The 20-Minute Notes System That Added 200+ Subscribers to My Substack in Just 3 Days
"Write Less, Grow More": The 20-Minute Substack Notes System that changed everything
The Growth Problem No One's Talking About
I just gained over 200 subscribers in the past 3-4 days.
Not from a viral tweet. Not from a guest newsletter spot. Not from paid ads.
Just from Substack Notes.
And the craziest part? Each Note took me less than 10 minutes to write.
But it wasn't always like this.
For months, I was doing everything "right." Publishing weekly newsletters. Crafting valuable content. Sharing on social media. And yet my subscriber count barely moved.
Each time I hit publish, my post seemed to vanish into the void. I'd refresh my stats obsessively, hoping for that sudden spike in subscribers that never materialized.
Meanwhile, other writers seemed to be growing effortlessly, gaining hundreds of followers while I was fighting for every single one.
The worst part? My content was good. Maybe even great. I poured hours into crafting thoughtful, valuable newsletters. But it felt like shouting into an empty room.
Sound familiar?
Most Substack writers are trapped in this exact cycle. They're creating quality content that nobody sees. They're spending hours on full posts that bring in a trickle of subscribers. They're told to "just keep publishing" and eventually growth will come.
But what if there's a simpler way?
What if the answer isn't more time, more complex strategies, or more promotion?
What if the solution has been hiding in plain sight all along?
The Simple Truth About Substack Growth
I remember the exact moment everything changed.
It was a regular 9AM on a weekday. I was walking on my gym’s treadmill at my usual pace, scrolling through Substack on my phone. My coffee was getting cold on the cupholder as I mindlessly checked my stats from yesterday's newsletter.
Twelve new subscribers. Not terrible, but considering the six hours I'd spent writing that post? The math didn't add up.
Then I noticed something. Nine of those twelve subscribers had come after I'd posted a quick Note I'd written. A simple idea I had about how Substack felt like sitting in a coffee shop with all our best friends.
I stopped the treadmill.
Wait a minute…
Six hours of work = three subscribers. Seven minutes of work = nine subscribers.
Something wasn't adding up—or rather, something was adding up in a way I hadn't expected.
Curious, I dug into my analytics. Over the past month, I'd gained more subscribers from Notes than I had from my actual Substack posts or sharing on LinkedIn (combined…).
We're making this way too complicated.
The truth hit me: I was spending 95% of my time on the content that brought in 10% of my growth.
That day, I scrapped my content calendar. I threw out my elaborate growth strategy. I deleted the 3,000-word guide to newsletter growth sitting in my drafts.
Instead, I developed a dead-simple system:
Write three strategic Notes each day (morning, midday, evening)
Spend no more than 20 minutes total
Track which ones actually bring in subscribers
The results were immediate. Within the first week, I'd gained more subscribers than the entire previous month. Within the first month, my growth rate doubled.
And just this past week? Over 200 new subscribers from Notes alone.
Here’s just one of the Notes that’s helped my Substack grow this last week…
This isn't some complex growth hack. It's not about gaming algorithms or using psychological manipulation. It's simply about understanding what actually works on Substack right now—and doubling down on it.
Let me show you exactly how it works.
What Are Substack Notes? The Platform's Hidden Growth Engine
Before we dive into the strategy, I want to be sure we’re on the same page about Notes. If you're new to Substack, you might be wondering: what exactly are Substack Notes?
Substack Notes vs. Posts: Understanding the Difference
Substack Notes are the platform's social feature—think of them as Substack's version of Twitter/X but designed specifically for writers. While regular Substack posts are full-length newsletter entries delivered to your subscribers' inboxes, Notes are shorter updates that appear in a social feed visible to both subscribers and non-subscribers.
Posts (Newsletters):
Delivered directly to subscribers' email
Typically longer-form content (500+ words)
Can include multiple sections, images, and structured content
Primarily seen by existing subscribers
Requires more time to create (often hours)
Notes:
Appear in the Notes feed on Substack
Short-form content (typically under 300 words)
Can include images but simpler formatting
Visible to both subscribers and non-subscribers
Quick to create (minutes)
Can be discovered by people who don't yet subscribe to you
The key distinction isn't just length—it's distribution. Posts primarily reach people already subscribed to you. Notes can reach anyone on Substack, making them a powerful discovery tool.
The Substack Notes Algorithm: How It Works
While Substack hasn't publicly detailed every aspect of the Notes algorithm, my extensive testing has revealed several patterns that influence how Notes get distributed:
The algorithm seems to prioritize:
Early engagement - Notes that receive comments and likes within the first 30-60 minutes appear to get wider distribution
Comment depth - Notes with multi-reply comment threads (conversations) seem to reach more people than those with single comments
Restack signals - When someone restacks your Note, it's shown to their followers, creating a network effect
Follower-to-subscriber ratio - Users with a healthy conversion rate from followers to subscribers may see their Notes boosted
Unlike many social algorithms that prioritize controversial content, the Substack Notes algorithm appears to favor thoughtful, substantive contributions that generate real conversation.
