But, but, but . . . Since the algorithm changed, I’m getting NO traction on notes. I’ve no idea who sees them, but I suspect the distribution severely limited. I stand by what I write and how I write it. My readers love it.
I have given up on publishing notes per se and am relying on restacking posts I like with my note included. Those do get some response.
I’m also seeing far fewer notes that interest me. The algorithm is a farce.
This method fits old-fashioned human salesmanship. Car salesmen used to divide buyers into three categories. Conservative Prospects were cheapskates who resisted options and upselling. They wanted the basics. Stepup Prospects were status-minded strivers who welcomed upselling. Luxury Prospects didn't need status symbols, so they couldn't be upsold. Salesmen loved Stepups and didn't like dealing with Conservatives or Luxuries.
I appreciate these reminders. I don't really think in waves and am unlikely to break from my weekly rhythm, but I do sometimes break from my usual programming. Whether that will ever drive subscriptions is another matter. I remember thinking naively when I launched my Substack that the paid subscriptions would just keep building over time. But I wasn't accounting for the fact that I don't keep any subscriptions for life, so why would my readers? I have some of those diehard folks in my camp, but a primary income through subscriptions alone is a far-off prospect for me. It's better to think of my series as a lead magnet for coaching and editing.
I don’t think you’re the only one who’s a bit unimpressed by the selling aspects that are inherently at play inside a newsletter space like Substack. It was probably 18 months ago that I began playing with some of the elements of ecommerce and realized the behaviors matched on Substack. It was sort of comforting (in that I like having knowledge of how things work), but it was also deflating because I was hoping Substack would somehow rewrite the rules of economic engagement, too. In a lot of ways, it has, but there’s also an element of needing to surprise and delight readers around their newsletter experience of your writing that pulls a lot of folks away from their first true love (the writing!). I’m glad it’s working for you as a lead magnet for coaching and editing. You should share a link here so folks know where to find you. ☀️
Amanda - do we know if Substack is prioritising newsletters that have a paid option versus those that don’t? I’d imagine for their business model that it would benefit them to lead people to the paid ones?
I can't wait to learn more about this. Even in the last week or two, I noticed a subtle shift in response. I wasn't sure if it was just me and changing how I approach my writing... now I know it's both.
Thanks for sharing this Amanda. I have started following your advice on themes and arcs. Will track how it feels to me after a few months and lean into the data that might give pointers to the path ahead for my writing.
I love the way this feels. Thank you so much for sharing this update and your insights about it.
I recently read a book called The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s an epistolary novel that Ann Patchett (goddess that she is) called “a cause for celebration.” I bring it up because the experience of reading it made me long to indulge in the natural rhythm and intimate connection of old-fashioned letter writing.
And I found myself thinking about the ways in which a “newsletter” might be more like an actual letter. It feels painfully obvious (I’m almost embarrassed to share it here), but that realization is making me rethink the way I come to my Substack writing. Again. 😆
Happily, what you have shared here seems to encourage what I’m leaning into, so that makes me happy. 💜
I have felt that too, Julie. Or sometimes like I’m writing to a future reader. Although my journals are so boring, internal, and repetitive that I can’t imagine anyone would want to read them. 😆
This approach is music to my ears! I've been fighting all the BS that tricks you into thinking there's something to game. And it sounds like this is just the permission slip we need to be more of ourselves!
This is such a brilliant way of looking at it. It really does feel as though Substack is working with us, not that we are working for Substack - unlike other social media platforms
I have been DABBLING in instagram for the last few months, mainly because I noticed a shift in my storytelling spark and I wanted to chase it. Last week they took a tool away from me that I’d long used to do voiceovers … and I went, “Oh, this is just rubbish! No wonder people are going mad …” Give people a tool and then take it back? Are these people bonkers…?
This is so refreshing! I've been noticing I think in big thematic arcs & I feel a bit adrift with what to publish when I'm in between one arc and the next.
But, but, but . . . Since the algorithm changed, I’m getting NO traction on notes. I’ve no idea who sees them, but I suspect the distribution severely limited. I stand by what I write and how I write it. My readers love it.
I have given up on publishing notes per se and am relying on restacking posts I like with my note included. Those do get some response.
I’m also seeing far fewer notes that interest me. The algorithm is a farce.
