Thanks for this! With Notes, I very much feel like I have to make witty remarks to get a room full of strangers to like me – and this does not bode well for my love of deeper conversations!
I hear what you are saying though that it's more fast-paced and less conversational. I see it as the trailer to give people a taste of my writing and if they are interested, they can get the full movie in my newsletter.
This is really encouraging & relatable, as always. Thank you.
I do not have a large audience at all (and have just recently started this Substack gig), but I have sent out invitations on my Instagram and have maybe 30 people "Like" those notes or pics about my Substack. I direct them to my profile & show how easy it is to sign up, and NO ONE does. It's funny they like it and say an encouraging word but do not sign up--and these are people who like to read. I don't get it. 🤷♀️
But I so appreciate you saying you are "literally talking to [yourself] in the group chat"! 😂
Speaking of group chats--I have participated in a few. How does one start one of her own? Should I try that? But as you say, what if no one joins?
First, it's awesome you are here - growing your email list is the way to go.
Second, what you are describing is very common: it's extremely hard to get people to sign up to yet another social media platform. I have many followers on LinkedIn but only those who are already on Substack will support me there.
People are trying to have less apps, not more.
The answer for me is to grow organically leveraging the power of Notes and Recommendations. That's the way to grow faster here.
I really recommend you to invest some time on Notes (both creating and supporting others).
Here is a Post I wrote on 18 ideas for Notes.
Re Chat, I would push it once you have a bigger pool of subscribers as it's restricted to them.
It's like social media in general: it first gets exposed to a small pool of your followers. Depending on how it performs, the algorithm will expand the pool and if it keeps going well it pushes it beyond your own network of followers.
That's why and how posts go viral: the algo pushes it way further than your follower circle.
Thank you for this, Veronica. We each have the power to make the invisible visible--through our commitment to connect with others in person or in our writings.
Today I had one of those days where I felt alone in my writing. Your pep talk is just what I needed to read. Thanks for inviting me to the cool kids table!
I have worked with many artists in the entertainment world because my office is in Los Angeles right near the studios. This sentence is particularly true. "It doesn’t matter how great you are and how good your work is" There have been so many talented people that cant get noticed. In addition, we all need to be seen, heard and understand throughout our lives and many are missing that. Thank you for your rich post
This is an intimate testimony to be invisible and try to come up front. I can feel your feeling left out in the French school. But you certainly overcome the inner barriers with high grades. I read quite frequently similar stories. I always compare my experiences with my readings. In regard to being shy or feeling excluded I only have memories from my early childhood. From school age up, I was extrovert, center of the party, lead bull, etc. I may have to discover that an autocrat is hiding in me. Beware!
This is the way I feel here. I know it will take time to get going. But, this is different than Wealthy Affiliate, the Affiliate Marketing program I am in. It doesn't help that I am also trying to concentrate on my writing and have not delved deeper into learning Substack. Happy Tuesday! JD.
Thanks for this! With Notes, I very much feel like I have to make witty remarks to get a room full of strangers to like me – and this does not bode well for my love of deeper conversations!
Hi Anna,
Keep it up!
It's also about building the connection.
I hear what you are saying though that it's more fast-paced and less conversational. I see it as the trailer to give people a taste of my writing and if they are interested, they can get the full movie in my newsletter.
This is really encouraging & relatable, as always. Thank you.
I do not have a large audience at all (and have just recently started this Substack gig), but I have sent out invitations on my Instagram and have maybe 30 people "Like" those notes or pics about my Substack. I direct them to my profile & show how easy it is to sign up, and NO ONE does. It's funny they like it and say an encouraging word but do not sign up--and these are people who like to read. I don't get it. 🤷♀️
But I so appreciate you saying you are "literally talking to [yourself] in the group chat"! 😂
Speaking of group chats--I have participated in a few. How does one start one of her own? Should I try that? But as you say, what if no one joins?
Hi Shell,
First, it's awesome you are here - growing your email list is the way to go.
Second, what you are describing is very common: it's extremely hard to get people to sign up to yet another social media platform. I have many followers on LinkedIn but only those who are already on Substack will support me there.
People are trying to have less apps, not more.
