If your newsletter growth slowed down and your engagement feels off, you're not alone. Here's what actually shifted with Substack's algorithm and how to adapt your strategy so you keep growing.
"Second, I have a strong suspicion Substack isn’t sending your emails to all your subscribers anymore." I have confirmed this is true and why. Substack no longer sends long posts out through email, so they are online only. My newsletter (which lists author subs and events by date) is long, so that hit hard for me. I had to figure out another way to have my long content so that it would actually reach people. Great post! Thanks!
Some great observations of how content performance has changed on the platform. I think the reason why most growth is coming from Notes now is that most people prefer content that delivers the same information in lesser words. We have so much information available at our fingertips that we've organically developed a preference for efficient writing.
It looks like it's going to be app you can download on your TV, kind of like Prime Video or Hulu. But Substack writer videos? It feels like a major stretch to me and unnecessary, but what do I know :)
Just when you think you’ve nailed the code, it decides to switch things up. - It's like someone said one time, if you don't control the rules of the game, you're always going to lose. - It's just a matter of playing the game the best you can with what's going on on the platform.
Great news about Notes! I love posting & reading notes! Busy schedules mean more notes and less long-form posts, and that's ok. For anything substantial, we know to consult a bookshop or library!
"Second, I have a strong suspicion Substack isn’t sending your emails to all your subscribers anymore." I have confirmed this is true and why. Substack no longer sends long posts out through email, so they are online only. My newsletter (which lists author subs and events by date) is long, so that hit hard for me. I had to figure out another way to have my long content so that it would actually reach people. Great post! Thanks!
This part absolutely floored me.
Some great observations of how content performance has changed on the platform. I think the reason why most growth is coming from Notes now is that most people prefer content that delivers the same information in lesser words. We have so much information available at our fingertips that we've organically developed a preference for efficient writing.
Agreed. Also, the algorithm with Notes is set up more for discoverability. New people can find you much more easily via Notes.
Great advice for a newbie like me trying to find a voice! Check out my Substack or we’re, homomachina.ai, ty!
Thank you! Will be joining a masterclass.
I think you'll like the masterclass!
I’ve seen those “fake” paid substacks and was curious about that as a method to gain visibility but now I know. Thanks for the write-up!
Yup, basically a way to get on the leaderboard, I think.
So true on the video front. They have to make “fetch” happen.
Substack is being very Gretchen right now.
Thanks Mr. Pearce for the insightful reflection
Have a great day
I’ve been so glad to find your newsletter. I find that your work is very well thought out and really helpful especially for a newbie like me. 😉
I have to thank you for your collaboration note last week. I gained 4 subscribes from that. Thank you!
I definitely will be restock your work.
Take it easy!
Maybe the best thing to do as a writer is to ... not worry at all about "algorithms" or "adapting to change?" It's all exhausting nonsense.
What is Substack TV?🤷♀️
It looks like it's going to be app you can download on your TV, kind of like Prime Video or Hulu. But Substack writer videos? It feels like a major stretch to me and unnecessary, but what do I know :)
Just when you think you’ve nailed the code, it decides to switch things up. - It's like someone said one time, if you don't control the rules of the game, you're always going to lose. - It's just a matter of playing the game the best you can with what's going on on the platform.
Very insightful, Wes. Especially how you're building community with Chat. Thank you.
This is incredibly insightful! Your breakdown of the algorithm changes is exactly what creators need to know
Great read, thanks for letting us into the inner circle. Because I am focused on helping nurses, my footprint is small and so is my subscriber list.
Great news about Notes! I love posting & reading notes! Busy schedules mean more notes and less long-form posts, and that's ok. For anything substantial, we know to consult a bookshop or library!
I appreciate your work and have a sense of hope.
Love your notes boost.