Most writers on Substack don’t have a growth problem—they have an attention problem. They’re ignoring the tools already built to grow them. If Substack isn’t working for you, there’s a high chance you’re not using it properly—and yes, that does make you a dummy.
One thing I noticed with the writers on Substack (especially the dummies) is that they haven’t understood how things work on Substack yet. And it’s our (the experienced dummies writer's) job to guide them. We say we want connection, but how far does that connection go? I’m sure you know about these tools, but when and how to use them is the problem.
I’m gonna help you out, but first, read the best-selling article How to Write on Substack For Dummies and then come back here to implement these tips, to attract your first 50-100 subscribers. Your guaranteed dummy guidebook to make writing more fun!
How to Use These Substack Tools For Dummies
Let’s start with the most ignored and most underestimated tool on the platform: ↓
#1. Tags
I had to bring this up again, because writers still don’t get how tags works on substack. You know how when you want to post on insta and you tag your posts with ‘#explore’, ‘#funny’, yeah…that’s how, but without the ‘#’. Substack (like we all “agreed”) is a space for intellectuals and as such, we treat it like one.
Example: If I were a self-development writer who writes growth essays (mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.) I’d write publish a post and tag it with: ‘Mental health’, ‘personal growth’, ‘health & wellness’, ‘faith & spirituality’ (remember backdoor tagging?) So, it gets seen by people searching that niche. Probably someone going through depression decides to search that niche, they’d stumble on your read. That’s how it works.
Fiction, mindset, Christianity, love, sex, lgbt, politics, AI, etc., tag your work with whichever category it falls under.
How to use tags the write way (pun intended):
Use 3–5 max (don’t spam, it weakens you)
Always include:
→ substack
→ writing
→ one growth-related tag
Then rotate the rest depending on the post
#2. Recommendations
There are some rumors (which isn’t a rumor) about recommendations being used as a tool for growth and I know I shouldn’t be saying this, because I know you’d eventually misuse it. But for the 1% who need to know, you can recommend writers you love (like me), and they too can. It’s a way of supporting their work. Kinda like, “hey, I like you.” And when they recommend you back (after liking what you write & building trust) says, “I like you too.”
But I’m sure someone reading this would go, “screw trust. I need numbers.” I’m just sick of seeing writers feel entitled to growth when they haven’t put any work into it. Writers & publications you recommend show in your homepage, a long with their blurb about your publication on your welcome page.
#3. Surveys
Surveys is a good way to collect data on topics related to your work. Say, you’re thinking of starting a new blog or venture into a new craft and either can’t decide or want to share, put it up for a survey and let your audience decide. It's a really fun way of engaging your audience.
“Guys, I don’t know...I’ve got this weird bump on my toe and it’s really starting to hurt. What should I do?”
a). cut it off?
b). go to a hospital?
c). ignore it ‘til it kills me.
Survey says... option c.
#4. Podcast?
Anyone here into podcasts? Not sure I am, but if you are, it’d be great to start one. Tell us what yours is about in the comments, and I’d be sure to give you a listen. Also, I recently started a mini, pre-recorded podcast and so far, it’s gotten over 1.45k+ downloads.
Listen here.
#5. Sections
Sections are mini publications. The boxes in a drawer that holds everything in place. Instead of creating another publication, why not create a new section underneath it to house whatever it is you want to write?
Unless you’re trying to expand it into another revenue stream, or an entirely different blog, if what you want to write about, still corresponds to your original, don’t create a new publication but a section instead. Saves you 99.9% of the stress. And when you want to publish in that section, make sure to select it before you click ‘continue’ to publish your work.
#6. Leaderboard + Referrals
Yes, you read that right. I’m sure you didn’t know you could refer your substack, did you? You can, just don’t go coo-coo about it. You can set up gifts or rewards that automatically sends an email to your subscribers when they reach the tier’s number limit. Set up things like e-books, collaboration, Q&As, that way it makes it more interesting. Your referrals show up in your leaderboard, right on top your website. You won’t see it if you haven’t set up the referral rewards, and emails… yes emails.
#7. Website theme editors
I’d love to give you a thorough review and example of how to do this, but then that’d take more than just this post. I’m trying not to sound “too performative” lol. Just know that how your website looks when people click on it, either via google or any indexed site, matters. Maybe not as you’d expect but if you wanna attract readers (and subscribers), it kinda does. So, go make that shit appealing.
Need help? Leave a comment.
#8. Cross-posting
Sometimes when someone asks to collaborate with them, or give them a shout out, I think, why not cross post? A cross post is kinda like, I accept the notification to allow you “publish” a post in my publication. It’s more like, you have a post and want to get views on it, send a notification to cross post, and it transfers to my publication automatically after I accept it, but you still are the sole owner I just help you get it seen more.
We don’t necessarily need to collaborate on an entire post before it gets seen. Just send a notification of cross-post and the writer accepts if agreed.
Side Note:
I’m creating a course to help readers sell their digital products and receive payments from anywhere in the world, in any currency. It’s packed with clear screenshots and everything you need to start earning from your work. And I need your support to cross post when it's out. Just say so in the comments let's work together to make a difference.
#9. AI Reading Voices
To be honest, of all substack’s features, this is the best one yet! What do you mean, I can put on my earpiece and listen to my favorite essays, while doing dishes? I just love that it makes reading more convenient and faster for me. I feel like it’s a very sentimental feature because you could just be lying in bed, and listening to a substack about love, and dramatically picture yourself as a main character in a movie going through a heartbreak. You get the idea. Sometimes, when I don’t feel like reading, I turn on the feature.
#10. Welcome Emails
Have you set this up yet? When people subscribe to you, an email automatically gets sent to them. Whenever you post, an email gets sent out too. Emails are how you build connection and trust with your subscribers (though they can be annoying when it’s received often).
They need to feel a part of the journey, like they belong there. So, your welcome emails are kinda like saying “hi” to them, welcoming them into you’re world, as you both journey on into the madness.
Two things are the reason why you haven’t gotten subscribers yet:
You haven’t set them up (yes, they’re more than one).
They probably sent all unknown emails to spam or archive list.
#11. Polls
Polls work the same way survey does. The only difference is they're for collecting shorter data, like votes and actionable insights from you audience. Like so-
Were these tips helpful? Let me know in the comments and with which you struggle with. If what you struggle with isn’t here, still, do let me know.. and I’ll personally explain them to you!
~ Ciao.
"Thank you King" we all say in unison
I guess I hope it will be a part 2 and 3 of this since I’m officially a Substack dummy. 😎👍🏾