after hopelessly trying to break through - let's hope your recommendations are a quick fix for that!
i found it's also good to have a minimum content dose you post even when going on a break.
Duly noted, thank you Matt! 🌟
Honestly it feels like we are shouting in a silent place where noone is there to listen.
But I still keep on writing on my favourite topics - which people are willing to read.
I also try to gather honest feedback from my existing subscribers.
everyone starts with an empty room :)
I have definitely seen a difference since I started to engage more with other substackers. I contribute to the publication https://www.dearamericanetwork.com/
And I used to get confused because I would see subscribers on my account, but they wouldnt automatically transfer over to where I actually publish from.
I love community and will continue to learn how to build further.
I also love learning how consistency is key, and to just hit publish.
Loved this post, thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Amanda.
Thank you so much for this! It is very helpful to know more about how to grow a Substack. Do you happen to know why there are so many posts where people say to “drop your Substack” below so we can support one another? Maybe I am doing this part wrong but when I see that and the writer seems like one my work relates to, I’ve been pasting my Substack link in the comments but getting zero response. I could probably ask Perplexity this - but I am trying to interact with humans and you seem to be a wealth of Substackian info! Thank you again either way. 🙂
You're welcome, Aurora.
https://open.substack.com/pub/freetocreate/p/what-if-weve-got-it-all-wrong?r=1skxy4&utm_medium=ios
Hi Matt - The advice is appreciated. I've been on Substack for about a week and no post yet...“I’m brainstorming angles.” 😊
Glad it was helpful, Stacy.
Love this! Great advice
Glad it was helpful, Erin.
Great post!
So valuable
🫡
Being fairly new to this platform, I really appreciated this article. I just can't seem to get that one area of content nailed down in my genre of nonfiction. That's also been a big problem for my website too.