Robin, you're amazing. I'm so happy you wrote this post. There's so much bad marketing advice, so many scammy come-ons and gaslighting on Substack, and of course, in the world beyond. Promises, promises. All of your pointers are spot on. I'm going to add a link to this post on my design Stack.
I came to Substack to pursue my writing life. That's my primary reason for being in Substackland. I fell in love with the platform and the people I'm meeting every day. I'm awed by the talent here, and as a result want to be here for all my work.
I started my second stack, Style Your Stack, to use my design and tech experience to support other writers in attaining a look and feel that represents them and adds spark to their presentations. I did that so that I could support myself financially, so that I can write. I will never get rich as a writer on Substack. That was never the goal. Writing is the goal. Making connections is the goal. I feel like I fell into a pot of gold. And it has nothing to do with money. Thank you so much for including me in your recommendation list. I was so touched to see it. You made my day! xo
Indeed, the playing field is not level. We all have to just suck it up and get over it. There is so much awesome content on Substack that all the marketing in the world could fail to float you to the top. What can you do about it? Write your heart out.
Classic direct response stuff. Unfortunately people do it because it works. And like I said, nothing wrong with an honest discount, but over the past 10 years, I've seen this idea get taken to greater and greater extremes... probably because it juices the algorithm.
I really appreciate this post. It’s sometimes easy to lose perspective when all you get fed by the magic fingers that control your feed are these huge success stories. It can feel like you’re doing something wrong.
Enjoyed this the first time I read it and enjoyed it again now. Thanks for sharing again, and for reminding me that I'd rather be the person who puts kindness first, not false promises x
Robin, you're amazing. I'm so happy you wrote this post. There's so much bad marketing advice, so many scammy come-ons and gaslighting on Substack, and of course, in the world beyond. Promises, promises. All of your pointers are spot on. I'm going to add a link to this post on my design Stack.
I came to Substack to pursue my writing life. That's my primary reason for being in Substackland. I fell in love with the platform and the people I'm meeting every day. I'm awed by the talent here, and as a result want to be here for all my work.
I started my second stack, Style Your Stack, to use my design and tech experience to support other writers in attaining a look and feel that represents them and adds spark to their presentations. I did that so that I could support myself financially, so that I can write. I will never get rich as a writer on Substack. That was never the goal. Writing is the goal. Making connections is the goal. I feel like I fell into a pot of gold. And it has nothing to do with money. Thank you so much for including me in your recommendation list. I was so touched to see it. You made my day! xo
You're very welcome, Nan! All well-deserved, of course. 😊
Indeed, the playing field is not level. We all have to just suck it up and get over it. There is so much awesome content on Substack that all the marketing in the world could fail to float you to the top. What can you do about it? Write your heart out.
Yes! No matter what, the words in our hearts are always available to us.
The false urgency is the one that most annoys me. And it’s so so common! “This deal is for only 24 hours!” But… why exactly?
Classic direct response stuff. Unfortunately people do it because it works. And like I said, nothing wrong with an honest discount, but over the past 10 years, I've seen this idea get taken to greater and greater extremes... probably because it juices the algorithm.
I really appreciate this post. It’s sometimes easy to lose perspective when all you get fed by the magic fingers that control your feed are these huge success stories. It can feel like you’re doing something wrong.
I'm glad you found it helpful. As long as you aren't hurting anyone, it's impossible to "do it wrong" on Substack!
I NEEDED THIS.
I aim to serve. 😊
Thank you <3
Enjoyed this the first time I read it and enjoyed it again now. Thanks for sharing again, and for reminding me that I'd rather be the person who puts kindness first, not false promises x
Maybe kindness doesn't sell as fast, but it sure feels better.
Your 'red flags' are apt for every self improvement scam too. There is no silver bullet. You have to do the work.
It helps to find great people who can help and support you to do the work though. Thanks for pointing us in the direction of some of them ☺️