Substackers Are Using Notes to Grow Twice As Fast: 7 Smart Ways
Let’s start today’s newsletter with a test:
- Writer A sends 2 newsletters a week.
- Writer B sends 2 newsletters a week and publishes 1 Note a day.
Both strategies work and are generating subscribers. However, one creator is growing twice as fast.
Can you guess which one?
You don’t need to be a marketing guru to vote for writer B.
This test could be fiction, but it’s a true story: my story.
In January 2024, after almost one year on Substack, I transitioned from A to B and started using Notes.
I didn’t have a master plan or a big strategy. I simply decided I was ready to engage more and try new things.
The results speak for themselves.
From the moment I started using Notes, my engagement skyrocketed and my growth rate tripled. I went from single-digit subscribers to over 10 most days. While it took me 1 full year to reach my first 1,000 subscribers, it took me less than three months to reach the following 500.
Is it a coincidence? Luck? I don’t think so.
Successful creators all have one thing in common: they become familiar faces in the digital world.
Check for instance the work of growing Substackers like
, , or . They all show up every day, connect with the community, and engage through Notes.They don’t treat Substack like a newsletter: they treat it as a community.
From a newsletter to a community
Building a community online operates like a funnel that goes from awareness to conversion:
Awareness: people see you and become aware of your work (users)
Interest: people are interested in what you share but are not ready to commit yet (followers)
Engagement: people engage with you and look forward to your writing (subscribers)
Conversion: people love what you write and buy from you (paid subscribers and customers).
People rarely jump straight into engagement, let alone conversion. It’s a process driven by trust. Writing is a people business.
The top of the funnel (awareness) impacts the bottom and must be constantly refilled to get more eyes on your writing. Notes allow you to do exactly that: amplify your visibility and build connection.
It’s also a great way to build your community organically: it’s light, non-intrusive, and conversational.
When you use Notes consistently, instead of having 2 touch points a week (like creator A), you now have 9+ (like creator B), opening new doors in the digital world.
Instead of treating Substack like a newsletter, you start to treat it like a community where there is a two-way engagement.
With Notes, Followers and DMs recently added to the mix, Substack has become the first of its kind: a hybrid between social media and a newsletter: a social newsletter.
How to use Notes
The great thing about Notes is that there is no one-size-fits-all formula, and you can be creative in how you use it to grow your community and connect with people.
I have published around 100 Notes since I started in January, and here are some of the best-performing ones in terms of engagement:
1. Thought-provoking
My most engaging Notes are confronting. They might inspire readers, but there’s a harsh reality check moment that makes you stop and reflect.
If you want change, you must create it yourself. I don’t just go for feel-good motivational quotes. I try to find the pain and expose it.
2. Relatable stories
I often write short 1 paragraph stories about my journey and my experiences, good and bad.
Storytelling is at the heart of writing, and all writers need it, regardless of the genre. Besides helping you connect with others, it’s a great way to work on your skills and become a storyteller ninja.
3. Educational/ technical content
Being educational and concise is tricky, but when it works, it works: people love bite-size learning they can digest on the go.
Listicles, numbered lists and bullet points work wonders when your content is more technical. No one likes a chunky paragraph.
Below is a Note breaking down my Substack strategy. It got so much engagement that I turned it into a long-form Post that has been my most viewed yet, generating 106 new subscriptions (2 paid):
You Can Steal My Substack Strategy But You Can't Steal My Croissants 🥐
4. Broadcasting your newsletter
I recently started a new practice: doing a summary of my newsletter and turning it into a Note. By doing that, I give readers a taste of my writing as a teaser.
Some might be curious or interested and decide to click to read the full article.
Think of the trailer before the movie.
5. Restacking
I love the option of Restacking Posts and even quotes from Posts. It’s a tactical way of drawing readers in by highlighting a punchy quote, an intriguing line, or a controversial idea.
Instead of just sharing the whole Post, you can pick one or two lines that act as a hook. If you are not sure, check the comments; your readers will let you know what resonated with them.
6. Celebration & Launches
I’m a big fan of building in public and celebrating the small wins with the community. Whether you share a milestone like your first 100 subscribers, the release of a new book, or an award, it’s a great opportunity to mark the occasion and spread the good vibes!
People love cheering for others, especially if you give them a glimpse of the hard work behind your success.
7. Connection and life stories
The beauty of building a community is that it’s about people, feelings, passions, and fun.
While many of my Notes are strategic, like the ones that support my newsletter and my writing, many others are spontaneous and help me build connections with other readers, writers, and even triathletes!
I don’t believe people subscribe to newsletters purely because of the information and content they provide. We love the connection, getting to know the wordsmith, and bonding through our human denominator.
Would I subscribe to a fantastic newsletter written purely by AI?
Call me old school, but I know I wouldn’t. I enjoy seeing selfies of writers and their furry friends, getting to know their hobbies, celebrating their successes, knowing where they find the inspiration and what struggles they have.
It makes it real, raw, human.
People subscribe to people.
Your takeaway 🌳🍋
Treat your Substack like a community: your social newsletter.
Use Notes to add more touch points and become a familiar face.
Be creative: experiment, connect, and have fun!
Thank you so much for this summary and practical tips. Notes have been scarring me, tbh. I see many great Notes and I get intimidated. I think I have nothing interesting to say...
You've just given me hope ❤️
Veronica - I really loved this. So much so, that I included this post in my daily newsletter this morning. Excellent piece to save for fufture reference.