With the right intent, those stars can shine so bright, lifting heads upwards to see possibilities. I am glad to see more desire for deeper words than just headlines on social media.
I haven’t started writing pieces yet because I have a professional writing job that takes my time, and I’m not on here to monetize. But I really related to what you were saying.
I especially think titles are important. They either grab your attention or they don’t. Or they don’t communicate with the titles or images what the piece is about, which is very frustrating.
But I have a theory. lol
I call it the 30/70 split .
Seems 70% of the people on here are trying to be gurus and writing about Substack like you’re saying, and trying to convince readers how valuable they are. Nothing wrong with that.
The other 30% are sharing lived experiences and are here to share and make connections. Money, also. But it’s not the main focus.
That does not bring me down. Because 30% of 35 million people on this platform is plenty.
I could be wrong. But I see this 30/70 split in so many other areas of life. 😊
Leo, I loved the lol after "I have a theory" bit. lol. I have found the art and illustration tab to be such a wonderful break from the gurus and marketing. There are so many really creative people here, but they're tucked away in their own little corners. But the primary feed? Yeah, I see that split, too. :)
I'm launching a serial novel and, on Day 2, I logged one organically grown subscriber. We're now on Day 6. 16 posts. Still just the one sub. I'm getting a few reads. 1 comment, from someone who knows me. My mother passed away in 2005, so no help there.
I'm not discouraged. I'm having fun. The manuscript will be better for it, no matter how the serial novel does.
I love that attitude and for sure, the manuscript will be stronger for it. I do wonder, though, if you'd catch more eyes if you swapped the title and subtitle around. I bet you would :)
I love this article - and that story you told about not seeing well as a little girl - oh my. That tugged at my heart. I also love your title - writing is scattering stars in the dark. Perfect!
Thank you for inviting us to be part of your experiment. The post that has brought me the most subscribers and comments was about aging - same deal as with you. I had a political one that brought more, but I don't want to use that one. Because well, politics.
You made me laugh, Nancy. I had a history one that was up there too, which surprised me. That's a great title, I'll head over to read it, too. And thank you so much for joining in.
I'm just starting out, still at less (fewer?) than 10 subs, and that's fine for me right now. But I did write about grief already--and I fully understand what it means to watch someone you love deteriorate over time. 🫂
I don't remember who restacked the first thing of yours I saw, but I remember being drawn in by your honesty and your candid, casual writing style. You're talking about living a creative life and I'm here just nodding along, appreciating both the similarities and differences in our journeys. Not sure if that insight helps any, but I enjoy reading your posts and I'm glad you're sharing!
Linda, for some reason your posts always astound me at how good they are. I should know by now to expect it, because they are always top shelf. I'll play along and offer this post. In the small arena that I'm trying to grow, this one did well in terms of likes and comments. I believe it clicked and registered with people because it's such a relatable topic. It's very short but it's got an awful lot of me, what makes me tick, and a particular memory packed in there. I write fiction 90% of the time but occasionally I don't. This was one of those times. Thanks, Jim https://jimjwilsky.substack.com/p/i-dont-know-how
What a nice thing to say Jim, thank you! You're so right that it's a relatable topic. Cripes there is more I don't know how to do than the tiny list of what I do know. After work and into the weekend I will be sipping cappuccino and reading the shares here so I'll see you over at your place soon.
Hi Linda. We all want to keep learning. I believe that sharing your life's stories resonates with others, especially in managing difficult periods in your life. I am more interested in reading about someone's lessons that were learned during a difficult period in their life, than in hearing about all their successes. I have personally learned very little from my own successes, but my trials have revealed my character flaws. Pain is the great equalizer for both the rich and the poor, for those revered and those rejected. Ultimately, we are all in the same small boat trying to row our way back to shore. Thank you for sharing your story. Keep writing!! Best, David
I’m still trying to figure if I’m the 70% or the 30%, but now I’m wondering whether a certain percentage of people have learned more from life’s trials or successes ?
