Week Three of the 30-Day Substack Experiment. Awe Inspiring.

Lessons from the trenches

Photo by Patrick on Unsplash

Three weeks into our 30-day Substack experiment, a sense of awe washes over me. 

Awe, not for the subscriber count (though that’s ticking upwards nicely), but for the collective genius of this community. Fifteen writers, each a reservoir of unique talents, united by the audacious goal of reaching 777 paid subscribers. 

It’s thrilling to witness the transformation of ideas into engaging prose, the forging of connections, and the shared pursuit of a common dream.

This week’s question: How can I use my Substack to provide a valuable service to my subscribers?

It’s a question that cuts to the heart of the creator-subscriber relationship.

We’re not just asking for eyeballs; we’re asking for time and attention, two of the most precious commodities in the 21st century.

The Exchange of Value

“The purpose of business is to create and keep a customer,” Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, famously declared.

This holds true for Substack, too. Our subscribers are our customers, and we must provide them with value exceeding the cost of their subscription.

But what constitutes value? It’s not just about churning out content.

It’s about offering something unique, something that enriches their lives, expands their knowledge, or simply brings them joy. It’s about fostering a sense of community, a place where subscribers feel seen, heard, and valued.

Science of Value Perception

Neuroscience reveals that our brains are wired to seek rewards. When we perceive something as valuable, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. The key is to consistently trigger this dopamine response in our subscribers, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces their decision to subscribe.

Kat’s Wisdom: Positioning

This week,

Kat Nieh

training session on positioning was a revelation. It’s not enough to create valuable content; we must also position ourselves effectively in the marketplace. We need to define our niche, identify our positioning, and craft a compelling message that resonates with them.

As the marketing guru Seth Godin puts it, 

“Positioning is not what you do to a product. Positioning is what you do to the mind of the prospect.” 

We need to occupy a distinct space in our subscribers’ minds, a space associated with quality, expertise, and trust.

Jeanette’s Insights: The Non-Fiction Book

Jeanette Martin

training on publishing a non-fiction book opened up exciting possibilities. A book can serve as a powerful lead magnet, attracting new subscribers and cementing our authority in our chosen field. But more importantly, it’s a testament to our expertise, a tangible representation of the value we offer.

Lessons from the Trenches

The Power of Community: Week three has reinforced the power of community. The exchange of ideas, the mutual support, the shared laughter — these are the intangible rewards that make Substack so special. We’re not just building a subscriber base; we’re cultivating a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

The Importance of Consistency: “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson once said. This week, we’ve learned that consistency is key. Regular publishing builds anticipation, strengthens the creator-subscriber bond, and reinforces the value proposition.

The Need for Authenticity: In a world saturated with content, authenticity is our differentiator. We need to let our personalities shine through, to infuse our writing with our unique voice and perspective. 

As Maya Angelou wisely said, 

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The Joy of Experimentation: Substack is a playground for experimentation. We can try new formats, explore different topics, and push the boundaries of our creativity. This week, we’ve embraced the spirit of play, testing out new ideas and learning from the results.

Conclusion

Three weeks in, and the journey is just beginning. With the help of this community's collective genius, we are learning, growing, and evolving. We’re discovering new ways to provide value, to connect with our subscribers, and to build a sustainable business.

As we navigate the uncharted waters of Substack, let’s remember the words of Steve Jobs: 

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

We’re not just writers; we’re creators, entrepreneurs, and community builders. We’re on a mission to share our passions, to make a difference, and to leave our mark on the world. And that is an awe-inspiring experiment.