This was one of the most grounded, no-BS takes I’ve seen on Substack in a while. Thanks Wes!
Been a month on Substack and I can already smell what you're talking - the community here is unbeatable compared to the ones on X or Li. And the best, I genuinely enjoy making friends here.
I am also really appreciating the community here. I came here to finally honor becoming the storyteller I've danced around for so long. I am curious, what digital products do you sell?
often, when we create products that "flop" They just need to be tweaked, or we are trying to sell to the wrong audience. Or perhaps even we aren't sharing the thing about our product that makes the customer say - Hey I've GOT to have that - it will make all the difference.
He sells a masterclass you can get access to at the end of the article - it's excellent. My experience with the course was that it opened my eyes to the possibilities. Often one can learn as much about what to do from not just purchasing a product but by examining how you decided to make the purchase of the product. Wes does a really good job with the whole deal.
Well, it's been a week and a half, and I think it's been going pretty well so far. I've gotten a few new subscribers, but mostly I think I'm really thriving with the structure of writing two articles a week and three notes a day on how we connect with the environment (Thanks for that advice!) So far, I'm the one who's benefited the most from this. But I do think that it's helped to go in with no expectations and just focus on the discipline of expressing myself. I have really enjoyed the community here as well.
I think you should write about the real bugaboo. People who are desperate to write and suffer from one of 2 problems: 1. they can write but are not focussed on anything or - worse. 2. They cant write. I would beware saying that anyone who follows a 15 step process will succeed. I know you talk about "find your voice" but the overwhelming message it's It's the process not the quality.
Listen, I've literally just started. And I can't even say I have any expectations or that I don't, because I'm still trying to figure out WTH Subsatck actually is 😅 I didn't even know people make money on here. A close loved one recommended it and I was so lost. Then ChatGPT and I had a chat and it explained a little more and recommended that I use this platform for my writing. I have been told, when I did my PhD, to watch my writing style - "this is scientific writing, not philosophical" 😬🥲 the irony is, when I was a tad bit philosophical in writing my thesis, that's when I enjoyed it the most. Anyway, long story short, I'm here without strategy, without a plan, just looking for a platform to write. An outlet. A place to be without pressure, without judgement, without fear. It's not even about how many people like what I write (although I would love for people to read my stuff - as it picks up ☺️🤭) so I'm really appreciative of your post. It's given me some great insights. All the best of luck on your journey. 🙏
Day one for me here. First post also. Indeed, feels like talking into the void.
Reading about your experience I cringed.
You say is not like social media. But you described it exactly like it, spending time on conversations, reacting, talking to others, building a network of readers=writers.
The only time I can make, is to write. And maybe read some of really good quality. I read your post because of the title. Again a great success story, congrats! Unfortunately strategies where I have to invest a lot of time in interacting will not work for me. So probably I will be on day 300 still talking into a void...
Thank you Wes, a great insight. And you are right, perseverance is one of my favorite words. I’ve no idea whether a broad audience wants to hear my takes. I just know enough people that love and care for me said, “you should write about that” or “wow, that would be so valuable to other people like me” that I felt compelled to brave those obstacles.
Some of it might be a desire to share, to coach the future. Some of it is I feel I have developed the wisdom to believe I have insights to share. And some of its is just damn therapy! Either way, as someone who likes to be liked it feels extremely exposing to put ourselves out here. The tiny surge from the subscription email going off provides the encouragement, but the staying power comes from the belief that we have to go on. Perseverance!
Wes, this was such a refreshingly honest take, equal parts grit and grace. I especially felt the part about the “messy middle” being where the real magic happens. Thanks for pulling back the curtain and reminding the rest of us to keep showing up.
Bang on brother! The messy middle - like quicksand that sucks so many would be writers down int oblivion - if you can make it through to the other side or at least move with slow and steady action the connections and income can be significant - not just for the content creator personally for all of those who they touch with their message.
We are all here (by here I mean in this realm) not by accident - but by design - your light is meant to shine for others. Shine on.
New to this whole thing, and come across this, that mindset switch is probably the most valuable piece of advice I've seen, as a therapist in my real life, I know the power of one bit of simple reframing. I've had the excitement that I always get of writing creatively to then getting bogged down on what this could be for me. I need to keep excited and ignore the "potentials" Thank you.
This was one of the most grounded, no-BS takes I’ve seen on Substack in a while. Thanks Wes!
Been a month on Substack and I can already smell what you're talking - the community here is unbeatable compared to the ones on X or Li. And the best, I genuinely enjoy making friends here.
