Tracy I love that you are thinking so strategically about how to position your Notes to make them so effective.
Let me give you another layer to this that's working for me: Use positioning to help identify potential customers (Paid subscribers, or a buyer for your course, etc). Focus your Notes on a problem or idea or belief that strongly relates to the services you offer, then see who responds. For instance, I will sometimes write a Note that's very specific in the role that conversion rates play in growing your substack. Two things typically happen with these Notes: First, they get less engagement, only a handful of people will Like, Comment or Restack. But the few who do, are typically *interested* in the topic. So if I repeatedly write Notes that tie into one of the services I offer and I see that Charlie always Likes and Comments on my Notes on that topic, that tells me Charlie is likely interested in the service I offer. It's a way of letting the potential customer sell themselves without you having to blindly pitch someone who may not be interested. I'll actually be writing more about this in next week's issue of Backstage Pass. Which you will get since you are a Paid subscriber :)
I really like that, and it makes so much sense! Can't wait to see that issue, too! 🎉 Yeah, this is a good thing to contemplate right now, absolutely. 🙌
Thanks, Data Frank! For me, the arrival story for sure. Also it’s such an opportunity to admit past mistakes and realizations that position you as an authority. Thanks for your comment!
This is awesome - also 100% the way I write. I'm trying to live out loud here so sometimes it's a Reframe, sometimes it's Arrival, sometimes it's just an Observation. I'm no pro at prose but I like telling people what I see and how I feel. Also why I believe we need more people using compasses not maps. We already know the normal way - what else is out there. I did write about the GOAT Aristotle and why a deeper understanding of rhetoric is always a good idea. HNY - enjoying your stuff!
Thank you for this post, Tracy. Intuitively, not strategically, I realize I've been following these 5 formulas in my best performing notes. Even my best note, with over 3,000 likes, I never understood why it did so well. It was one of my least favorite notes. Now I have a better understanding because you've put words to my intuition. I wonder if you think these formulas would work the same for posts? Have you done that kind of analysis? I love your word "resonance." In fact, I think I might write a post about that. Synchronicity is one of the things I've based many of my life decisions on. Sometimes it's a word, a sentence, or a conversation that gives me the idea for the next post. Again, congrats on a well-researched and well-written post. Blue💙
Thank you, Karen! I’m sure it would work well for a longer post with just going deeper on the ideas presented. But that’s a great idea for a post about post formulation!
Thanks Tracy, these are such great frameworks to build Notes around. Going to try some of these out for myself. I also like to use Notes to test out new ideas that could make it into future posts depending on reader reactions. 🙏
That’s what you’re testing 😊 the algorithm picks up on what is resonating with people. So you’d be testing ideas that are resonating out there in the space, the algorithm feeds off of that information.
Great post! Everything seems so much harder when your product is fiction, so I'm always looking for ways to attract attention for my writing -- not because I'm getting paid, although that would be nice, but just to find that the thing I wrote mattered just a little to someone besides me. How to say "here's a story that might resonate with you." I'll sit down and brainstorm some ideas; I'm always thinking about it, so I appreciate the advice.
It reminds me of what you said in your article "Stop Posting Note. Start Posting 'Worldview Manifestos" - "Worldview manifestos show people how you see the world — and let them decide if they want to see it that way too."
People need someone that has tested and filtered the information / journey for them.
Yes, exactly! Going into the next few years (or maybe it has been like this forever) you don’t need to buy someone’s information. You’re *buying into* who they are. And that’s a cool opportunity because that makes it that there’s no competition! 😃
Stay tuned, I’ve got a little bit of spare time to drop several new reads over the coming days. The big winter event has offered more time to write.
Let it snow - a lifetime of memories with snow, inspired by the present winter storm underway.
The Balls Brothers - hear about three brothers near us growing up. All were later marked by some sort of personal tragedy.
The mimic - a ghost who lives among the living in their home, and haunts them in an annoying manner.
The witnesses - hear a light recap of some folks who attended our wedding back in the day, they have now gone to glory. I bring them to life in a bit of a group memorial post.
Surviving - hear about how my wife and a close friend survived the clutches of a serial killer in Australia. True story.
Abe & Andy, (vol. 8) - historical fiction series that pairs President Abraham Lincoln and steel mogul Andrew Carnegie together. An improbable friendship that impacts America up to the present day. It didn’t end at Ford’s Theatre on Good Friday in April of 1865. The first 7 volumes are fully-free.
