3 Simple Strategies to Make People "Addicted" to Your Substack Content

The psychology of writing content so addicting people actually want to open, read, and share

I noticed something strange about my reading habits recently.

Some writers I couldn't get enough of. Others I completely ignored.

It wasn't about topics - sometimes I'd devour content on subjects I barely cared about, while ignoring posts on topics I was genuinely interested in.

It wasn't about frequency. Some writers I'd read daily, others I'd skip even if they only showed up once a month.

And it definitely wasn't just about quality writing. Some technically "great" writers routinely sat unread in my inbox, while I'd drop everything for content that broke conventional writing rules.

This pattern raised an uncomfortable question: If I was this selective as a reader, weren't my own subscribers doing the exact same thing with my content?

I started paying closer attention to my own behavior. What made me instantly open some emails? What made me actually read them all the way through? And most importantly, what made me eagerly anticipate the next one?

I became borderline obsessive about this question. I studied the writers I couldn't ignore. I analyzed what made their content different. I even started tracking my own reading patterns to identify what pulled me in time after time.

What I discovered changed everything about how I approach my Substack.

The writers I loved weren't just good at writing - they were masters at creating addictive content. Content that didn't just inform or entertain me, but that formed an almost magnetic connection that kept me coming back for more.

Their secret wasn't complicated, fancy prose, or even necessarily expertise. It came down to three specific strategies they consistently employed - often unconsciously - that transformed their content from "good enough" to genuinely addictive.

Once I recognized these patterns, I completely rebuilt how I approached my own newsletter. I stopped focusing just on topics and started implementing these addiction-building strategies with every post.

The results were immediate and dramatic:

• My Substack & email open rates increased 8-9%+

• Comments and engagement steadily increased

• My subscriber growth rated doubled 2X

• And…it became more enjoyable to write

But the real transformation wasn't in the metrics. It was in how readers began to respond. Messages like "I literally stop everything when I see your newsletter" and "This is the only Substack I read immediately" became commonplace.

Today, I'm breaking down these three simple strategies that transformed my content from being merely consumed to being genuinely craved. They're remarkably simple to implement yet make an enormous difference in how your content resonates and performs.

Let's dive in.

---

Imagine Your Substack with 1000+ “Addicted” Fans

Before we dive into the strategies, I want you to pause and imagine something with me.

What if your next newsletter wasn't just another drop in your subscribers' overflowing inboxes?

What if instead, when your post landed, people actually stopped what they were doing to read it? What if they forwarded it to friends saying, "You have to see this?” What if your subscribers actually looked forward to your posts instead of seeing them as another obligation?

This isn't fantasy. This is what happens when your content becomes truly addictive.

Think about how this would transform your Substack experience:

• Instead of worrying about growth, new subscribers would flow in organically as current readers eagerly share your content

• Instead of stressing about monetization, your audience would be primed to buy whatever you offer because they already value your free content so highly

• Instead of dreading the content creation process, you'd look forward to it, knowing your work would actually be appreciated

Most Substack writers are trapped in a vicious cycle. They create content that gets minimal engagement, so they create more content hoping quantity will solve the problem. They publish more frequently, try different topics, or spend hours on promotion – all while missing the real issue.

The problem isn't how much content you're creating. It's how addictive that content is.

I discovered this truth the hard way. For months, I was publishing consistently, covering topics I thought would resonate, following all the standard advice. But my growth was minimal and engagement was lukewarm at best.

Then I noticed something that changed everything. There were a handful of newsletters I never missed. I'd open them immediately, read every word, and eagerly anticipate the next issue. They weren't necessarily better written or more informative than others I ignored. Something else was happening.

That observation set me on a path to discover what made some content unmissable while other content was instantly forgettable. I started studying these writers obsessively, reverse-engineering their approaches, and testing elements in my own newsletter.

The shift in results was dramatic.

