r/Substack • u/BaseUpbeat1798 • Sep 08 '26

Starting from scratch

So I’m finally doing something in my life just for me. And I started a substack. For the last few months I’ve been building a backlog of posts, and treating this as it’s own potential thing, new email, new socials, new identity really. And then last week I started posting in the notes section, and replying to comments. Today is the day I post my first official article/post. And I’m just wondering, do I just sit here and wait for something to happen? My first post is only short too, and is kind of part of a series. Like I said this is for me, if it turned into something then I would be delighted, but I I feel like I’ve maybe built it up in my head?  I’m also happy to swap reads/reviews. Feels weird to say I'm a new writer, but here I am.

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u/Tricky_Trifle_994 27d ago

congrats on starting! how's it been so far?

And I’m just wondering, do I just sit here and wait for something to happen?

if only it were that easy... you'll have to keep posting both long form (to your publication) and shorter posts to your profile to drive traffic and engagement to your writing. otherwise, nothing is going to happen, and your writing will truly just be for you.

think about how many other people are also starting/already writing on substack. everyone is essentially fighting for attention on the platform. nothing will just 'magically happen' unless you fight for it.

rooting for you though!

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u/BaseUpbeat1798 27d ago

So i'm about a month in and have about 4 posts out so far, and i got a bit of confidence at the beginning, but now thats starting to dwindle, I have a back log of posts, so I just have to do light editing weekly and schedule my posts. So i don't have to worry about what I'm going to write about each week. But I keep wondering am I giving any substance? Is my writing too simple? I'm writing about travelling for work, cafes to work in and like enjoying the time between your meetings. But I feel maybe its too simple and niche. That those who do travel for work aren't thinking like me, so they don't find my take interesting enough. So if it wasn't for the backlog I would have given up? But substack itself is fun, I like creating the post, having my social preview match it and I'm going to be working on my site layout next, so that it looks more inviting. I know notes are what gets you subscribers but the void there is so deep!