Substack Mastery Book: Chapter 2
What is Substack Notes, why does it matter for freelance writers, and how do you start it in 5 minutes and use it to build an audience efficiently?
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Two days ago, I revealed something special to my beta readers on Medium, Substack, and my website — a sneak peek of my latest book, Substack Mastery Insider Secrets: From a Content Strategist and Seasoned Author. The subtitle alone tells you everything: “Learn the Basics, Stay Motivated, Grow Your Subscribers, Earn Money, & Thrive with the Support of Community.” This book, based on my experience and systematic observations, is designed to be your comprehensive guide to success on Substack.
Yesterday, I shared the first chapter titled “What is Substack, Why it Matters, and How to Start It.” The response was overwhelming. My readers loved it.
But what caught their attention? Substack Notes.
I mentioned the Substak Notes in the previous chapter as the key to unlocking audience growth and boosting paid subscriptions via the Substack.com website and its excellent application.
When I revealed that 80% of Substack's success hinges on the proper and effective use of Notes, suddenly, everyone was listening. They were eager to know more, craving the details on how to use this powerful tool.
I told them, “You’ll find out in the next chapter.” Substack Notes are not just important — they are essential for success. That’s exactly why this second chapter of my book will dive deep into mastering Notes, the strategy that could transform your Substack journey. Stay tuned because this is where the real magic happens.
When I first started using Substack Notes on 11 April 2023 after reading an educational and inspiring post by Chris Best (CEO), Hamish McKenzie (Co-Founder), and Jairaj Sethi (CTO) of Substack, I quickly realized how powerful this tool could be for growing my audience, increasing paid subscribers, and establishing myself as a content strategist.
If you are a creator, freelance writer, solopreneur, content entrepreneur, or content marketing strategist like me, you will want to know how to make the most of Substack Notes to take your newsletter to the next level. In this chapter, I will explain how I have been using Substack Note and how you can too.
A Brief Intro to My Tutorials for My Proteges
My proteges asked me how they could grow their Substack audience with Notes. My answer was that one of the best things about Substack Notes is that it lets you connect with your audience in a more casual, bite-sized way.
I have found that sharing quick thoughts, ideas, or sneak peeks of upcoming newsletters keeps my readers engaged and curious. It’s like giving them a small appetizer before the main course, which makes them more likely to subscribe for the full meal.
Then, they asked me about Substack newsletter marketing tips. Marketing a newsletter can be challenging, but Notes has made it much easier for me.
I use Notes to share highlights from my newsletters or behind-the-scenes stories that give readers a glimpse into my writing process. This keeps my current subscribers engaged and attracts new readers intrigued by my offer.
My focus was on boosting Substack's subscriber count. I have noticed that it drives up my subscriber count when I use Notes to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity — like announcing a special edition or offering limited-time content.
People love feeling like they are getting something special, and Notes is the ideal place to tease those exclusive benefits.
The subscribers of my Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights asked me about effective substack promotion strategies. I told them that collaborating with other writers has been a game-changer for me. to this end Substack Notes is a fantastic tool for this.
By featuring other writers in my Notes and asking them to do the same for me, I have been able to tap into new audiences and grow my reach. It is all about building a community and supporting each other’s growth.
Another common question was how to increase newsletter engagement on Substack. I have known for a long time that engagement is key to building a loyal audience on any platform.
So, Substack Notes is a great way to keep the conversation going. I like to use Notes to ask questions, start discussions, or invite feedback on my latest newsletter. This kind of interaction keeps my readers engaged and encourages them to share my content with others.
Some proteges asked about the possibility of monetizing their Substack newsletter. I have found that using Notes to share previews or insights from my premium content is a subtle yet effective way to convert free subscribers into paid ones. I usually highlight how others have benefited from my paid content, which helps persuade those on the fence to take the plunge.
My focus is on best practices for Substack growth. Consistency is crucial to achieving this goal. I have made it a habit to regularly post on Notes, but I always focus on quality over quantity. Each post needs to add value and be relevant to my audience. This consistency has helped me maintain steady growth and keep my readers returning for more.
Many freelance writers with whom I interact usually ask me to give them Substack success tips for creators. I told them experimentation is your friend. When I first started using Notes, I tried different types of content — short thoughts, recommendations, polls — to see what resonated best with my audience. By tracking what drives the most traffic and subscriptions, I’ve been able to refine my strategy and focus on what works.
A key point is optimizing Substack for maximum reach. I have found that optimizing my Notes with relevant keywords has made a big difference. I used phrases my audience might be searching for, like “Grow Your Substack Audience” or “Effective Substack Promotion Strategies.” This helps my Notes appear in searches, attracting new readers and expanding my reach.
Some content entrepreneurs, founding members of my Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights, asked about Substack content strategy for creators, curators, editors, and content marketers.
I responded that I have integrated Substack Notes into my overall content strategy. I use my Notes alongside my newsletters, ensuring they complement each other and align with my goals.
Whether we are building anticipation for an upcoming newsletter or continuing the conversation afterward, Using Substack Notes is crucial in keeping my audience engaged and informed.
