How to Grow Your Substack (50 Simple Tips)
(A Guide That Will Actually Help You Succeed)
You want to grow your Substack. You want more readers. You want people to actually care about what you write. But you don’t want to waste time on things that don’t work.
Good. Here’s what actually works. No tricks. No fluff. Just real, useful advice that will help you build an audience that loves what you do.
This isn’t about overnight success or empty promises. It’s about real growth—step by step, word by word. If you follow these, you will see results. Let’s make your writing matter. Let’s get your Substack thriving.
1. Write Like You’re Talking to a Friend
No one enjoys reading something that sounds robotic, stiff, or overly formal. The best writing feels personal—like a conversation over coffee with a good friend. When you write, imagine that you’re explaining something to someone you know well. How would you phrase it? What words would you use? You wouldn’t dump a long, complicated paragraph on them or use fancy words just to sound impressive. You’d keep it simple, clear, and engaging.
Writing the way you talk makes your content more relatable and enjoyable. It creates a sense of warmth and personality that makes readers feel connected to you. And connection is what keeps people coming back. The more human your writing feels, the more loyal your audience will become.
2. Keep Your Readers First, Always
Your writing isn’t about you—it’s about them. People don’t subscribe because they want to hear your thoughts for no reason. They subscribe because they believe you can help them, teach them, entertain them, or make their lives better in some way. Every single post you write should answer the question: “Why should my reader care?”
If your writing is too self-focused, it won’t resonate. But if it provides value, whether through practical advice, inspiration, humor, or insight, people will stay. When you sit down to write, shift your mindset from What do I want to say? to What does my reader need to hear? This small change will make a huge difference in your engagement and growth.
3. Be Patient – The First 100 Posts Are for You
Many new writers give up because they don’t see instant results. They expect subscribers, comments, and shares right away. But the reality is, growth takes time. The first 100 posts are where you learn, improve, and find your voice. They’re not for fame, fortune, or validation. They’re for practice.
Think of it like working out. You don’t go to the gym for a week and expect to see major changes. Writing is the same. Your early posts might not get much attention, but every single one is making you better. If you keep going, one day you’ll look back and realize how much you’ve improved. And by then, you’ll have an audience who appreciates your work.
4. Shorter Sentences. Stronger Impact.
People skim when they read online. If your sentences are too long or complex, they lose interest. Strong writing is clear, direct, and easy to absorb. Short sentences make your message punchy and powerful.
Compare these two:
❌ In order to achieve success in writing, one must first master the art of clear communication by ensuring that their ideas are structured in a way that is digestible for a large audience.
✅ To succeed in writing, make your ideas clear and easy to read.
The second one hits harder. Why? Because every word has a purpose. Strip away the extra fluff and make every sentence count.
5. Solve Real Problems for Real People
People don’t just want to read—they want solutions. They want to improve something in their life, whether it’s their writing, productivity, mindset, or even their mood. If your writing makes their life easier, they’ll come back for more.
Think about your audience. What are they struggling with? What challenges do they face? What questions do they need answered? The more helpful your writing is, the more people will trust you, recommend you, and engage with your work. If your newsletter solves real problems, growth will happen naturally.
6. Write More Than You Promote
Many writers spend too much time trying to promote their work and not enough time creating great content. But here’s the thing—if your writing is good enough, people will share it for you. The best marketing strategy isn’t ads or social media tricks—it’s writing something so valuable that people want to tell others about it.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t promote at all, but it means your main focus should always be on writing. Your next post is your best marketing strategy. Create something that people can’t ignore, and the growth will take care of itself.
7. Don’t Wait for Readers to Find You – Go Find Them
If you think people will magically discover your writing, you’re in for a long wait. The internet is noisy. You have to actively put your work in front of people.
Find where your audience hangs out. Are they on Twitter? LinkedIn? Facebook groups? Reddit? Start engaging in conversations there. Share insights, comment on posts, and be helpful. Don’t just drop links to your newsletter—actually participate. When people see that you have something valuable to say, they’ll want to follow you.