Additionally, your Note is more likely to appear in the "Notes For You" section for readers who:
Have engaged with your previous content
Follow people who follow you
Read content in a similar niche
Substack Notes Strategy: Maximizing Visibility
Based on my testing, the most effective Substack Notes strategy involves:
Consistent posting - The algorithm seems to favor accounts that maintain regular posting schedules
Strategic timing - While different for each audience, posting when your ideal readers are most active increases initial engagement
Value-first approach - Notes that provide immediate value (tips, insights, resources) tend to perform better than promotional content
Community building - Notes that invite participation and create conversation receive the most distribution
Authentic engagement - Genuinely responding to comments signals to the algorithm that you're fostering real discussion
The beauty of Notes is that they require minimal time investment while offering maximum visibility. This makes them the perfect complement to your regular newsletter—bringing new readers into your ecosystem who may eventually become subscribers.
Once you understand the fundamental differences between Notes and Posts—and how to optimize for the Notes algorithm—you can leverage this powerful tool to grow your audience with just minutes of effort each day.
My Treadmill Idea Factory
That treadmill changed everything.
Not because of the exercise (though that helps), but because it became my Notes idea factory. There's something about moving your body that unlocks your mind.
It’s become my sacred space. I get on the treadmill and by the time I’m done, I’ve written my Notes for the day and replied to DMs.
No complex systems. Just me, movement, and a place to capture ideas.
Throughout the days before, I collect inspiration in a folder on my phone. I screenshot Notes that perform well from other writers. I jot down my own random thoughts about writing and growth. I save quotes and ideas that might resonate with my audience.
Then during that morning treadmill session, I review everything I've saved.
But here's the key—I don't just randomly post Notes. I have a specific rotation that works:
Morning: Community/Introduction Notes
Midday: Educational Notes
Evening: Motivational/Inspiration Notes
The morning Note is all about building community. I'll invite people to introduce themselves, share links to their Substacks, or post their best work. Why? Because writing is lonely—especially when you're just starting out. These Notes create instant connection and give newer writers visibility they desperately need.
My midday Note focuses on education. One simple, actionable tip. Not comprehensive guides. Not ten-step processes. Just one thing that works, explained clearly. It might be about writing better hooks, creating compelling titles, or a specific growth tactic that's working for me right now.
The evening Note taps into emotion. A personal story about my Substack journey. An encouraging word for writers who are struggling. A quote with a simple visual. The world is negative enough—these Notes provide the encouragement many writers desperately need to keep going.
This might sound like a lot of work? But it’s really not. The more you write Notes, the easier and faster it gets.
Each Note follows a simple rule: it must take less than 10 minutes to write and it must deliver genuine value.
That's it. No complicated content calendar. No overthinking. Just three strategic Notes that serve different needs at different times of day.
And the math is simple but powerful: if each Note brings in just one subscriber (which is my minimum), that's 21 new subscribers weekly. But many Notes bring in 5, 10, or even 100+ subscribers at a time.
The system compounds with consistency—and it takes me less time each day than ordering macchiato at my local coffee shop.
The Hook-Body-CTA Formula That Makes Notes Irresistible
Ever wonder why some Notes get ignored while others explode with engagement?
It's not random. And it's definitely not about length—some of my highest-performing Notes are just a few sentences long.
The secret is structure. Specifically, the Hook-Body-CTA formula that I use for every single Note:
The Hook
The first sentence of your Note is everything. If it doesn't stop the scroll, nothing else matters.
My best-performing hooks fall into a few categories:
The Contrarian Statement "Consistency is killing your newsletter." "Most writing advice is making you worse." "Substack is different."
The Specific Result "I gained 127 subscribers last week using this one Note format." "This 3-line email subject line doubled my open rates."
The Intriguing Question "What if everything you've been told about growing your audience is wrong?" "Why do some writers grow 10X faster with half the effort?"
Your hook should create immediate curiosity or tension that can only be resolved by reading further. No setup, no preamble—just straight to the point.
The Body
Once you've captured attention, deliver value immediately. The body of your Note should be:
Scannable - Use white space generously
Specific - One clear point, not five vague ones
Visual - Strategic bold and bullet points guide the eye
The mistake most writers make is trying to cram too much into a single Note. Your goal isn't to be comprehensive—it's to deliver one valuable insight so clearly that people can't help but engage with it.
