Thanks for this. LinkedIn and substack are my homes
I’m looking forward to reading your email course. I’m all signed up!
I have about 1000 newsletter subscribers on LinkedIn and I’m part copying over my substack blog articles with a read more option at the end. I like your suggestion of the CTA at the top of the page.
Currently I used my LinkedIn link in profile to go to my free self awareness quiz, but I’ll swap it for my book buying page - because that has the potential to make revenue more so than my newsletter right now. I want to build up a critical mass of reviews etc
Hi Nia, so much to say here. I do pay for premium but you really don’t have to. You get the “enhanced profile” when you have premium; however, with the free option you still can put a link at the top of your profile. It’s just not as big.
Personally, I would use the link either to (1) send someone to your best Substack article and then they can subscribe or (2) send to a freebie optin form and collect emails outside Substack.
I do both. I use Substack and also an email list using Flo Desk. Using Flo Desk allows me to send “workflows” which are series of emails when someone joins. In that “workflow” you could provide some free value and then link over to your book, maybe with a discount code or something.
I like what you’re doing with LinkedIn newsletters. It’s a powerful feature when you use it correctly.
I read something about a way around the throttling, which has happened to me too, I'm certain. Of course, platforms want to keep people on their site, not have its users redirect them elsewhere (bad for business) and risk them not coming right back. Some experts have suggested - and I've seen people do this - is 1) present your content and then add the link you want to add in the comments, not your post. I'm experimenting with that guidance myself right now. 2) Not add a link at all, with the logic being, if Dr. Nia D. Thomas posts something that sends my mind and curiosity into overdrive, I don't need a link but will want one, so I will intrinsically be motivated to go search for one. I'm trying that out too. Hoping I am patient and stick with it!
The thing many people seem to forget is that, with LinkedIn, you have an entire profile right there. People will click from your post to your profile, especially if you give a CTA to do so.
Then, you optimize your profile with multiple links over to your Substack (or lead magnet, etc).
However, you’re correct that you can come back and add a link later. 1-2 hours after posting. Personally, I don’t do this but many people do and say it won’t impact the post.
Look at Justin Welsh on LinkedIn. He adds links on all his posts.
For the reviews of my book, I've used every way I can. The current reviewers are either people I've connected with via social media and have then read my book, people who've connected with me following reading my book or people I know IRL
Out of curiosity, how many times do you follow up with people? I’ve found it can take 5-6 times before they follow through. It’s been super worth it, however.
This was a helpful resource, Wes! Lots of useful tips. I've been using Linkedin more recently, although I haven't been able to get my posts to pop beyond my immediate network.
The best “secret” is to go engage with other “creators” after you post. Kind of like people do on Substack Notes.
Many of those people will come back and engage with your post and that’ll tell LinkedIn to push your content more. But the post needs to be something shareable (like a good quote or viral video). Nothing too serious.
So, just fyi, on your checkout page for your $37 masterclass, the "one time offer" box at the bottom, says $27, but when you click to get it, it changes the price at the bottom to $64. Ah, technology... ;0)
Great post, thanks. Have you come across any food bloggers/writers that have managed to combine Substack & LinkedIn well? That’s my niche but I haven’t seen any others do it.
Honestly no, I can’t think off the top of my head. But I think that’s a GREAT niche. Remember people for you for “you.” You’re the brand. You, Inc. Be sure your personality comes through.
Any ideas on how you would approach it in that niche? It doesn’t seem obvious to me, as most food bloggers just share recipe links on social media to drive site views. LinkedIn isn’t the place for that, is it? Hmm. 🤔
Hey Max, I built to 125K+ followers on LinkedIn over the course of 2 years. It's just about posting the right type of content and being consistent everyday.
I do have my Six-Figure LinkedIn Growth Class here to check out. I share my strategy in detail there:
I feel like LinkedIn may be the social network I pay the least attention to, but this seems like a really sound strategy to build your subscribers with quality readers and repeat visitors!
