How to Grow on Substack (When You Don’t Typically Write About Growing Your Substack)

I recently hit 1,000 subscribers and I’m still in shock. I’m incredibly grateful that this many people not only enjoy my writing, but are actually interested in the thoughts I put out into the world. I was amazed when I reached 100. The fact that it’s grown tenfold in just five months blows my mind.

I know this kind of growth isn’t massive by some standards, but for someone who doesn’t typically write about how to grow a newsletter, it feels big.

This isn’t the kind of post I usually write. But to be honest, I’ve been carrying a lot lately, and I just didn’t have it in me to dredge up anything too heavy. So I started thinking about what has actually helped me grow organically, in a space where it sometimes feels like writing about anything other than growth strategies leaves you shouting into the void.

Here are a few things that helped me build an audience as an everyday person writing about everyday struggles:

Be intentional with Notes and engagement

Yes, using Notes increases your visibility… that’s no secret. But how you interact there shapes your entire algorithm. Early on, I was liking and reposting a lot of political content because it resonated deeply. But gradually, my feed became saturated with it, and my writing, which generally relates to navigating the world as a sensitive person, started feeling invisible. I realized I needed to interact more with creators who shared the tone and themes I wanted to be known for. I began intentionally interacting with notes that were more aligned with my own writing. That took some time, but it eventually shifted my feed and more people began engaging, following and subscribing.

Curate your Notes with intention. Like and respond to the content that aligns with the kind of writer you are (and want to be read as.) Your algorithm responds accordingly.

Engage deeply, not widely

You don’t have to comment on every post you see. But when something truly resonates, let the writer know… specifically, personally, and honestly. If you’ve had a similar experience, share it. If their words moved you, tell them why.

There is no way to fake real connections. We either click with someone, or we don’t. People can sense authenticity. The ones who connect with your voice will stick around. The rest? Let them go and don’t take it personally. I constantly see the reminder that “your writing isn’t for everyone” and that’s totally normal. We all like different things, are in different life stages. That’s naturally going to be reflected, not only in our writing, but in the content we prefer to read.

For example, if you write about boats, spending all your energy bonding with car racing fans probably won’t bring the results you’re hoping for. That might sound obvious, but it took me a while to realize that being more intentional about making connections is just as important as the quality of my writing.

Focus on building legitimate relationships

Some of the best parts of this journey have been the unexpected friendships. Readers become pen pals. Fellow writers become collaborators. I offer collab opportunities to my paid subscribers. Collaboration is another great way to grow because it’s mutually beneficial. If we work together on something, both of our names are included, so not only will this increase my subscribers but it will increase yours as well.

As we make genuine connections and get to know our subscribers better, this will often lead to recommendations and slow, steady growth from the right people… the ones who stay, support, and care.

Not every post will explode. But I have found that one of the best feelings is when someone messages to tell me that my words helped them through something. When your writing resonates with someone emotionally, it’s kind of magical!

Be open, honest and be yourself

If you’re writing from the heart, (even if it’s not a trending topic) your words will find their way to the people who need them. Be intentional with your engagement, clear about your voice, and genuine in your interactions. It may take time, but you’ll build something meaningful.

And when you do, it won’t just be an audience. It’ll be a community.

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