Keep paragraphs to 1-2 sentences. Use bullet points for lists. Bold key phrases you want to emphasize.
Think of your Note as a highway billboard, not a textbook. People are scrolling quickly—make your point impossible to miss.
The CTA
Every Note needs a clear next step. But here's where most writers get it wrong: your CTA shouldn't always be about subscribing.
The most effective CTAs on Notes are:
Questions that invite response "What's one writing rule you've broken that actually worked for you?" "Share your biggest Substack win in the comments below."
Specific challenges "Try this format in your next Note and let me know what happens." "Post a link to your Substack below so others can discover you."
Value previews "Tomorrow I'm sharing the exact template that got me featured in Notes For You."
Only about 5% (or less) of my Notes directly mention my newsletter. The rest focus on building engagement and community first. The subscribers follow naturally when you've established trust.
This Hook-Body-CTA structure takes practice, but once you internalize it, you can craft high-performing Notes in minutes rather than hours. I often write mine while walking on the treadmill, waiting for coffee, or during the five minutes before a meeting starts.
Remember: One great Note can bring more subscribers than an entire newsletter post. Make each one count.
The Magic of Community Notes: Creating Space for Connection
The most powerful Note type in my arsenal isn't about teaching or inspiring—it's about creating connection.
Community Notes work regardless of your niche. Whether you write about finance, fiction, technology, or tarot reading, these Notes create a space where your readers feel seen and heard.
Here's what a simple Community Note looks like:
"Substack feels lonely when we write alone. What are you working on this week? Share a link to your Substack in the comments so others can see what you’re working on.”
That's it. No complexity. No fancy formatting. Just an invitation to participate.
Why do these Notes outperform almost everything else?
First, people naturally want to share their work. We all crave recognition for what we create. When you provide a legitimate space for people to promote themselves (that doesn't feel spammy), they'll jump at the opportunity.
Second, these Notes create engagement flywheels. More comments mean more visibility in the Substack algorithm. More visibility means more followers. More followers mean more potential subscribers.
A single Community Note I posted last week generated:
256 comments (so far)
15restacks
50+ new followers
37 new subscribers (so far…)
All from a Note that took me exactly 47 seconds to write.
And…what’s amazing is the long potential life a Note has. One Note can keep attracting subscribers for weeks after its posted.
But there's a third reason these Notes work so well: they establish you as a community builder rather than just a content creator. In a world overflowing with information, connection is the true currency.
People follow—and eventually subscribe to—writers who make them feel part of something larger than themselves.
The beautiful part is how simple these Notes are to create. Some of my most successful Community Notes have been:
"Introduce yourself and what you write about. Drop a link so we can all check it out."
"Share your best performing post from the last month. What made it work?"
"What's one question you have about [your niche]? Let's help each other."
"Celebrate your win this week, no matter how small. We're all in this together."
These Notes cost nothing but create tremendous goodwill. They generate authentic connections rather than transactional relationships. And they create a positive environment that makes people want to follow you.
Good vibes attract good followers. It sounds simple because it is.
Try posting just one Community Note per week. Watch what happens to your engagement, your follower count, and ultimately your subscriber numbers. This single Note type might become the most valuable part of your content strategy—just as it has become for mine.
The Simplicity Advantage: Why Most Substack Writers Overcomplicate Growth
We're making this whole Substack thing way too complicated.
I see it everywhere: elaborate content calendars, complex growth strategies, multi-channel promotion plans, SEO optimization, guest posting schedules, cross-platform syndication...
Writers are drowning in tactics while missing the fundamental truth: Simple systems maintained consistently will outperform complex systems every time.
When I talk to struggling Substack writers, I notice a pattern. They're trying to do everything:
Write long-form newsletters
Post daily on Twitter/X
Create content for LinkedIn
Record podcast episodes
Build a presence on Notes
Guest write for other publications
Optimize for SEO
Run ads
They spread themselves thin across multiple platforms, multiple content types, and multiple growth strategies. The result? Mediocre performance everywhere and burnout within months.
Here's what changed everything for me: radical simplification.
I stripped away everything but the essential. For 90 days, I focused almost exclusively on:
My weekly newsletter (one-two high-quality posts)
My daily Notes routine (three strategic Notes)
That's it. No creating videos on Instagram or TikTok. No going “live.” No complicated promotion strategies.
Just consistent delivery of value through two focused channels.
The results weren't just better—they were exponentially better. By eliminating the complexity, I:
Reclaimed hours of time each week
Maintained consistent quality
Developed genuine connections with readers
Actually enjoyed creating content again
Most importantly, I started seeing predictable, sustainable growth.
Why does simplicity work so well?
First, it's sustainable. Complex systems fail because humans can't maintain them over time. A 20-minute daily Notes habit? That's something you can actually stick with.
