This was so refreshing to read as I spent quite some time searching for a new platform to write publicly on once I stopped blogging. I settled on Substack because of the community feel, that’s what keeps me writing. Being able to engage with other writers and readers and support each other’s work is such a treat. I agree that the community and consistency piece for me has been the greatest factors of my consistent growth here too and I’m so happy I made the leap and found others, like you. Thanks for this reminder to keep going!
That’s amazing, Ashleigh! I’m so glad you found your way to Substack too! The community has been so great, and something I deeply craved. I’m so grateful we’ve connected here!
Just made the commitment to try and grow my Substack & this post came at the most perfect time! I've come up with a plan and hope to implement it come February. Thanks for your encouraging words!
Thanks! It's so daunting -- putting yourself out there and not knowing what's going to happen or if you're going to meet your goals. Only time will tell!
It is! But I think you'll find that there are more people in the world who relate to you and your experience than you think. I also tried to not set goals at the beginning and just focus on writing and connecting. The 1,000 subscriber goal only came up when I was at like 900 and realized I could probably hit it before the end of the year. Otherwise, I tried to stay away from goals and it helped my mental health so much!
Thank you for sharing all this, Hunter! I've been on Substack a little less time than you (I joined last spring) and have really just begun to explore its possibilities as a blogging/community-building platform. It was so helpful to see your journey so far.
That’s great, Meagan! I feel like I’m just beginning to scratch the surface with it too. The whole blogging concept really clicked for me recently, and I figured, why not go for it?! Excited to see where it takes you, too!
Hey, I just wanted to drop a big thank you for your post! I've been kinda swimming in circles trying to figure out how to make the most of Substack for both blogging and newsletters. Being pretty fresh to the whole writing consistently game, I've been bombarded with advice from all these "experts" telling me I need to niche down. But that always felt a bit off to me, especially since I'm not really selling anything at the moment. I just want to write, you know? Seeing your take on things, that it's totally cool to explore a variety of topics just like you would on a traditional blog, was a breath of fresh air. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in wanting to cast a wider net as a newbie before diving into a specific niche. Seriously, thanks a ton for sharing your perspective. It's opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for me.
I replied to your Note, but just wanted to thank you again for your comment and for sharing, Devon! Really grateful you resonated with this post and found it inspiring. Excited to see where Substack takes you in 2024!
I retired last January and began my Life UnCorked newsletter/blog a week later simply because I wanted to write. In December I also started a creative writing Substack called The talking Pen: https://mytalkingpen.substack.com
Without know what to expect, I set a goal of 200 subscribers by end of year one. Finished a little shy of that with 197.
I will continue to tweak it and be a little more active in the community spaces such as notes and chat as time goes on. That seems to be the key (along with consistency, of course. Hopefully will gain a little more traction in year 2.
Anyway, it was good to find your newsletter (through David McIlroy). I look forward to reading your posts.
Thanks so much, Cork! I replied to your Note but just wanted to thank you again for sharing, and I'm really grateful you gleaned something from this! Excited to see where your 2024 goes with Substack!
Thanks for your transparent reflection of your first year writing on sub stack. It is interesting to read about your experience as it helps us budding writers to see how growth can happen in real life and in real time. Thanks Hunter!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I’m still finding my feet and have just hit 53 subscribers after consistently posting weekly since October. I’m thinking of stepping up to twice a week now that I’ve built a steady writing practice, and am definitely trying to be more active on the platform--I really slowed down on that during the busy holidays, but my schedule / routines are normalising now which makes it easier! Thanks again ❤️
Aw congrats on 53 subscribers, Courtney! That's SO exciting!! I was the same way over the holidays. Really fell out of posting consistently and writing often enough to post multiple times a week. I'm trying to get back into it too! I'm so excited for your continued growth and whatever this next year has in store for you!
Grateful to have stumbled upon your writing this past year on Substack! I'm new to Substack, and I'm loving this platform in place of all the other social media that makes me feel like crap!
Thank you so much for being here, Cassie! I know, right?! It feels so much more calming for my nervous system than all the scrolling on other platforms. It's a great place to be!