Pain certainly is the great equalizer!! Developing a story surrounding this issue right now. It's definitely the unwelcomed friend we're glad paid us a visit by the time they leave - Pain is the bitter friend 🧡
Hi Linda - I haven't paid much attention to which of my posts gets a lot of views or reads, but on both Medium and Substack, one piece that got 2.44K views on Substack and 3.8K views and 2.1K reads on Medium was my article "The Scam." Seems that a lot of people could identify. Definitely not MY favorite piece I've written, don't think it has much literary value, but it gives others information that may be useful to them. The other thing that seems to have brought me many new subscribers on Substack is posting a video once-a-week on the day I post my newest essay. A few years ago I voluntarily did a silly video for a cosmetic company extolling the virtues of a product I'd bought, and at last count there had been over 14 MILLION views! People have stopped me on the street to ask if that was me in the ad! I've heard from total strangers in Canada (I'm in California) about the ad. Go figure. So the power of video can't be underestimated. We are a voyeuristic culture, accustomed to TV and movies. Incidentally, The Scam earned me all of $27.66 on Medium. I am definitely not getting rich writing.
Omg, Patricia, that's wild! 14 MILLION wow. I had a similar experience on Medium. Someone stole all my writing and put it on another site so I posted to warn people to go check that site for theirs. It got a ton of views, earned nothing. Wasn't my favorite thing to write, either but I'm still glad I did.
A very intriguing piece, Linda. I've been here on Substack for around 2 months and have maybe 14 followers, so I can't really answer the question. But I do believe titles have to grab people.
Oh man, Ali. The name right there in the title is an eye catcher, hey? I'll pop over and read after work is done for the day so I'll see you there later :)
Great question, Linda. Pieces that bring in the most subscribers seem to be the ones where the subscriber sees themself in the story. The most often repeated comment is something like this: You get me. Finally, the community that covers my multiple interests.
I could sure see that one floating to the top, Georgia. And I agree. Whether we're readers or writers, feeling seen is such a big thing. I think you hit on something. When I look at my best posts, I see that a lot in the comments. You get me. I like that a lot. After work is done, I'll pop over and read so I'll see you there later :)
I write and draw. Or I should say I draw and write, and I've only published a small handful of posts. I've not been here long - I'm a fugitive from Instagram and used to blog on WordPress, and for now I feel happy hanging out here without many people knowing about me. Interesting what you say about titles and topics though. My all-time record of a response many years ago that got "Freshly Pressed" by the WordPress team was called When Angry, Draw Guinea-pigs, and was spontaneous, heartfelt and personal. Which must say something!
I love that title. When Angry, Draw Guinea-pigs -- I can see why they showcased that. Oh my gosh I love your art. I will be spending some time at your place this weekend. Did you ever bring When Angry, Draw Guinea-pigs over to Substack? I'd love to read that, too
I still have a fondness for WordPress where I first started blogging (every platform has its good points) but I can’t keep up with publishing all over the place. I guess I could bring that post over from the archives….
This one has had 5 times as many views/shares as anything else I've written. Not sure if it's curiosity on the part of readers, or because we all feel like collateral damage at some point.
Beautiful, Linda, thank you! My first piece that really brought subscribers last year: https://catemcquaid.substack.com/p/the-ridiculousness-of-the-inner-critic
I think you're right about titles. I haven't mastered that yet.
What a great title, Cate. Hoo boy, I can see I'm going to be doing some reading here lol
With the right intent, those stars can shine so bright, lifting heads upwards to see possibilities. I am glad to see more desire for deeper words than just headlines on social media.
Me too, Sara. Aren't writers just the best?
I haven’t started writing pieces yet because I have a professional writing job that takes my time, and I’m not on here to monetize. But I really related to what you were saying.
I especially think titles are important. They either grab your attention or they don’t. Or they don’t communicate with the titles or images what the piece is about, which is very frustrating.
But I have a theory. lol
I call it the 30/70 split .
Seems 70% of the people on here are trying to be gurus and writing about Substack like you’re saying, and trying to convince readers how valuable they are. Nothing wrong with that.
The other 30% are sharing lived experiences and are here to share and make connections. Money, also. But it’s not the main focus.
That does not bring me down. Because 30% of 35 million people on this platform is plenty.
I could be wrong. But I see this 30/70 split in so many other areas of life. 😊
Leo, I loved the lol after "I have a theory" bit. lol. I have found the art and illustration tab to be such a wonderful break from the gurus and marketing. There are so many really creative people here, but they're tucked away in their own little corners. But the primary feed? Yeah, I see that split, too. :)
I'm launching a serial novel and, on Day 2, I logged one organically grown subscriber. We're now on Day 6. 16 posts. Still just the one sub. I'm getting a few reads. 1 comment, from someone who knows me. My mother passed away in 2005, so no help there.