Abe & Andy, (vol. 9) - historical fiction series that pairs President Abraham Lincoln and steel mogul Andrew Carnegie together. An improbable friendship that impacts America up to the present day. It didn’t end at Ford’s Theatre on Good Friday in April of 1865. The first 7 volumes are fully-free.
Whether you’re a regular with my writing or you’re a new fan, welcome. My writing portfolio “The Smell of Smoke” is fast becoming a “must read” for many. I am regular here, I produce for you, I drop several short-form reads weekly. Read any 3-4 stories and you’ll be addicted. No need to subscribe to 300 or 700 Substacks that you’ll never read. Subscribe to the few that truly entertain you and keep you coming back. For only $50.00 per year, you can read them all. Flat, easy, inexpensive pricing to win your eyeballs and your heart. I’ve dropped well over 200 short-form reads in about the last 13 months. From humor to nostalgia to irony to spooky to historical fiction, my range is expansive and truly offers something for everyone. Don’t miss a single story.
This breakdown is so helpful. I've been throwing notes out randomly, hoping something sticks. Love the idea of thinking about positioning first—makes the whole process feel more intentional.
Yes! Love how you’re thinking about this! I have another post that I just posted as a part 2 to this one you might like, too, with some more notes types that might resonate! It’s my most recent post 😍
Tracy I love that you are thinking so strategically about how to position your Notes to make them so effective.
Let me give you another layer to this that's working for me: Use positioning to help identify potential customers (Paid subscribers, or a buyer for your course, etc). Focus your Notes on a problem or idea or belief that strongly relates to the services you offer, then see who responds. For instance, I will sometimes write a Note that's very specific in the role that conversion rates play in growing your substack. Two things typically happen with these Notes: First, they get less engagement, only a handful of people will Like, Comment or Restack. But the few who do, are typically *interested* in the topic. So if I repeatedly write Notes that tie into one of the services I offer and I see that Charlie always Likes and Comments on my Notes on that topic, that tells me Charlie is likely interested in the service I offer. It's a way of letting the potential customer sell themselves without you having to blindly pitch someone who may not be interested. I'll actually be writing more about this in next week's issue of Backstage Pass. Which you will get since you are a Paid subscriber :)
PS: Have a good weekend!
I really like that, and it makes so much sense! Can't wait to see that issue, too! 🎉 Yeah, this is a good thing to contemplate right now, absolutely. 🙌
This breakdown is gold.
I’ve tested similar approaches, and the “Arrival Story” consistently sparks the deepest engagement.
People connect with evolution, not perfection.
Seeing someone reflect on their own journey validates their own experience.
Which formula do you notice creating the most conversation in your audience?
Thanks, Data Frank! For me, the arrival story for sure. Also it’s such an opportunity to admit past mistakes and realizations that position you as an authority. Thanks for your comment!
Hello Tracy
Thanks for this breakdown
And Have a lovely weekend
Thanks so much for the strategies. Like many things, it's obvious as soon as someone else says it, so thanks again, following you now!
Yes! Thanks for your comment! I’d love to know, which one you’ll try first?
Probably the “old way, my way” Tracy, the truth is I’ve been writing in similar formats on LinkedIn, but not in a structured way, if that makes sense
Totally. Well I’m glad it’s going to be familiar for you!
I love this advice because much of it is intuitive!
Awesome, I'm so glad!
This is awesome - also 100% the way I write. I'm trying to live out loud here so sometimes it's a Reframe, sometimes it's Arrival, sometimes it's just an Observation. I'm no pro at prose but I like telling people what I see and how I feel. Also why I believe we need more people using compasses not maps. We already know the normal way - what else is out there. I did write about the GOAT Aristotle and why a deeper understanding of rhetoric is always a good idea. HNY - enjoying your stuff!
Thank you, Chris!
Thank you for this post, Tracy. Intuitively, not strategically, I realize I've been following these 5 formulas in my best performing notes. Even my best note, with over 3,000 likes, I never understood why it did so well. It was one of my least favorite notes. Now I have a better understanding because you've put words to my intuition. I wonder if you think these formulas would work the same for posts? Have you done that kind of analysis? I love your word "resonance." In fact, I think I might write a post about that. Synchronicity is one of the things I've based many of my life decisions on. Sometimes it's a word, a sentence, or a conversation that gives me the idea for the next post. Again, congrats on a well-researched and well-written post. Blue💙
Thank you, Karen! I’m sure it would work well for a longer post with just going deeper on the ideas presented. But that’s a great idea for a post about post formulation!