This method fits old-fashioned human salesmanship. Car salesmen used to divide buyers into three categories. Conservative Prospects were cheapskates who resisted options and upselling. They wanted the basics. Stepup Prospects were status-minded strivers who welcomed upselling. Luxury Prospects didn't need status symbols, so they couldn't be upsold. Salesmen loved Stepups and didn't like dealing with Conservatives or Luxuries.
I’m encouraged by this!!
Thank you for the post, it was illuminating!
I appreciate these reminders. I don't really think in waves and am unlikely to break from my weekly rhythm, but I do sometimes break from my usual programming. Whether that will ever drive subscriptions is another matter. I remember thinking naively when I launched my Substack that the paid subscriptions would just keep building over time. But I wasn't accounting for the fact that I don't keep any subscriptions for life, so why would my readers? I have some of those diehard folks in my camp, but a primary income through subscriptions alone is a far-off prospect for me. It's better to think of my series as a lead magnet for coaching and editing.
I don’t think you’re the only one who’s a bit unimpressed by the selling aspects that are inherently at play inside a newsletter space like Substack. It was probably 18 months ago that I began playing with some of the elements of ecommerce and realized the behaviors matched on Substack. It was sort of comforting (in that I like having knowledge of how things work), but it was also deflating because I was hoping Substack would somehow rewrite the rules of economic engagement, too. In a lot of ways, it has, but there’s also an element of needing to surprise and delight readers around their newsletter experience of your writing that pulls a lot of folks away from their first true love (the writing!). I’m glad it’s working for you as a lead magnet for coaching and editing. You should share a link here so folks know where to find you. ☀️
Amanda - do we know if Substack is prioritising newsletters that have a paid option versus those that don’t? I’d imagine for their business model that it would benefit them to lead people to the paid ones?
Jodie, this is a good question. I wonder that as well. Since I am new to Substack, I haven’t turned on paid subscriptions yet.
I can't wait to learn more about this. Even in the last week or two, I noticed a subtle shift in response. I wasn't sure if it was just me and changing how I approach my writing... now I know it's both.
A great piece, Amanda. I look forward to getting curious and playing with some of these strategies.
Thanks for sharing this Amanda. I have started following your advice on themes and arcs. Will track how it feels to me after a few months and lean into the data that might give pointers to the path ahead for my writing.
I love the way this feels. Thank you so much for sharing this update and your insights about it.
I recently read a book called The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. It’s an epistolary novel that Ann Patchett (goddess that she is) called “a cause for celebration.” I bring it up because the experience of reading it made me long to indulge in the natural rhythm and intimate connection of old-fashioned letter writing.
And I found myself thinking about the ways in which a “newsletter” might be more like an actual letter. It feels painfully obvious (I’m almost embarrassed to share it here), but that realization is making me rethink the way I come to my Substack writing. Again. 😆
Happily, what you have shared here seems to encourage what I’m leaning into, so that makes me happy. 💜
This sounds so cool! Some days when I’m journaling it feels like I’m writing a letter to myself.
I have felt that too, Julie. Or sometimes like I’m writing to a future reader. Although my journals are so boring, internal, and repetitive that I can’t imagine anyone would want to read them. 😆
Right?!
Follow that spark of curiosity, Jamie. I trust it. ☀️
I’d love to jump on a live to talk about this if you fancy?!
Think in waves! Yes!
This approach is music to my ears! I've been fighting all the BS that tricks you into thinking there's something to game. And it sounds like this is just the permission slip we need to be more of ourselves!
This is such a brilliant way of looking at it. It really does feel as though Substack is working with us, not that we are working for Substack - unlike other social media platforms
I have been DABBLING in instagram for the last few months, mainly because I noticed a shift in my storytelling spark and I wanted to chase it. Last week they took a tool away from me that I’d long used to do voiceovers … and I went, “Oh, this is just rubbish! No wonder people are going mad …” Give people a tool and then take it back? Are these people bonkers…?
I'm a long term Instagram user but every year I like it a little less. It feels increasingly like pushing water uphill over there
Our fearless leader nails it again! Thanks Amanda.
This is so refreshing! I've been noticing I think in big thematic arcs & I feel a bit adrift with what to publish when I'm in between one arc and the next.