Tracy, having the four types named separately makes this so much more usable than "just be yourself and post" - the good, ol' advice haha.
What catches me off guard with my own notes is how the identity ones consistently outperform the ones where I'm teaching something or pointing people to my work. You'd think demonstrating value would pull more subscribers in than demonstrating personality.. But the tribal notes travel further every time. People subscribe because they recognized themselves, not because they learned something.
I’ve experienced the exact same, Mia! The only type of “teach” note I’ve seen do ok is if it’s like a super micro lesson (super basic/easy.) I’ve definitely seen that it’s the tribal, the emotional trigger that gets people to engage and then really buy-in to the rest of what we say. So interesting, right? Thank you for your comment! And p.s I love YOUR most recent paid post, I’m digging in on it and it’s just so cool.
Love this approach so much Tracy! I treat my notes as a “personality tableau” - you get to know me and how I think. My articles are nerdy, without much personality. Notes is where I hope to find my people.
One thing I’ve noticed after taking Notes more seriously is that the goal isn’t just relationships—it’s recognizability. After enough thoughtful interactions, people start recognizing how you think before they remember exactly what you write about. That feels like a much more durable foundation than chasing reach. Do you think that’s where the real compounding happens?
I love the idea that Notes aren't just content; they're signals. Every Note quietly teaches people what kind of conversations they're stepping into. The audience we attract isn't shaped only by what we say, but by the culture we create one interaction at a time.
I wrote a note yesterday about me and my dog and what we’d done… took a walk on the beach. I don’t need to make small talk with him. I cannot stand small talk. People liked it. It turns out after reading this I was writing a people like us note!
!! Finally a flexible, realistic and personal framework...this feels so much more manageable and authentic than the other advice I've come across, thank you xx
Thanks so much for this guideline Tracy, it's a great reminder to be real - in all areas of life. Ihaven't posted a note yet because I like to write long form and I don't use AI any more because it all started to sound the same. Some notes here on Substack are irrelevant and some are witty, wise and Bold. I'll post when I genuinely have something authentic to say. From my heart.
Tracy, having the four types named separately makes this so much more usable than "just be yourself and post" - the good, ol' advice haha.
What catches me off guard with my own notes is how the identity ones consistently outperform the ones where I'm teaching something or pointing people to my work. You'd think demonstrating value would pull more subscribers in than demonstrating personality.. But the tribal notes travel further every time. People subscribe because they recognized themselves, not because they learned something.
Love your framework so much! ❤️
I’ve experienced the exact same, Mia! The only type of “teach” note I’ve seen do ok is if it’s like a super micro lesson (super basic/easy.) I’ve definitely seen that it’s the tribal, the emotional trigger that gets people to engage and then really buy-in to the rest of what we say. So interesting, right? Thank you for your comment! And p.s I love YOUR most recent paid post, I’m digging in on it and it’s just so cool.
Yeah same! And I've played around with longer notes - those never do super well. Thank you Tracy ❤️❤️❤️
As someone who is starting out, this feels like landing on goldmine. It felt personal and experienced. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Love this approach so much Tracy! I treat my notes as a “personality tableau” - you get to know me and how I think. My articles are nerdy, without much personality. Notes is where I hope to find my people.
Love it!
Pure genius, and the best kind of strategy is the one that comes from the heart. LOVE IT! Excited to subscribe!!!! 🌟💛 found you through Kat Kim. 💫
Fantastic! Thank you! ❤️🥂
Such great advice! Thanks for the tip and motivation to get posting more.
Awesom, Ross!
Usually don’t read and like the “How to guides” on Substack. But yours was very entertaining and likeable. Thank you so much!
"Guys like us, we got each other." George Milton, Of Mice and Men. Amen.
One thing I’ve noticed after taking Notes more seriously is that the goal isn’t just relationships—it’s recognizability. After enough thoughtful interactions, people start recognizing how you think before they remember exactly what you write about. That feels like a much more durable foundation than chasing reach. Do you think that’s where the real compounding happens?
Yes, it’s the best part about Notes!
I love the idea that Notes aren't just content; they're signals. Every Note quietly teaches people what kind of conversations they're stepping into. The audience we attract isn't shaped only by what we say, but by the culture we create one interaction at a time.
I wrote a note yesterday about me and my dog and what we’d done… took a walk on the beach. I don’t need to make small talk with him. I cannot stand small talk. People liked it. It turns out after reading this I was writing a people like us note!
Love it!
love this so much!
Thank you! ❤️
Thank you for this! So helpful and refreshing to see advice that is actually tangible and easily applied for everyone.
I love Godin
Me too!
!! Finally a flexible, realistic and personal framework...this feels so much more manageable and authentic than the other advice I've come across, thank you xx
I’m so happy, Anna! ❤️
Thanks so much for this guideline Tracy, it's a great reminder to be real - in all areas of life. Ihaven't posted a note yet because I like to write long form and I don't use AI any more because it all started to sound the same. Some notes here on Substack are irrelevant and some are witty, wise and Bold. I'll post when I genuinely have something authentic to say. From my heart.
Great post with a really cool concept of focusing on things about you that will attract your audience. Gave me plenty of ideas. Thank you!
Awesome! I’m so glad, Dot!