When I implemented the strategies I'm about to share, my open rates jumped. Comments and shares increased. New subscribers started coming in daily without additional promotion. And perhaps most importantly, the quality of engagement completely transformed – from polite acknowledgment to genuine enthusiasm.

What if you could create that same level of connection with your audience?

What if, instead of adding more content to your production schedule, you could make the content you're already creating significantly more impactful?

That's exactly what these three strategies will help you do. They don't require more time or effort – just a shift in approach that makes your content genuinely addictive to consume.

Let's explore how it works.

---

Strategy #1: Use The Why/What/How/What If Framework

The first thing I noticed about addictive content wasn't what it contained, but how it was structured.

The most compelling writers weren't just sharing information – they were satisfying different learning needs in a systematic way.

Think about the last time you read something that truly resonated with you. Chances are, it didn't just tell you what to do – it addressed why it mattered, how to implement it, and what outcomes to expect.

This insight led me to a framework I now use with every post: Why/What/How/What If.

I first encountered this concept from marketing expert Jason Fladlien, but I've adapted it specifically for newsletter content. The premise is simple but powerful: different readers need different types of information to fully engage with your content.

Here's how it works:

Start with WHY

Before diving into any topic, explain why it matters. What's at stake? What's the dream outcome? Why should your reader care?

I noticed the emails I'd skip often jumped straight into tactics without first establishing relevance. Meanwhile, the writers I couldn't ignore always took a moment to connect their topic to a larger purpose.

For example, instead of jumping straight into "3 ways to grow your newsletter," they'd open with: "The difference between a stagnant newsletter and one that generates consistent income comes down to three growth levers most writers never pull."

The WHY creates context and emotional investment before you share a single tactic.

Then tell them WHAT to do

Once you've established why something matters, provide clear, specific, actionable steps.

The newsletters I consistently devoured weren't vague. They didn't deal in generalities. They gave precise instructions: "Step 1: Do this. Step 2: Do that. Step 3: Implement this specific approach."

Specificity is magnetic. When you move from general advice to specific actions, readers can actually visualize themselves implementing your ideas.

Address HOW to overcome obstacles

Here's where most content falls short. It tells you what to do, but not how to handle the inevitable challenges.

The writers I couldn't stop reading always anticipated where I might get stuck. They addressed the common pitfalls, mistakes, and challenges before I even encountered them.

"Where most people mess up on step 2 is they try to optimize too early. Instead, focus first on consistency, then refine."

This makes your content feel almost prescient – like you're right there with the reader, guiding them through difficulties they haven't even faced yet.

Close with WHAT IF possibilities

The final element that makes content addictive is painting a picture of possibilities. After covering the why, what, and how, the most compelling writers always circle back to outcomes.

"What if you implemented just this one strategy consistently for the next 30 days? Based on what I've seen, you could reasonably expect to double your open rates and see a 30% increase in engagement."

This creates a powerful close loop – you began with why something matters, and you end with the specific impact it could have. It's a before-and-after picture that makes your content feel complete and satisfying.

When I started consciously applying this framework to my own newsletter, something remarkable happened. Not only did engagement increase, but the quality and depth of responses changed dramatically.

Readers stopped sending generic "great post" comments and started responding with things like, "I implemented step 2 right away and already saw results" or "I've been stuck on exactly the obstacle you described – thank you for showing me how to overcome it."

The Why/What/How/What If framework isn't just about organizing information – it's about creating a complete experience that leaves no reader behind, regardless of their learning style or where they are in their journey.

This alone transformed my content from something people might read to something they couldn't wait to consume.

But it was just the first piece of the puzzle...

---

Strategy #2: Be Boldly Opinionated

The second pattern I discovered in addictive content was both obvious and counterintuitive:

The most compelling newsletters had strong, specific opinions.

This might seem obvious, but there's a deeper insight here that changed everything about my approach to content creation.