This is excellent content. I’ve noticed that many subject-matter experts on Substack are expressing serious concerns about the platform's recent decisions—particularly the suspension of creator grant programs and the leadership’s apparent unwillingness to discuss similar initiatives.
This has created a sense that Substack’s leadership lacks a shared risk/shared reward mindset, leading to a highly asymmetric relationship between Substack writers and the platform. As a result, many content creators feel incentivized to focus on creating content that sells, but not necessarily within the Substack ecosystem. (i.e. outside landing pages, etc.) I hope they will return to a shared-risk shared shared reward mindset, as that's how good partnerships are built. Either way, your content is very solid, and I'm happy to share it.
Hi Wes, excellent article. I started doing this when I first started on Substack. I came back after the long pause and I'm thinking start using Linkedin NL again - this time with your advice - not to share entire articles. Will try it. Thanks :)
I have been trying to figure out which directions to go. I have a podcast and was writing content and embedding the podcast in LinkedIn newsletter first —now I have moved to Substack. I think I write too much info so folks did not listen to the pod —and both newsletters were full-length blogs with different tones but still focused on the podcast.
So what I think I am hearing. Do dinner-size on Sub and bite-size on LinkedIn. Or do pod embed on sub only and drive there via LinkedIn?
I have a lot of connections on LinkedIn but they feel like cicadas that joined and became 1st level connections and then went underground into their hibernation.
I would love to convert them into caterpillars that go through their metamorphic phases and then become butterflies that enjoy my free and paid services on Substack.
Thank you, this is really helpful. I have a dedicated couple of thousand connections on LinkedIn and just started writing again with Substack. They are definitely my go-to platforms for high level content.
If anyone is interested in human performance in space, I train astronauts in psychological skills and sharing that over on my Substack!
I’ve been piecing this together as I’ve expanded my AI newsletter here on substack. This crystallizes a lot of what I’ve been planning. Though I hadn’t considered the LI newsletter piece.
Thanks for this piece of writing. After 2 years on LinkedIn with +2,700 newsletter subscriber and having a Vlog with subscribers, I was in the final stage of publishing my book about my story.
Writing a book has been such experience that I joined Substack to find my place to write without deadlines or edition constraints.
I am not sure yet I want to bring my LinkedIn audience to Substack. I feel like I have a room here where I can focus and get inspiration.
I post prompted me to align my LinkedIn to my recently revamped newsletter. I am a top writer at LinkedIn and even though I have a small following; they are pretty engaged and have been following me for many years. The challenge is to get some of them to move platform. For next few days I will be working on revamping my LinkedIn profile now. I also have a LinkedIn newsletter which I need revive now. What's your LinkedIn handle?
Thanks for this. LinkedIn and substack are my homes
I’m looking forward to reading your email course. I’m all signed up!
I have about 1000 newsletter subscribers on LinkedIn and I’m part copying over my substack blog articles with a read more option at the end. I like your suggestion of the CTA at the top of the page.
Currently I used my LinkedIn link in profile to go to my free self awareness quiz, but I’ll swap it for my book buying page - because that has the potential to make revenue more so than my newsletter right now. I want to build up a critical mass of reviews etc
Thanks for this article. Really helpful!!
Hi Nia, so much to say here. I do pay for premium but you really don’t have to. You get the “enhanced profile” when you have premium; however, with the free option you still can put a link at the top of your profile. It’s just not as big.
Personally, I would use the link either to (1) send someone to your best Substack article and then they can subscribe or (2) send to a freebie optin form and collect emails outside Substack.
I do both. I use Substack and also an email list using Flo Desk. Using Flo Desk allows me to send “workflows” which are series of emails when someone joins. In that “workflow” you could provide some free value and then link over to your book, maybe with a discount code or something.
I like what you’re doing with LinkedIn newsletters. It’s a powerful feature when you use it correctly.
