These are all so good. Especially yours, Sinem. I'm passionate about the branding packages I offer because I too, want to feel like I've stepped into a cohesive community space.
Thanks for sharing all these! It was great to read what some of the other "greats" wish they'd done differently!
Yeah, you can absolutely wait for a certain subscriber number before you activate chat, but just be careful because a subscriber count per se doesn't mean that there will be more interaction. You can also have an active chat with fewer subscribers if there is clear value in them responding.
In the beginning, when you have fewer subscribers and you want an active chat, each message should feel like your subscriber can get something from the engagement. So you could give away free advice or even some free resources in exchange.
Oh yeah, just because you get a list like this doesn't mean that you'll be able to avoid all of them. But I hope that it will still help you save some time and effort on the journey. :)
Thank you for compiling this real life guide. I’ve been back here for four months and was surprised to read that I’ve managed to side step several of these mistakes quite by accident.. I love connecting with others and writing as myself which has helped, I guess.
My (freshly launched!) newsletter, Come Back Soon, helps to demystify marketing by laying a solid foundation for brand building. Sinem’s words are great inspiration for future posts, as I want to guide building brands without burnout. Would love to hear from any others struggling with this, and what may be helpful — reach out 🩵
We need to share more stuff like this! I agree, there is far to much before AND after. We can't only share the mistakes when we can pair it with some marketing magic to sell something. Real authenticity and showing people the journey is so important. Thank you for sharing this Sinem
Good advice! Since I'm fairly new on Substack, I don't know how to use Notes. ? I'll figure it out....or someone will help me. Or do you just click on it? Wow, I hate to sound so ignorant....
These are all so good. Especially yours, Sinem. I'm passionate about the branding packages I offer because I too, want to feel like I've stepped into a cohesive community space.
Thanks for sharing all these! It was great to read what some of the other "greats" wish they'd done differently!
Thanks for contributing, Kristi! I have to admit that I also loved putting this together and seeing all those different perspectives! :)
This is so valuable in terms of advice and also a delight to read! @derek Hughes’ advice especially resonates with me as I’m an overdeliverer!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Melanie. Thanks for the lovely feedback! :)
So many great advices packed in 1 post -
Also, I have this question, I haven't started the chat system yet...
I am waiting to get to at least 500 subs or to get some loyal fans who engage with me so I can do that.
I have seen people who are starting out, enabling their chats and they get nothing... in response.
Other than that - I have started dming creators to ask for collabs and stuf...
So, am I on the right path?
Hi Mohib!
Yeah, you can absolutely wait for a certain subscriber number before you activate chat, but just be careful because a subscriber count per se doesn't mean that there will be more interaction. You can also have an active chat with fewer subscribers if there is clear value in them responding.
In the beginning, when you have fewer subscribers and you want an active chat, each message should feel like your subscriber can get something from the engagement. So you could give away free advice or even some free resources in exchange.
Thanks everyone for
being so honest, these are really useful tips.
I’m sure I’ll still make some of the same mistakes but will try hard to learn from all of these experiences 🤞🏻
Oh yeah, just because you get a list like this doesn't mean that you'll be able to avoid all of them. But I hope that it will still help you save some time and effort on the journey. :)
Thank you for compiling this real life guide. I’ve been back here for four months and was surprised to read that I’ve managed to side step several of these mistakes quite by accident.. I love connecting with others and writing as myself which has helped, I guess.
Well, I'm so glad this was useful, Carolyn, and thanks for your lovely comment. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey! :)
Thank you for compiling all these — it helps!
I'm so glad this was useful. Thanks for checking out the post! :)
My (freshly launched!) newsletter, Come Back Soon, helps to demystify marketing by laying a solid foundation for brand building. Sinem’s words are great inspiration for future posts, as I want to guide building brands without burnout. Would love to hear from any others struggling with this, and what may be helpful — reach out 🩵
The submit button is *way* too close to the text 🫣 you can follow along here: https://open.substack.com/pub/alynrob
Thanks, as always, for sharing ideas like this. The biggie for me was from Claudia Faith/Wander Wealth. I had no idea it was possible to open chat!
I'm glad this one resonated with you, Mark!
And yes, chat is definitely an overlooked feature. We're using it heavily at Write • Build • Scale as well! :)
Some great advice in here, by great people! Thanks for putting it all together, Sinem.
I recognise most faces on here, and hello to those I am yet to meet :o)
Thanks, Jens! I'm so glad this resonated with you, and hope that you found a few new interesting newsletters to subscribe to! :)
We need to share more stuff like this! I agree, there is far to much before AND after. We can't only share the mistakes when we can pair it with some marketing magic to sell something. Real authenticity and showing people the journey is so important. Thank you for sharing this Sinem
Thanks for contributing, Landon. It's always great to feature your voice! :)
Excellent advice from all. I need to go back to the drawing board on my thumbnail images.
Thanks, Denise. I'm glad this was useful! :)
Cogent, actionable and relevant.
Glas you enjoyed it, Jarret! :)
Super helpful. Makes me think I need go to back to notes.
I'm glad this resonated, Diahann! :) And yes, Notes is definitely a superpower!
Good advice! Since I'm fairly new on Substack, I don't know how to use Notes. ? I'll figure it out....or someone will help me. Or do you just click on it? Wow, I hate to sound so ignorant....
Hi Marianna! Welcome to Substack! :)
I hope you'll enjoy the community here.
You can just start publishing Notes to familiarize yourself. Also, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Writing Substack Notes. This should help you as well: https://writebuildscale.substack.com/p/the-ultimate-guide-to-writing-substack?utm_source=publication-search
I'm just getting started, so these cautionary tales are invaluable. Thanks!
Thank you. That was a very thought provoking read.