In a world drowning in "it depends" advice and carefully balanced perspectives, opinions that take a clear stand are refreshingly magnetic.

I noticed something fascinating about my own reading habits: I'd eagerly consume content from writers I occasionally disagreed with, while ignoring "safer" content that tried to please everyone.

Why? Because strong opinions give readers something to react to. They create mental friction that engages the mind in a way that balanced, careful content simply can't.

But there's a specific way to be opinionated that draws people in rather than pushing them away.

Be Specific, Not Generic

The writers whose content I couldn't resist didn't deal in vague principles. They made concrete claims with specific recommendations.

Instead of "you should consider various email service providers based on your needs," they'd say "After testing eight different platforms, ConvertKit is the only one worth considering for creators serious about monetization. Here's why..."

This specificity does something powerful: it eliminates decision fatigue for your readers. Rather than giving them more things to research and evaluate, you're giving them clarity and direction.

Take a Stand Where Others Waffle

The most addictive content doesn't hide behind qualifiers and caveats. It makes clear assertions in areas where most people hedge their bets.

I noticed the newsletters I eagerly anticipated all had moments that made me think, "Wow, they really just said that."

For example, instead of "Finding your niche is important for growth," they'd write "The 'find your niche' advice is actively harmful for most new writers and prevents them from discovering what actually resonates. Here's what works instead..."

The key is that these weren't just provocative statements for the sake of being controversial. They were genuine convictions based on experience and observation – which brings us to the third element:

Back Opinions with Experience, Not Theory

The opinions that truly connected weren't random hot takes. They were perspectives earned through real experience.

When writers shared what they'd personally tested, tried, failed at, and eventually mastered, their opinions carried weight that theoretical knowledge never could.

I started noticing phrases like:

"I've tried this approach with 17 different newsletters, and every single time..."

"After making this mistake repeatedly for six months..."

"I spent $2,300 testing different approaches before discovering..."

These experience-backed opinions created a level of credibility that made their content impossible to ignore.

When I began applying this to my own newsletter, it felt risky at first. Would taking clearer stands alienate some readers? Would being more definitive make me seem arrogant?

What actually happened surprised me. Yes, some people unsubscribed – but many more became more engaged than ever. Comments included things like:

"Finally someone is saying what needs to be said about this!"

"I've been thinking this for years but couldn't articulate it"

"I don't completely agree, but this really made me reconsider my approach"

Even disagreement led to deeper engagement, as long as my opinions were grounded in genuine experience rather than just trying to be provocative.

Being opinionated doesn't mean being argumentative or dismissive of other perspectives. It simply means having the courage to take clear positions rather than trying to please everyone with balanced, forgettable content.

Combined with the Why/What/How/What If framework, this approach started transforming my content from something readers merely consumed to something they actively anticipated.

---

Strategy #3: Master the Art of Cliffhangers

The third pattern I discovered in addictive content seemed almost too simple to be effective, yet it consistently appeared in every newsletter I couldn't resist opening:

They always left me wanting more.

Not in a manipulative, clickbait way. Not by withholding valuable information. But by creating anticipation for what was coming next.

It was like watching a great TV series where each episode ends with just enough resolution to feel satisfied, but with an open thread that makes you eager for the next installment.

This is the power of the content cliffhanger.

I noticed the newsletters I never missed always included a preview of what was coming in the next issue. But they didn't just mention the topic – they specifically highlighted the benefit or insight their next post would deliver.

For example:

"In Thursday's newsletter, I'll show you the exact cold outreach template that's generating a 42% response rate for Substack writers looking to collaborate. This approach is completely different from what most people teach, and it's working exceptionally well right now."

This simple technique creates an "open loop" in the reader's mind. It plants a seed of curiosity that makes your next newsletter feel like a continuation of a story they're already invested in, rather than a standalone piece they might skip.

