How I Got 36 New Subscribers this Weekend from Just 2 Notes (that took me 15 minutes to write)

Note #1: “Only nine months ago, I started writing again on Substack.

Today, I’m writing a new post for 8,500+ beautiful subscribers. It’s all about consistency.

If you’re growing on Substack, drop a link to your recent post for us to read.

I’d love to scroll and find a few new writers to restack and recommend. ✌🏻

How has Substack been going for you?

... See more

Your Note should be understood at a glance. Use:

• Short paragraphs (2-3 lines max)


• Strategic white space


• Bold text for emphasis


• Clear visual hierarchy

I use Claude to help brainstorm variations: "Here's a Note format that's working well. Help me create 5 similar Notes for my audience about [topic]."

Bonus Tip: Find any high-engagement Note, scroll down below the comments, and you'll see "Related Notes." This is a goldmine of proven viral content you can use as inspiration templates.

The best-performing Notes address universal struggles: imposter syndrome, procrastination, comparison trap, fear of judgment, work-life balance.

Everyone faces these challenges, not just writers. When you validate these experiences, people feel seen and understood.

They want to chime in and share their experience, too...

Every effective Note follows this structure:

• Hook: One attention-grabbing line that stops the scroll


• Value: A clear insight, validation, or moment of connection


• Action: End with a question, invitation, or call to engage

The biggest mistake I see is writers making every Note about their newsletter.

Instead, create Notes that build community and connection. Invite people to share, introduce themselves, or connect with each other. You become the host, not the performer.

According to Substack's own data, about 30% of new subscribers come from within the platform itself. Yet most writers spend 95% of their time trying to drive external traffic while completely ignoring this built-in growth engine.

Your hook really is so important. You could write two almost identical Notes with different hooks and they may get varying engagement.

Instead of posting random thoughts, spend 10 minutes studying Notes that are getting high engagement. Look at their structure, their hooks, their calls-to-action.

Then create your own version using the same format but with your unique voice and perspective.