Loved this. Subscribed to you. I’ve been thinking about notes the same way as you felt. I get no engagement. I feel like I’m talking to myself, but I’m going to keep posting. Hopefully like you one day, one will get a bit more engagement and spread some. But yes for now I’m using it more like a personal journal and putting whatever thoughts there since no one is commenting. I don’t even know if anyone sees it since we don’t see stats for views, which can be a good thing or a bad thing.
I started writing again on Substack at the beginning of the month so I’m still in the early stages. Still learning. So reading your experience in your first three months was helpful.
I get it! It can be frustrating at the beginning but consistency pays off. Keep utilizing Notes. If no one is engaging with yours, you engage with others on Notes. Gradually you'll see the results of your efforts. Enjoy the process and it'll be easier. And I'm glad you found it useful. This is the reason I posted this, to help someone who might need it. Thank you for commenting and I wish you the best!
Thank you! It's definitely not a problem with the platform though it's easy to just say Notes doesn't work since not many seem to see mine. Some people have great things to say about it. So yes I'll keep posting and engaging with other notes. Will keep on going!
Loved this so much, and the Bhagavad Gita quote at the end really resonated with me, about how we’re not entitled to the fruits of our efforts. It’s so encouraging to focus solely on what we can control - our efforts, and let go of the outcome. Congratulations on your success and wishing you many blessings on your continued endeavors! ♥️
"The truth is, that anyone who puts their work out publicly seeks validation."
This! There's a part of me that feels bad for that. But the need for validation might just be a human thing. What truly matters is asking, what do I actually want to be validated for? What message, what story matters so much that I want to share it?
Thank you for honestly sharing your Substack journey.
Well said! i understand the part of feeling bad about it. I have been there. But seeking validation can be a positive thing, if we're seeking genuine connection and trying to leave a positive impact on people. We can only do that by reaching out to people, expanding our network and at the same time, not becoming too obsessed over it. Balance is the key.
Awesome post! It helped encourage me to get back to posting notes. I am consistent with a lot but for whatever reason notes/tweets are hard for me to stay consistent on.
I'm glad it helped you. Notes are certainly the best way to get noticed on Substack, especially when you don't have any other social following to rely on, like me.
Thank you, Sonaakshi, for this wonderful post. It speaks to exactly where I am and taught me a few things I could be doing better. I "accidentally" found you because you liked another post that I liked at Confessions of a Therapist. I really appreciate you spelling out so identically the thoughts and feelings I've had (after only a couple of weeks), especially "posting notes into the void." Anyway, I like to call out validation when I find it -- evidence of another kindred spirit. Congratulations on breaking the 100 subscribers goal. Soon it will be 1000.
Nothing makes me more happy than writing something that actually leaves an impact on someone. I know starting on Substack from scratch can be hard initially but this phase will pass and you'll find more excitement in the process. I wish you all the best for that!
And thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to me.
Thank you so much for posting this Sonaakshi. As a newbie Substacker myself with similar struggles, I really appreciate you sharing your story and advice so honestly. It has inspired me to keep moving forward with publishing and connecting, both of which I’ve really enjoyed on my Substack journey so far. Thanks again for sharing your experience 🙏🏼
I'm glad you found it useful! I can understand that starting on Substack can be a little overhwelming but it's totally worth it. I can say from my own experience. Btw, just had a look at your Substack, and it quite aligns with my values. Will be checking out in detail soon!
Thank you so much for checking it out! I’m glad you found it interesting. I’m really enjoying creating it. I have lots of plans for the future but am trying to make it a sustainable journey and not burn out in the first month 😂
Hey Soonakshi, it was very interesting to read about your Substack Journey so far. And I loved that you mentioned Lord Ganesha and a verse of the Bhagavad Gita in your article. 🐘✨️
I'm super excited to collaborate with you, and I love that our collaboration is pushing us both a little bit out of our own comfort zones.
I also am "tots jels" (as my 9-yo nephew would say) that you thought up the awesome title "Zinghy Zen"...that's blooming brilliant and I wish I had a catchy name for my publication. someday. goals.
You already know this. you stumbled onto a gem when you found Don Boivin (or he found you). He's one of the lights I look for here on Substack every single day.
Thank you for your encouraging words...means a lot to me! I'm happy that you like the name of my publication, because I just decided on it on a whim...lol
I like the name of yours too by the the way...I think it's clear and precise and readers know what they'll be getting into.
And yes, Don Boivin is one of the writers I admire the most on Substack. His posts are soup for the soul. Thanks again for your comment. Always a pleasure interacting with you!
Thank your for NOT doing this: "Leave links to my Stack in people’s DMs or Notes."
Once you get into the thousands of subscribers and people see your popularity, this becomes a regular occurrence and it's uncomfortable to deal with saying no or just deleting requests and looking like a jerk.
I'm only at 180 subscribers and this happens to me occasionally so I can understand how annoying it must be for you! Leaving links like that is certainly not the appropriate way to promote your newsletter.
Sonaakshi, your Substack journey is inspiring. Love the way you described it so honestly.
Thanks for saying that Shanjitha! Appreciate it.
Loved this. Subscribed to you. I’ve been thinking about notes the same way as you felt. I get no engagement. I feel like I’m talking to myself, but I’m going to keep posting. Hopefully like you one day, one will get a bit more engagement and spread some. But yes for now I’m using it more like a personal journal and putting whatever thoughts there since no one is commenting. I don’t even know if anyone sees it since we don’t see stats for views, which can be a good thing or a bad thing.
I started writing again on Substack at the beginning of the month so I’m still in the early stages. Still learning. So reading your experience in your first three months was helpful.
