Okay. Wow. So - first off - You are asking all of the right questions, the questions we have all asked! (And continue to ask). It's a theme through here, but it's the main thing - yes, a lot of people are promoting themselves. The "sub for sub" thing is definitely about the numbers.
What I think, though, is this - the more subs and followers, the more people who will find your work. It might not be the people subscribing! I know myself, I hit Subscribe all the time to support people, but in reality, I can't get back to all of them, and (honestly) I don't necessarily love all of the content. But it helps increase their visibility.
If I like a piece, I hit Like, I hit Subscribe, or at the very least Follow, and I Restack the piece or a quote from the piece.
You are right that the number of likes on a post might be low. Mine definitely are. But the amount of people reading them unseen will be bigger than that. Check out your views - that stat will be bigger and bigger as you go.
And one comment from a person telling you they are glad you are here writing, they enjoyed your work, keep writing... that one comment makes it all worth it.
You are 100% in the right place. This isn't like other forms of social media - mostly good and genuine people are on here. Even the ones using it as a business or to make money are invariably polite and good-natured. There's a couple of douchebags, but this is way better than any other platform. And the content is far purer.
Keep writing and it will grow. Engage with anyone subscribing/following/commenting/liking and it will grow. Write Notes as often as you can manage and make them genuine and good.
But keep writing and posting above all else. It's good for you, and you never know how many other people it's good for too.
Thank you for taking the time to be authentic and share your perspectives and experiences! I really do appreciate it. Thank you for also being encouraging. I can guarantee you, I'll be making my way back to this comment more than once. 😊
This was a great read. The feeling that you’re drowning or not doing social media the “right way” is everywhere now isn’t it? That sticky creature shame, don’t let it get to you, you have a wonderful gift.
Great awareness! Yes most of the sub for sub are people chasing subs and not the community. They usually end up with a huge subblist that begins to slide downward and has very little engagement. A good number to track is engagement time, are people reading/listening to your posts? I tend to listen while I'm working, picking articles and have the app read it for me. Welcome to the community!
Thank you, Christopher! I have those same thoughts and questions. Engagement on Posts is so important to me, so I definitely appreciate subscribers who do actually read my Posts! Thank you again!
Hi Hannah, I'm new here too. Also hoping it is going to about actual engagement rather than just follower gathering. I always think with any social media, it should be about quality over quantity, otherwise what is the point.
Hey Hannah, thanks for being such a sweet soul. I’m fairly new to Substack too and still learning the ropes. The good thing about Substack is in spite of the sub for sub rave, people who are genuinely interested in your work will find you.
What you have to do is engage while you research, you will come across like minds. Show up in your notes. It’s being touted to be the best way to gain visibility so go for it.
I like that you are striving to be the best version of yourself every time, please keep it up.
The more you write and engage with others, the more clarity you will gain of what niche you want to focus on.
I loved this! You captured what many of us are thinking right now or thought at any moment in our substack journey. I really see myself in it. And i guess your on the right track. Just doing what you love, authentically. :) I don’t see any reason for interacting with any sub for sub notes. For me it’s not about as many subscribers as fast as possible. It’s about showing up and finally sharing my words on here. And I definitely love substack to give me this easy opportunity 😌
Thank you so much! I'm so happy this resonated with you in some way. I feel the same way, which doesn't surprise me as I've been enjoying your page- we seem to have a lot in common. 🥰 Thanks for taking the time to read and engage!!
I found myself pondering alot of the same questions as i first began to engage with substack. The first week was a bit rough had me questioning if I had just signed myself up for more algorithmic abuse (as writers all we truly want is to have our words read,felt, connected with). Sure enough substack began to show promise, now certainly I'm no substack celebrity at all but the ones who have chosen to sub me actual engage with my work and that means so much to me. I enjoyed this honest depiction of the thoughts we've all silently wrestled with regarding this platform and look forward to reading more from you.