The answer for me is to grow organically leveraging the power of Notes and Recommendations. That's the way to grow faster here.
I really recommend you to invest some time on Notes (both creating and supporting others).
Here is a Post I wrote on 18 ideas for Notes.
Re Chat, I would push it once you have a bigger pool of subscribers as it's restricted to them.
Notes first → Grow subscribers → Launch Chat
https://veronicallorcasmith.substack.com/p/18-ways-to-write-engaging-notes-on
Thank you so much!
Hi, Veronica.
Can you tell me if, when I post something, does the community see it? or does it just go out to my followers?
Thank you
JD
Hi JD,
I guess you mean post a Note on Substack, right?
It's like social media in general: it first gets exposed to a small pool of your followers. Depending on how it performs, the algorithm will expand the pool and if it keeps going well it pushes it beyond your own network of followers.
That's why and how posts go viral: the algo pushes it way further than your follower circle.
Thanks, Veronica. I have an aversion to Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X, so don't know how that all works.
JD
“Keep doing what you love because you love what you do.”
This is such a great reminder Veronica 🫶🏻
Thank you, I remind myself of that when I’m feeling lost or frustrated.
Thank you for this, Veronica. We each have the power to make the invisible visible--through our commitment to connect with others in person or in our writings.
We do have that power and it’s wonderful to use it to help others.
Thank you.
Thanks for this post, Veronica, you were definitely speaking to me 🙌
That’s great to hear, Sheridan.
We need to know we are not alone.
I loved it Veronica. That is just the way it is, the beginnings are tough!!
That's it and we have to embrace it.
There's also something liberating about being invisible: less pressure, more freedom...
Thank you, this is just what I needed to hear before making the step to make my substack more visible💖
Fantastic, Irene.
Please do and don't wait to be discovered.
From invisible to invincible ;)
I love that, yes I will!
Well said Veronica :)
Thank you Fi ;)
I spoke the truth.
I have not read the post but the title alone is what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
Thank you for saying that 🫶🏻
If you liked the title, I think (and hope) you will like the rest.
Today I had one of those days where I felt alone in my writing. Your pep talk is just what I needed to read. Thanks for inviting me to the cool kids table!
Awww Karen, I know those days!
I will pay you a visit soon. We are the cool kids ;)
I have worked with many artists in the entertainment world because my office is in Los Angeles right near the studios. This sentence is particularly true. "It doesn’t matter how great you are and how good your work is" There have been so many talented people that cant get noticed. In addition, we all need to be seen, heard and understand throughout our lives and many are missing that. Thank you for your rich post
Veronica,
This is an intimate testimony to be invisible and try to come up front. I can feel your feeling left out in the French school. But you certainly overcome the inner barriers with high grades. I read quite frequently similar stories. I always compare my experiences with my readings. In regard to being shy or feeling excluded I only have memories from my early childhood. From school age up, I was extrovert, center of the party, lead bull, etc. I may have to discover that an autocrat is hiding in me. Beware!
Tell them how the fight stands. When it was over, nobody asked and it didn't come to my mind to speak.
I was thinking a bit more on this.
First comes, what to speak about?
Second, how well it is performed?
Third, how well the audience percepts and understands?
In the background: how the stomach and the soul of the presenter is in pain or in joy?
When I was fighting for Hungary's access for advanced technologies, I knew how important it was, and O was asked by different fora totl them
Hahaha, let's unleash the autocrat in you!
To be honest, those experiences from a young age are the ones who pushed me out of my shell and my comfort zone.
I'm comfortable speaking in front of hundreds today and I owe that to having to face those challenges in life.
Beware, the introvert is out! ;)
This is the way I feel here. I know it will take time to get going. But, this is different than Wealthy Affiliate, the Affiliate Marketing program I am in. It doesn't help that I am also trying to concentrate on my writing and have not delved deeper into learning Substack. Happy Tuesday! JD.
Hi Jay,
We all feel like this at some point and it really means you are stepping into something new.
Everybody knows you in your home already ;)
Keep showing up as you are doing!
I can see you 😉
Thanks, Veronica. :)
JD
Thank you, Jean.
It’s funny because I can’t imagine what it would be like to grow up and live in the same country.
We all normalize what we have, right?
Hope you are well