These 7 Notes Templates Will Get You More Likes, Comments & Subscribers From Your Notes
Copy-paste the templates you like - and get more engagement on your Notes
Ever since we started writing on Substack in July 2024, we’ve published a combined 4,000+ Notes (which brought 11,000+ new subscribers to our publication).
After publishing so many Notes, we can confidently say that Substack Notes are one of the best ways to:
Get your message in front of new people
Grow your list of subscribers
And connect more deeply with your existing audience
But writing Notes that get a lot of engagement is easier said than done.
For many writers, their Notes often end up in ‘the void’, with hardly any likes, comments, or restacks.
That’s why we decided to share these seven Notes templates with you.
All you have to do is copy-paste the templates you like, tweak the words to your topic and target audience, and share them whenever you’re ready.
(And if you do end up going viral with any of these templates, please send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you!)
Let’s dive in.
Template #1: Mistake Reframe
The biggest mistake I made with [topic]:
[Mistake description]
What I learned: [Lesson]
What I do now: [Current approach]
Save yourself the pain. Learn from mine.Why This Works:
This template works because it builds trust by being honest and a bit vulnerable.
By sharing what you’ve learned (including the mistakes), you help others avoid the same pitfalls while showing that you’re always learning and improving too.
Example 1: Marketing
The biggest mistake I made with my marketing:
Trying to appeal to everyone.
What I learned: Generic messaging attracts no one.
What I do now: Speak directly to one ideal client.
Save yourself the pain. Learn from mine.
Example 2: Fitness
The biggest mistake I made with training:
Ignoring rest days.
What I learned: Recovery drives results.
What I do now: Schedule active rest.
Save yourself the pain. Learn from mine.
Example 3: Writing
The biggest mistake I made with blogging:
Chasing trends.
What I learned: Authenticity builds trust.
What I do now: Write from experience.
Save yourself the pain. Learn from mine.
Template #2: The Starting Line
Everyone starts with zero…
— 0 [Metric 1]
— 0 [Metric 2]
— 0 [Metric 3]
— 0 [Metric 4]
— 0 [Metric 5]
— 0 [Metric 6]
Just start.Why it works:
This template is a great reminder that everyone starts from zero.
It makes the early, messy stage feel normal - and lowers the pressure to “have it all figured out” before you begin.
Plus, the simple, clean format makes it easy to share and surprisingly powerful.
Example 1: Fitness Journey
Everyone starts with zero…
— 0 reps
— 0 endurance
— 0 muscle memory
— 0 energy
— 0 progress photos
— 0 confidence
Just start.
Example 2: Substack Growth
Example 3: Music Creation
Everyone starts with zero…
— 0 songs
— 0 listeners
— 0 rhythm
— 0 stage presence
— 0 fans
— 0 confidence
Just start.
Template #3: Perception vs Reality
What 99% of [group] thinks about [activity or profession]:
- [Misconception 1]
- [Misconception 2]
- [Misconception 3]
What [activity or profession] actually involves:
- [Reality 1]
- [Reality 2]
- [Reality 3]Why This Works:
This template works by challenging what people think is true and then revealing what’s actually going on beneath the surface.
It gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at what real mastery really looks like.
Example 1: Chefs
What 99% of people think about cooking:
It’s about fancy ingredients.
It’s easy if you have talent.
You just follow recipes.
What cooking actually involves:
Timing, precision, and patience.
Cleaning as much as cooking.
Failing 50 times before nailing a dish.
Example 2: Game Developers
What 99% of gamers think about game design:
It’s all fun and creativity.
It’s just coding cool ideas.
You play all day.
What game design actually involves:
Debugging till 3 a.m.
Balancing player psychology.
Rebuilding the same level ten times.
Example 3: Teachers
What 99% of parents think about teaching:
It’s just talking in front of a class.
You get long holidays.
You finish at 3 p.m.
What teaching actually involves:
Endless grading.
Classroom management.
Caring for 30 personalities at once.
Want To Unlock 365 Substack Notes Templates For 2026?
Today is the last chance to upgrade to our premium Substack for just $36.50 per year, and get our complete collection of 365 Substack Notes Templates for free as a limited-time bonus.
(That’s one template for every single day of the year.)
With these 365 Notes templates, you’ll have a full year's worth of Substack Notes ready in no time, so you will:
Stay visible and top-of-mind with your audience
Turn casual scrollers into new, engaged subscribers
Build momentum without burning out on content ideas
Show up consistently (even on days when inspiration doesn’t)
(This offer ends today, so act fast.)