8. Ask Readers to Subscribe (Or They Won’t)
Most people won’t subscribe unless you ask them to. They might love your content, but if you don’t give them a clear next step, they’ll just leave.
At the end of your posts, include a simple, direct call to action:
✔ Enjoying this? Hit subscribe so you never miss a post.
✔ Like what you’re reading? Join the newsletter for more.
Make it obvious. Make it easy. People need a little nudge, and when you remind them, they’re much more likely to take action.
9. Experiment Until You Find What Works
No one gets it right on the first try. The only way to know what works is to test different things—different styles, different formats, different headlines. Some ideas will flop. Others will surprise you and take off.
Writing is a process of discovery. Try long posts. Try short ones. Test different subject lines. Pay attention to what gets the best response. The more you experiment, the faster you’ll figure out what your audience truly loves.
10. Be Consistent – Even When No One is Watching
Most writers quit before they see results. Why? Because they don’t stay consistent long enough to break through. Writing once a month won’t cut it. If you want to grow, you have to show up regularly.
Once a week is good. Twice is better. The more you write, the faster you improve. Your audience needs to trust that you’ll be there. If you disappear for weeks or months, so will they. Set a schedule and stick to it—even when it feels like no one is reading.
11. Reuse Your Best Ideas
If you wrote something great a few months ago, don’t let it sit there collecting dust. Most of your readers didn’t see it the first time, and even if they did, they likely won’t remember every detail. Instead of constantly chasing new ideas, learn how to make the most of what you’ve already created.
Take an old post and give it a fresh spin. Expand on a single point and turn it into a full-length article. Break a long post into smaller, digestible pieces and turn them into social media threads, email snippets, or bite-sized insights for quick consumption. If you have a blog post that performed well, turn it into a podcast episode. If you wrote an in-depth guide, pull out key takeaways and create a Twitter thread.
The biggest content creators don’t reinvent the wheel every time. They know how to take a single strong idea and reshape it in multiple formats. If a topic resonated once, it will likely resonate again. Repurposing content is how you keep valuable ideas alive while saving time and effort.
12. Be Useful Before Asking for Anything
Before you ask someone to subscribe, share your work, or buy something from you, you need to prove that your content is worth their time. People don’t support creators just because they ask—they support those who consistently give them value.
Think of it like a friendship. You wouldn’t ask a new friend for a big favor before ever doing anything for them, right? You’d first build trust, show that you care, and prove that you’re reliable. Writing is the same. When readers see that your work genuinely helps them—whether by teaching, inspiring, or entertaining—they’ll naturally want to stick around.
Give away valuable insights for free. Offer actionable advice. Answer questions. When people see the quality of your free content, they will assume your paid content is even better. The best sales strategy isn’t about pushing people to buy—it’s about making them feel that what you offer is too good to ignore. Give first. Build trust. Then, when the time is right, asking for support won’t feel like a big ask—it’ll feel like the next logical step.
13. Connect with Other Writers
Writing can feel lonely if you try to do it all on your own. But it doesn’t have to be. Some of the biggest growth happens when you build relationships with other writers in your niche. The more you engage with others, the more opportunities open up.
Find writers you admire and start conversations. Leave thoughtful comments on their posts. Share their work. Send them a quick message telling them how much you enjoyed something they wrote. Many writers will notice your engagement and, over time, will return the favor.
Collaboration is another powerful way to grow. Feature another writer in your newsletter. Invite them to write a guest post. Do an interview. Cross-promote each other’s work. The more you connect, the more doors will open. Plus, surrounding yourself with other creators helps keep you motivated and inspired. Writing is always easier when you have a community behind you.
