Alright; so I’m struggling with similar issues here. I have things to say. I have a newsletter. I won’t even tell you how many subscribers I have because the number is embarrassing low. But the ones who subscribe tell me they love them. I think my voice has gotten more honed after doing this for a bit.
But no one new is coming, and I don’t really know how to get people reading. I don’t have much to offer people aside from my words (my debut book is searching for an agent & publisher and my articles/blog posts are in varying realms) and I just don’t know where to get readers. You strike me as someone who balks at the idea of sounding too salesy, so tell me - how is it that you gain subscribers?
I wish I knew a sure-fire way to get subscribers. I don't. I have more than 6000 followers at Twitter and I can't get more than the same handful to look at what I've written here.
I put links on my Facebook page, on the FB Substack Writers page, sometimes on Linkedin, sometimes on Muckrack (when I remember) and I regularly participate in Substack's Office Hours on Thursdays.
I try to read other Substack writers and comment when I want to, and I think that's a good way to reciprocate and draw new subscribers. But my experiences at Medium cause me to shy away from getting involved in anything that looks like a club. I'd much rather just be writing.
I'm the first one to admit I absolutely suck at marketing myself. I hate every aspect of it and wish I could hire the perfect PR person who would take it over and just let me do what I love to do--the damn writing part. I don't work very hard at it anymore. I'm happy with my niche here at Substack and, as much as I would want more readers, I want that feeling of peace that comes from just doing my thing and the hell with everything else.
But I get it that that's not for everyone. There was a time when I wanted it all, too. I admire your efforts and wish I had answers for you, beyond what I've said above. Maybe others here can chime in and give you better advice.
Your newsletter is a product, it needs to be marketed like any other. So mine is everywhere and anywhere that people would find good writing and interesting content.
Feb 7, 2022·edited Feb 7, 2022Liked by Ramona Grigg
I am not a substack writer 😳 My newsletter is on ConvertKit. I did just now put a link to my NL in my profile but that's probably not very helpful or attractive. 😕
Ah, that explains it. You're fine, Nicci. I love what you add here and you're always welcome. And any time you get a chance to push your own work, do it!
Hi Ramona. Your post reminds me of eating grapefruit Alaska... sweet meringue and French vanilla ice cream followed by a juicy, tart bite of grapefruit. It's one of my favorites. I savored your thoughts on the difference between a newsletter and a blog, then felt that puckering sensation as you described your thoughts on 'bad form'! Thoughts of my newsletter format!
I love that there are so many writers on so many topics. So many styles. So many formats. I feel like the newsletter as we knew it is morphing. I'm willing to experiment to see what sticks.
You have a lot more experience in this theater, and I will definitely say that I appreciate your tone. You're engaging. It's like talking face to face. It's easy to slip into formal writing, but I have the most fun when I am having a conversation with my readers. And, from the feedback I get, they like it better that way, too.
I'm still working on my voice. Some weeks I feel better about my writing than others, but I've decided it's important (for me, at least) to keep putting myself out there. If people subscribe or unsubscribe... it won't matter in 100 years.
LOL. That grapefruit Alaska sounds amazing! I love your imagery there. You have to remember that I'm an opinion writer from way back and I have a whole sackful of them just waiting to be let out.
I think about these things, often at four in the morning, and then I start writing them, trying to sort them out, and the next thing you know I'm pontificating when I should just be serving crumpets or something.
I do love to get a dialogue going. Some might call it 'instigating', but okay... 😉
To me, the main difference between a blog and newsletter is that the latter generally has a distribution network behind it. Even if you're "just" using a service like MailChimp, the infrastructure is largely handled before you even start typing.
As for the difference between a newsletter and, say, Medium; I'd say a newsletter lets you go deeper on specific things. People are there for-and want to hear from- you.
Good points. I hesitate to say I'm writing for a built-in audience, because that excludes everyone else, but I do think we take on a different tone when we remember that the majority of our newsletter readers are there because they've accepted our invitation to become regulars.
I definitely agree that a newsletter, at least on Substack, is more casual and friendly, and my newsletter’s writing reflects that. No need to be stuffy when you’re amongst friends, right? (Well, unless you’re naturally stuffy).
Can’t say I agree about the formatting, though. I use the fancy headers and block quotes, but that’s more me taking pride in my work and wanting it to look nice.
I do agree with breaking up those extra long paragraphs, though!