I get it! It can be frustrating at the beginning but consistency pays off. Keep utilizing Notes. If no one is engaging with yours, you engage with others on Notes. Gradually you'll see the results of your efforts. Enjoy the process and it'll be easier. And I'm glad you found it useful. This is the reason I posted this, to help someone who might need it. Thank you for commenting and I wish you the best!
Thank you! It's definitely not a problem with the platform though it's easy to just say Notes doesn't work since not many seem to see mine. Some people have great things to say about it. So yes I'll keep posting and engaging with other notes. Will keep on going!
Loved this so much, and the Bhagavad Gita quote at the end really resonated with me, about how we’re not entitled to the fruits of our efforts. It’s so encouraging to focus solely on what we can control - our efforts, and let go of the outcome. Congratulations on your success and wishing you many blessings on your continued endeavors! ♥️
I'm so glad you could relate to it! Thank you so much for your kind words....means a lot!
"The truth is, that anyone who puts their work out publicly seeks validation."
This! There's a part of me that feels bad for that. But the need for validation might just be a human thing. What truly matters is asking, what do I actually want to be validated for? What message, what story matters so much that I want to share it?
Thank you for honestly sharing your Substack journey.
Well said! i understand the part of feeling bad about it. I have been there. But seeking validation can be a positive thing, if we're seeking genuine connection and trying to leave a positive impact on people. We can only do that by reaching out to people, expanding our network and at the same time, not becoming too obsessed over it. Balance is the key.
So much truth in this, thank you.
I'm happy you found it useful. Thank you for commenting!
Did you jump into my head??? I swear I have felt and thought all of these things! Thank you so much for sharing!
Glad you could relate to it!!
very honest article. growth is always slow and then exponential!
Yes true. Thank you for commenting!
So cool to read about your progress and your journey to get to this point. We have very similar journeys and timelines 😊
Thanks Sophie! Happy to share a similar journey and Substack timeline as yours.
Awesome post! It helped encourage me to get back to posting notes. I am consistent with a lot but for whatever reason notes/tweets are hard for me to stay consistent on.
I'm glad it helped you. Notes are certainly the best way to get noticed on Substack, especially when you don't have any other social following to rely on, like me.
Thank you, Sonaakshi, for this wonderful post. It speaks to exactly where I am and taught me a few things I could be doing better. I "accidentally" found you because you liked another post that I liked at Confessions of a Therapist. I really appreciate you spelling out so identically the thoughts and feelings I've had (after only a couple of weeks), especially "posting notes into the void." Anyway, I like to call out validation when I find it -- evidence of another kindred spirit. Congratulations on breaking the 100 subscribers goal. Soon it will be 1000.
Nothing makes me more happy than writing something that actually leaves an impact on someone. I know starting on Substack from scratch can be hard initially but this phase will pass and you'll find more excitement in the process. I wish you all the best for that!
And thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to me.
You’re very welcome. Thank you. I have no doubt you will do well.
Thank you so much for posting this Sonaakshi. As a newbie Substacker myself with similar struggles, I really appreciate you sharing your story and advice so honestly. It has inspired me to keep moving forward with publishing and connecting, both of which I’ve really enjoyed on my Substack journey so far. Thanks again for sharing your experience 🙏🏼
I'm glad you found it useful! I can understand that starting on Substack can be a little overhwelming but it's totally worth it. I can say from my own experience. Btw, just had a look at your Substack, and it quite aligns with my values. Will be checking out in detail soon!
Thank you so much for checking it out! I’m glad you found it interesting. I’m really enjoying creating it. I have lots of plans for the future but am trying to make it a sustainable journey and not burn out in the first month 😂
Yes that's the way to go! Wish you the best.
Hey Soonakshi, it was very interesting to read about your Substack Journey so far. And I loved that you mentioned Lord Ganesha and a verse of the Bhagavad Gita in your article. 🐘✨️
Happy that you could resonate with it. I think you already know it that in Hinduism we pray to Lord Ganesha before starting anything important.
Thank you for your wonderful comment! Appreciate it.
Love this 🥰🥰🥰
Congrats Sonakshi, that’s a big milestone. Hope you celebrated! ☺️
Sorry auto correct ate the extra A in your name. 🫶
Thanks a lot...and it's alright! :) I celebrated it by writing this post...lol
What a lovely honest post. 👏
You’re doing brilliantly, I only had 67 subs after my first 3 months, but I really enjoyed the journey, and still am. 🥰
Thank you for saying that! I'm happy with the progress I have made and certainly enjoying my journey on Substack.
I'm super excited to collaborate with you, and I love that our collaboration is pushing us both a little bit out of our own comfort zones.
I also am "tots jels" (as my 9-yo nephew would say) that you thought up the awesome title "Zinghy Zen"...that's blooming brilliant and I wish I had a catchy name for my publication. someday. goals.
You already know this. you stumbled onto a gem when you found Don Boivin (or he found you). He's one of the lights I look for here on Substack every single day.
Your writing is awesome. Keep on going!
Thank you for your encouraging words...means a lot to me! I'm happy that you like the name of my publication, because I just decided on it on a whim...lol
I like the name of yours too by the the way...I think it's clear and precise and readers know what they'll be getting into.
And yes, Don Boivin is one of the writers I admire the most on Substack. His posts are soup for the soul. Thanks again for your comment. Always a pleasure interacting with you!
Thank your for NOT doing this: "Leave links to my Stack in people’s DMs or Notes."
Once you get into the thousands of subscribers and people see your popularity, this becomes a regular occurrence and it's uncomfortable to deal with saying no or just deleting requests and looking like a jerk.
I'm only at 180 subscribers and this happens to me occasionally so I can understand how annoying it must be for you! Leaving links like that is certainly not the appropriate way to promote your newsletter.