I'm not discouraged. I'm having fun. The manuscript will be better for it, no matter how the serial novel does.
I think it was Chapter 4 that did the trick. https://open.substack.com/pub/marolitango/p/chapter-4?r=f4ivk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I love that attitude and for sure, the manuscript will be stronger for it. I do wonder, though, if you'd catch more eyes if you swapped the title and subtitle around. I bet you would :)
How about 'Chapter 4 ~ Time-and-a-half, at least' on one line? Better visibility? Catch more fish, you think?
I copied the URL, but don’t see the title in the post.
Got it (press and hold, Mary, press and hold!)
Okay, NOW I'm famous.
Hi Linda,
I love this article - and that story you told about not seeing well as a little girl - oh my. That tugged at my heart. I also love your title - writing is scattering stars in the dark. Perfect!
Thank you for inviting us to be part of your experiment. The post that has brought me the most subscribers and comments was about aging - same deal as with you. I had a political one that brought more, but I don't want to use that one. Because well, politics.
Here's the link to my piece titled, "When does one become old anyway? (am I old now? probably) It was also a fun one to write. https://nancyspoint.substack.com/p/when-does-one-become-old-anyway
I can't wait to read what the results of your experiement reveal!
You made me laugh, Nancy. I had a history one that was up there too, which surprised me. That's a great title, I'll head over to read it, too. And thank you so much for joining in.
Oh good! Thank you again for the invite to participate. Hope you like my article!
It's interesting, because I can't actually tell by analytics. However, I saw a uptick in subscribers after published this post: https://hardlyworking1.substack.com/p/shitting-in-the-town-square
I'm going to guess that it's driven the most subscribers?
Oh, you can look in your dashboard and it shows how many subscribers each posts sent. Wow what a title lol
Yeah my dad got mad at me for the title 💀
See my dashboard says 1, but I know I picked up like 20 in that time period…so I'm going to chalk it up to that post anyway?
I'm just starting out, still at less (fewer?) than 10 subs, and that's fine for me right now. But I did write about grief already--and I fully understand what it means to watch someone you love deteriorate over time. 🫂
I don't remember who restacked the first thing of yours I saw, but I remember being drawn in by your honesty and your candid, casual writing style. You're talking about living a creative life and I'm here just nodding along, appreciating both the similarities and differences in our journeys. Not sure if that insight helps any, but I enjoy reading your posts and I'm glad you're sharing!
Joshua that was really nice, and thank you. And I hope when I share the results, it will help you jump that number, too. : )
Linda, for some reason your posts always astound me at how good they are. I should know by now to expect it, because they are always top shelf. I'll play along and offer this post. In the small arena that I'm trying to grow, this one did well in terms of likes and comments. I believe it clicked and registered with people because it's such a relatable topic. It's very short but it's got an awful lot of me, what makes me tick, and a particular memory packed in there. I write fiction 90% of the time but occasionally I don't. This was one of those times. Thanks, Jim https://jimjwilsky.substack.com/p/i-dont-know-how
What a nice thing to say Jim, thank you! You're so right that it's a relatable topic. Cripes there is more I don't know how to do than the tiny list of what I do know. After work and into the weekend I will be sipping cappuccino and reading the shares here so I'll see you over at your place soon.
Hi Linda. We all want to keep learning. I believe that sharing your life's stories resonates with others, especially in managing difficult periods in your life. I am more interested in reading about someone's lessons that were learned during a difficult period in their life, than in hearing about all their successes. I have personally learned very little from my own successes, but my trials have revealed my character flaws. Pain is the great equalizer for both the rich and the poor, for those revered and those rejected. Ultimately, we are all in the same small boat trying to row our way back to shore. Thank you for sharing your story. Keep writing!! Best, David
Oh gosh, David, I so agree. I've learned almost nothing from the wins but boy do we learn from the hardships, wow. And thank you, too :)
I’m still trying to figure if I’m the 70% or the 30%, but now I’m wondering whether a certain percentage of people have learned more from life’s trials or successes ?
