The Substack Notes Growth Strategy That Adds 100+ Subscribers Per Week
How I cracked the Notes code and turned casual readers into loyal subscribers (when nothing else was working)
You've launched your Substack.
You're publishing consistently. You're proud of your work.
But the subscribers just aren't coming.
Each time you hit publish, your post seems to disappear into the void. You check your stats obsessively, hoping for that sudden spike in subscribers that never materializes. Meanwhile, other writers seem to be growing effortlessly, gaining hundreds of followers while you're fighting for every single one.
The worst part? You know your content is good. Maybe even great. You pour hours into crafting thoughtful, valuable posts. But it feels like shouting into an empty room.
And let's be honest—growing your subscriber base isn't just about ego or validation. For many of us, our Substack represents potential income, career opportunities, and the chance to build something meaningful. When growth stalls, those dreams feel increasingly out of reach.
I know this feeling all too well. Despite publishing consistently, my subscriber count was creeping up at a snail's pace. I was doing everything the "experts" recommended—writing consistently, sharing on social media, optimizing my headlines—yet the results were painfully mediocre.
Until I discovered the untapped potential of Substack Notes…
The Hidden Power of Substack Notes (That Most Writers Miss)
Last week, someone commented on one of my Notes: "I have no idea what I'm doing."
I nearly lol-ed because just a few months ago, that was exactly me.
Notes seemed like a mysterious game where some writers were collecting hundreds of likes and comments while the rest of us were left wondering what we were missing. I'd watch certain Notes spark discussions with dozens of comments, while mine collected digital dust.
But beneath my frustration, I sensed an opportunity.
Because while most Substack writers were obsessing over SEO, email deliverability, and paid promotion strategies, a small group of savvy creators were quietly building thriving communities and gaining hundreds of subscribers through Notes alone.
The numbers don't lie: When used strategically, Notes can be your most powerful subscriber acquisition channel.
But here's what most people don't understand about Notes:
It's not social media. Notes isn't Twitter/X or LinkedIn or Instagram. The psychology and dynamics are completely different.
It's not a popularity contest. The Notes with the most likes aren't always the ones that convert readers into subscribers.
It's not about frequency alone. Posting 5 times daily won't help if you're posting the wrong types of content.
It's not about going viral. Chasing virality is a losing game that leads to burnout and disappointment.
What Notes actually is: a community-building tool disguised as a social platform.
When I finally realized this fundamental truth, everything changed. I stopped treating Notes like just another social media platform and started approaching it as a strategic community-building channel.
Most writers make the same critical mistake: they use Notes to promote their latest post, share random thoughts, or repost content from other platforms. Then they wonder why growth is nonexistent.
But the writers who are gaining 100+ subscribers weekly through Notes? They're playing an entirely different game.
I know because I've become one of them. And I didn't get there by accident.
My Journey from Notes Newbie to Subscriber Magnet
I set out on a mission to crack the Notes code.
I became obsessed with trying to understand what made certain Notes perform while others flopped. I followed writers who consistently got engagement. I created a swipe file filled with screenshots of Notes that went semi-viral. For each one, I asked myself: "Why did this Note resonate while mine didn't?"
I started reaching out directly to writers who seemed to have mastered Notes. Most ignored me (understandably), but a few generous souls shared insights that completely shifted my perspective.
One writer told me: "Notes isn't about broadcasting—it's about starting conversations." Another said: "I never write a Note without considering how it makes someone feel."
Substack writers are smart. They’ll sniff out a phony, half-assed Note a mile away. You have to take time to really think about the purpose of your Note.
Armed with these insights, I started experimenting methodically. I tried different Note formats, posting times, topics, and tones. I tracked what worked and ruthlessly eliminated what didn't.
The turning point came faster than expected.
One evening, I posted a Note that felt different—more vulnerable, more specific in the value it offered. I closed the app without expecting much.
The next morning, my phone was flooded with notifications. That single Note had generated several hundred likes and dozens of thoughtful comments. But the real shock came later: that one Note brought in over 50+ new subscribers to my Substack.
Let that sink in. One Note. Fifty subscribers.
I was floored—excited and nervous at the same time. Had I stumbled onto something accidentally, or was this a repeatable strategy?
To find out, I doubled down on my approach. I started writing Notes every single day, applying what I'd learned and refining my strategy with each post.
The results shattered my expectations.
Did every Note go viral? Not even close. But here's what surprised me: even my average-performing Notes (those with just 20-40 likes) consistently brought in at least one new subscriber each.
Think about that for a moment. If every Note you wrote brought in just one new subscriber, and you wrote one Note per day, that's 30 new subscribers monthly on autopilot. Three Notes daily? That's potentially 90 new subscribers per month.
And that's exactly what happened. Over the past few months, my Notes strategy has consistently generated 50 to 100+ new subscribers weekly. Some days it's 5 subscribers, really good days it's 20+. But the numbers compound when you're consistent with the right approach.
The beauty of this strategy is its simplicity. You don't need special tools, technical skills, or a large existing audience. You just need to understand what types of Notes actually convert readers into subscribers—and then create them consistently.
