How do I get people to read my Substack?

To get people to read your Substack, focus on a multi-faceted promotion strategy that leverages both Substack's native features and a wide array of external platforms. Building an audience requires consistent effort in content creation, community engagement, and strategic marketing.

Leveraging Substack's Ecosystem

Substack offers powerful built-in tools to help writers grow their readership. Utilizing these features is often the most direct path to discovery within the platform itself.

Utilize Substack Recommendations and Notes

• Substack Recommendations: This feature allows you to recommend other newsletters to your readers, and in turn, other writers can recommend yours. This is a highly effective way to tap into existing audiences on Substack, as readers are often looking for similar content from trusted sources. Actively seek out newsletters in your niche or a complementary field and propose a reciprocal recommendation.
• Substack Notes: Use Notes as a microblogging or social media-like feature within Substack. Share snippets from your posts, behind-the-scenes content, questions, or interact with other writers and readers. Engaging actively on Notes can increase your visibility and draw new subscribers who discover your profile through your activity.

Collaborate with Other Substack Writers

Beyond formal recommendations, reach out to other writers for informal collaborations. This could include:

• Guest Posts: Offer to write a guest post for another Substack or invite a fellow writer to contribute to yours. This exposes both newsletters to new audiences.
• Joint Giveaways or Webinars: Partner on initiatives that provide value to both your audiences and cross-promote each other's work.
• Shout-outs: Exchange mentions in your newsletters or on social media.

Expanding Your Reach Beyond Substack

While Substack's internal tools are useful, the majority of your growth will likely come from promoting your newsletter off-platform, where broader audiences reside.

Harness Social Media Platforms

Promoting your Substack across various social media channels is crucial for reaching diverse demographics.

• Identify Key Platforms: Focus on platforms where your target audience spends the most time. This could include:
  • X (formerly Twitter): Share direct links, engaging snippets, and interact with relevant hashtags.
  • LinkedIn: Promote professional content, share insights, and connect with industry peers.
  • Facebook/Instagram: Use compelling visuals, stories, and engage in relevant groups.
  • TikTok/YouTube: Create short-form videos discussing topics from your newsletter or inviting people to subscribe.
• Tailor Content: Adapt your promotional material for each platform's unique style and audience. A LinkedIn post will differ significantly from a TikTok video, but both can lead back to your Substack.
• Consistent Engagement: Don't just post links; engage in conversations, respond to comments, and build a community around your content.

Engage with Other Content and Writing Platforms

Widen your net by leveraging your presence on other platforms where you might already have an audience or where new readers might discover you.

• Personal Website/Blog: Integrate prominent calls-to-action (CTAs) and subscription forms on your own website or blog.
• Medium/Ghost/Blogger: Republish excerpts or modified versions of your Substack posts on these platforms, always linking back to the original full post on your Substack and including a clear subscription link. This helps capture readers from established platforms.
• Forums/Communities: Participate in online forums, Reddit communities, or Quora threads relevant to your niche. Share valuable insights and subtly include your Substack link in your profile or when directly relevant to a discussion.

Promote in Niche Online Communities

Directly engaging with communities where your target audience congregates can yield highly engaged subscribers.

• WhatsApp and Telegram Groups: If relevant, share your newsletter in thematic WhatsApp or Telegram groups, but always ensure it's appropriate and not seen as spam. Contribute to the group first, then share your work when it aligns with the discussion.
• Discord Servers: Many niche communities use Discord. Find servers related to your Substack's topic and become an active, valuable member before sharing your work.

Explore Newsletter Discovery Platforms

Beyond Substack's internal system, there are independent directories dedicated to helping readers find new newsletters.

• List Your Newsletter: Submit your Substack to various external newsletter directories and aggregators. These platforms serve as search engines specifically for newsletters, helping readers discover new content.
• Examples: While specific platforms vary, look for well-known newsletter directories that curate and categorize newsletters by topic.

Consider Paid Advertising

For more rapid growth, especially if you have a budget, paid advertising can significantly increase your reach.

• Social Media Ads: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn allow for highly targeted advertising campaigns. You can define your audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Use Google Ads to target keywords related to your Substack's content, ensuring your newsletter appears when people search for topics you cover.
• Native Advertising/Sponsorships: Explore opportunities to advertise on other popular newsletters or relevant websites.

Building a Strategy for Growth

Ultimately, getting people to read your Substack is an ongoing process of creating valuable content, making it easy to find, and actively promoting it across various channels where your ideal readers are present. Consistency in both writing and promotion is key to long-term success.