What makes this strategy so powerful is its simplicity. You don't need special writing skills or complex techniques. You just need to:

1. Identify something valuable you'll cover in your next post

2. Frame it in terms of the specific benefit to the reader

3. Place it at the end of your current post

I started testing this approach with my own newsletter, and the impact on open rates was immediate. My second-in-a-series posts typically had open rates 15-20% higher than standalone pieces. Even more telling, I started receiving messages asking, "When is that post about [previewed topic] coming out? I've been waiting for it!"

But there's a critical nuance that separates effective cliffhangers from annoying ones:

Your cliffhangers must deliver genuine value in the next post

If you preview something compelling but then deliver something mediocre, you'll break trust with your readers. The cliffhanger promise creates a contract with your audience – and fulfilling that contract is essential for building long-term addiction to your content.

I discovered this the hard way when I once teased a "game-changing approach" that, in retrospect, wasn't particularly revolutionary. The feedback was immediate: "I was expecting something more based on your last post."

That taught me to carefully calibrate my previews to ensure they accurately represented what was coming next.

The most effective cliffhangers I studied (and later implemented) shared three characteristics:

1. They were specific about the content coming next (not vague teasers)

2. They focused on the benefit to the reader, not just the topic

3. They created genuine anticipation without overpromising

This approach transforms your newsletter from a collection of disconnected posts into an ongoing journey your readers want to follow. Each piece builds on the last, creating a compelling narrative that keeps people opening, reading, and engaging post after post.

When combined with the Why/What/How/What If framework and bold, experience-backed opinions, this cliffhanger technique completes the trifecta of truly addictive content.

Together, these three strategies don't just improve engagement – they fundamentally change how readers relate to your work.

---

Putting It All Together: Your Addictive Content System

The true power of these strategies emerges when you combine them into a cohesive system.

While each technique works independently, I discovered their impact multiplies exponentially when used together. Here's how I structure nearly every post I write now:

1. I start with the Why/What/How/What If framework to create comprehensive, satisfying content

2. I weave in specific, experience-backed opinions that give readers clarity

3. I close with a compelling preview of what's coming next

This system transformed my Substack from just another newsletter to a must-read publication for my target audience.

But here's what makes this approach so sustainable: it actually makes writing easier, not harder.

When I implemented these strategies, something unexpected happened. Not only did reader engagement skyrocket, but my own content creation process became more efficient and enjoyable.

The Why/What/How/What If framework eliminated the blank page problem by giving me a clear structure for every post. Having permission to share strong opinions freed me from the paralysis of trying to please everyone. And planning content sequences with intentional cliffhangers solved the "what should I write about next?" dilemma.

Let me show you a real example of how this works in practice:

In one of my most successful newsletters, I opened by explaining WHY newsletter monetization strategies were changing (establishing relevance and urgency)…

Then I outlined WHAT specific approach was working now (with clear, actionable steps). I addressed HOW to overcome the common obstacles readers would face when implementing this approach.

…And I concluded with a WHAT IF scenario showing realistic outcomes they could expect.

Throughout the piece, I included specific opinions based on my experience: "The paid subscription model is fundamentally broken for creators with fewer than 5,000 subscribers. Here's what works instead..." This clarity created intense engagement in the comments.

I closed with a preview of my next post: "Next week, I'll show you the exact email sequence that converts free subscribers to buyers at 3x the industry average. This approach requires no special technology and can be implemented in under an hour."

The result? My highest open rate ever for the follow-up post, dozens of comments, and multiple readers reaching out directly to work with me.

This isn't just about metrics, though. The real transformation is in how it feels to create content that genuinely resonates. There's nothing more satisfying than knowing your work isn't just being consumed – it's being anticipated, appreciated, and applied.

But I know what you might be thinking...

---

Is This Approach Right for You?

At this point, you might be wondering if these strategies will work for your specific Substack.

"But my niche is different..." "I write about more serious topics..." "My audience is looking for objective information..."