Hi Jay, welcome! I took a look at your newsletter and what you do there is far different from the posts I'm talking about here. You're providing a service by offering lengthy information about the often-complicated aspects of gaming, and I can see how headers and lists would work for you.
I understand the reasoning behind block quotes--bringing attention to a sentence or two that you feel is important enough to be highlighted and might get lost otherwise--and, in an informational piece, that might work, especially in a long, long piece. But in shorter, more personal newsletters they're a distraction and really unnecessary. (Again, my own opinion.) 😊
Ah, I see what you mean now! In that case, yes, fancy formatting would feel a bit… much for something shorter and more personal. Kinda “try hard”-ish. Anyway, looking forward to reading your newsletter! 🙂
I started my Substack by adding my entire mailing list to the free subscribers list, which was about 4000 emails. These are all people in my industry who have been getting email promotions from me for years, so receiving new original content from me was an attractive prospect
I've wondered how moving a subscription list works. Can you get into it a bit?
First, 4000 emails? Wow. I can't even imagine...
Did you announce your new newsletter to all of them first, before you added them? It seems a bit pushy, doesn't it, to just assume all of your subscribers would be open to yet another newsletter? (Just throwing that out there.)
I don't have a built-in subscriber list other than the few who subscribe on Medium, so I had to start from scratch, but I'm still curious about how that would work. Thanks.
That was just one list of mine. I had a few different ones. One from my own website, one from Mailchimp, etc. in my businese i meet scads of people all the time.
Why invite them when you can just add them? If some leave, so what? Some will stick around, and you’ll have a base of subscribers to send to. If you didn’t already have a large mailing list already after writing for years I’d consider this criminally lazy.
Guilty! I've never had a mailing list. I've never gotten the hang of marketing, and frankly hate everything about it. (Which is why you've never heard of me before now, even though I've been writing professionally since the early 80s.)
I also don't know how to find a 'CSV version' of my skimpy Medium mailing list.
You have to be more aggressive in reaching the people you want to reach. Also I contacted a few people who might make a larger contribution in the form of a "Founding membership" of $210 and there are a few of these now. I have 25 paying subscribers, and a couple of comps.
This is so helpful. I have been blogging for almost 10 years, first on Blogger and then on Wordpress.com and then on Wordpress.org. It was my "workshop" and I have so much writing in those places. When I decided to turn my blog into a travel podcast with a better potential to monetize, Substack appeared to be the best option. I love the community here. I love the changes they are making every week to make the experience better for readers and creators. And now I have to figure out how to convinced my podcasting partner for another podcast to make the move to bring all of our podcast material and expansion over here as well. Any advice for how to get more subscribers when you are also working a full time job? (I'm a high school English teacher.)
I don't know anything about podcasts except that they're rapidly becoming the thing to do! I wouldn't even know where to start but it couldn't hurt, could it, to have them in two places?
As for how to get more subscribers, I'm working on that one, too. I'm really terrible at marketing but I do love this format and the people I've gathered here, so while the memberships are slow there's something to be said for the satisfaction!
And I appreciate that Substack now allows you to have sections for a single "Newsletter." I guess I'm looking at my Substack now as equal parts newsletter, blog, and podcast, all in one place instead of multiple accounts. I hate marketing myself, which is my biggest problem. And I need people from OUTSIDE of my personal circle to take an interest in my work and share it with others. The modern world of writing is a double-edged sword: it's both easier to publish and get your work out there and harder to get people to pay attention because it's easier for everyone else.
Yes, the sections are great. It makes more sense for newsletter subscribers to be able to pick and choose the content they're interested in.
Ever since blogging began in earnest, that double-edged sword has existed. Both a blessing and a bane. You can't beat the freedom of a blog, but at the same time we're competing with thousands of others who think they have something to offer, too. I've never been able to figure out the magic formula that would allow me to rise to the top!
Hey, thanks! Hate when that happens!
Alright; so I’m struggling with similar issues here. I have things to say. I have a newsletter. I won’t even tell you how many subscribers I have because the number is embarrassing low. But the ones who subscribe tell me they love them. I think my voice has gotten more honed after doing this for a bit.
But no one new is coming, and I don’t really know how to get people reading. I don’t have much to offer people aside from my words (my debut book is searching for an agent & publisher and my articles/blog posts are in varying realms) and I just don’t know where to get readers. You strike me as someone who balks at the idea of sounding too salesy, so tell me - how is it that you gain subscribers?