I am so glad I found you and this article on notes Hunter!✨
I was nodding along like crazy with everything you said! From “When I started, I remember having this overwhelming feeling of, “I need to be in this space and write” and not much else.” (Which is exactly how I feel as I’ve entered this space) to the desire to create less better- to mom life, entrepreneur life and slow business! 👯♀️
SO much goodness! I can’t wait to read more! Thanks for sharing!!
Ahh Megan, I'm SO excited you enjoyed it! And found me on Notes, how cool! Sounds like we are in such similar phases of life! I love it. Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
Totally!! I’m excited to follow along and hear more from you 😍
P.S. if you’re ever interested in collabing- I’d love to have a conversation in my space! I’m excited to continue my Mompreneur interviews on this platform✨
I so loved reading about your journey on here Hunter. I especially love your tip about having a series as a great back up when inspiration isn't forthcoming! ☺
Just reached 1500 free subscribers today on Indie Media Today.
Took me a little longer than it did for you, but being steady & consistent is definitely a key.
I've also been simultaneously building several Substacks, which draws focus away from just the one.
One thing - you said on April 25 that was pre-Notes, but pretty sure Notes launched on or around April 9, 2023 (I covered it on my Substack and podcast)
This is all super helpful, thank you! I’m curious around when you send out your 2-3 posts per week, if you also send it in email? Or just on substack? I have this fear of flooding peoples inboxes, but there is this desire to write more.
I always send to email as well. The only time I don't is if it's a paid post that doesn't have a free preview before it.
I felt the same way, not wanting to flood inboxes, but I began to realize that it's good to remind someone of you often. They don't have to read it, but just seeing my name will put me back into their mind and I think that's helpful when establishing community. I hardly ever get email responses, most of my communication is through the Substack app itself, but I haven't gotten any negative feedback on the 2-3 posts and I've noticed a much steadier/quicker growth with 2-3 posts versus the weeks I only post once. I'm sure everyone's audience is different and everyone has a different opinion about it, but this has been what works for me!
what a beautiful journey you've shared with us, hunter :) your message and your why has such clear reach, and im so thankful to have come across your substack! congrats on one full year at substack& cheers to many more. i can't wait to hear more about the impacts of slow living in your life <3
Probably the best reflection post I've read on substack! We started around the same time. I started mid Jan 2023 so I just recently passed my 1 year milestone. I also started with 0 and I have about 30% of the subscribers you have but it's still nice to see someone who started out with 0 and made it this far!
Your tips as amazing and I feel they relate to me really well. I talk about language learning but I also explore other topics such as productivity, travel and reading. I also have a weekly recap post which means I always have something to talk about every week and additional posts are bonuses. I try not to let my perfectionism get to me but it's never nice to notice a spelling mistake on a post that went out a week prior 😂
Congrats on your own year milestone!! That's a huge accomplishment. Your topic sounds so interesting! I love that you also do a weekly recap. They are so helpful to keep up with consistency, aren't they? Thank you for being here!!
This was so refreshing to read as I spent quite some time searching for a new platform to write publicly on once I stopped blogging. I settled on Substack because of the community feel, that’s what keeps me writing. Being able to engage with other writers and readers and support each other’s work is such a treat. I agree that the community and consistency piece for me has been the greatest factors of my consistent growth here too and I’m so happy I made the leap and found others, like you. Thanks for this reminder to keep going!
That’s amazing, Ashleigh! I’m so glad you found your way to Substack too! The community has been so great, and something I deeply craved. I’m so grateful we’ve connected here!
Just made the commitment to try and grow my Substack & this post came at the most perfect time! I've come up with a plan and hope to implement it come February. Thanks for your encouraging words!
Yay!! I’m SO excited for you!! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes!
Thanks! It's so daunting -- putting yourself out there and not knowing what's going to happen or if you're going to meet your goals. Only time will tell!
It is! But I think you'll find that there are more people in the world who relate to you and your experience than you think. I also tried to not set goals at the beginning and just focus on writing and connecting. The 1,000 subscriber goal only came up when I was at like 900 and realized I could probably hit it before the end of the year. Otherwise, I tried to stay away from goals and it helped my mental health so much!