I had these same doubts before implementing these approaches. I worried that being more opinionated might alienate readers, that using a structured framework might feel formulaic, or that adding cliffhangers might seem manipulative.

What I discovered surprised me.

These strategies work across virtually every type of content because they're not about changing what you write – they're about enhancing how you present your ideas.

The Why/What/How/What If framework works whether you're writing about financial analysis, climate science, personal development, or fiction writing techniques. It simply ensures you're addressing the complete spectrum of your readers' needs.

Being opinionated doesn't mean being confrontational or dismissive – it means providing clarity in a world overwhelmed with options. Even in data-heavy or technical fields, readers crave clear direction and specific recommendations.

And thoughtful cliffhangers work in any context where you're publishing regularly. They simply create continuity between your posts, making your body of work feel like a coherent journey rather than disconnected pieces.

I've now helped dozens of Substack writers implement these strategies across wildly different niches:

• A financial analyst saw engagement double after restructuring his market commentary

• A fiction writer tripled her paid conversion rate by using strategic cliffhangers

• A health researcher built his first four-figure audience by balancing data with clear opinions

The common factor? Readers in every field are drowning in content but starving for clarity, direction, and connection. These strategies deliver exactly that.

But there is one requirement: you need to genuinely care about your readers' experience. These aren't manipulation tactics – they're communication enhancements that require authentic intent to serve your audience better.

If you're just looking for quick hacks to boost numbers without doing the work of creating valuable content, this approach won't help. But if you're already creating meaningful work and want to ensure it actually reaches and impacts your audience, these strategies will transform your results.

The question isn't whether they'll work for your content. The question is whether you're ready to implement them consistently.

---

📌 Your Next Steps (Six-Figure Substack Growth Masterclass)

Let's be real about something: knowing these strategies intellectually is the easy part. Implementing them consistently is where the magic happens – and where most writers fall short.

I know because I've been there. I'd learn a new approach, try it once or twice, then gradually drift back to old habits.

What finally changed everything for me was creating a simple implementation system – a checklist I use for every single post to ensure I'm incorporating these addiction-building elements:

1. Have I established WHY this topic matters before diving into tactics?

2. Have I provided specific, actionable WHAT steps?

3. Have I addressed HOW to overcome common obstacles?

4. Have I painted a clear WHAT IF picture of potential outcomes?

5. Have I included at least one strong, specific opinion based on real experience?

6. Have I created a compelling preview of what's coming next?

This simple checklist transformed my content from occasionally engaging to consistently addictive. It doesn't add any significant time to my writing process – in fact, it often makes writing faster by providing clear direction.

If you want to transform your own Substack from something people occasionally read to something they eagerly anticipate, I encourage you to create your own version of this checklist and use it for your next three posts.

But if you're looking for a more comprehensive system to not just create addictive content but build a thriving, profitable newsletter...

That's exactly why I created the Six-Figure Substack Growth Masterclass.

Inside, you'll discover:

• The complete blueprint for how to identify and narrow down your own niche

• My proven system for consistently growing and monetizing your newsletter

• The monetization methods that work specifically for Substack writers (without requiring a huge audience)

• The growth tactics that helped me reach 5,000+ subscribers in under six months

This isn't just theory. It's the exact system I've used to build my own successful Substack and help dozens of other writers do the same. Click below to join:

In my next Substack newsletter, I'll share the counterintuitive approach I used to get my first 1,000 subscribers without spending a minute on social media or SEO. This strategy is working exceptionally well right now, especially for writers who don't want to become "content machines" across multiple platforms.

(See what I did here…with the cliffhanger… :)

Until then, I'd love to know:

Which of these three strategies do you think would make the biggest difference in your current content? Let me know in the comments 👇

---

📌 PS - If you found this post helpful, would you please consider restacking it and sharing it with your audience?

This spreads the word and keeps me writing content that will help you grow your Substack and “escape the cubicle” life. 🙏