Thank you so much for engaging. Your comment gives me encouragement! This was written pretty quick after getting started here, and I've been surprised and so happy with the connections I've made so far. It does feel different to some degree than other platforms, though I know algorithms and the game of marketing are still at play. I think this platform can be what we choose for it to be. Thank you! 💕
Love this!! Honestly, I had no idea what Substack even was until someone randomly mentioned it at a Bible study one night 😂 Since then I’ve been hooked!! It’s such a beautiful space to write, share, and connect. I absolutely love using it to pour out what God puts on my heart, to inspire, encourage, and spread the Gospel in creative ways. 💛🙏
If you enjoy real, faith-filled reflections with a little fire and a lot of grace, come hang out with me over on my Substack! 🤗🙌✨
Hannah, I'm still wondering about these questions as well, so I appreciate you bringing them to the fore. I like the idea of writers supporting each other, and I'm happy to do that as well, but I do wonder how to find my niche audience, it's something I've been working on for years. The main message I always walk away with is: consistency. Consistently write, share, and participate in conversations that are meaningful to me. I'm glad to find other seekers along the way.
Thank you for this! I appreciate you taking the time to read my Post and I'm happy it resonated in some way. I think I'll be asking these questions for some time but I also know Substack will be what I make it. I think you're spot on about finding your niche. You can have all the subscribers in the world, but does it really matter if they don't read your Posts? ❤️
I couldn't agree more! My biggest hope is that Substack doesn't lose its focus to competitive, paid-only pursuits. The community here, full of amazing writers, is what makes it special, and I look forward to meeting many more
That's something I hadn't thought of yet, but I can understand that fear. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I agree with you on all the amazing writers. Looking forward to reading more myself! 💕
You ask questions that I think we all ask ourselves. This "connect me" or "post your work" strategy is something that is done en masse. And here comes the question - why are people on Substack? To read, write or accumulate subscribers? Of course, everyone can do whatever they want, but let's not forget the main point of this platform - to connect through reading and writing, and not just to have hollow subscribers. Because let's face it - people subscribe en masse precisely to accumulate subscribers, which is extremely wrong.
Great piece! Your writing feels alive, like a human, and it's really refreshing.
To the point, I think many of us really love writing, and notes are just a source of promotion for long pieces. But the real art nourishes from sincerity, because any of this comes from the soul. It's why I chose this nickname - roar of soul.
Wow. What an incredible post. I think you’re asking all the necessary questions. And it seems it stems from genuine curiosity—which is a beautiful place to start.
I resonate with so much of what you wrote. I still consider myself early in my journey. But Substack’s essence has felt comforting so far. It feels different.
Sure, there are the Dear Substack posts I’m not really fond of, or people that seem to only want to connect to further push a subscriber count. That I’m not aligned with. And I hope we see less of those than more.
But from reading your piece it feels like you’re a pure soul who just wants to immerse yourself in your writing, be present, and find like-minded people along the way. That I resonate with. Deeply. And I hope we can find more folks operating from the same place! 🙏🏽
This is extremely encouraging. Just knowing there are folks out there like you who are genuinely interested!
Thank you so much. I appreciate all the kind words and support - so much. 💕 It's true. I write when I feel inspired and it always just comes naturally from my heart. I think that's all we can ask for from people on here.
I am so glad parts resonated with you. Here's to continuing on our writing journeys! 🥂
Okay. Wow. So - first off - You are asking all of the right questions, the questions we have all asked! (And continue to ask). It's a theme through here, but it's the main thing - yes, a lot of people are promoting themselves. The "sub for sub" thing is definitely about the numbers.
What I think, though, is this - the more subs and followers, the more people who will find your work. It might not be the people subscribing! I know myself, I hit Subscribe all the time to support people, but in reality, I can't get back to all of them, and (honestly) I don't necessarily love all of the content. But it helps increase their visibility.
If I like a piece, I hit Like, I hit Subscribe, or at the very least Follow, and I Restack the piece or a quote from the piece.
You are right that the number of likes on a post might be low. Mine definitely are. But the amount of people reading them unseen will be bigger than that. Check out your views - that stat will be bigger and bigger as you go.