Good luck, I know you're going to do amazing!!
Thank you for sharing all this, Hunter! I've been on Substack a little less time than you (I joined last spring) and have really just begun to explore its possibilities as a blogging/community-building platform. It was so helpful to see your journey so far.
I agree, I'm also still getting to know everything it has to offer!
There are so many things you don't realize the platform has until you really dive into it! I still feel like I'm just skimming the surface haha
You are the absolute best for taking the time to chat with me! 🤍🤍🤍
Of course, Jennifer! Happy to chat whenever :)
🤍
That’s great, Meagan! I feel like I’m just beginning to scratch the surface with it too. The whole blogging concept really clicked for me recently, and I figured, why not go for it?! Excited to see where it takes you, too!
Hey, I just wanted to drop a big thank you for your post! I've been kinda swimming in circles trying to figure out how to make the most of Substack for both blogging and newsletters. Being pretty fresh to the whole writing consistently game, I've been bombarded with advice from all these "experts" telling me I need to niche down. But that always felt a bit off to me, especially since I'm not really selling anything at the moment. I just want to write, you know? Seeing your take on things, that it's totally cool to explore a variety of topics just like you would on a traditional blog, was a breath of fresh air. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in wanting to cast a wider net as a newbie before diving into a specific niche. Seriously, thanks a ton for sharing your perspective. It's opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for me.
I replied to your Note, but just wanted to thank you again for your comment and for sharing, Devon! Really grateful you resonated with this post and found it inspiring. Excited to see where Substack takes you in 2024!
Hello Hunter - it is good to be inspired by what others have done in their first year. Your progression through the year has been fantastic.
I recently completed my first year and wrote about it here: https://corkhutson.substack.com/p/evolution-of-a-newbie-my-first-year.
No dramatic increase, but good growth.
I retired last January and began my Life UnCorked newsletter/blog a week later simply because I wanted to write. In December I also started a creative writing Substack called The talking Pen: https://mytalkingpen.substack.com
Without know what to expect, I set a goal of 200 subscribers by end of year one. Finished a little shy of that with 197.
I will continue to tweak it and be a little more active in the community spaces such as notes and chat as time goes on. That seems to be the key (along with consistency, of course. Hopefully will gain a little more traction in year 2.
Anyway, it was good to find your newsletter (through David McIlroy). I look forward to reading your posts.
Thanks so much, Cork! I replied to your Note but just wanted to thank you again for sharing, and I'm really grateful you gleaned something from this! Excited to see where your 2024 goes with Substack!
Thanks for your transparent reflection of your first year writing on sub stack. It is interesting to read about your experience as it helps us budding writers to see how growth can happen in real life and in real time. Thanks Hunter!
Thanks so much, Reece! I'm really glad you enjoyed it!!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I’m still finding my feet and have just hit 53 subscribers after consistently posting weekly since October. I’m thinking of stepping up to twice a week now that I’ve built a steady writing practice, and am definitely trying to be more active on the platform--I really slowed down on that during the busy holidays, but my schedule / routines are normalising now which makes it easier! Thanks again ❤️
Aw congrats on 53 subscribers, Courtney! That's SO exciting!! I was the same way over the holidays. Really fell out of posting consistently and writing often enough to post multiple times a week. I'm trying to get back into it too! I'm so excited for your continued growth and whatever this next year has in store for you!
Grateful to have stumbled upon your writing this past year on Substack! I'm new to Substack, and I'm loving this platform in place of all the other social media that makes me feel like crap!
Thank you so much for being here, Cassie! I know, right?! It feels so much more calming for my nervous system than all the scrolling on other platforms. It's a great place to be!
I am so glad I found you and this article on notes Hunter!✨
I was nodding along like crazy with everything you said! From “When I started, I remember having this overwhelming feeling of, “I need to be in this space and write” and not much else.” (Which is exactly how I feel as I’ve entered this space) to the desire to create less better- to mom life, entrepreneur life and slow business! 👯♀️
SO much goodness! I can’t wait to read more! Thanks for sharing!!