Thanks Tracy, these are such great frameworks to build Notes around. Going to try some of these out for myself. I also like to use Notes to test out new ideas that could make it into future posts depending on reader reactions. 🙏
Thanks, Sam! YES, that’s a great way to use notes. Testing what ideas resonate and ones that get a lot of traction are worth more of a lengthy post!
I agree with this. But how much of it is just luck of the algorithm and not a clear way to test an idea?
That’s what you’re testing 😊 the algorithm picks up on what is resonating with people. So you’d be testing ideas that are resonating out there in the space, the algorithm feeds off of that information.
“This is the right way to grow on Substack — learning from consistent engagement, not just big follower counts.”
I agree!
“Glad we’re on the same page, Tracy 🤍 Thank you for the thoughtful exchange.”
Great post! Everything seems so much harder when your product is fiction, so I'm always looking for ways to attract attention for my writing -- not because I'm getting paid, although that would be nice, but just to find that the thing I wrote mattered just a little to someone besides me. How to say "here's a story that might resonate with you." I'll sit down and brainstorm some ideas; I'm always thinking about it, so I appreciate the advice.
what if you share a tidbit of the story in a way that gets the reader drawn in? Like a micro-story?
And thank you!
It reminds me of what you said in your article "Stop Posting Note. Start Posting 'Worldview Manifestos" - "Worldview manifestos show people how you see the world — and let them decide if they want to see it that way too."
People need someone that has tested and filtered the information / journey for them.
Yes, exactly! Going into the next few years (or maybe it has been like this forever) you don’t need to buy someone’s information. You’re *buying into* who they are. And that’s a cool opportunity because that makes it that there’s no competition! 😃
I never thought of notes as positioning statements. Your breakdown really makes sense. Now I see notes from a different perspective.
Awesome! I’m so glad
Thank you so much, Tracy!!
I’m so happy you liked it, Jessica! 🙏
It was very helpful and valuable!
Stay tuned, I’ve got a little bit of spare time to drop several new reads over the coming days. The big winter event has offered more time to write.
Let it snow - a lifetime of memories with snow, inspired by the present winter storm underway.
The Balls Brothers - hear about three brothers near us growing up. All were later marked by some sort of personal tragedy.
The mimic - a ghost who lives among the living in their home, and haunts them in an annoying manner.
The witnesses - hear a light recap of some folks who attended our wedding back in the day, they have now gone to glory. I bring them to life in a bit of a group memorial post.
Surviving - hear about how my wife and a close friend survived the clutches of a serial killer in Australia. True story.
Abe & Andy, (vol. 8) - historical fiction series that pairs President Abraham Lincoln and steel mogul Andrew Carnegie together. An improbable friendship that impacts America up to the present day. It didn’t end at Ford’s Theatre on Good Friday in April of 1865. The first 7 volumes are fully-free.
Abe & Andy, (vol. 9) - historical fiction series that pairs President Abraham Lincoln and steel mogul Andrew Carnegie together. An improbable friendship that impacts America up to the present day. It didn’t end at Ford’s Theatre on Good Friday in April of 1865. The first 7 volumes are fully-free.
Whether you’re a regular with my writing or you’re a new fan, welcome. My writing portfolio “The Smell of Smoke” is fast becoming a “must read” for many. I am regular here, I produce for you, I drop several short-form reads weekly. Read any 3-4 stories and you’ll be addicted. No need to subscribe to 300 or 700 Substacks that you’ll never read. Subscribe to the few that truly entertain you and keep you coming back. For only $50.00 per year, you can read them all. Flat, easy, inexpensive pricing to win your eyeballs and your heart. I’ve dropped well over 200 short-form reads in about the last 13 months. From humor to nostalgia to irony to spooky to historical fiction, my range is expansive and truly offers something for everyone. Don’t miss a single story.
Come along.
@the smell of smoke
This breakdown is so helpful. I've been throwing notes out randomly, hoping something sticks. Love the idea of thinking about positioning first—makes the whole process feel more intentional.
Yes! Love how you’re thinking about this! I have another post that I just posted as a part 2 to this one you might like, too, with some more notes types that might resonate! It’s my most recent post 😍
Great advice
Thank you!
Yes, noone can refute shared experience and it draws in curious minds ;)