The 5 Types of Notes That Convert Readers into Subscribers
After months of testing and analyzing what actually works, I've identified five specific types of Notes that consistently convert readers into subscribers. This isn't theory—these are battle-tested formats that drive real results.
Here's what most writers miss: Not every Note brings in subscribers.
Just because a Note got 100’s of likes doesn’t mean it brought any subscribers. When you learn how to write the right types of Notes, even the low-engagement ones will attract subscribers.
You need to write specific types of Notes that make someone think, "This person knows what they're talking about. I need to subscribe."
Let me break down each type:
1. Notes That Build Trust and Authority
These Notes demonstrate your expertise without being preachy. They offer genuine value through tactical insights, specific strategies, or helpful frameworks that readers can immediately apply.
Examples:
A concise breakdown of a complex topic in your niche
A counterintuitive insight that challenges conventional wisdom
A simple framework that helps solve a common problem
A step-by-step mini-guide on a specific skill
The psychology behind these Notes is straightforward: When you generously share valuable information for free, readers think, "If they're giving away this much value in a quick Note, imagine what I'd get by subscribing to their full newsletter."
Trust-building Notes position you as someone worth following long-term. They convert because they prove your value before asking for commitment.
2. Notes That Foster Community and Connection
The most underrated Notes strategy? Creating spaces for others to connect.
Examples:
"Introduce yourself and what you write about in the comments"
"Share your biggest win this week (and support others')"
"What's one question you have about [your niche]? Let's help each other"
"Drop your latest post for feedback (and give feedback to 2 others)"
These Notes tap into a fundamental human need: belonging. Writing can be intensely lonely. When you create a space where people feel seen and can connect with like-minded creators, they subscribe to stay part of that community.
The magic happens in the comments. As discussions flourish, your Note gains visibility, bringing in new readers who see the vibrant community you're fostering. Many will subscribe on the spot to join what you're building.
3. Notes That Build Personal Connection Through Storytelling
Readers subscribe to people, not just content.
Notes that share your personal journey—the obstacles you've overcome, how you started your newsletter, relatable daily challenges—create genuine connection that generic advice simply can't match.
Examples:
"Three months ago, I had 50 subscribers. Here's what changed everything..."
"The exact moment I realized I needed to pivot my newsletter strategy"
"What I wish someone had told me before starting a Substack"
"My biggest Substack failure (and what it taught me)"
We're hard-wired for stories. A heartfelt story about your publishing struggles will outperform generic advice every time because it makes you relatable and authentic.
These Notes convert because they help readers see themselves in your journey. When they connect with your story, they want to follow the next chapters through your newsletter.
4. Notes That Motivate and Inspire
Life is tough. We're bombarded daily with doomscrolling, anxiety-inducing news, and stress.
Notes that provide genuine encouragement, perspective, and motivation stand out like a lighthouse in a storm. They answer the question many of us silently ask: "Am I the only one struggling with this?"
Examples:
"The unexpected lesson from my worst publishing month"
"Why consistency matters more than perfection in building your audience"
"Three reminders for creators feeling stuck right now"
"The small win that kept me going when I wanted to quit"
When you become someone's consistent source of inspiration, they'll subscribe to keep that positivity flowing. These Notes convert because they fulfill an emotional need that goes beyond information—they provide the motivation to keep going.
5. Notes That Make You Think (with a Unique Perspective)
Challenge conventional wisdom. Share a unique perspective on current events. Ask thought-provoking questions that make readers pause mid-scroll.
Examples:
"The counterintuitive truth about newsletter growth I've discovered"
"Why I believe most writing advice is completely backward"
"The real reason most Substacks fail (that nobody talks about)"
"Three unpopular opinions about building an audience in 2025"
The most engaging Notes often start conversations around topics everyone's thinking about but few are discussing openly. When you stimulate meaningful thought, readers want more of your perspective.
These Notes convert because they position you as a thought leader who sees beyond the obvious. Readers subscribe because they want to follow your thinking on other topics relevant to them.
The key is understanding that each type serves a different purpose in your overall strategy. Like a well-balanced diet, your Notes approach should include all five types, with perhaps more emphasis on the ones that resonate most with your specific audience.
The Consistency Advantage: Why Regular Notes Beat Viral Hits
Here's a confession: I'm not particularly talented at writing viral content. I don't have some magical formula for creating Notes that get thousands of likes.
What I do have is a system for consistently creating Notes that convert readers into subscribers. And that's far more valuable.
The "Substack Notes Hack" isn't about going viral—it's about showing up consistently with the right types of content.
This realization was liberating. Instead of chasing the dopamine high of viral hits, I focused on consistency and conversion. The results speak for themselves:
Over the past month, I've gained well over 100 subscribers weekly through Notes alone. Some days it's 5 subscribers, other days it's 20+. But the numbers compound when you're consistent.
