Based off of what I’ve seen on Notes… anyone making content about anything other than social media growth or growing on Substack isn’t going to have a viral note.
Every note I see is either “hey, I’m new here” or tips about how to grow on Substack.
Maybe it’s possible in any niche with a large, existing audience— but otherwise… idk.
I noticed that… I’m a comedy writer and all I tend to see on Substack are generic “share your work” notes with disproportionate amounts of likes and comments, or tips about writing with similar publicity. It gets a bit depressing sometimes… the algorithm makes sure there is no room for individuality or uniqueness.
I get it… but.. Unpopular opinion; if everyone was doing this - Substack wouldn’t have a soul. This is a sure fire way to destroy what makes Substack different.
We want to be seen. We want growth. But that’s like deciding you want to be buff overnight and steroids are just fake muscles.
Algorithm are coded to follow or recognize a pattern, hence why if you write about a trend it will give you full visibility. Having said this, it's wrong to have an algo tweaked only to patterns or liked comments on Substack as there are plenty of talents in here that are unseen and that will sooner rather than later harm the platform.
Up to now I’ve just been posting funny little one-liners as notes because I didn’t really understand what they were for, but I will definitely be following your advice and making more trend led / inspired notes in future 👍🏻
Great insight I am definitely going to use these as I write my next set of notes. As a color pencil artist who wants to get more people using their imagination it is challenging to get my notes seen. I have recently changed up my notes testing out different things. This one is the best so far this week. Still not viral but I see where your tips here can help me kick it up a notch.
It got 28 likes (at this point), 7 comments, and 1 restack. And that is TONS more than anything else I've posted. Many of the Notes got no reaction at all. Any that did get some response got, at most, two likes. Still trying to figure this thing out.
Great piece @escapethecubicle — sharp and practical.
Only one thing to add, if you’ll allow it:
A Note can also plant the seed of an article.
That’s part of its power too.
It’s all part of the game.
Great thanks for being so unselfish with such wisdom and information-rich content.
Based off of what I’ve seen on Notes… anyone making content about anything other than social media growth or growing on Substack isn’t going to have a viral note.
Every note I see is either “hey, I’m new here” or tips about how to grow on Substack.
Maybe it’s possible in any niche with a large, existing audience— but otherwise… idk.
I noticed that… I’m a comedy writer and all I tend to see on Substack are generic “share your work” notes with disproportionate amounts of likes and comments, or tips about writing with similar publicity. It gets a bit depressing sometimes… the algorithm makes sure there is no room for individuality or uniqueness.
This is the true elephant in the room.
Most viral notes are just a substack growth circle jerk that the algo keeps pushing, despite people muting or even blocking them.
I hope they will do something about that. After all, people do have other interests and that is what they are here for.
I get it… but.. Unpopular opinion; if everyone was doing this - Substack wouldn’t have a soul. This is a sure fire way to destroy what makes Substack different.
We want to be seen. We want growth. But that’s like deciding you want to be buff overnight and steroids are just fake muscles.
Good advice. Thanks for the share.
Algorithm are coded to follow or recognize a pattern, hence why if you write about a trend it will give you full visibility. Having said this, it's wrong to have an algo tweaked only to patterns or liked comments on Substack as there are plenty of talents in here that are unseen and that will sooner rather than later harm the platform.
This sounds so similar to the book I am reading called the Guide To Going Viral. 👏🏽
Hi Wes,
I ve put a lot in practice after watching your workshop
The french community is not as bigger than in America but we grow fast
Actually I have 2 subscribers a day since I apply your advices so after months of stagnation It s a lot!!
I rarely comment on substack, but this one is packed with so much information that I can implement. Thank you for keeping this free.
Up to now I’ve just been posting funny little one-liners as notes because I didn’t really understand what they were for, but I will definitely be following your advice and making more trend led / inspired notes in future 👍🏻
https://fiercelioness.substack.com/notes
Thank you for helping us. 🙂
Great insight I am definitely going to use these as I write my next set of notes. As a color pencil artist who wants to get more people using their imagination it is challenging to get my notes seen. I have recently changed up my notes testing out different things. This one is the best so far this week. Still not viral but I see where your tips here can help me kick it up a notch.
https://substack.com/@phrankiescreativecorner/note/c-103743655?r=56xflh&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
I read this and it makes sense. I might apply it myself in a way that doesn't sound forced, considering the niche of my substack haha.
Thanks for sharing that piece of wisdom!
Solid advice and information. Thank you for detailing this! To take you up on the "share your best note" thing, here's mine:
https://substack.com/@donnking/note/c-96514183
It got 28 likes (at this point), 7 comments, and 1 restack. And that is TONS more than anything else I've posted. Many of the Notes got no reaction at all. Any that did get some response got, at most, two likes. Still trying to figure this thing out.
How much time per day or per week do you spend researching topics to write and then actually writing them?