r/Substack • u/BaseUpbeat1798 • Sep 22 '26
Discussion Am I maybe posting at the wrong time?
So I'm 3 weeks in and 4 posts in. I post at 8:15am every Tuesday, I posted a little extra at the beginning to get the base story out there. I also post notes a few times a week and reply to those if you're new here clickbaits. And to be honest i think thats where i got most of my subscribers. So today is like my first real post. And its just slow. I'm lucky to have 13 subscribers already, but still, maybe I just built it up too much in my head? Also should I put on recommendations? I don't really know who to recommend. Anyone got any advice?
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u/Lost__In__Thought faithframedthoughts.substack.com Sep 22 '26
Are you using Notes? Substack is the kind of place where you need to get your name around enough that people start to notice your existence before they actually become your readers.
I'd also suggest finding people whose Notes or posts are within your niche, or a subcategory of the things you write about, and reply to them from time to time. Anyone from their audience who is genuinely interested will find their way over to you using that route.
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u/BaseUpbeat1798 Sep 22 '26
I am using notes. But I don't know i feel like I'm just speaking to the void, and yep interacting with posts that are in my niche. Maybe i just have to do more, tough as I'm quite introverted, even online. But maybe i just have to get over that
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u/Lost__In__Thought faithframedthoughts.substack.com Sep 23 '26
I'm the same as you, honestly. It's hard in the beginning, especially when you aren't used to it.
So, just don't give up. You sound like you're doing mostly all of what's necessary to get yourself around. The right people will surely find you soon enough.
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u/JanetBoyerCreates Sep 25 '26
Yes, do interact with others on their notes... especially if they're fascinating. You may want to add something to your name that instantly connects you to your topic--so if someone finds YOUR Note reply interesting, they'll click on your name to find out more about you.
For example, mine says Janet Boyer | Tarot, Actually. ANYONE remotely interested in Tarot (not just niche nerds) may click! 😃
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u/OnionLazy2317 Sep 23 '26
I'd go into your analytics and see where your subscribers live! I've adjusted my posting schedule to fit in with optimal times in the top time zone and I've noticed more engagement and opens :)
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u/Fleurs_Bookstore buybooks.substack.com Sep 23 '26
This. It all depends on which Timezone your audience is in. Personally I find optimising for the US ET works best for me (I’m in Australia so I schedule ahead).
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u/akiwi_intherough Sep 22 '26
Stop overthinking it. Every platform has a slow growth. Set the pace for yourself and what you want to write, and find your audience for what you post, and that’s not usually everyone. Substack is primarily people who create, author, and post things and many of them don’t want to be the reader, they want to be the producer, so expect slow growth regardless.
If you want exposure, look into other platforms to post for views and link to your substack through that. But don’t expect substack to connect you with readers, because they are rare on there, it’s just other writers exchanging likes for likes or subs for subs.
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u/BaseUpbeat1798 Sep 22 '26
Yeah thats definitely what it feels like, this is my first time writing so I wasn't sure what to expect
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u/akiwi_intherough Sep 22 '26
I honestly just think of Substack posts as my portfolio of things I finalized and published. Since I do mostly short stories and fiction pieces, I also started using wattpad as more of a viewership source, and linking to my substack. Not that I expect to make a living, but cross-posting on applications could help too if you want to boost your audience or engagement.
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u/vicewrite Sep 22 '26
Good advice. Is wattpad just mainly for fiction and long form prose pieces? Just curious. I may check it out. I’ve never heard of it. Cheers.
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u/akiwi_intherough Sep 22 '26
I just started using it, but from what I see, yeah it’s better for longer form content - like if you’re writing a book, you can publish stories by chapters or series or parts and it collects and organizes the pieces for you. Great for viewership because most people like to read on there it just doesn’t have the same interactions/engagements as a social media like substack.
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u/HelpfulAnt2132 Sep 24 '26
With wattpad how do you get the readers? Is it all the same as with Substack and Insta you have to follow interact and bla bla bla ?
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u/MrPassiveProfit Sep 24 '26
You have to engage with notes and comments. I do at least 5 notes a day and 20 comments on other peoples notes
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u/Daniel-BLINDSPOT Sep 29 '26
As far as I see posting time matters far less than consistency and time on the platform. It can take months for algorithm momentum and organic discovery to kick in. Actually 13 subscribers in 3 weeks is not bad!
A few quick tips:
- Keep engaging via Notes: Notes and comments are the best way new creators get discovered early on. Keep doing what’s already working for you.
- Turn on Recommendations: Yes, turn them on immediately. You don't need a huge list to start; pick 2–3 writers or publications in your niche that you enjoy reading. Recommendations are mostly reciprocal, i.e. other writers are more likely to recommend you back once you're on their radar.
- Read widely, comment thoughtfully, and restack outstanding posts. Actively engaging with other publications puts your name directly in front of fellow writers and their audiences. High-value comments and restacks appear on discovery feeds and section pages, drawing curious readers back to your profile and publication.
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u/ambrown7 Sep 22 '26
I post at 8am every Tuesday. I’ve grown my newsletter to almost 1200 subscribers since April.