Second, it's focused. When you pour all your creative energy into two channels instead of six, the quality inevitably improves.
Third, it builds meaningful connections. Rather than broadcasting everywhere, you're creating deeper engagement in fewer places.
I've watched writers with elaborate growth strategies gain 50 subscribers in a month while burning themselves out. Meanwhile, others with simple, consistent approaches quietly add 200+ in a matter of days with a fraction of the effort.
The 20-minute Notes system isn't just about saving time—it's about focusing your energy where it actually matters.
Substack isn't about who creates the most content or who has the most complicated strategy. It's about who shows up, adds value, and builds connections—day after day, week after week.
The simplest path is usually the most sustainable. And on Substack, sustainability is everything.
What to Expect: The Real Results of Consistent Notes
Let's talk about what actually happens when you implement this system consistently.
First, understand that growth from Notes isn't usually explosive overnight success. It's more like compound interest—small gains that accumulate and eventually accelerate.
When you first start posting strategic Notes consistently, you'll notice increased engagement before subscriber growth. More comments, more likes, more follows. This is the foundation being laid—people discovering you, connecting with your ideas, getting familiar with your voice.
The subscriber growth typically follows a similar pattern to what I've experienced: a steady trickle at first that gradually increases as your Notes presence strengthens.
Some Notes will perform better than others. That's normal. A Note that gets 3 likes might bring no new subscribers, while another with 20 likes might bring 5. The relationship between engagement and conversion isn't always linear.
What's remarkable isn't how many subscribers you gain from any single Note—it's what happens when you consistently post over time. The compounding effect kicks in as:
Your regular commenters start sharing your Notes with their followers
Your profile appears more frequently in "Notes For You" recommendations
Your growing audience amplifies each new Note you publish
Your back catalog of Notes continues working for you
The quality of these connections matters too. Subscribers who find you through Notes are discovering you through your ideas and your community building—not through ads or growth hacks. They tend to be more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to eventually become paid subscribers if that's part of your model.
Most writers I've worked with are surprised not by how many subscribers they gain, but by how little time it takes to achieve meaningful results. Twenty minutes daily invested in Notes often outperforms hours spent on other growth strategies.
The key isn't perfection—it's consistency. One to three Notes daily, five days a week. The system works, but only if you show up consistently.
Unlike fleeting social media growth that disappears when algorithms change, Substack is building a sustainable ecosystem where genuine connections and quality content consistently win over time.
It's not about gaming a system. It's about showing up, adding value, and building connections that compound over time.
The Simple Truth About Substack Notes
Let's be real for a moment.
Growing a Substack doesn't need to be complicated. We make it harder than it actually is.
Throughout this post, I've shared my journey from writing Substack posts that few people read to discovering the power of strategic Notes. I've shown you how I gain subscribers daily with just 20 minutes of focused effort—sometimes even bringing in 100+ new subscribers in a matter of days.
The heart of this approach is simple: three strategic Notes posted throughout the day.
A morning Community Note that creates connection. A midday Educational Note that delivers value. An evening Motivational Note that builds personal relationships.
Each one takes less than 10 minutes to write. Each one consistently brings new subscribers into my world.
No complex systems. No elaborate promotion strategies. Just showing up daily with value and creating space for others to connect.
What I've found most surprising isn't how effective this approach is—it's how few writers are actually using it. Most are still grinding away at long-form content that nobody sees while overlooking the simplest path to growth.
The truth is your success on Substack won't come from doing more. It will come from doing the right things consistently.
Write Notes that create community. Format them for maximum impact. Engage authentically with those who respond. The subscribers will follow naturally.
📌 Ready to Jumpstart Your Substack Growth with Notes?
If you're ready to implement this system with more guidance and support, I've created the Substack Notes Growth Workshop to help you get results even faster.
Inside, you'll find:
The complete system for growing by 10+ new subscribers per day
My proven approach for converting engagement into subscribers
A community of writers implementing the same strategies
Templates to help inspire your first few Substack Notes
I’ve reopened this workshop for a few more days only before I close it for good. If you’re ready to finally start growing on Substack with Notes, join 100+s of writers by clicking below:
Whether you join us in the workshop or simply start implementing what you've learned today, remember this: consistent, strategic action will always outperform random, complicated efforts.
Your Substack growth journey doesn't need to be difficult. Sometimes the simplest path is the most effective one.
I loved this post. I'm so over complicated, time consuming systems! I came to Substack because it felt uncluttered and I could do what I love most without the distraction of all the things. This simple note system fits in with that nicely. Thank you. I am very tempted to get your workshop. I loooove templates.
You really did put time and effort into this. Thanks for sharing this insightful post.