Let me break down exactly how consistency creates compound growth:
The Math Behind Notes Growth
Let's say you commit to writing just one Note per day, five days a week. Using the strategy I've outlined, if each Note only brings in 2 new subscribers on average, that's 10 new subscribers weekly or 40+ monthly.
Doesn't sound impressive? Here's where it gets interesting.
Those 40 new subscribers aren't just passive readers—they're people who discovered you through Notes and found your content valuable enough to subscribe. That means:
They're more likely to engage with your future Notes
They often become your most active commenters
Many will share your Notes with their own followers
They tend to have higher open rates on your newsletter
In other words, Notes subscribers are often your highest-quality subscribers. They don't just inflate your numbers—they actively contribute to your growth flywheel.
And that flywheel accelerates over time. As your Notes consistently attract new subscribers, your engagement increases, which makes your Notes more visible, which attracts more subscribers... and the cycle continues.
What About the Algorithm?
Here's something most people don't realize about Notes: it's not nearly as algorithmic as other social platforms.
While there is an algorithm at play, Notes still operates largely on chronological and engagement factors. This means you don't need to obsess over gaming the system or staying on top of ever-changing rules.
Instead, focus on these proven principles:
Consistency matters more than frequency. Better to post one thoughtful Note daily than five mediocre ones.
Comments often matter more than likes. A Note with 20 likes and 15 comments will typically outperform one with 50 likes and 2 comments in terms of visibility and conversion.
Timing does matter (at least not that much). I’ve found no correlation to engagement and posting early, late, etc. Try different times of the day.
Your first sentence is everything. If it doesn't grab attention immediately, the rest of your Note won't matter. This is your “hook.”
Visuals are underutilized. A simple, relevant image can significantly increase engagement on certain types of Notes.
Is Notes the secret hack to Substack growth? Maybe not for everyone. But it's definitely a powerful, underutilized tool that most writers aren't using correctly.
While everyone else is frantically trying to master SEO or paid advertising, successful Substack writers are quietly building engaged communities through Notes.
The question isn't whether Notes works—it's whether you're willing to apply the strategy consistently enough to see results.
📌 Take Your Notes Strategy to the Next Level: Join the Notes Growth Workshop
After seeing the transformation in my own growth—and helping dozens of other writers implement the same approach—I've realized something important:
This isn't just a strategy. It's a complete system for sustainable Substack growth.
That's why I've decided to reopen my Notes Growth Workshop for the next few days only.
Why I Created This Workshop
Remember that comment I mentioned at the beginning? The one where someone said, "I have no idea what I'm doing" on Notes?
That comment stuck with me because I remembered exactly how that felt. The frustration of putting in the work without seeing results. The confusion about what actually moves the needle. The overwhelm from conflicting advice.
I created this workshop to be the resource I wish I'd had when starting out.
It's not just theory—it's a practical, step-by-step system based on what's actually working right now on Substack Notes. No fluff, no outdated tactics, no general advice you could find anywhere.
What's Inside the Notes Growth Workshop
If you're ready to transform your Notes from invisible to irresistible and add 100+ subscribers weekly to your Substack, here's exactly what you'll get when you join today:
The Notes Growth Guide: My full strategy documented step-by-step, including what to post, when to post, and how to optimize for maximum visibility and conversion.
Proven Note Templates: Copy-and-paste templates for each of the 5 high-converting Note types we covered, with examples across different niches.
The Engagement Formula: The exact approach I use to turn likes and comments into subscribers (including the specific calls-to-action that work best).
My Personal Swipe File: A curated collection of 50+ successful Notes from writers across Substack, with analysis of why they worked.
Engagement Accelerators: Little-known techniques to boost your Notes visibility beyond your existing audience.
This Isn't About Going Viral
Let me be clear about what this workshop is and isn't. This isn't about gaming the system or using manipulative tactics to go viral. It's not about becoming a Notes "influencer" or chasing vanity metrics.
This is about connecting genuinely with your audience through consistent, strategic Notes that make people want to subscribe to your Substack. It's about sustainable growth that compounds over time.
Because ultimately, what matters isn't how many likes your Notes get—it's how many subscribers you're adding to your newsletter every week.
If you’re ready to start growing your newsletter this year with Notes, join us in the Workshop by clicking below 👇
Here’s my Challenge for you. Whether you join us in the Workshop or not, I want you to start writing on Notes. Commit to writing 1 note per day for the next 7 days.
Write down what you learn worked (and what didn’t). The first step is taking action. The next step is staying consistent. You got this.
Substack writers continue not to delineated "Subscribers" from Paying Subscribers. I was naive enough when I first wrote on Substack that a subscriber was golden and meant I was making money. No once that reality hit, I grew disenchanted with the program feeling like I was dealing with High Schoolers. I'm here to write, to pour my heart out, as a catharsis and to make money. Please indicate paid subscribers vs. non paying subscribers. Deborah Brooks, "The Journey Not Wanted.
Great thoughts. Thanks. I've just recently started and am trying to figure out Substack. For this old-ish dog trying to learn a new trick, it's also great for exercising the noggin. Will definitely try a technique or two of yours and comment back with one.