14. Write What People Want to Read (Not Just What You Want to Write)
It’s great to write about what excites you—but if you want to grow, you also need to consider what your audience cares about. Many writers make the mistake of treating their newsletter like a personal journal, only writing what interests them without thinking about whether it resonates with others.
The best way to find out what your audience wants? Listen to them. Look at the posts that get the most engagement. Pay attention to what people comment on or ask about. If you have social media, see which of your tweets or posts get the most likes and shares. Your readers are constantly giving you signals—your job is to pay attention.
The best content lives at the intersection of passion and demand. Find the overlap between what excites you and what truly helps or entertains your audience. When you strike that balance, you’ll never run out of great things to write about, and your audience will keep coming back for more.
15. Don’t Be Afraid to Sell
If you want to make money from your writing, you have to ask people to pay. But many writers hesitate when it comes to selling because they fear rejection, feel guilty, or worry that they will lose their audience. The truth is, selling is not a bad thing—it’s what allows you to keep writing without burning out.
Think of it this way: if your work is truly valuable, why wouldn’t people want to pay for it? Readers pay for books, movies, and music. Why should your writing be any different? Selling isn’t about forcing people to buy—it’s about offering something that’s worth paying for. If you provide high-quality content, a strong perspective, and real value, many readers will be happy to support you.
You don’t have to be pushy. Just be clear. If you offer paid subscriptions, tell your readers what they will get. If you sell a product, explain why it matters. If you believe in what you’re offering, selling won’t feel like pressure—it will feel like helping people make the best choice for themselves.
16. Focus on Your Best Readers
Not everyone will love your work. And that’s okay. Trying to please everyone is the fastest way to lose your unique voice. Instead, focus on the people who already enjoy your writing—the ones who open your emails, leave comments, and reply to your posts. These are your best readers.
If you build strong connections with them, they will do more for your growth than any marketing trick ever could. Loyal readers don’t just stay—they talk about you. They share your work, recommend you to friends, and become the foundation of your audience.
Make them feel valued. Reply to their comments. Ask for their opinions. Give them the content they love the most. Instead of chasing more readers, deepen the relationship with the ones you already have. A smaller, engaged audience is always better than a large, silent one.
17. Make It Easy for People to Share
You want more people to read your work. But here’s the truth: most people won’t share it unless you make it easy for them. Even if they love what you wrote, they might not think to send it to a friend unless you remind them.
A simple “Share this if you found it useful” at the end of your post can make a huge difference. Add share buttons for social media. Make your email forwards friendly. Give them a one-click way to send your post to someone else.
The easier you make it, the more likely they are to do it. People love sharing things that make them look smart, insightful, or helpful—so give them that opportunity. And when they do share? A new reader finds you.
18. Don’t Chase Likes, Chase Impact
It’s easy to get caught up in numbers—likes, shares, followers, subscribers. But those numbers don’t always mean much. A big audience that doesn’t care about your work is useless. A small audience that hangs on to every word you write? That’s everything.
Your goal should never be to just be “popular.” It should be to make an impact. If your writing makes someone think differently, feel something deep, or take action, that’s real success. One message from a reader saying, “This helped me” is worth more than a thousand empty likes.
If you focus on creating work that changes people, even in small ways, growth will come naturally. The right people will find you. The ones who need to hear your message will stay. And that’s how you build something that lasts.
19. Perfection Kills Progress
Many writers never hit publish because they are waiting for their work to be perfect. They tweak, edit, and second-guess themselves endlessly. And in the end? They publish nothing.
The truth is, perfect doesn’t exist. There is always something you can improve. There is always another sentence to refine, another idea to expand. But if you wait until it’s flawless, you’ll never share your work with the world.
Done is better than perfect. The sooner you publish, the sooner you get feedback. And the sooner you get feedback, the faster you improve. Every successful writer started with imperfect work. They got better by putting their words out there, learning from the response, and improving over time.
If you feel stuck in perfectionism, remind yourself: no one remembers a post that was almost published. But they do remember the one that was shared, read, and talked about.