One question - do you pay for LinkedIn premium? I’ve never paid be just used their free 30 day trial. Had no impact on me at all.
LinkedIn definitely throttles any external links I add for my podcast etc though
I read something about a way around the throttling, which has happened to me too, I'm certain. Of course, platforms want to keep people on their site, not have its users redirect them elsewhere (bad for business) and risk them not coming right back. Some experts have suggested - and I've seen people do this - is 1) present your content and then add the link you want to add in the comments, not your post. I'm experimenting with that guidance myself right now. 2) Not add a link at all, with the logic being, if Dr. Nia D. Thomas posts something that sends my mind and curiosity into overdrive, I don't need a link but will want one, so I will intrinsically be motivated to go search for one. I'm trying that out too. Hoping I am patient and stick with it!
The thing many people seem to forget is that, with LinkedIn, you have an entire profile right there. People will click from your post to your profile, especially if you give a CTA to do so.
Then, you optimize your profile with multiple links over to your Substack (or lead magnet, etc).
However, you’re correct that you can come back and add a link later. 1-2 hours after posting. Personally, I don’t do this but many people do and say it won’t impact the post.
Look at Justin Welsh on LinkedIn. He adds links on all his posts.
I know who Justin is yet didn't pay attention that he adds links. Cool to know. He has a massive following.
Hey Nia! Nice job with your LinkedIn growth...
How has building up your critical mass of reviews been like so far? What strategies have you been utilizing?
Hi Renee. Thanks.
For the reviews of my book, I've used every way I can. The current reviewers are either people I've connected with via social media and have then read my book, people who've connected with me following reading my book or people I know IRL
What's been the hardest thing about getting people to leave the review?
Subscribed to you to get some more ideas!!
Awesome Nia! Happy to have you! :)
I know you read the post about getting 100 reviews in 10 days, is there something in that post that could help you get the critical mass?
How many reviews do you have currently?
11 written on Amazon so far. 89 to go!!!!
Getting them to remember to do it. Reading and agreeing to review is easy!!!
One thing I have done is review swaps. When there’s a commitment to ‘you help me and I’ll help you’ there’s a little more motivation!
Makes sense!
That can definitely help.
Out of curiosity, how many times do you follow up with people? I’ve found it can take 5-6 times before they follow through. It’s been super worth it, however.
I’ve picked specific people but I probably need to locate other traders and pin them doing to actioning the review!
Thanks!!!!
This is gold. I’ve got some work to do on LinkedIn. Begins after I hit post on this note. Thank you for posting this. Subscribed.
Glad you liked it Jeff! Feel free to shoot me any questions.
Thank you for that invitation. I will…
This was a helpful resource, Wes! Lots of useful tips. I've been using Linkedin more recently, although I haven't been able to get my posts to pop beyond my immediate network.
The best “secret” is to go engage with other “creators” after you post. Kind of like people do on Substack Notes.
Many of those people will come back and engage with your post and that’ll tell LinkedIn to push your content more. But the post needs to be something shareable (like a good quote or viral video). Nothing too serious.
This is helpful!
So, just fyi, on your checkout page for your $37 masterclass, the "one time offer" box at the bottom, says $27, but when you click to get it, it changes the price at the bottom to $64. Ah, technology... ;0)
Hi Will, yes I hear it a lot. Just don't click the "one time offer" box and it's $37. You're adding an additional product by clicking the box. :)
Great post, thanks. Have you come across any food bloggers/writers that have managed to combine Substack & LinkedIn well? That’s my niche but I haven’t seen any others do it.
Honestly no, I can’t think off the top of my head. But I think that’s a GREAT niche. Remember people for you for “you.” You’re the brand. You, Inc. Be sure your personality comes through.
