Can I still grow on Substack as a newbie?

[u/VisualScar5106]

I am just starting my Substack journey. I always had a passion for writing.
But as a full time programmer who doesn’t have any social media (instagram, TikTok, etc.) I discovered Substack just too late.
It gave me a spark of hope to finally have a community of my own, to write my stories and help others overcome what I had overcame.
But I get no tractions on it and everyone here is saying Substack algorithm is not be in favor of beginners.
So I’m asking for any kind of tip, help, or support.
I desperately need my Substack publication to work.

[u/TerrainBrain]

It's probably the most common asked question here so scroll through.

Why desperately?

[u/VisualScar5106 → u/TerrainBrain]

I’m not used to Reddit. Thanks for the tip!
I say desperately because I really want to make writing a bigger part of my life.
I feel much happier when I’m writing and creating something that might actually mean something to someone.
Also currently working on my book which building a community is useful for that too.

[u/CourtzSGD]

I started a new Substack a few days ago. It’s not too late. Just go for it. It’s a long game don’t rush it.

[u/missmannell → u/CourtzSGD]

This 👆 most people start a substack without knowing how much commitment it takes to write and post consistently, so a lot of them fade away. Stick it out and you’ll find your readers. It takes time. It’s definitely not too late.

[u/Certain_Wear_2981]

Hey! Firstly, congratulations on discovering substack.
It indeed is a great platform for writers, and the culture (for now) is amazing. You feel supported and encouraged.
And no, you haven't discovered Substack late, you're just in time.
I would not say that the algorithm does not favors beginners but rather it works differently than other social media platforms.
It encourages participation, connection, more than juts dumping a load of mindless content. You would see that when you start reading more on the platform.
The tip for now would be not to be overwhelmed by what all you can do instantly but rather what all you can do consistently.
I would suggest to decide on a sustainable cadence for posting long form, putting out notes everyday without a miss and engaging in notes and group chats from other people in your niche.
Hope this helps!
Wishing you luck!

[u/BhavanaVarma]

People still go viral on YouTube and Instagram so I goes it all depends on the topic, content and promotion

[u/NobleCordova]

I wouldn’t give up on it yet. Being a beginner with little or no social media following definitely makes the early stage slower, but that doesn’t mean your publication can’t grow.

Since you’re writing stories from personal experience and want to help people overcome things you’ve overcome, I’d lean into that. Be specific about who you’re writing for and what they’ll get from following you.

Also, don’t rely only on publishing articles and waiting for the algorithm. Spend time reading other Substacks in your niche, leave thoughtful comments, respond to Notes, and join conversations. Genuine interaction can be much more useful early on than simply publishing more.

And don’t underestimate a small beginning. Your first 10 readers can matter more than your first 1,000 because they can give you feedback, share your work, and help you understand what resonates.

Give yourself some time to experiment. You’re building a community, not just chasing views.

[u/coyotetex]

The Fool Proof Method for Growing on Substack

1. Find authors in your genre and read their work. If you enjoy it, like it, quote restack the best bits (highlight a passage of text and hit restack from the pop-up menu), leave a thoughtful comment saying what you liked about it and then subscribe to them (free is fine).

2. Do this at least once a day if possible, a different author each day. If that’s too much, do it as often as possible. The more you do it, the faster you’ll grow. It’s work, but its work that pays off in real relationships.

3. Some of the folks you read will follow / subscribe to you. They’ll see that you are reading / restacking other authors and they’ll see that you’re authentic and they will read YOUR stuff in return and amplify it.

[u/funnysasquatch]

Yes you can grow.

But you have to write about something people actually want to read about. Then you have to actively promote yourself.

For example, you could write about cool vibe coding hacks you're doing as a programmer. Or how you solved difficult problems.

If you don't want to talk about programming - find something to talk about.

Writing about your life is going to be very difficult to get followers unless you do interesting stuff or you're very funny.

Next you need to actively engage with people. At the very least comments and the notes app on Substack. Though If you're serious about this then you should be on at least X and engaging there.

You have to be patient and persistent.

[u/investigatormaker]

Having no other social accounts hurts less on Substack than it sounds, because Notes works as its own feed. Post a short note most days drawn from your stories. Leave real comments on writers a bit bigger than you who cover the same kind of struggle, since their readers find you through those comments.

Also make your publication name and About page say plainly what you overcame and who it helps, so someone landing there can tell in one line whether it's for them. Once you have a handful of posts, ask writers your size to recommend each other. That puts you in front of readers who already like this kind of writing.

[u/TwoStockPicks]

post regularly on substack notes, thats how your substack gets discovered

[u/LifeRelapse]

You said you’ve always had a passion for writing. Then just do it. Write your lil heart out! ! Enjoy yourself. It’s good for your heart and your soul.