20. Tell Stories That Stick
People forget facts, but they remember stories. Stories engage emotions, make ideas more relatable, and stick in the reader’s mind long after they’ve finished reading. If you want your writing to have impact, wrap your message in a story.
Think about the best advice you’ve ever received. Did it come in the form of a list of facts? Probably not. Most likely, it came from a personal experience someone shared with you—a struggle they went through, a lesson they learned the hard way. Stories make information real.
When you write, don’t just give advice—show it. Use real examples. Share personal experiences. Take your readers on a journey. If you can make them feel something, they will remember you.
21. Build Slowly for Long-Term Success
Many people want instant results. They dream of going viral overnight, gaining thousands of subscribers in a month, and turning their newsletter into a full-time business in record time. But here’s the truth—growth that happens too fast is often unstable. If you attract a large audience overnight but haven’t built a strong foundation, most of those people won’t stick around.
A slow, steady build is always better. If you get 10 engaged readers every week, in a year, you’ll have over 500 people who genuinely care about your work. And those readers are far more valuable than 10,000 people who subscribed once and never opened your emails again. The people who stick around the longest are the ones who appreciate consistent quality, thoughtful engagement, and authenticity.
Instead of focusing on speed, focus on depth. The strongest communities, the most successful newsletters, and the most impactful writers are the ones who take their time building something real.
22. Make Your Emails Simple and Easy to Read
Your subscribers are busy. They don’t have time to read a long, dense block of text that looks like a research paper. If your emails feel overwhelming at first glance, many people will close them before reading a single word.
Instead, make your emails light, clean, and easy to scan. Use short paragraphs. Add bullet points when possible. Break up long sections with subheadings. The easier your email is to read, the more likely people are to engage with it.
Think about your own inbox. Which emails do you actually open and read? The ones that feel effortless. The ones where the message is clear. Respect your reader’s time by making your writing simple, and they’ll respect you by continuing to read.
23. Keep Showing Up – That’s the Only Way to Win
Every successful writer has one thing in common: they didn’t quit. They kept showing up, even when it felt like no one was reading. They kept writing, even when the numbers were low. They kept publishing, even when self-doubt crept in.
Most people fail simply because they stop too soon. They expect success in a few weeks, and when it doesn’t happen, they give up. But writing is a long game. It rewards persistence. The longer you stay in the game, the higher your chances of success.
You don’t have to be the best writer in the world. You just have to be the one who keeps going.
24. Find Your Own Writing Voice
There are millions of writers online, but only a few truly stand out. Why? Because they have a unique voice. Readers don’t just follow content—they follow personalities. If you sound like everyone else, you’ll be forgotten.
Your writing voice is what makes you different. It’s the way you phrase things, the rhythm of your sentences, the attitude you bring to your words. Some writers are bold and confident. Others are warm and conversational. Some are deep thinkers, while others make people laugh.
The best way to find your voice is to stop trying to be “professional” and start being you. Write the way you naturally speak. Let your personality shine through. When you do that, your audience will connect with you on a much deeper level.
25. Look at What Works and Do More of It
Success leaves clues. If you want to grow, don’t just keep writing blindly—study what’s already working. Go back through your past posts. Which ones got the most engagement? Which topics got people talking? What kind of headlines got the most clicks?
Your audience is constantly giving you feedback through their behavior. If a certain type of post gets a great response, that’s your signal to write more like it. Instead of guessing what people want, let the data guide you.
Growth isn’t about writing more—it’s about writing better. And the best way to do that is to learn from your own successes and double down on what works.
26. Give Your Readers a Reason to Stay
Getting people to subscribe is one thing. Keeping them subscribed is another. People don’t stay just because they liked one post—they stay because they believe the next post will be just as good (or better).
That means you need to create anticipation. Your newsletter shouldn’t feel like a collection of random posts. It should feel like a journey. Like something readers don’t want to miss.
