I haven't quite figured out how best to navigate Substack tags, but I do have a few recurring features (record reviews, weekly playlists, etc.). Like you, my audience is in chunks- some people really show up for content about X, and others for Y. I certainly don't expect every one to show up for everything, but I *do* want them to keep showing up, and I think this helps make that happen.
Here's a question for you. Do you know if adding a tag to a particular post, something more narrow than the larger navigational tag, would help people find the post? For instance, I have a navigational section on "amphibians" but the particular post is about specific species of frog. If I add "frog" as a tag is there any point? I see it gets added to our settings options, which could end up creating a very long list of tags. Any insight?
I think that's hard to say since tags aren't even a month old. I do wonder the same kind of stuff. Like, will people be able to follow tags? Or are they just for our readers? And I don't know the answer to those questions.
Linda, for your sake, I regret to say we are alike. I write and travel in a wide lane. Niches aren't me, even if that is what I help others do as a consultant. There is simply too many interesting ideas and topics to pursue. This week I wrote about ChatGPT/prompt engineering and then on "moving meditation," followed by standing on the mountain of "no's." The only common ground is that they have nothing in common but me as their author.
Bottom line: I salute your diversity of writing, and I enjoy it immensely. Please don't change.
lol, thanks Jill. I'm not sure I could change if I tried. And I have tried. So hard. Tried to stick to a niche. But then I bore myself to death. In my opinion, the only thing that makes us all truly unique is how we look at the world, you know?
Thanks for this! Also, yeah, I struggle with niching. I believe we are diverse enough to talk to different people depending on where they are in their lives. But, thanks.
Thank you for this explanation. Somehow, when I read it on Substack, I felt like it wasn't going to be useful for me, but now I think I see the beauty parts. I've gotta go do some playing around with it!
I just stumbled upon this post, and I just wanted to give you a high-five for writing what you want to. I do the exact same thing. People have always told me that I need to stick to a niche, but that's just not how I am I guess. Either way, it's nice to see others doing the same thing. Keep up the great work!
I saved this post and re-read it now that I've (finally!) set up my Substack and scheduled 4 posts for June. Like you, I just can't seem to niche down, and this phrase of yours resonates with me: I like the people who are like roman candles, and you just never know what they’re going to come up with . . .". However, on my Substack, I'm focusing on aging in a way that's joyful but thoughtful, as well as real. No advice on how to be a super ager from me!
Hi Linda, I use lists on Medium to group my posts theme. I was also confused when I joined Medium as to how to structure my content list. And yes, very happy about tags here, but some key tags should be given, so they are searchable beyond your own publication.
This is great. I can target my Substack writing posts to the audiences that will actually appreciate them. I was having trouble with that before.
Right? I think it's a great addition, too!
I haven't quite figured out how best to navigate Substack tags, but I do have a few recurring features (record reviews, weekly playlists, etc.). Like you, my audience is in chunks- some people really show up for content about X, and others for Y. I certainly don't expect every one to show up for everything, but I *do* want them to keep showing up, and I think this helps make that happen.
I think in your case, the tags would work really well to help people find the content they enjoy.
Wow I did learn a lot from this - but why doesn't the tags display at the bottom of the post like on Medium?
That's a good question! For a while, they didn't at Medium, either. I kind of hope they'll add it somewhere along the way.
Linda, did you put tags on this story? I'm asking because I don't see any at the bottom and I am using the app on my android. Just curious...
No, I didn't. I haven't decided on the tags I want to use yet. Will start as soon as I decide that, and then get them set up. :)
I will keep my eyes open for when you do.
As a matter of interest I looked at two other substacks I receive and don't see any tags.
Thanks!
Here's a question for you. Do you know if adding a tag to a particular post, something more narrow than the larger navigational tag, would help people find the post? For instance, I have a navigational section on "amphibians" but the particular post is about specific species of frog. If I add "frog" as a tag is there any point? I see it gets added to our settings options, which could end up creating a very long list of tags. Any insight?
I think that's hard to say since tags aren't even a month old. I do wonder the same kind of stuff. Like, will people be able to follow tags? Or are they just for our readers? And I don't know the answer to those questions.
Guess we’ll learn together!
Linda, for your sake, I regret to say we are alike. I write and travel in a wide lane. Niches aren't me, even if that is what I help others do as a consultant. There is simply too many interesting ideas and topics to pursue. This week I wrote about ChatGPT/prompt engineering and then on "moving meditation," followed by standing on the mountain of "no's." The only common ground is that they have nothing in common but me as their author.
Bottom line: I salute your diversity of writing, and I enjoy it immensely. Please don't change.
lol, thanks Jill. I'm not sure I could change if I tried. And I have tried. So hard. Tried to stick to a niche. But then I bore myself to death. In my opinion, the only thing that makes us all truly unique is how we look at the world, you know?
Thanks for this! Also, yeah, I struggle with niching. I believe we are diverse enough to talk to different people depending on where they are in their lives. But, thanks.
I agree Adoyo. I think some people just gravitate to one niche, while others don't.
Thank you for this explanation. Somehow, when I read it on Substack, I felt like it wasn't going to be useful for me, but now I think I see the beauty parts. I've gotta go do some playing around with it!
Right? Same. I need to do some playing with it, too.
I just stumbled upon this post, and I just wanted to give you a high-five for writing what you want to. I do the exact same thing. People have always told me that I need to stick to a niche, but that's just not how I am I guess. Either way, it's nice to see others doing the same thing. Keep up the great work!
Great info re the tags. I am DEF not a niche person and I love finding others doing this too. Thanks for the inspo, Linda!
Linda, Thanks! This is really helpful!
When I saw this I thought hashtags
I have been using tags in the last 5 posts/articles but I am not sure that it does anything. Do we get any feedback abut the effect of tags?
I saved this post and re-read it now that I've (finally!) set up my Substack and scheduled 4 posts for June. Like you, I just can't seem to niche down, and this phrase of yours resonates with me: I like the people who are like roman candles, and you just never know what they’re going to come up with . . .". However, on my Substack, I'm focusing on aging in a way that's joyful but thoughtful, as well as real. No advice on how to be a super ager from me!
I'm with Holly as a poet. Poetry - a niche but beyond that - all topics!
Hi Linda, I use lists on Medium to group my posts theme. I was also confused when I joined Medium as to how to structure my content list. And yes, very happy about tags here, but some key tags should be given, so they are searchable beyond your own publication.