Engaging with notes and other people's material is 100% right, the algorithm doesn't know what you have written is good and to whom to promote. You have to find your audience and engage!
This is the kind of post every Substack writer needs bookmarked. You’re not just sharing strategy here, you’re dismantling the myths that quietly sabotage so many talented creators.
The part that hit hardest for me was “when you turn on paid subscriptions, you’re not just creating a Substack anymore, you’re running two businesses.” That’s the truth most writers don’t want to hear but absolutely need to. The way you broke down the shift from “writing for yourself” to “writing for your people” was spot on, it’s not selling out, it’s tuning in.
I also love how you grounded everything in practicality, the cadence of sharing, the psychology behind Notes, the mindset of small consistent offers. No fluff, just experience distilled into usable insight.
“Stop waiting to feel ready. Start building the muscle of being seen.”
That’s the energy behind this whole piece, and it’s why it resonates so deeply with writers trying to move from invisible to inevitable.
I truly appreciate this. I feel very seen! My goal is to be of service and like you said, dismantle the myths that are being shilled online. Thank you for reading.
New Substack writer here, and this is all so helpful! Thanks, Landon. I also read your recent post about not needing to be on every platform and releasing the guilt about that, and you're so right that every platform has a learning curve, different skills required, and repurposing isn't as simple as scheduling software tries to make it.
I've been a blogger for 13 years so the long form writing of posts on Substack is very aligning, but consistently writing daily notes is bringing up some instagram PTSD for me - ha. But all very helpful to know about what it takes to build a Substack, so thank you!
So happy this resonated Kelsey! And I totally get it. The long form is very resonate of blogging. But the Notes brings the discovery engine. However, it also can bring some of the vibes not everyone liked from social like Twitter/X. I'd suggest to start small. There's no rush :)
This was very insightful. Thank you for sharing + looking out for fellow writers. We all make ourselves vulnerable sharing our pieces, thoughts as it expresses us. ✨️
It's very easy to get frustrated if you create content, but then don't get the resonance you hoped for. But as you point out, it's also wishful thinking that you just publish once, write one note and people will magically discover it. I'm so guilty of doing this and then wondering why my reach isn't going up. Thank you for that reminder! It's such a shame to put out good content and then to not give people a shot of engaging with it. And that's what you do if you just hit publish and wait for comments and likes to roll in.
I agree my friend. It doesn't feel "great" but we must be realistic. Just because we post doesn't mean the flood gates are going to open. Everyone's journey is unique.
Thank you for telling us how you share your pieces. I thought I was oversharing for a few days now, but I guess I just haven't been lucky this past week.
I could start sharing old content, though. I'm only focused on the recent ones.
I refer to that as your 'back catalog'. Someone that follows me today will never see something I posted 18 months ago. Sharing old work is a fantstic strategy!
Engaging with notes and other people's material is 100% right, the algorithm doesn't know what you have written is good and to whom to promote. You have to find your audience and engage!
Agreed, especially "early" I think it's crucial.
This is the kind of post every Substack writer needs bookmarked. You’re not just sharing strategy here, you’re dismantling the myths that quietly sabotage so many talented creators.
The part that hit hardest for me was “when you turn on paid subscriptions, you’re not just creating a Substack anymore, you’re running two businesses.” That’s the truth most writers don’t want to hear but absolutely need to. The way you broke down the shift from “writing for yourself” to “writing for your people” was spot on, it’s not selling out, it’s tuning in.
I also love how you grounded everything in practicality, the cadence of sharing, the psychology behind Notes, the mindset of small consistent offers. No fluff, just experience distilled into usable insight.
“Stop waiting to feel ready. Start building the muscle of being seen.”
That’s the energy behind this whole piece, and it’s why it resonates so deeply with writers trying to move from invisible to inevitable.
I truly appreciate this. I feel very seen! My goal is to be of service and like you said, dismantle the myths that are being shilled online. Thank you for reading.
I’m right there with you Brother. Being in service, purposeful, is what resonates. We embrace community and community embraces us.
Thank you, great post… food for thought
Thanks Annie :)
Welcome 🙏
#2 will be a game changer for me. I didn't think of it (I just joined two weeks ago). Thank you!
i hope so!! happy it was helpful
Thank you for a useful and interesting post!
Thanks for reading!
You give the best advice. Thanks for making Substack easier to navigate and understand.
This means a lot Dawn, thank you for reading
You’re most welcome!🤗
New Substack writer here, and this is all so helpful! Thanks, Landon. I also read your recent post about not needing to be on every platform and releasing the guilt about that, and you're so right that every platform has a learning curve, different skills required, and repurposing isn't as simple as scheduling software tries to make it.
I've been a blogger for 13 years so the long form writing of posts on Substack is very aligning, but consistently writing daily notes is bringing up some instagram PTSD for me - ha. But all very helpful to know about what it takes to build a Substack, so thank you!
So happy this resonated Kelsey! And I totally get it. The long form is very resonate of blogging. But the Notes brings the discovery engine. However, it also can bring some of the vibes not everyone liked from social like Twitter/X. I'd suggest to start small. There's no rush :)
This was very insightful. Thank you for sharing + looking out for fellow writers. We all make ourselves vulnerable sharing our pieces, thoughts as it expresses us. ✨️
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Could you give more detail on how you share as a quote?
For sure Brian, I wrote a full article on all the ways to share posts (including quotes) here: https://landonpoburan.substack.com/p/why-most-substack-writers-are-invisible
It's very easy to get frustrated if you create content, but then don't get the resonance you hoped for. But as you point out, it's also wishful thinking that you just publish once, write one note and people will magically discover it. I'm so guilty of doing this and then wondering why my reach isn't going up. Thank you for that reminder! It's such a shame to put out good content and then to not give people a shot of engaging with it. And that's what you do if you just hit publish and wait for comments and likes to roll in.
I agree my friend. It doesn't feel "great" but we must be realistic. Just because we post doesn't mean the flood gates are going to open. Everyone's journey is unique.
Great post! Thanks for your tips, Landon!
Thanks for reading Chris!
This is excellent. One of the clearest and most reality based approaches of how substack actually works that I have seen? Thank you.
That means a lot Tim! Thank you for taking the time to read it.
I am goin to be using as a guide for substack growth.
Love it. If that's the goal, here's another one I wrote on the topic:
https://landonpoburan.substack.com/p/how-id-teach-substack-growth-in-2025
and
https://landonpoburan.substack.com/p/substack-growth-for-creators-who-refuse-to-hustle
Captivating read, so I restacked it. Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate the support :)
You’re welcome, more than logical/deserved. It is a great article!
Thank you for telling us how you share your pieces. I thought I was oversharing for a few days now, but I guess I just haven't been lucky this past week.
I could start sharing old content, though. I'm only focused on the recent ones.
I refer to that as your 'back catalog'. Someone that follows me today will never see something I posted 18 months ago. Sharing old work is a fantstic strategy!
great overview. i think the more that you believe in yourself the more you will amplify. when you have this hungry, need to share, it is felt.
Well said. I am 100% in agreement. Building and nurturing self belief is vital on this journey.
Absolutely!! Self love 🤍
Thank you, Landon; this is SUPER useful!
You are so welcome! Thank you for reading.