Any ideas on how you would approach it in that niche? It doesn’t seem obvious to me, as most food bloggers just share recipe links on social media to drive site views. LinkedIn isn’t the place for that, is it? Hmm. 🤔
Helpful article - how did you manage to grow your following on LinkedIn? 100+ followers is an impressive number that definitely took some time!
Hey Max, I built to 125K+ followers on LinkedIn over the course of 2 years. It's just about posting the right type of content and being consistent everyday.
I do have my Six-Figure LinkedIn Growth Class here to check out. I share my strategy in detail there:
https://stan.store/WesPearce/p/sixfigure-linkedin-growth-playbook
Great publication name, Wes!
I feel like LinkedIn may be the social network I pay the least attention to, but this seems like a really sound strategy to build your subscribers with quality readers and repeat visitors!
This is excellent content. I’ve noticed that many subject-matter experts on Substack are expressing serious concerns about the platform's recent decisions—particularly the suspension of creator grant programs and the leadership’s apparent unwillingness to discuss similar initiatives.
This has created a sense that Substack’s leadership lacks a shared risk/shared reward mindset, leading to a highly asymmetric relationship between Substack writers and the platform. As a result, many content creators feel incentivized to focus on creating content that sells, but not necessarily within the Substack ecosystem. (i.e. outside landing pages, etc.) I hope they will return to a shared-risk shared shared reward mindset, as that's how good partnerships are built. Either way, your content is very solid, and I'm happy to share it.
Curious to hear your thoughts on this dynamic.
Have you figured out a way to schedule LinkedIn newsletters?
Hey Travis, I’m pretty sure you can schedule LinkedIn newsletters now? I’ll double check and report back.
Yes you can schedule. Easy. When you hit continue to write the post there is a small calendar. It schedules both.
Hi Wes, excellent article. I started doing this when I first started on Substack. I came back after the long pause and I'm thinking start using Linkedin NL again - this time with your advice - not to share entire articles. Will try it. Thanks :)
Love it 👏🏼 yes, share a quick idea or appetizer. Then link over to Substack for the full meal. It works.
I have been trying to figure out which directions to go. I have a podcast and was writing content and embedding the podcast in LinkedIn newsletter first —now I have moved to Substack. I think I write too much info so folks did not listen to the pod —and both newsletters were full-length blogs with different tones but still focused on the podcast.
So what I think I am hearing. Do dinner-size on Sub and bite-size on LinkedIn. Or do pod embed on sub only and drive there via LinkedIn?
Thanks for offering the class.
I have a lot of connections on LinkedIn but they feel like cicadas that joined and became 1st level connections and then went underground into their hibernation.
I would love to convert them into caterpillars that go through their metamorphic phases and then become butterflies that enjoy my free and paid services on Substack.
I'll work my way through the email class next
Same
Thank you, this is really helpful. I have a dedicated couple of thousand connections on LinkedIn and just started writing again with Substack. They are definitely my go-to platforms for high level content.
If anyone is interested in human performance in space, I train astronauts in psychological skills and sharing that over on my Substack!
You had me at astronauts!
I’ve been piecing this together as I’ve expanded my AI newsletter here on substack. This crystallizes a lot of what I’ve been planning. Though I hadn’t considered the LI newsletter piece.
Very well synthesized, thank you, Wes!
Thanks for this piece of writing. After 2 years on LinkedIn with +2,700 newsletter subscriber and having a Vlog with subscribers, I was in the final stage of publishing my book about my story.
Writing a book has been such experience that I joined Substack to find my place to write without deadlines or edition constraints.
I am not sure yet I want to bring my LinkedIn audience to Substack. I feel like I have a room here where I can focus and get inspiration.
We will see!
I post prompted me to align my LinkedIn to my recently revamped newsletter. I am a top writer at LinkedIn and even though I have a small following; they are pretty engaged and have been following me for many years. The challenge is to get some of them to move platform. For next few days I will be working on revamping my LinkedIn profile now. I also have a LinkedIn newsletter which I need revive now. What's your LinkedIn handle?