Ahh Megan, I'm SO excited you enjoyed it! And found me on Notes, how cool! Sounds like we are in such similar phases of life! I love it. Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
Totally!! I’m excited to follow along and hear more from you 😍
P.S. if you’re ever interested in collabing- I’d love to have a conversation in my space! I’m excited to continue my Mompreneur interviews on this platform✨
I'm so glad you're here!! And yes, I'd love to collaborate sometime! My email is hello@hunterburgtorf.com if you want to chat about it more :)
Can’t wait! I just sent you an email ✨
I so loved reading about your journey on here Hunter. I especially love your tip about having a series as a great back up when inspiration isn't forthcoming! ☺
Thank you so much, Molly! The series has been SO helpful when I feel like I'm not in the flow in certain weeks.
Thank you. As someone who came here just to write for myself but now is looking to create more value this is very inspiring. ❤️
That's amazing, Julia. Sounds like we're on similar paths. I'm so glad this inspired you!
And we both live in Florida, just in different parta 😂 just kidding. I wish one day to be at half as good as you are. ❤️❤️
Oh sweet!! Where in Florida do you live?
Fort Lauderdale area
Congratulations! This is all great advice.
Just reached 1500 free subscribers today on Indie Media Today.
Took me a little longer than it did for you, but being steady & consistent is definitely a key.
I've also been simultaneously building several Substacks, which draws focus away from just the one.
One thing - you said on April 25 that was pre-Notes, but pretty sure Notes launched on or around April 9, 2023 (I covered it on my Substack and podcast)
Congrats on 1500! That's awesome!!
Oh gosh, you're so right! I just went back in and updated the post to reflect that :) Thanks for the catch!
I really do hate being the "actually" guy.
You're killing it for a year in!
Here's a post from April 13 about Notes and where my numbers were then...
https://indiemediatoday.substack.com/p/growing-with-substack-for-2-years
Haha all good! Thank you for the catch!
Oh sweet!! You've grown a ton too in a short amount of time. Way to go!
https://www.indiemediatoday.com
Such helpful wisdom sprinkled throughout... thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks so much, Ellen! Really glad you found it helpful!
This is all super helpful, thank you! I’m curious around when you send out your 2-3 posts per week, if you also send it in email? Or just on substack? I have this fear of flooding peoples inboxes, but there is this desire to write more.
I always send to email as well. The only time I don't is if it's a paid post that doesn't have a free preview before it.
I felt the same way, not wanting to flood inboxes, but I began to realize that it's good to remind someone of you often. They don't have to read it, but just seeing my name will put me back into their mind and I think that's helpful when establishing community. I hardly ever get email responses, most of my communication is through the Substack app itself, but I haven't gotten any negative feedback on the 2-3 posts and I've noticed a much steadier/quicker growth with 2-3 posts versus the weeks I only post once. I'm sure everyone's audience is different and everyone has a different opinion about it, but this has been what works for me!
that's incredible, thank you so much!!
what a beautiful journey you've shared with us, hunter :) your message and your why has such clear reach, and im so thankful to have come across your substack! congrats on one full year at substack& cheers to many more. i can't wait to hear more about the impacts of slow living in your life <3
Thank you so much, Eril. I'm really glad you've found my posts helpful or inspiring in some way! So grateful to have you here!!
Probably the best reflection post I've read on substack! We started around the same time. I started mid Jan 2023 so I just recently passed my 1 year milestone. I also started with 0 and I have about 30% of the subscribers you have but it's still nice to see someone who started out with 0 and made it this far!
Your tips as amazing and I feel they relate to me really well. I talk about language learning but I also explore other topics such as productivity, travel and reading. I also have a weekly recap post which means I always have something to talk about every week and additional posts are bonuses. I try not to let my perfectionism get to me but it's never nice to notice a spelling mistake on a post that went out a week prior 😂
Thanks for the tips and congrats!!
Oh wow, thank you!! I'm so glad it was helpful!
Congrats on your own year milestone!! That's a huge accomplishment. Your topic sounds so interesting! I love that you also do a weekly recap. They are so helpful to keep up with consistency, aren't they? Thank you for being here!!