I really loved this and it’s so true. So many people out there marketing their “strategy” when I found the best strategy is consistency, value content, and stay true to yourself. I had a note I posted about procrastination (while sitting on my coach procrastinating lol) and it picked up a lot of unexpected traction! It was not a strategic note or anything I thought would get attention, but it got like over 25 likes, several comments and restocks. I got like 7 organic follows from it. While this is far from a viral moment, this had been the most engagement I’ve gotten on anything, previously it’s been zero besides my dad *literally*. So you can imagine my excitement when strangers were now finding my content.
Really shows if you’re consistent and doing it authentically that it will eventually get in front of the right audience.
"consistency, value content, and stay true to yourself" -- Bottle that up into a course, because we know that's really all that matters. Everything else is useless if you can't master that.
I listened to a good Gary Vee video about this today. He said "It's about the consistency of being as good at it as you can be consistently, forever. It's not about going viral." I think that virality is awesome, but it can be a difficult game to play if it's all your focused on. Also it's important that virality alone isn't what grows businesses.
I'm 100% restacking this, Landon! Full of great and honest advice. Things we don't often hear nowadays, especially since everyone is selling the 'SECRET'. Sometimes it is just pure luck. Period. Other times it's because you're so genuine, people pick up your energy because you resonate with them. Well done btw! I've learned a lot❣️
Great post Landon, and thank you for sharing what has worked for you! That's one thing that has fascinated me with Notes so far, is how often I will see things pop up on my feed from days ago from others. If it was another platform, you're lucky to have your content have a shelf life of more than 48 hours, and that's IF it takes off.
I LOVE how long the shelf life is of good content on Substack. This has been a gamechanger for me personally. Content on platforms like Instagram instantly dies.
Exactly - anymore Reels seems to be where it's at for sharing content. I hardly get any traction on regular posts there aside from the usual bots they haven't cleaned up, lol.
Even Gary Vee has talked about how its really hard to grow on IG. The maturity and saturation just requires everyone to be better -- Or, last longer. As it betters harder, more people will quit. So we can use consistency to our advantage as well and outlast people.
Good point and I’m glad Gary has picked up on that as well. Consistency is really what it’s all about, and I think that’s what others have said before that so many just wind up quitting after not getting traction so that can help leave gaps to fill.
It's very true. Success or "traction" isn't guaranteed, even with consistency. You simply put yourself in a better position for it to happen. However, I think this is why it's incredibly important to find something you love doing.
I feel like this comes back to that infancy piece as well... Instagram is such an oversaturated abyss, but Substack feels more considered and high-quality. It's wild because it *has* actually been around for a few years, but it really does feel like the Substack engine is just revving up.
Yes, I first heard of it in 2018 and remember looking into it but feeling like I had nothing to say. Time has flown but very happy to be here now (bursting with ideas, no less).
So true, Matt! I'm super new here and have noticed the same - I'm seeing posts from weeks ago, but I kind of love that! If the people love it, why not let more people see it right?!
It's true that going viral takes luck. But these two notes have something in common with lots of successful notes I saw in the past months:
- One is about Substack, and especially about praising it. Similar notes are always strong on Substack.
- The other is a "permission" note. Something that people want to hear, because it gives them permission to do what they want to do. It make their life easier.
And yes, there's an algorithm on Notes. They announced it some months ago.
I agree, and those are insights I've gathered since posting them. The one about substack was purely a stream of consciousness. It wasn't posted with the intention of 'posting about Substack will do well'. However, the other one is a permission post but it's also 100% aligned with my values and mission. I believe strategy does play a role, and certain types of content have potential to do better than others for sure.
Interesting, you got 25 new subscribers from a Note that got 1500 likes? Good to know. I love how there are fewer variables to clunk around with here than on IG/LI, etc.
appreciate the transparency in the experience. Posting from the jungles of Peru near Machu Picchu and glad I stumbled on your note to get here. Keep going as you do! Hug from me to you .
Great insights, Landon! My favorite thoughts are the stream of consciousness and “shower” thoughts. Recently learned that our brain waves are different in moments like that, helping the thoughts flow more easily. Thought it was super interesting!
Totally! We're not 'creative' while we're busy at work. The ideas usually flow when we least expect it because our subconscious is making connections. I am no neuroscientist but I've learned similar to you, I half-understand how it works but can't speak the lingo as well as I'd like to ;-)
Always, always! As a yoga/movement instructor it can be tough to find space away from “work”when movement is work and that’s also how I create mental clarity. But I also find it’s even more important to do so as a yoga/movement instructor bc if I’m not practicing then it’s tough to teach the practice. It’s all a cycle and it’s all a practice!