And one comment from a person telling you they are glad you are here writing, they enjoyed your work, keep writing... that one comment makes it all worth it.
You are 100% in the right place. This isn't like other forms of social media - mostly good and genuine people are on here. Even the ones using it as a business or to make money are invariably polite and good-natured. There's a couple of douchebags, but this is way better than any other platform. And the content is far purer.
Keep writing and it will grow. Engage with anyone subscribing/following/commenting/liking and it will grow. Write Notes as often as you can manage and make them genuine and good.
But keep writing and posting above all else. It's good for you, and you never know how many other people it's good for too.
Thank you for taking the time to be authentic and share your perspectives and experiences! I really do appreciate it. Thank you for also being encouraging. I can guarantee you, I'll be making my way back to this comment more than once. 😊
Thanks, Hannah. I'm enjoying our conversations 😁
This was a great read. The feeling that you’re drowning or not doing social media the “right way” is everywhere now isn’t it? That sticky creature shame, don’t let it get to you, you have a wonderful gift.
Yes! Thank you so very much! We can't let shame take over. We are perfectly loved for who we are.
Love this! I too have been overwhelmed by the posts promising this that or the other.
What I really want is to write and connect-
And here we are- writing and connecting!
Perfect!
Thank you! I've been very unexpectedly pleased with it here so far!
Great awareness! Yes most of the sub for sub are people chasing subs and not the community. They usually end up with a huge subblist that begins to slide downward and has very little engagement. A good number to track is engagement time, are people reading/listening to your posts? I tend to listen while I'm working, picking articles and have the app read it for me. Welcome to the community!
Thank you, Christopher! I have those same thoughts and questions. Engagement on Posts is so important to me, so I definitely appreciate subscribers who do actually read my Posts! Thank you again!
Hi Hannah, I'm new here too. Also hoping it is going to about actual engagement rather than just follower gathering. I always think with any social media, it should be about quality over quantity, otherwise what is the point.
And welcome! I will check out your publication.
You're right! I've always sided on quality over quantity in life. Thank you for taking the time to read and engage!! 😊
Hey Hannah, thanks for being such a sweet soul. I’m fairly new to Substack too and still learning the ropes. The good thing about Substack is in spite of the sub for sub rave, people who are genuinely interested in your work will find you.
What you have to do is engage while you research, you will come across like minds. Show up in your notes. It’s being touted to be the best way to gain visibility so go for it.
I like that you are striving to be the best version of yourself every time, please keep it up.
The more you write and engage with others, the more clarity you will gain of what niche you want to focus on.
You will find your voice soonest. So sure of it.
Thank you! This means a lot! I can agree on gaining clarity as I go. It's already happening. Thanks so much. 🥰
I loved this! You captured what many of us are thinking right now or thought at any moment in our substack journey. I really see myself in it. And i guess your on the right track. Just doing what you love, authentically. :) I don’t see any reason for interacting with any sub for sub notes. For me it’s not about as many subscribers as fast as possible. It’s about showing up and finally sharing my words on here. And I definitely love substack to give me this easy opportunity 😌
Thank you so much! I'm so happy this resonated with you in some way. I feel the same way, which doesn't surprise me as I've been enjoying your page- we seem to have a lot in common. 🥰 Thanks for taking the time to read and engage!!
It's like listening to myself thinking about this platform shortly after joining 😂 we'll figure it out, don't worry
Haha, well I'm glad it resonates in some way. Appreciate you taking the time to read and engage! 😊
I found myself pondering alot of the same questions as i first began to engage with substack. The first week was a bit rough had me questioning if I had just signed myself up for more algorithmic abuse (as writers all we truly want is to have our words read,felt, connected with). Sure enough substack began to show promise, now certainly I'm no substack celebrity at all but the ones who have chosen to sub me actual engage with my work and that means so much to me. I enjoyed this honest depiction of the thoughts we've all silently wrestled with regarding this platform and look forward to reading more from you.