Thanks for being a support to new writers on this platform. It’s not unappreciated, and what makes substack unique from other platforms.
I am also really appreciating the community here. I came here to finally honor becoming the storyteller I've danced around for so long. I am curious, what digital products do you sell?
I would love to know too! I’ve created an ebook that I’ve been trying to sell for a while now and it’s been a complete flop 😅
often, when we create products that "flop" They just need to be tweaked, or we are trying to sell to the wrong audience. Or perhaps even we aren't sharing the thing about our product that makes the customer say - Hey I've GOT to have that - it will make all the difference.
He sells a masterclass you can get access to at the end of the article - it's excellent. My experience with the course was that it opened my eyes to the possibilities. Often one can learn as much about what to do from not just purchasing a product but by examining how you decided to make the purchase of the product. Wes does a really good job with the whole deal.
Well, it's been a week and a half, and I think it's been going pretty well so far. I've gotten a few new subscribers, but mostly I think I'm really thriving with the structure of writing two articles a week and three notes a day on how we connect with the environment (Thanks for that advice!) So far, I'm the one who's benefited the most from this. But I do think that it's helped to go in with no expectations and just focus on the discipline of expressing myself. I have really enjoyed the community here as well.
Very encouraging and informative. Thanks 🙏
I think you should write about the real bugaboo. People who are desperate to write and suffer from one of 2 problems: 1. they can write but are not focussed on anything or - worse. 2. They cant write. I would beware saying that anyone who follows a 15 step process will succeed. I know you talk about "find your voice" but the overwhelming message it's It's the process not the quality.
It's a problem, perhaps, writing for an inevitably small audience: in my case mostly gardeners.
Most non gardeners don't get how they could enjoy gardens without being gardeners.
Listen, I've literally just started. And I can't even say I have any expectations or that I don't, because I'm still trying to figure out WTH Subsatck actually is 😅 I didn't even know people make money on here. A close loved one recommended it and I was so lost. Then ChatGPT and I had a chat and it explained a little more and recommended that I use this platform for my writing. I have been told, when I did my PhD, to watch my writing style - "this is scientific writing, not philosophical" 😬🥲 the irony is, when I was a tad bit philosophical in writing my thesis, that's when I enjoyed it the most. Anyway, long story short, I'm here without strategy, without a plan, just looking for a platform to write. An outlet. A place to be without pressure, without judgement, without fear. It's not even about how many people like what I write (although I would love for people to read my stuff - as it picks up ☺️🤭) so I'm really appreciative of your post. It's given me some great insights. All the best of luck on your journey. 🙏
Using notes has been the best way for new people to find me
Day one for me here. First post also. Indeed, feels like talking into the void.
Reading about your experience I cringed.
You say is not like social media. But you described it exactly like it, spending time on conversations, reacting, talking to others, building a network of readers=writers.
The only time I can make, is to write. And maybe read some of really good quality. I read your post because of the title. Again a great success story, congrats! Unfortunately strategies where I have to invest a lot of time in interacting will not work for me. So probably I will be on day 300 still talking into a void...
Thank you Wes, a great insight. And you are right, perseverance is one of my favorite words. I’ve no idea whether a broad audience wants to hear my takes. I just know enough people that love and care for me said, “you should write about that” or “wow, that would be so valuable to other people like me” that I felt compelled to brave those obstacles.
Some of it might be a desire to share, to coach the future. Some of it is I feel I have developed the wisdom to believe I have insights to share. And some of its is just damn therapy! Either way, as someone who likes to be liked it feels extremely exposing to put ourselves out here. The tiny surge from the subscription email going off provides the encouragement, but the staying power comes from the belief that we have to go on. Perseverance!
Great post. I've been on Substack for the last year but have been dragging my feet around creating products to sell.
Thank you for your wonderful and honest perspective!
Wes, this was such a refreshingly honest take, equal parts grit and grace. I especially felt the part about the “messy middle” being where the real magic happens. Thanks for pulling back the curtain and reminding the rest of us to keep showing up.
Bang on brother! The messy middle - like quicksand that sucks so many would be writers down int oblivion - if you can make it through to the other side or at least move with slow and steady action the connections and income can be significant - not just for the content creator personally for all of those who they touch with their message.
We are all here (by here I mean in this realm) not by accident - but by design - your light is meant to shine for others. Shine on.
New to this whole thing, and come across this, that mindset switch is probably the most valuable piece of advice I've seen, as a therapist in my real life, I know the power of one bit of simple reframing. I've had the excitement that I always get of writing creatively to then getting bogged down on what this could be for me. I need to keep excited and ignore the "potentials" Thank you.