Love your approach: Substack as a game! Personally I’m not big on games (lol) but my approach is Substack as experiment. I experiment on daily /weekly /monthly basis with formats, challenges, spotlights etc. To see how I can provide most value, and high quality content to members of my community.
I love that approach. Everything we do is a test and gives us insights. I am sure you will continue to learn a lot by intentional experimentation. Any big takeaways so far?
So far: 1) Awe of the skills and talents with the community 2) appreciation of courage to show up and write even when life is challenging and difficult 3) the spirit of pay it forward and the support and encouragement that’s present
I don't think there is any formulas that guarantee virality. Honestly, the universe is going to decide who the “lucky ones" are. So instead of dwelling on trying to get big fast, I want to build a meaningful community of people that appreciate creativity and discussing what makes a story great.
What a fun read. I was with you all the way! Luck is recognized opportunity, most often with lots of work behind it. CHEERS on the enjoyment of success and use of success to assist others in succeeding! :)
Wow! These are incredible tips. I think your secret is consistency. Looks like notes are taking over full posts. Substack prioritizes notes over posts.
Thanks Jessey. I attribute most to consistency, for sure. I like to think of Notes + Posts working together. Kind of like a marketing funnel. Notes being amazing for growth, new eyeballs, and testing ideas, then Posts being great for creating depth with those eyeballs.
Great breakdown.
I think I found the secret.
it's when you say that you've written 100s of Substack Notes.
Amen.
My secret is that I have no secret. I'm just stubborn and keep posting.
LOL
I believe there was some spam comments going around on my posts.
time to roll out a blue badge lol
I really loved this and it’s so true. So many people out there marketing their “strategy” when I found the best strategy is consistency, value content, and stay true to yourself. I had a note I posted about procrastination (while sitting on my coach procrastinating lol) and it picked up a lot of unexpected traction! It was not a strategic note or anything I thought would get attention, but it got like over 25 likes, several comments and restocks. I got like 7 organic follows from it. While this is far from a viral moment, this had been the most engagement I’ve gotten on anything, previously it’s been zero besides my dad *literally*. So you can imagine my excitement when strangers were now finding my content.
Really shows if you’re consistent and doing it authentically that it will eventually get in front of the right audience.
"consistency, value content, and stay true to yourself" -- Bottle that up into a course, because we know that's really all that matters. Everything else is useless if you can't master that.
Totally agree!!
Yeah it's almost like bc you can't predict, you have to just throw out a lot of different stuff and statisically, something will likely land.
I listened to a good Gary Vee video about this today. He said "It's about the consistency of being as good at it as you can be consistently, forever. It's not about going viral." I think that virality is awesome, but it can be a difficult game to play if it's all your focused on. Also it's important that virality alone isn't what grows businesses.
Exactly!
I'm 100% restacking this, Landon! Full of great and honest advice. Things we don't often hear nowadays, especially since everyone is selling the 'SECRET'. Sometimes it is just pure luck. Period. Other times it's because you're so genuine, people pick up your energy because you resonate with them. Well done btw! I've learned a lot❣️
Thank you so much for the support. It means more than you think.
Great post Landon, and thank you for sharing what has worked for you! That's one thing that has fascinated me with Notes so far, is how often I will see things pop up on my feed from days ago from others. If it was another platform, you're lucky to have your content have a shelf life of more than 48 hours, and that's IF it takes off.
I LOVE how long the shelf life is of good content on Substack. This has been a gamechanger for me personally. Content on platforms like Instagram instantly dies.
Exactly - anymore Reels seems to be where it's at for sharing content. I hardly get any traction on regular posts there aside from the usual bots they haven't cleaned up, lol.
Even Gary Vee has talked about how its really hard to grow on IG. The maturity and saturation just requires everyone to be better -- Or, last longer. As it betters harder, more people will quit. So we can use consistency to our advantage as well and outlast people.
Good point and I’m glad Gary has picked up on that as well. Consistency is really what it’s all about, and I think that’s what others have said before that so many just wind up quitting after not getting traction so that can help leave gaps to fill.
It's very true. Success or "traction" isn't guaranteed, even with consistency. You simply put yourself in a better position for it to happen. However, I think this is why it's incredibly important to find something you love doing.
I feel like this comes back to that infancy piece as well... Instagram is such an oversaturated abyss, but Substack feels more considered and high-quality. It's wild because it *has* actually been around for a few years, but it really does feel like the Substack engine is just revving up.
It's been around since 2017! Crazy, right. And we still feel early. Things will evolve as it matures, like all platforms do.
Yes, I first heard of it in 2018 and remember looking into it but feeling like I had nothing to say. Time has flown but very happy to be here now (bursting with ideas, no less).