So, I can highlight that Substack Notes has truly been a game-changer for me as a content strategist and writer. Using it strategically allows us to grow our audience, increase engagement, and monetize our content more effectively. I hope these insights inspire you to make the most of this powerful tool and take your Substack to new heights.
Substack Notes is a quick and easy way to connect with your audience, share ideas, and promote your newsletter. It’s perfect for staying in touch with your readers without the pressure of writing a full newsletter each time.
How to Getting Started with Substack Notes: A Simple Guide for Beginners
If you are new to Substack Notes, don’t worry — it is easy to get started. Substack Notes is a great way to share quick updates and thoughts and engage with your audience in a more casual way. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin:
Step 1: Access Substack Notes
Log in to Substack: Start by logging into your Substack account. If you don’t have one yet, you will need to sign up at Substack.com. Please check out Chapter 1 of my Substack Mastery book for details.
Find Notes: Once you are logged in, go to your Substack account. You will see an icon for “Notes” on the left-hand side menu. Click on it to enter the Notes section. I illustrated it in the following screenshot.
Step 2: Create Your First Note
You will see the following message box.
You type some text, and you will see two options. You can either send it to everyone or only your paid subscribers. After finishing your note, just post it.
Please remember that Notes are meant to be short and sweet, so think of it as writing a quick post or update. You can share a thought, a link, or a preview of your next newsletter. To make your Note more engaging, you can add links or images by using the toolbar above the text box.
When happy with your Note, click the “Publish” button. Your Note will now be shared with subscribers and anyone following you on Substack.
After publishing, readers might respond to your Note. This is a great way to start conversations and connect with your audience with four interaction options.
Here is an inspiring post from one of my favorite authors,
, which I liked, restacked, commented on, and shared in my circles.Let me explain how you can engage in a note like this. The first icon at the bottom of the note is to like it. The second is to leave a comment. The third is to restack, which shows on your profile, and the third icon is for sharing the note on your socials. The entire interaction takes only one minute.
Step 3: Explore Notes from Others
You can see what other writers are sharing on Substack Notes. Go back to the Notes section and scroll through posts from people you follow. This can give you inspiration for your own Notes.
If you find a Note you like, feel free to “like” it or leave a comment. Engaging with other writers can help you grow your network and learn from others.
Step 4: Use Notes to Grow Your Audience
The more you share, the more your audience will stay engaged. Try to post Notes regularly to keep your subscribers interested. Use Notes to highlight your newsletter. Share snippets or teasers that make readers want to check out the full content.
Practical Tips for Beginners
Keep It Simple: Notes don’t have to be long or complicated. Just share what’s on your mind!
Be Consistent: Try to post Notes consistently to keep your audience engaged.
Interact: Engage with other writers and readers by commenting and liking their Substak Notes.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you’re ready to start using Substack Notes. Happy writing, reading, engaging, and sharing!
If you enjoyed this chapter, you may also check out my story about generating income without depending on a specific platform. It is based on my decades of content development, strategy, and marketing experience.
How to Write Content to Generate Steady Income
As a community builder, I created an organization that will empower creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs. I documented the strategy and high-level plan in a story. Please feel free to ask questions and provide feedback. Refraining from perfection, I choose a progressive path.
How I Architected a Charity Organization & Why I Will Run It Like a Business
Good News for Those Who Can’t Use Stripe on Substack
I have good news for those who cannot monetize their content on Substack due to Stripe issues.
produced a viable solution and documented it clearly in an e-book available on Gumroads. I shared the link to her intellectual property. Please share this story with those affected by the problem. There is a viable solution. My book will include the details.If Substack Does Not Support Your Country via Stripe, There Is an Alternative Monetization… I interviewed a freelance writer who solved this difficult problem as a workaround with rigor, successfully implemented…medium.com
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
If you want to purchase the book at a reasonable price or gift it to someone you care about, you may preorder it via various Amazon markets. If the editing process is complete on time, I can get it published faster.
The funds generated from this book will be donated to the management of the Substack Mastery site for the ILLUMINATION community. This education site also amplifies the newsletters of freelance writers.
If you are a writer on Medium and Substack, we have a new publication called Substack Mastery. You are welcome to join and share your Substack experience with your fellow writers and discerning readers. ILLUMINATION-Curators curate, feature, and promote newsletters of our contributors in collections like this one. Being part of a community can bring many benefits, such as a fast-growing audience.
For advanced writers, we also have a publication called Curated Newsletters, which replaced the former ILLUMINATION-Curated. As I resigned from the boost program, I now allocate more time to support writers in extending their services to Substack or other platforms.
If you are a new reader, you may check out some of my topics, including the brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 31K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium.
You can read the distilled version of this story on Substack for free.
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack and our education tool, Substack Mastery, curated by ILLUMINATION-Curators. Here is the Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
Join me on Substack, where I offer experience-based content on health, content strategy, and technology topics to inform and inspire my readers.
Health and Wellness by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
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Substack Mastery: Insider Secrets from a Content Strategist & Seasoned Author: Learn the Basics