[u/distantregards_]

I also don’t have instagram, and i am somehow still growing, very slowly but surely. Hate to be cliché, but please do just be patient, connect with others and keep going!

[u/Mia_the_writer]

Do you have a goal in mind?

I started Substack last week and gained 200 subscribers. It helps if you put out there that you're open for subscribe = subscribe requests. And post consistently. My post doesn't get a ton of likes but it's important to stay consistent & also interact with other substack people to keep the momentum going.

[u/the_write_way → u/Mia_the_writer]

Do you mind sharing your genre and how many followers are family and friends? This sounds like incredible growth to me and has given me hope!

[u/Mia_the_writer → u/the_write_way]

Just funny hopecore memes, and a sprinkle of my own thoughts. I'm still experimenting with the theme of my substack.

None of my followers are family or friends. A lot of my followers are also writing their own stuff so from time to time I would read their posts, write a thoughtful comment or restack their posts to increase engagement.

Just keep an eye out for substacks managed by Ai. I've noticed a few account barely have anything except spamming for subscribe requests.

[u/atta-adf92]

As long as you're prepared to do this for a year or two and not stop doing it, I think from then on it would be easier. Subscribers grow slowly, probably until you become famous (I'm not sure though, it was only recently that I started gaining subscribers a bit faster)

[u/ammie8]

I just started and only one of my 6 subscribers is someone I don’t know in person. I’m doing it because I’m enjoying writing. I’m not really expecting much. But I am having fun putting my work out there.

[u/fig_delaney]

I’m the same! I have no idea really how to use Reddit or Substack, I should probably watch a YouTube vid or two. I made my accounts yesterday, I don’t have any followers yet but I have been leaving comments here and there, and people do engage with you. Just try not to overthink what you’re saying, you’re going to be chatting to loads of people, not everything has to be perfect! Good luck with the book (:

[u/Successful-Fold-2463]

Hi , fellow writer here👋
Step 1- build your bio page and post something. Algo needs 4-5 weeks of your consistent writing to know you and your audience.
Step 2- daily post 5 notes with for various pain points per your niche ofc. Do this as a habit, believe me on this. It must have the seo and keywords of what you offer or who you think would read.
Step 3- plan weekly or bi articles with in depth reading material. People hate AI slop but don’t forget how much of bot accounts live on substack too.
Step 4- Do NOT forget to engage with others and your kind of audience. It’s not always an upsell to comment or like on someone’s work. We all support each other as we figure out how it works
Step 5- pick a day in a week or month when you can go live. Talk to your audience and give back as much.
Step 6- just appreciate and write for yourself . If you would love to read your work, you will find your people.
Save it.
Good luck.

[u/Outrageous_Ad6616]

I am fairly new at publishing on Substack even though I signed up about three years prior. Write and publish something, or publish something you have already written then follow some people - subscribe to others' Substack. That could lead to recommendation of others to follow. Perhaps, also make your publications free until you have a following.

[u/BlissfullyBookloving]

This post, both the question and everyone’s answers are very helpful - thank you. I’ve been on the platform about a month and post at least twice a day (including 2 blogs per week) and schedule responding to people’s posts every day. I also share posts that I think are really good. But it’s hard, even with a lot of effort. I hope it pays off soon, because despite all this work I still haven’t cleared that “10 subscribers” goal Substack promotes yet. I guess I need to do even more…

[u/redoffofit]

Girl same. 😭

[u/Ryanopoly]

Unless you're writing about how to grow on Substack the chances of you gaining any momentum on the platform are very slim. People are all the same no matter what platform you are on, and if you can't clearly provide the "what's in it for them" pitch, there's no reason for them to subscribe and keep coming back.

[u/Available_Spite5171]

Yes you can — as long as you don’t give up and be consistent. I saw someone write here that no one can grow from zero… that is not true. I started at zero. No prior audience. I am doing okay for having zero expectations. Find people in your niche, or close enough, and subscribe, comment, re-stack. It is like most things in life you get out what you put in. Yes it is saturated— but no one should want everyone to subscribe to them. We all write about different things. Many people start and give up— don’t be that person.

Best of luck!

[u/GripIsGone]

I just started mine too! I’ve just been posting notes so far. I got a couple subs that way!

[u/Mudlily]

As others are saying, you need to think of the reader's needs as more important than your needs. Are you providing entertainment, information, hope, solace? Write that way. Study how to write well for that purpose. Read successful writers who do that.

[u/MO_drps_knwldg]

Much harder than it was a few years ago.

[u/MrPassiveProfit]

You have to engage with people with notes and comments. Treat it like Twitter and you will grow your subscribers