So true, Matt! I'm super new here and have noticed the same - I'm seeing posts from weeks ago, but I kind of love that! If the people love it, why not let more people see it right?!
Good content is good content and it's nice to see Substack realize that too.
Here, here! ;)
Yeah agreed. So nice.
Thanks for sharing.
It's true that going viral takes luck. But these two notes have something in common with lots of successful notes I saw in the past months:
- One is about Substack, and especially about praising it. Similar notes are always strong on Substack.
- The other is a "permission" note. Something that people want to hear, because it gives them permission to do what they want to do. It make their life easier.
And yes, there's an algorithm on Notes. They announced it some months ago.
I agree, and those are insights I've gathered since posting them. The one about substack was purely a stream of consciousness. It wasn't posted with the intention of 'posting about Substack will do well'. However, the other one is a permission post but it's also 100% aligned with my values and mission. I believe strategy does play a role, and certain types of content have potential to do better than others for sure.
Yes, when those posts are align and sincere, there’s no harm!
"Your back catalog is important"
Yes, the same in the market of books.
You bet. Time for me to build that one too.
Encouraging! Thanks for sharing, Landon
No problem, thanks for reading William.
Interesting, you got 25 new subscribers from a Note that got 1500 likes? Good to know. I love how there are fewer variables to clunk around with here than on IG/LI, etc.
It was around 250+ new subs. But it's all observational, the trend I noticed of growth when the note spike in likes.
250 is a lot!
I was really happy with it ;-)
25 new subscribers from a Note is a lot, it is not usual.
Yes that is a lot
appreciate the transparency in the experience. Posting from the jungles of Peru near Machu Picchu and glad I stumbled on your note to get here. Keep going as you do! Hug from me to you .
🤗 Thanks Megan. Definitely sounds like your work environment is a little more exciting than mine right now.
simple living. not too exciting but fulfilling. hahaha. patio in the forest with sweet boys running around everywhere. Ok. it is exciting.
Simple living is underrated in my opinion. I lived for a couple years in Mexico and loved it.
Great insights, Landon! My favorite thoughts are the stream of consciousness and “shower” thoughts. Recently learned that our brain waves are different in moments like that, helping the thoughts flow more easily. Thought it was super interesting!
Totally! We're not 'creative' while we're busy at work. The ideas usually flow when we least expect it because our subconscious is making connections. I am no neuroscientist but I've learned similar to you, I half-understand how it works but can't speak the lingo as well as I'd like to ;-)
Yes, but that's it! We need mental and physical space away from work to create new connections!
And that's something I am trying to bring more in to my life these days.
Always, always! As a yoga/movement instructor it can be tough to find space away from “work”when movement is work and that’s also how I create mental clarity. But I also find it’s even more important to do so as a yoga/movement instructor bc if I’m not practicing then it’s tough to teach the practice. It’s all a cycle and it’s all a practice!
I found myself in a similar situation when I owned a gym and worked as a personal trainer.
Love your approach: Substack as a game! Personally I’m not big on games (lol) but my approach is Substack as experiment. I experiment on daily /weekly /monthly basis with formats, challenges, spotlights etc. To see how I can provide most value, and high quality content to members of my community.
I love that approach. Everything we do is a test and gives us insights. I am sure you will continue to learn a lot by intentional experimentation. Any big takeaways so far?
So far: 1) Awe of the skills and talents with the community 2) appreciation of courage to show up and write even when life is challenging and difficult 3) the spirit of pay it forward and the support and encouragement that’s present
Love it. I agree with all 3.
I don't think there is any formulas that guarantee virality. Honestly, the universe is going to decide who the “lucky ones" are. So instead of dwelling on trying to get big fast, I want to build a meaningful community of people that appreciate creativity and discussing what makes a story great.
We're in agreement for sure.
I once went viral with a gaming clip on YT. Over 1mil views (the average is 10k). Does it count? Haha!
Congratulations, sir! You are an example of 'just keep it up'.
That's impressive! Good work.
What a fun read. I was with you all the way! Luck is recognized opportunity, most often with lots of work behind it. CHEERS on the enjoyment of success and use of success to assist others in succeeding! :)
Cheers! Thanks for reading Tina.
"I started to see likes and comments for another post… Something I couldn’t even remember posting — It was over 3 weeks old."
That's exactly what I love about Substack! Shelf life is longer here.
You never know when something will take off.
Thanks Yana :)
Wow! These are incredible tips. I think your secret is consistency. Looks like notes are taking over full posts. Substack prioritizes notes over posts.
Thanks Jessey. I attribute most to consistency, for sure. I like to think of Notes + Posts working together. Kind of like a marketing funnel. Notes being amazing for growth, new eyeballs, and testing ideas, then Posts being great for creating depth with those eyeballs.