Make every email valuable. Leave hints about what’s coming next. Create a sense of curiosity. If you can make people feel excited every time they see your name in their inbox, they’ll never hit “unsubscribe.”
27. Test Different Topics
Some topics will perform better than others, but you won’t know which ones until you try. That’s why experimentation is so important.
Step outside your comfort zone. Try writing about something new. Test a different format—maybe a short email instead of a long one, or a personal story instead of advice. Pay attention to what gets the best response.
The best writers aren’t afraid to take risks. They test, they learn, and they adapt. If you keep experimenting, you’ll eventually find the sweet spot—the type of content that both you love writing and your audience loves reading.
28. Keep Your Emails Simple
The most effective emails are the ones that are clear, direct, and easy to digest. No one wants to spend 15 minutes trying to understand your point. If your writing feels heavy, complicated, or cluttered, people will stop reading.
Here’s how to make your emails more effective:
Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs attention.
Keep paragraphs short—no more than 2-3 sentences.
Avoid unnecessary filler words and complex phrases.
Get to the point quickly.
When your emails are effortless to read, more people will read them. And the more people read them, the more engaged your audience becomes.
29. Make Every Post Better Than the Last
Growth isn’t just about getting more subscribers—it’s about getting better at what you do. Every time you sit down to write, ask yourself:
Can I make this clearer?
Can I make this more engaging?
Can I provide more value to my readers?
Even small improvements add up over time. If every post you write is just 1% better than the last, imagine where you’ll be in a year.
Most people focus on numbers—subscribers, clicks, revenue. But the writers who truly succeed focus on mastery. They commit to getting better every single time they hit “publish.”
30. Build a Real Connection with Your Readers
People don’t just follow great writing—they follow great writers. The difference between a newsletter that people read casually and one they genuinely care about comes down to connection. Readers want to feel like they know the person behind the words. They want to trust you, relate to you, and feel like they are part of something more than just another email in their inbox.
The best way to build this connection is to be personal and real. Respond to comments and emails—not with generic replies, but with real engagement. When readers take time to reach out, make them feel heard. Share parts of your own journey. Show your struggles, your lessons, your insights. Writing isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about making people feel something.
When your readers see you as a real person and not just a distant content creator, they’ll stick with you for the long run. They won’t just subscribe; they’ll belong to your community. And when you build that kind of loyalty, you don’t just have readers—you have true fans.
31. Share Your Best Work More Than Once
Most writers have the wrong idea about content. They think that once they post something, they have to move on to the next idea. But the truth is, most people won’t see your work the first time you publish it.
Think about social media—your post disappears in hours. Think about email—some readers open it days later, some never see it. Even your most loyal subscribers might miss a post simply because they were busy. That’s why resharing is so important.
Take your best content and put it in front of new eyes. Share it again on social media. Turn it into a Twitter thread. Repurpose it into a different format, like a podcast episode, a short video, or even a follow-up post that expands on the same idea. If something resonated once, it will resonate again. The biggest content creators don’t constantly come up with new ideas—they get really good at repackaging their best ones.
32. Help First, Sell Later
Nobody likes being sold to all the time. If your emails feel like one long sales pitch, people will stop opening them. The fastest way to turn readers away is to make them feel like they’re just a potential customer to you.
Instead, flip the script. Focus on giving first. Offer value. Teach something useful. Inspire. Entertain. Solve a problem for your readers before you ever ask for anything in return. When people see that your content genuinely helps them, they will naturally want more from you—including your paid products or services.
Trust is built through generosity. The more you give, the more people will feel comfortable buying from you when the time is right. Selling isn’t about pushing—it’s about making sure people see your paid content as the next logical step in something they already value.
33. Think Long-Term
Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a month but underestimate what they can accomplish in a year. The best newsletters, the ones with thousands of loyal readers, didn’t grow overnight. They grew because the writer committed to the long game.