Pain certainly is the great equalizer!! Developing a story surrounding this issue right now. It's definitely the unwelcomed friend we're glad paid us a visit by the time they leave - Pain is the bitter friend 🧡
Hi Linda - I haven't paid much attention to which of my posts gets a lot of views or reads, but on both Medium and Substack, one piece that got 2.44K views on Substack and 3.8K views and 2.1K reads on Medium was my article "The Scam." Seems that a lot of people could identify. Definitely not MY favorite piece I've written, don't think it has much literary value, but it gives others information that may be useful to them. The other thing that seems to have brought me many new subscribers on Substack is posting a video once-a-week on the day I post my newest essay. A few years ago I voluntarily did a silly video for a cosmetic company extolling the virtues of a product I'd bought, and at last count there had been over 14 MILLION views! People have stopped me on the street to ask if that was me in the ad! I've heard from total strangers in Canada (I'm in California) about the ad. Go figure. So the power of video can't be underestimated. We are a voyeuristic culture, accustomed to TV and movies. Incidentally, The Scam earned me all of $27.66 on Medium. I am definitely not getting rich writing.
Omg, Patricia, that's wild! 14 MILLION wow. I had a similar experience on Medium. Someone stole all my writing and put it on another site so I posted to warn people to go check that site for theirs. It got a ton of views, earned nothing. Wasn't my favorite thing to write, either but I'm still glad I did.
Yikes what site took your writing ?! ✍️.
https://stuartbalcomb.substack.com/p/the-point
Thank you, Stuart. Once work is done for the day I will pop over to read and thanks for joining in. :)
A very intriguing piece, Linda. I've been here on Substack for around 2 months and have maybe 14 followers, so I can't really answer the question. But I do believe titles have to grab people.
I agree, Christine. I have so struggled with titles! I hope you enjoy when I share the results :)
Scattering stars. Beautiful.
I think the piece that’s done best so far for me is one that also did amazingly in medium.
https://open.substack.com/pub/lifewithoutchildren/p/how-jennifer-anistons-devastating?r=2328l1&utm_medium=ios
Oh man, Ali. The name right there in the title is an eye catcher, hey? I'll pop over and read after work is done for the day so I'll see you there later :)
🙏
Great question, Linda. Pieces that bring in the most subscribers seem to be the ones where the subscriber sees themself in the story. The most often repeated comment is something like this: You get me. Finally, the community that covers my multiple interests.
Here's a story that is still getting traction and direct messages to me. Wealth and Giftedness for a Lifetime The Long Game: Why Deep Time Thinking Is Our Most Undervalued Intelligence https://georgiapatrick.substack.com/p/wealth-and-giftedness-for-a-lifetime
I could sure see that one floating to the top, Georgia. And I agree. Whether we're readers or writers, feeling seen is such a big thing. I think you hit on something. When I look at my best posts, I see that a lot in the comments. You get me. I like that a lot. After work is done, I'll pop over and read so I'll see you there later :)
I write and draw. Or I should say I draw and write, and I've only published a small handful of posts. I've not been here long - I'm a fugitive from Instagram and used to blog on WordPress, and for now I feel happy hanging out here without many people knowing about me. Interesting what you say about titles and topics though. My all-time record of a response many years ago that got "Freshly Pressed" by the WordPress team was called When Angry, Draw Guinea-pigs, and was spontaneous, heartfelt and personal. Which must say something!
I love that title. When Angry, Draw Guinea-pigs -- I can see why they showcased that. Oh my gosh I love your art. I will be spending some time at your place this weekend. Did you ever bring When Angry, Draw Guinea-pigs over to Substack? I'd love to read that, too
Thank you! I dug deep and found that post, and it's still there on WordPress on my second blog, Invisible Horse (published under the name Dapplegrey) so you if you'd like you can find it at https://invisiblehorse.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/when-angry-draw-guinea-pigs/
I still have a fondness for WordPress where I first started blogging (every platform has its good points) but I can’t keep up with publishing all over the place. I guess I could bring that post over from the archives….
This one has had 5 times as many views/shares as anything else I've written. Not sure if it's curiosity on the part of readers, or because we all feel like collateral damage at some point.
https://slmorton.substack.com/p/collateral-damage
Omg, Stefanii -- don't we ever. I know I sure have. Once I'm done work I'm heading over to read it and thank you for joining in :)