Why Nobody’s Engaging With Your Notes (And How to Fix It)
What Nobody Tells You About Growing on Substack
When I started using Notes, I made all the classic mistakes.
I wrote random thoughts like: “What a week! Anyone else tired?” and expected comments to roll in.
They didn’t!
I shared insights so polished they looked like a corporate memo.
Nobody cared.
I even posted what I thought were clever takes, only to get… crickets.
Here’s the hard truth I learned: Nobody owes you engagement.
If your Notes aren’t starting conversations, it’s not the algorithm—it’s you.
What Changed Everything
The day I realized Notes weren’t about me was the day everything clicked.
Notes are about sparking something in them:
A thought they’ve been wrestling with.
A laugh they didn’t know they needed.
A question they can’t help but answer.
When I started writing Notes for the reader, engagement skyrocketed.
And guess what? Engagement = subscribers.
1. Stop Writing Diary Entries
Nobody engages with Notes that feel like “dear diary.”
Instead, write for your audience:
Share a relatable struggle or goal:
Ask a question they can’t ignore:
Drop a spicy take:
2. Use My 3-Note Framework
(I will go deep into this with those who join the January Growth Challenge - turning notes into subscribers. Join the challenge by subscribing now. 🚀
Plus, save your membership at 37% off forever - offer available only until Jan 5th.)
Here’s what actually works:
Growth Notes: Designed to grab attention. Think hot takes, bold statements, or trending topics.
Example: “The biggest mistake writers make? Writing for everyone instead of someone.”
Educational Notes: Quick, actionable tips that make readers think, I need to follow this person.
Example: “Notes aren’t just posts—they’re conversations. Start one.”
Entertaining Notes: Relatable, funny, or personal stories that make people feel connected.
Example: “I fired all my clients this year. Terrifying. But it was the best thing I ever did.”
Balance these types throughout your week for maximum engagement.
3. Ask, Don’t Tell
Want engagement? Make it easy for people to respond.
Instead of posting, “Here’s why Notes are great,” try:
“What’s the most frustrating thing about Notes for you?”
“If you could ask one question about Notes, what would it be?”
People don’t want to read a lecture. They want to join a conversation.
4. Borrow the Right Audience
Here’s a secret: Some of your best subscribers are already engaging with Notes—they’re just not engaging with yours (yet).
How to find them:
Look at other newsletters in your niche.
Engage with their Notes and reply to their readers.
Follow active people in your niche and join their conversations.
This isn’t random. It’s strategic—and it works.
5. Show Up Consistently (With a Plan)
If you post once a week and disappear, don’t expect people to stick around.
Here’s what I do:
Engage daily: Reply to Notes that spark my interest.
Write with intention: Plan my Notes using the 3-Note Framework.
Track what works: Double down on Notes that get replies or questions.
Engagement isn’t luck—it’s consistency and strategy.
January Growth Challenge: Turn Notes Into Subscribers
This January, I’m sharing exactly how to drive engagement that grows your audience:
My 3-Note Framework for writing Notes that spark real conversations.
A Notes Calendar to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
Swipe files of my most engaging Notes (and why they worked).
Weekly Notes Boost Parties to engage with your Notes and grow faster.
💥 Join now and get 37% off for on the annual plan the next 24 hours. (Basically you save your spot at just $7.19 per month, paid annually)
💥 First webinar this Saturday: Master the 3-Note Framework. Join here.