If you expect huge results in a few weeks and don’t see them, you’ll get discouraged. But if you focus on where you want to be in one year, two years, or five years, your entire mindset shifts. You stop worrying about short-term numbers and start focusing on getting better every day.
Building something great takes time. If you keep improving, keep publishing, and keep showing up, the long-term rewards will be bigger than you ever expected. But you have to be patient. The writers who win are the ones who stick around the longest.
34. Stop Waiting – Just Publish
Many writers get stuck in their own heads. They write, edit, tweak, second-guess, rewrite—and then never hit publish. They tell themselves, “It’s not ready yet.” But here’s the truth: it will never feel ready.
Perfection is an illusion. Every great writer looks back at their old work and sees things they could have done better. That’s normal. Growth happens through action, not overthinking.
The only way to improve is to put your work out there, get feedback, and learn from real experience. The longer you wait, the longer you delay your own progress. Hit publish. Get it out into the world. Move on to the next one.
Done is always better than perfect.
35. Your Readers Are Real People – Treat Them That Way
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking about numbers—subscribers, open rates, conversions. But behind every number is a real person who chose to read your work. They are giving you their time, their attention, and sometimes even their money. Treat them like they matter.
Instead of focusing only on growth, focus on relationships. Talk to your readers like they are friends. Ask them questions. Invite them to reply to your emails. Be personal in your messages. The best newsletters don’t feel like businesses—they feel like conversations.
When readers feel seen and appreciated, they stay. They become part of your world. They support you. And most importantly, they share your work with others. The best way to grow is not by chasing numbers but by deepening the connection with the readers you already have.
36. Write Something Every Day (Even If You Don’t Publish It)
The best way to become a great writer is simple: write every single day. Even if you don’t publish everything, the habit of writing will sharpen your skills, help you find your voice, and make the process easier over time.
Think of it like working out. If you only exercise once a week, progress is slow. But if you do a little every day, even if it’s just stretching or a short workout, you get stronger. Writing is no different.
You don’t have to write full blog posts every day. Even writing a short paragraph, a rough idea, or a few bullet points will keep your mind in “writing mode.” Over time, this daily practice compounds, and before you know it, you’ll be writing better, faster, and more confidently than ever before.
The best writers aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the ones who show up and practice every single day.
37. Use a Strong First Sentence
Your first sentence is the most important part of your post. It’s the hook that decides whether people will keep reading or move on. If you start weak, most readers won’t continue. Think of it like a movie trailer—if the first few seconds don’t grab attention, people stop watching.
Your opening line should spark curiosity. Ask a question that makes the reader think. Start with a bold statement that challenges assumptions. Create an emotional pull. A great first sentence makes people need to read the next one.
Compare these two openings:
❌ There are many ways to improve your writing, and in this post, I’ll talk about some of them.
✅ Your writing is boring, and here’s why.
The first one is passive and easy to ignore. The second one makes you want to keep reading.
People are constantly bombarded with content. If you don’t grab them immediately, they’ll move on. So before you publish anything, ask yourself: Would this first sentence make me keep reading? If the answer is no, rewrite it.
38. Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard
Writing is easy when you’re feeling inspired. But what about the days when you’re exhausted? When your last post didn’t perform well? When you feel like no one is paying attention?
Those are the moments that separate successful writers from those who quit. The ones who make it don’t rely on motivation—they rely on discipline. They keep going, even when they don’t feel like it. They push through self-doubt and silence, knowing that every word they write is part of a bigger picture.
Think about your favorite authors or content creators. Do you think they always felt inspired? Of course not. They had bad days, too. But they showed up anyway.
The work you put in today might not pay off immediately, but over time, it will. Every great writer started with zero readers. Every successful creator had moments where they doubted themselves. The difference? They didn’t stop.
If you want to succeed, you can’t just write when it’s easy—you have to write especially when it’s hard.