I wish I knew a sure-fire way to get subscribers. I don't. I have more than 6000 followers at Twitter and I can't get more than the same handful to look at what I've written here.
I put links on my Facebook page, on the FB Substack Writers page, sometimes on Linkedin, sometimes on Muckrack (when I remember) and I regularly participate in Substack's Office Hours on Thursdays.
I try to read other Substack writers and comment when I want to, and I think that's a good way to reciprocate and draw new subscribers. But my experiences at Medium cause me to shy away from getting involved in anything that looks like a club. I'd much rather just be writing.
I'm the first one to admit I absolutely suck at marketing myself. I hate every aspect of it and wish I could hire the perfect PR person who would take it over and just let me do what I love to do--the damn writing part. I don't work very hard at it anymore. I'm happy with my niche here at Substack and, as much as I would want more readers, I want that feeling of peace that comes from just doing my thing and the hell with everything else.
But I get it that that's not for everyone. There was a time when I wanted it all, too. I admire your efforts and wish I had answers for you, beyond what I've said above. Maybe others here can chime in and give you better advice.
Everlastings? Are you reading this?
You need to market and promote your newsletter like there is no tomorrow and do some out of the box stuff, that is what I have been doing.
Can you give some examples? What do you mean by 'market'?
Your newsletter is a product, it needs to be marketed like any other. So mine is everywhere and anywhere that people would find good writing and interesting content.
I find subscribers by commenting on forums like this. I would add your name to your newsletter so people can click on your main page.
What now? What am I missing? The mechanics of all of this drive me crazy!
I was replying to NIcci above my comment. Beside your name is usually your newsletter title. (as we comment).
Oh, right. I wondered why Nicci's wasn't there. I thought that was automatic for Substack writers.
I am not a substack writer 😳 My newsletter is on ConvertKit. I did just now put a link to my NL in my profile but that's probably not very helpful or attractive. 😕
Ah, that explains it. You're fine, Nicci. I love what you add here and you're always welcome. And any time you get a chance to push your own work, do it!
Promote, promote, promote.
Hi Ramona. Your post reminds me of eating grapefruit Alaska... sweet meringue and French vanilla ice cream followed by a juicy, tart bite of grapefruit. It's one of my favorites. I savored your thoughts on the difference between a newsletter and a blog, then felt that puckering sensation as you described your thoughts on 'bad form'! Thoughts of my newsletter format!
I love that there are so many writers on so many topics. So many styles. So many formats. I feel like the newsletter as we knew it is morphing. I'm willing to experiment to see what sticks.
You have a lot more experience in this theater, and I will definitely say that I appreciate your tone. You're engaging. It's like talking face to face. It's easy to slip into formal writing, but I have the most fun when I am having a conversation with my readers. And, from the feedback I get, they like it better that way, too.
I'm still working on my voice. Some weeks I feel better about my writing than others, but I've decided it's important (for me, at least) to keep putting myself out there. If people subscribe or unsubscribe... it won't matter in 100 years.
That's a great point on tone; I think people are looking for a more personable one when they subscribe to newsletters.
I do, too. It took me a while, but yes.
LOL. That grapefruit Alaska sounds amazing! I love your imagery there. You have to remember that I'm an opinion writer from way back and I have a whole sackful of them just waiting to be let out.
I think about these things, often at four in the morning, and then I start writing them, trying to sort them out, and the next thing you know I'm pontificating when I should just be serving crumpets or something.
I do love to get a dialogue going. Some might call it 'instigating', but okay... 😉
To me, the main difference between a blog and newsletter is that the latter generally has a distribution network behind it. Even if you're "just" using a service like MailChimp, the infrastructure is largely handled before you even start typing.
As for the difference between a newsletter and, say, Medium; I'd say a newsletter lets you go deeper on specific things. People are there for-and want to hear from- you.
Good points. I hesitate to say I'm writing for a built-in audience, because that excludes everyone else, but I do think we take on a different tone when we remember that the majority of our newsletter readers are there because they've accepted our invitation to become regulars.
I definitely agree that a newsletter, at least on Substack, is more casual and friendly, and my newsletter’s writing reflects that. No need to be stuffy when you’re amongst friends, right? (Well, unless you’re naturally stuffy).
