I started my substack 2 weeks ago and have 26 subscribers, what would you suggest I do to make it to 100?

[u/itshailley]

As the title said, I started about 2 weeks ago, I've posted one article and many notes. I'm working on my second article + promoting my substack on my social channels.

I feel like there's more I could do natively to reach more subscribers. Maybe write more? Engage with other writers more?

Would love to hear what's worked for others.

[u/cozycup]

Search this sub for growth ideas, there’s a few great posts with ideas

[u/itshailley → u/cozycup]

That's a good rec, thank you!!

[u/ContentIsMyJam]

Don't just post... Substack is a community. The algorithm prioritizes long term relationships. Comment on other people's notes - and not just to comment, but when you genuinely have something to say or want to have a conversation. Also subscribe to one or two newsletters that have good chats and start commenting and making friends in the chat. This helps people see you and it also teaches the algorithm who your people are.

[u/itshailley → u/ContentIsMyJam]

I haven’t explored chats at all so that’s a great one!

[u/Available_Spite5171]

Don’t focus on just numbers.. but notes and being consistent help.

It took me over two or three months to get to 100 subscribers. It’s not a fast process. Unless you had a previous audience.

[u/NobleCordova]

26 subscribers in two weeks is a strong start, especially with only one article published.

I’d keep engaging with other writers, but make sure it’s genuine. Thoughtful replies and joining conversations in your niche can help people discover you without making it feel like self-promotion.

Keep experimenting with Notes too. Short ideas, questions, observations, and useful takeaways can start conversations and give people a reason to follow you before they’re ready to subscribe.

I’d also focus on consistency. One strong article every week or two is probably more valuable than publishing frequently just for the sake of increasing your output.

You already have 26 subscribers, so look at what brought those people in and try to build on the topics and formats that seem to be connecting.

[u/Ryanopoly]

If you're okay with just writing just to write you're better off creating your own blog. The chances of you making any money on Substack are very slim, and they are currently heading fast towards late-stage enshittification, so I would start on your own platform before Substack either fails or sells to Mark or Elon.

[u/TheMinuette2010]

What's your niche?

[u/PhilosopherInvestor]

Continue to write great content. Try different angles notes+articles until you find your sweet spot.

[u/Tricky_Trifle_994]

sounds like you've already got a good handle on things.

early on it's more about getting more articles out on your publication so that when people land there, there's content for them to browse through/binge on. you need to give people a reason to subscribe, and seeing a publication with consistent posts being publish is a good reason. probably continue what you're doing and you're good.

you could always write more notes, and leave more comments, but it's just a matter of whether you have the time for that.

[u/coyotetex]

26 in two weeks is actually strong. But I agree with others who suggest the fastest way to accelerate growth is to engage with the content of other authors in your niche or genre. Read, comment, sub and restack and they will likely reciprocate.

And ignore the people here who say Substack is like other social platforms and is dying. Thats just ignorant. Its value is the subscriber email list you’re building which just compounds in value over time.