39. Be Different, Not Boring
The internet is drowning in copy-paste content. People repeat the same advice, use the same phrases, and share the same stories. If you want to stand out, you have to bring something fresh.
Don’t just say what everyone else is saying—add your own twist. Bring your personality into your writing. Share experiences that only you have had. Make bold statements. Challenge popular opinions. Tell stories in a way that no one else does.
Your voice is your biggest advantage. People don’t just follow information; they follow personalities. A strong voice and unique perspective will make you unforgettable.
If your writing sounds like everyone else’s, no one will remember you. The best way to grow isn’t to fit in—it’s to stand out.
40. Keep Your Writing Clear and Simple
Many writers think they need to use big words and complex sentences to sound smart. But the truth is, the best writing is the easiest to understand.
Your goal isn’t to impress people with your vocabulary—it’s to make your message stick. If a 12-year-old can read your post and understand it, you’re doing it right.
Here’s how to make your writing clearer:
✔ Use short sentences.
✔ Avoid unnecessary words.
✔ Break big ideas into simple concepts.
✔ Replace jargon with everyday language.
Compare these two sentences:
❌ In order to enhance one’s writing proficiency, it is imperative to prioritize the utilization of succinct language and straightforward sentence structures.
✅ To improve your writing, use simple words and short sentences.
The second one is easier to read—and more powerful. If your readers have to work to understand your writing, they won’t. Make it effortless.
41. Learn From Other Writers
Every great writer has learned from someone else. You should, too. Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, study the writers who inspire you.
✔ Subscribe to newsletters you admire.
✔ Read books on storytelling and persuasion.
✔ Pay attention to how great writers structure their posts.
✔ Analyze their headlines—what makes you click?
✔ Notice their tone—how do they make you feel connected?
Success leaves clues. The fastest way to improve is to learn from those who are already doing it well. Take what works, adapt it to your style, and make it your own.
42. Ask for Feedback and Improve
Your readers are your best source of feedback. They will tell you what they love, what confuses them, and what they want more of—if you ask.
Encourage replies at the end of your emails. Ask questions like:
What part of this post resonated with you the most?
What topics do you want me to cover next?
Was anything unclear or confusing?
Pay attention to which posts get the most engagement. If a topic gets a lot of replies, that’s a sign you should write more about it. If a post flops, analyze why. Was it the topic? The headline? The format?
Writing in isolation will only take you so far. The best writers grow by listening to their audience and making improvements based on real feedback.
43. Keep Track of What Works
If you don’t track your progress, you won’t know what’s working. Many writers focus only on writing, but the smartest ones also focus on understanding their audience.
Look at your analytics:
✔ Which posts got the most opens?
✔ Which ones had the highest engagement?
✔ What email subject lines had the best click rates?
Your readers are constantly telling you what they like—through their actions. Instead of guessing, use data to make better decisions.
Growth isn’t about writing more—it’s about writing better. If a certain type of content performs well, double down on it. The more you track, the smarter your strategy becomes.
44. Build Trust With Your Audience
Trust is the most valuable thing you can build as a writer. Readers don’t just subscribe because of one good post. They stay because they trust you.
Trust is built through:
✔ Consistency: Showing up week after week.
✔ Honesty: Being real, not pretending to be perfect.
✔ Reliability: Delivering value every time.
People can tell when you’re being fake. They can sense when you’re just chasing numbers instead of genuinely trying to help. But when they trust you, they’ll share your work, support your projects, and stay with you for years.
Trust takes time to build, but once you have it, it’s the most powerful asset you own.
45. Write Something People Will Remember
People read hundreds of things online every day. Most of it is instantly forgettable. They skim, they scroll, and they move on. But every once in a while, something sticks.
What makes certain writing stand out? It makes them feel something. It challenges their beliefs. It shifts their perspective. It speaks directly to their experiences, their struggles, and their dreams. It isn’t just information—it’s an experience.