Can’t say I agree about the formatting, though. I use the fancy headers and block quotes, but that’s more me taking pride in my work and wanting it to look nice.
I do agree with breaking up those extra long paragraphs, though!
Hi Jay, welcome! I took a look at your newsletter and what you do there is far different from the posts I'm talking about here. You're providing a service by offering lengthy information about the often-complicated aspects of gaming, and I can see how headers and lists would work for you.
I understand the reasoning behind block quotes--bringing attention to a sentence or two that you feel is important enough to be highlighted and might get lost otherwise--and, in an informational piece, that might work, especially in a long, long piece. But in shorter, more personal newsletters they're a distraction and really unnecessary. (Again, my own opinion.) 😊
Ah, I see what you mean now! In that case, yes, fancy formatting would feel a bit… much for something shorter and more personal. Kinda “try hard”-ish. Anyway, looking forward to reading your newsletter! 🙂
I probably should have made it clearer. Thanks for giving me the chance to do that! Always happy to have these conversations.
I started my Substack by adding my entire mailing list to the free subscribers list, which was about 4000 emails. These are all people in my industry who have been getting email promotions from me for years, so receiving new original content from me was an attractive prospect
I've wondered how moving a subscription list works. Can you get into it a bit?
First, 4000 emails? Wow. I can't even imagine...
Did you announce your new newsletter to all of them first, before you added them? It seems a bit pushy, doesn't it, to just assume all of your subscribers would be open to yet another newsletter? (Just throwing that out there.)
I don't have a built-in subscriber list other than the few who subscribe on Medium, so I had to start from scratch, but I'm still curious about how that would work. Thanks.
That was just one list of mine. I had a few different ones. One from my own website, one from Mailchimp, etc. in my businese i meet scads of people all the time.
If you have a csv version of your
Mailing list, comma separated, you can just add them all on the Subscribers page
Why invite them when you can just add them? If some leave, so what? Some will stick around, and you’ll have a base of subscribers to send to. If you didn’t already have a large mailing list already after writing for years I’d consider this criminally lazy.
Guilty! I've never had a mailing list. I've never gotten the hang of marketing, and frankly hate everything about it. (Which is why you've never heard of me before now, even though I've been writing professionally since the early 80s.)
I also don't know how to find a 'CSV version' of my skimpy Medium mailing list.
I'm a total failure!
You have to be more aggressive in reaching the people you want to reach. Also I contacted a few people who might make a larger contribution in the form of a "Founding membership" of $210 and there are a few of these now. I have 25 paying subscribers, and a couple of comps.
I love this! Friends talking to friends. Exactly!
And here we are. Talking!
This is so helpful. I have been blogging for almost 10 years, first on Blogger and then on Wordpress.com and then on Wordpress.org. It was my "workshop" and I have so much writing in those places. When I decided to turn my blog into a travel podcast with a better potential to monetize, Substack appeared to be the best option. I love the community here. I love the changes they are making every week to make the experience better for readers and creators. And now I have to figure out how to convinced my podcasting partner for another podcast to make the move to bring all of our podcast material and expansion over here as well. Any advice for how to get more subscribers when you are also working a full time job? (I'm a high school English teacher.)
I don't know anything about podcasts except that they're rapidly becoming the thing to do! I wouldn't even know where to start but it couldn't hurt, could it, to have them in two places?
As for how to get more subscribers, I'm working on that one, too. I'm really terrible at marketing but I do love this format and the people I've gathered here, so while the memberships are slow there's something to be said for the satisfaction!
And I appreciate that Substack now allows you to have sections for a single "Newsletter." I guess I'm looking at my Substack now as equal parts newsletter, blog, and podcast, all in one place instead of multiple accounts. I hate marketing myself, which is my biggest problem. And I need people from OUTSIDE of my personal circle to take an interest in my work and share it with others. The modern world of writing is a double-edged sword: it's both easier to publish and get your work out there and harder to get people to pay attention because it's easier for everyone else.
Yes, the sections are great. It makes more sense for newsletter subscribers to be able to pick and choose the content they're interested in.
Ever since blogging began in earnest, that double-edged sword has existed. Both a blessing and a bane. You can't beat the freedom of a blog, but at the same time we're competing with thousands of others who think they have something to offer, too. I've never been able to figure out the magic formula that would allow me to rise to the top!
Same 🤷♀️