This analogy is so clean. The shop isn’t failing because the product isn’t good, it’s failing because no one can find it. That distinction matters more than people want to admit.
Your point about Substack, that it’s one of the few places where earning trust and being discovered can happen at the same time, explains why it feels different here.
Awesome breakdown. Building an audience is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done professionally. The mental fortitude you need to build to withstand the ups and downs is immense.
Hi Jo, this was good reading indeed. Understand there is a lot to do going forward. I'm new here. I've been on Substack for a bit more than a week now and I don't really get it still. How much time did you invest in this before you understood the system and could have a go with it? I feel a bit overwhelmed, to be honest. And not much seems to work in my favour so far. I try my best to drag my connections from Linkedin to come here and read. Anyway, are we talking more or less a full time job for some weeks or months to make it work? What's your experience?
Hi Peter, being consistent is more important than the amount of time you spend on the platform. My rule of thumb for people I’m coaching is minimum 1 article a week, 2 notes a day (1 morning, 1 evening), and plenty of engagement (the secret to growth). A couple of times a day jump on, comment on other publications, restack, chat, engage. It took me about 2 months of posting notes & engaging every day before I started to get some real traction, so be patient & keep going even when posting into the void! Thanks for reading! 😁🙏
Hi Peter - I'm also relatively new to Substack, but have learned a few things in my first 6 months. As Jo said, it takes time. Don't try to boil the ocean and don't expect overnight success. Get clear on why you are here, what you want to say, who you want to say it to, and most importantly, why they should care. And then start writing or speaking - from your heart, and build your audience, one step at a time. Happy to talk sometime if you want.
This analogy is so clean. The shop isn’t failing because the product isn’t good, it’s failing because no one can find it. That distinction matters more than people want to admit.
Your point about Substack, that it’s one of the few places where earning trust and being discovered can happen at the same time, explains why it feels different here.
Awesome breakdown. Building an audience is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done professionally. The mental fortitude you need to build to withstand the ups and downs is immense.
I concur!
Hi Jo, this was good reading indeed. Understand there is a lot to do going forward. I'm new here. I've been on Substack for a bit more than a week now and I don't really get it still. How much time did you invest in this before you understood the system and could have a go with it? I feel a bit overwhelmed, to be honest. And not much seems to work in my favour so far. I try my best to drag my connections from Linkedin to come here and read. Anyway, are we talking more or less a full time job for some weeks or months to make it work? What's your experience?
Hi Peter, being consistent is more important than the amount of time you spend on the platform. My rule of thumb for people I’m coaching is minimum 1 article a week, 2 notes a day (1 morning, 1 evening), and plenty of engagement (the secret to growth). A couple of times a day jump on, comment on other publications, restack, chat, engage. It took me about 2 months of posting notes & engaging every day before I started to get some real traction, so be patient & keep going even when posting into the void! Thanks for reading! 😁🙏
Hi Peter - I'm also relatively new to Substack, but have learned a few things in my first 6 months. As Jo said, it takes time. Don't try to boil the ocean and don't expect overnight success. Get clear on why you are here, what you want to say, who you want to say it to, and most importantly, why they should care. And then start writing or speaking - from your heart, and build your audience, one step at a time. Happy to talk sometime if you want.
Thanks Linda, this sounds like good advice. I will try to keep calm and carry on. And stay focused.
Good plan!
I haven’t finished the article yet but I had to tell you that I call ChatGPT, “Gary,” — full name is Gary Paul Thomas. Get it? 😂😂😂
I even write, “Hey, Gary,” when I start or continue a conversation with it.
The only issue with that is that I do tend to use the masculine pronouns when referring to it. Which is, admittedly, weird.
Love it Uma. So funny how we’re personalising a computer program 😂
I know, right!? 😂
Thank you for generously sharing this and in such a concise approachable way.
My pleasure Nance. Hope it helped 😁
You're doing it again Jo! How exciting.
Oh, and I do love the Sweetie shop perched on the Welsh hills down the road. And I'm sure I've seen some sheep like that!
Thanks for publishing this, Jo. It's a really clear and practical breakdown, refreshingly clear of marketing fluff! I'm bookmarking it.
Thanks Alison! So glad it’s helpful! ❤️
Thank you! So glad it resonated 😁