THE NEW SUBSTACK NOTES
Step one is choosing an objective for your post, such as:
- Open people’s eyes by proving the status quo wrong. Example.
- Share a solution to a tough problem. Example.
- Distill an overwhelming topic into something approachable. Example.
- Tell a suspenseful and emotional story that imparts a lesson. Example.
- Articulate something everyone’s thinking about but
What to Write About
Notes gets you noticed
Newsletter builds trust
Offers make you money
Master these three, and you've cracked Substack
Newsletter builds trust
Offers make you money
Master these three, and you've cracked Substack
Derek Hughes on Substack
The Body
Once you've captured attention, deliver value immediately. The body of your Note should be:
The mistake most writers make is trying to cram too much into a single Note. Your goal isn't to be comprehe... See more
Once you've captured attention, deliver value immediately. The body of your Note should be:
- Scannable - Use white space generously
- Specific - One clear point, not five vague ones
- Visual - Strategic bold and bullet points guide the eye
The mistake most writers make is trying to cram too much into a single Note. Your goal isn't to be comprehe... See more
I Analyzed 50+ Viral Substack Notes: Here's the 3 Types of Notes that Drive the Most Growth
The Hook
The first sentence of your Note is everything. If it doesn't stop the scroll, nothing else matters.
My best-performing hooks fall into a few categories:
The Contrarian Statement: "Consistency is killing your newsletter." "Most writing advice is making you worse."
The Specific Result: "I gained 127 subscribers last week using this one Note fo... See more
The first sentence of your Note is everything. If it doesn't stop the scroll, nothing else matters.
My best-performing hooks fall into a few categories:
The Contrarian Statement: "Consistency is killing your newsletter." "Most writing advice is making you worse."
The Specific Result: "I gained 127 subscribers last week using this one Note fo... See more