Fantastic, helpful video! I have been on Substack since May 2022. I am in constant search for new ideas on subscriber growth. I like the idea of customizing buttons. I want to ask about archiving extensive content. As of today, I am at around 230+ articles, most of them are guitar lessons. Do you think that having a lot of content is useful, helpful in S.E.O. or Substack searches, and is this a good idea? I also want to point out the use of setting the archive date for free posts. I have mine set at 6 months. I like this option because it gives my free subscribers enough free content for limited time, while allowing my paid subscribers to see everything. Thanks again, Dave
I hesitated to turn on paid initially too. I'm glad I did it right away — I didn't even give myself much time to think about it (no overthinking!) It helps keep writers accountable and keeps them energized knowing people are waiting. A pledge is simply an energy exchange :)
Dave, thanks so much for checking it out. Yes, you could use an image as a button, by inserting the image into your post, then clicking on it and selecting the "link" icon, then pasting the URL of wherever you want to link to. Cautionary note though, it's much less obvious to readers that they should click an image, versus a button that says "Subscribe" or "Comment" which is super-obvious.
Hi Linda, I do this whenever I share a YouTube tutorial because people tend to click the featured image and then they come directly to my YouTube channel. A few weeks back, I forgot the link and I received an email from a sub who asked me to add the link^^
@dave: I also tried to create my own buttons / images in Canva and then connect it with a link. This works well. Same with Kofi/Buy me a coffe/ online course buttons (on Medium.com this works as well).
Hi Linda. I wanted to come back to this and clarify.
I have made custom images with links that go to pages with clearly defined URLs. For example, my About page, post Archive, and links to my website.
What I haven’t figured out is how to replace the built-in buttons (eg. subscribe, leave a comment) with my own custom images. Is there a way for us to see what the URLs are for those buttons?
Thank you for this! So helpful. I turned on paid straight away and it’s a great way to help ensure I stay consistent and give even more value as I plan my posts.
I loved how you underscored the personal nature of Substack, which creates a very different relationship from the classical “financial research provider”.
When Christine said: ‘Making something natural for you,’ this resonated deeply, as did finding your voice and making things conversational. As a newbie to Substack, I’m trying to build a different writer voice, as I come from a more academic background. Thanks for the great conversation!
Thanks so much Linda and Christina! I really enjoyed this helpful chat. I didn't turn on paid yet--trying to build a consistent publishing rhythm before I brave pressing that button. ;) Love all the suggestions as ways to grow. Lately, I've been coming across the idea of using Pinterest for growth as well. Be interesting to hear if you have any info on using this platform to establish growth as well. A slower process for sure as it is mainly a search engine. Thanks for sharing! xx
Thank you so much for all the insight on growing...I'm loving the platform and last week I got my first paid subscriber! Such a boost to keep me motivated to write about my life experiences! #1000subsgoal
Love the How To format! I just reached 8,000 subscribers. Here are 8 lessons I learned along the way: https://yuribezmenov.substack.com/p/how-to-celebrate-8000-subscribers-8-lessons
Super inspirational post Yuri. The "find your voice" point is one I echo over and over
Fantastic, helpful video! I have been on Substack since May 2022. I am in constant search for new ideas on subscriber growth. I like the idea of customizing buttons. I want to ask about archiving extensive content. As of today, I am at around 230+ articles, most of them are guitar lessons. Do you think that having a lot of content is useful, helpful in S.E.O. or Substack searches, and is this a good idea? I also want to point out the use of setting the archive date for free posts. I have mine set at 6 months. I like this option because it gives my free subscribers enough free content for limited time, while allowing my paid subscribers to see everything. Thanks again, Dave
I hesitated to turn on paid initially too. I'm glad I did it right away — I didn't even give myself much time to think about it (no overthinking!) It helps keep writers accountable and keeps them energized knowing people are waiting. A pledge is simply an energy exchange :)
I've been astonished by how well pledges as worked as an encouragement for writers to take the plunge and go paid
Yes! I had 2 pledges come in one day and I was SOLD!
Yeah! That's awesome. I'm at 1,200 ARR and it feels good. I'll go paid in a few weeks
Awesome Kristina! 🙌
I enjoy the video format for these conversations. Informative, thought provoking, and just the right length.
Q: I’m curious ... is there a way to use custom images in place of the provided buttons for “subscribe”, “comment”, etc?
Dave, thanks so much for checking it out. Yes, you could use an image as a button, by inserting the image into your post, then clicking on it and selecting the "link" icon, then pasting the URL of wherever you want to link to. Cautionary note though, it's much less obvious to readers that they should click an image, versus a button that says "Subscribe" or "Comment" which is super-obvious.
Hi Linda, I do this whenever I share a YouTube tutorial because people tend to click the featured image and then they come directly to my YouTube channel. A few weeks back, I forgot the link and I received an email from a sub who asked me to add the link^^
@dave: I also tried to create my own buttons / images in Canva and then connect it with a link. This works well. Same with Kofi/Buy me a coffe/ online course buttons (on Medium.com this works as well).
That's amazing Kristina... I love the sophistication and branding of creating your own buttons
Hi Linda. I wanted to come back to this and clarify.
I have made custom images with links that go to pages with clearly defined URLs. For example, my About page, post Archive, and links to my website.
What I haven’t figured out is how to replace the built-in buttons (eg. subscribe, leave a comment) with my own custom images. Is there a way for us to see what the URLs are for those buttons?
Thank you for this! So helpful. I turned on paid straight away and it’s a great way to help ensure I stay consistent and give even more value as I plan my posts.
April, stoked that you jumped right in with paid, nice work!
Whats the point on having "recommendation" on if people dont give back the favour? Is it not the point? Both ways?
I loved how you underscored the personal nature of Substack, which creates a very different relationship from the classical “financial research provider”.
Amazing podcast, thank you Linda and Christina!
What a helpful and generous post — thanks so much Linda and Christina!
When Christine said: ‘Making something natural for you,’ this resonated deeply, as did finding your voice and making things conversational. As a newbie to Substack, I’m trying to build a different writer voice, as I come from a more academic background. Thanks for the great conversation!
Thanks so much Linda and Christina! I really enjoyed this helpful chat. I didn't turn on paid yet--trying to build a consistent publishing rhythm before I brave pressing that button. ;) Love all the suggestions as ways to grow. Lately, I've been coming across the idea of using Pinterest for growth as well. Be interesting to hear if you have any info on using this platform to establish growth as well. A slower process for sure as it is mainly a search engine. Thanks for sharing! xx
This is very helpful! Thank you
This was an excellent conversation. Worth the time. 🙏
Thank you, Linda and Christina for a useful and enjoyable video! I plan to check out creating custom buttons. Didn't know it was possible.
Linda is the best! Thank you for all your work making Substack such an amazing place 😎
Loved this format. I have a post scheduled for Monday and will update my buttons so it’s more actionable and showcases my personality.
Thank you so much for all the insight on growing...I'm loving the platform and last week I got my first paid subscriber! Such a boost to keep me motivated to write about my life experiences! #1000subsgoal