Thank you so much for engaging. Your comment gives me encouragement! This was written pretty quick after getting started here, and I've been surprised and so happy with the connections I've made so far. It does feel different to some degree than other platforms, though I know algorithms and the game of marketing are still at play. I think this platform can be what we choose for it to be. Thank you! 💕
Love this!! Honestly, I had no idea what Substack even was until someone randomly mentioned it at a Bible study one night 😂 Since then I’ve been hooked!! It’s such a beautiful space to write, share, and connect. I absolutely love using it to pour out what God puts on my heart, to inspire, encourage, and spread the Gospel in creative ways. 💛🙏
If you enjoy real, faith-filled reflections with a little fire and a lot of grace, come hang out with me over on my Substack! 🤗🙌✨
Thank you, Nicole! That is very inspiring. Can't wait to read your Posts.
I pray you enjoy them! That they inspire uplift and bring you into the presence of the Holy Spirit 🤗🙌
Thank you!!
Hannah, I'm still wondering about these questions as well, so I appreciate you bringing them to the fore. I like the idea of writers supporting each other, and I'm happy to do that as well, but I do wonder how to find my niche audience, it's something I've been working on for years. The main message I always walk away with is: consistency. Consistently write, share, and participate in conversations that are meaningful to me. I'm glad to find other seekers along the way.
Thank you for this! I appreciate you taking the time to read my Post and I'm happy it resonated in some way. I think I'll be asking these questions for some time but I also know Substack will be what I make it. I think you're spot on about finding your niche. You can have all the subscribers in the world, but does it really matter if they don't read your Posts? ❤️
It’s raw. It’s beautiful. And I loved reading it.
I appreciate your feedback so much. Thank you for taking the time to read it!
I couldn't agree more! My biggest hope is that Substack doesn't lose its focus to competitive, paid-only pursuits. The community here, full of amazing writers, is what makes it special, and I look forward to meeting many more
That's something I hadn't thought of yet, but I can understand that fear. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I agree with you on all the amazing writers. Looking forward to reading more myself! 💕
You ask questions that I think we all ask ourselves. This "connect me" or "post your work" strategy is something that is done en masse. And here comes the question - why are people on Substack? To read, write or accumulate subscribers? Of course, everyone can do whatever they want, but let's not forget the main point of this platform - to connect through reading and writing, and not just to have hollow subscribers. Because let's face it - people subscribe en masse precisely to accumulate subscribers, which is extremely wrong.
Thank you for say this!! I couldn't agree more. And thank you for taking the time to read. 💓
Great piece! Your writing feels alive, like a human, and it's really refreshing.
To the point, I think many of us really love writing, and notes are just a source of promotion for long pieces. But the real art nourishes from sincerity, because any of this comes from the soul. It's why I chose this nickname - roar of soul.
This is perfect- thank you! And I love your name. 💕 Thank you for taking the time to read this piece.
That’s vibe, love it :)
Thanks you for the compliment, blessings!
Wow. What an incredible post. I think you’re asking all the necessary questions. And it seems it stems from genuine curiosity—which is a beautiful place to start.
I resonate with so much of what you wrote. I still consider myself early in my journey. But Substack’s essence has felt comforting so far. It feels different.
Sure, there are the Dear Substack posts I’m not really fond of, or people that seem to only want to connect to further push a subscriber count. That I’m not aligned with. And I hope we see less of those than more.
But from reading your piece it feels like you’re a pure soul who just wants to immerse yourself in your writing, be present, and find like-minded people along the way. That I resonate with. Deeply. And I hope we can find more folks operating from the same place! 🙏🏽
This is extremely encouraging. Just knowing there are folks out there like you who are genuinely interested!
Thank you so much. I appreciate all the kind words and support - so much. 💕 It's true. I write when I feel inspired and it always just comes naturally from my heart. I think that's all we can ask for from people on here.
I am so glad parts resonated with you. Here's to continuing on our writing journeys! 🥂