That’s the kind of writing you should aim for. Don’t just list facts. Don’t just explain concepts. Add depth. Make your words come alive. Share personal stories, bold insights, and emotions. Write in a way that makes people stop and think.
If your readers close your email and instantly forget what they just read, you’ve lost them. But if they carry your words with them for hours or days afterward—if they quote you to a friend—then you’ve done something right.
46. Success Takes Time – Be Patient
Most people give up too soon. They start a newsletter, post a few times, and then get frustrated when they don’t see instant results. They expect overnight success. But the truth is, growth takes time.
The writers who succeed are the ones who play the long game. They don’t chase quick wins or viral moments. They build foundations. They write consistently, engage with their audience, and improve over time. They outlast the people who quit too early.
If you’re serious about growing, don’t measure your success in weeks—measure it in years. Ask yourself, Where do I want to be in 12 months? Then, commit to taking small steps toward that goal every single day.
Most people give up before they see the results they were so close to achieving. If you keep going, even when progress feels slow, the rewards will come.
47. Keep Your Email Subject Lines Strong
Your subject line is the first thing people see in their inbox. It’s your first and only chance to convince them to open your email. No matter how great the content inside is, if your subject line is weak, most people won’t even read it.
Think of it like a headline for a news article. It needs to create curiosity. It needs to feel urgent or valuable. It needs to make people need to click.
Here are a few strategies to make your subject lines stronger:
✔ Ask a question: “Are you making this writing mistake?”
✔ Use numbers: “5 ways to grow your audience this week”
✔ Create mystery: “You won’t believe what I learned today”
✔ Make it personal: “The mistake I made (so you don’t have to)”
Test different subject lines and track your open rates. The more you refine your approach, the better your engagement will be. A strong subject line can make the difference between an email that gets read and one that gets ignored.
48. Don’t Be Afraid to Share Your Opinions
Many writers play it safe. They write neutral, agreeable content because they don’t want to offend anyone. But safe writing is forgettable writing. If you never take a stand, if you never say anything bold, people won’t remember you.
Having a strong opinion doesn’t mean being controversial for the sake of it. It means being clear about what you believe. It means calling out things that don’t make sense. It means sharing your real thoughts, not just what you think people want to hear.
Readers are drawn to writers who are bold, direct, and unapologetically themselves. They respect people who stand for something. If you see something that’s wrong, call it out. If you believe in something, defend it.
You don’t have to please everyone. The best writers don’t try to. Instead, they attract the right audience—people who connect with their perspective, their energy, and their truth.
49. Never Stop Learning
The best writers never think they’ve mastered writing. No matter how good they get, they’re always improving. They read. They study. They experiment. They analyze what works and what doesn’t.
If you want to grow as a writer, you need to stay curious. Read books on storytelling, marketing, and psychology. Follow successful newsletters and analyze how they engage their audience. Study great headlines, email structures, and persuasion techniques.
Most importantly, try new things. Writing is a skill that sharpens over time. Experiment with different formats, different tones, and different topics. Some will work, some won’t—but every experiment teaches you something.
The writers who grow the fastest are the ones who never stop learning. If you stay in student mode, your newsletter will keep getting better, and so will your results.
50. The Only Secret? Keep Writing.
At the end of the day, there is no magic formula. No shortcut. No hack that guarantees success. The only real secret is this:
✔ Keep writing.
✔ Keep putting your work out there.
✔ Keep improving.
✔ Keep showing up.
The writers who win aren’t necessarily the best—they’re the ones who refuse to stop. They keep writing, even when it’s hard. Even when no one is reading. Even when self-doubt creeps in.
You will only fail if you quit. So don’t quit. Keep going. Keep growing. Keep building. That’s how you win.
Final Thought:
Want to grow? Take action today.
✔ Write something.
✔ Share it.
✔ Keep going.
That’s it. No excuses. No waiting. Just start. The future of your Substack is in your hands.
Great tips, thanks :-)