How I Got 36 New Subscribers this Weekend from Just 2 Notes (that took me 15 minutes to write)
Plus, a mini-masterclass on how to write Notes that help grow your newsletter
This weekend I wrote 2 Notes. They took me less than 15 minutes to write.
Result: 36 new subscribers.
It still surprises me how effective Substack Notes are. And it surprises me even more how many people give up too early on the platform.
Six months ago, I would spend hours crafting what I thought was a brilliant newsletter post and get maybe 3 new subscribers if I was lucky.
The math didn't add up. I was putting in maximum effort for minimum results while watching other writers seem to grow effortlessly.
Every time I hit publish, my post vanished into the void. I'd refresh my stats obsessively, hoping for that sudden spike that never came. Meanwhile, I'd see writers with half my experience gaining hundreds of subscribers from simple posts that probably took them 20 minutes to write.
It was frustrating to say the lead.
How to Write Notes that Grow Your Substack
Here's exactly what happened this weekend:
Note #1: “Only nine months ago, I started writing again on Substack.
Today, I’m writing a new post for 8,500+ beautiful subscribers. It’s all about consistency.
If you’re growing on Substack, drop a link to your recent post for us to read.
I’d love to scroll and find a few new writers to restack and recommend. ✌🏻
How has Substack been going for you?”
Result: 20 new subscribers in 24-48 hours.
—
Note #2: "Quit social media & focused on Substack.
Now, 8000+ subscribers later (and a full-time income), I’m glad I did.
I write part-time. Live life full-time.
And enjoying a lot more peace without the social media chaos.
It’s possible to do things your own way and succeed.”
Result: 16 new subscribers in 24-48 hours.
Combined writing time: 15 minutes. Combined result: 36 new subscribers.
This wasn't luck. This was the result of finally understanding how Notes actually work.
Why This Approach Works So Well
Here's what I discovered: Substack Notes isn't just another social media platform.
It's a discovery engine built specifically for writers to find readers who are already looking for content like yours.
When you publish a newsletter, only your existing subscribers see it. But when you publish a Note, you're speaking directly to potential subscribers who are already on the platform, already in the mindset of discovering new writers.
These two things work beautifully together. Notes attract new subscribers and your posts build the relationship.
According to Substack's own data, about 30% of new subscribers come from within the platform itself. Yet most writers spend 95% of their time trying to drive external traffic while completely ignoring this built-in growth engine.
I was making the same mistake for months.
Mini-Masterclass on How to Write Notes that Stick
After growing from 0 to 8,000+ subscribers in a little over 8 months (with Notes being a major driver), here's what I've learned about writing Notes that actually convert:
1. Start With Community, Not Self-Promotion
The biggest mistake I see is writers making every Note about their newsletter.
Instead, create Notes that build community and connection. Invite people to share, introduce themselves, or connect with each other. You become the host, not the performer.
You’re building a community around and generating awareness of your Substack.
The Note this weekend worked because it wasn't about me – it was about creating a space for new writers to be seen and supported.
2. Tap Into Relatable Problems (Beyond Just Writing)
The best-performing Notes address universal struggles: imposter syndrome, procrastination, comparison trap, fear of judgment, work-life balance.
Everyone faces these challenges, not just writers. When you validate these experiences, people feel seen and understood.
They want to chime in and share their experience, too…
My other Note worked because every creator has heard that inner critic. By calling it out as a liar, I gave people permission to keep going despite their doubts.
3. Use the Hook-Value-Action Formula
Every effective Note follows this structure:
Hook: One attention-grabbing line that stops the scroll
Value: A clear insight, validation, or moment of connection
Action: End with a question, invitation, or call to engage
Your hook really is so important. You could write two almost identical Notes with different hooks and they may get varying engagement.
This formula works whether you're sharing advice, telling a story, or building community.
4. Format for Mobile Scanability
Your Note should be understood at a glance. Use:
Short paragraphs (2-3 lines max)
Strategic white space
Bold text for emphasis
Clear visual hierarchy
This isn’t to say that long Notes work well, too. Because they do. Try both styles.
However, even if you write a longer Note, the opening “above the fold” section should stand alone and grab attention.
The 3-second rule: someone scrolling should immediately understand your core message.
5. Study High-Performing Notes Instead of Writing Randomly
This is the game-changer most writers miss.
Instead of posting random thoughts, spend 10 minutes studying Notes that are getting high engagement. Look at their structure, their hooks, their calls-to-action.
Then create your own version using the same format but with your unique voice and perspective.
I use Claude to help brainstorm variations: "Here's a Note format that's working well. Help me create 5 similar Notes for my audience about [topic]."
Bonus Tip: Find any high-engagement Note, scroll down below the comments, and you'll see "Related Notes." This is a goldmine of proven viral content you can use as inspiration templates.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Since implementing this strategic approach to Notes:
I consistently gain 10-30 new subscribers daily
My Notes subscribers are more engaged than those from other sources
I spend just 20 minutes daily on Notes vs. hours on long-form content
The compound effect means older Notes continue bringing in subscribers weeks later
Notes have become my most effective growth tool – more than X/Twitter, LinkedIn, or any external platform.
The beautiful part? It's not about being clever or going viral. It's about consistently showing up with value and creating genuine connections.
Ready to Transform Your Substack Growth?
If you're tired of writing amazing content that nobody sees...
If you want to tap into Substack's built-in discovery engine...
If you're ready to stop spending hours for minimal results...
I've reopened my "10+ Subscribers a Day" Notes Growth Workshop that breaks down my complete system step-by-step. I’ve dropped the price on this Workshop for a few days to make it very accessible to any and everyone.
Inside, you'll discover:
My exact templates for all three high-performing Note types
The simple tracking system that helps you optimize for your audience
Advanced strategies for converting engagement into subscribers
How to use AI to generate endless Note ideas that work
This isn't theoretical advice. It's the exact system I've used to grow to 8,000+ subscribers, and now I'm sharing it with you.
When you're ready to turn Notes from random posting into your most powerful growth engine, join us below.
Remember: The difference between Notes that disappear and Notes that drive real growth isn't luck – it's having the right system.
The question is: What will your subscriber count look like 30 days from now?
I was the editor of Men’s Health magazine. We practically invented cover lines that hook readers. And yet I learn from you every day, Wes. How can that be? I’ve taught this course in journalism schools! Thank you.
It's this kind of repetitiveness that's slowly killing Substack. I've been known to publish my fair share of "share your work" notes in the past, but now the only things I see on my feed are different variations on the same four words. I came to Substack to read and write independent, creative writing, but now there is only one thing I ever see - calls to share.