Continuing the thread from above...I think every major post should contain three buttons.
1. Share this post
2. Subscribe
3. Upgrade to paid (through a custom button?)
Probably best to space the buttons out in the post or put two at the end of each post. Keep in mind that readers are receiving an endorphin shot at the “high points” of your posts, i.e. your best paragraphs and punchlines, and they might naturally want to subscribe, share or upgrade based on that high, so make it easy for them. That high only lasts 30 seconds and then they’re off to something else.
Also, consider that readers might upgrade to a paid subscription for a while, like a month or two, then cancel for any number of reasons; some having little to do with you, then go a month or two unpaid and then revert back to paid again if they see or hear some good stuff from you.
The buttons make it easy for readers to sign back up again.
I’m constantly canceling my subscriptions because I get too busy to read or can’t remember who this guy is, or why I signed up. Or I just want to try a new Substack, and limit myself to N paid subscriptions.
Also, keep in mind that Substack is brand new. Most people and almost all newcomers still aren’t aware of most of its sharing functionality. For example, you might want to occasionally remind people that by highlighting a block of text in a post they can
1. Restack the highlighted block
2. Restack with a note
3. Share (via text message or email)
Most people are too busy to write blog posts, but these Twitter-like sharing features are convenient and can be private or anonymous. So I would occasionally encourage people to highlight and Restack their favorite excerpts from your posts or share blocks of text privately.
Keep in mind that there is a silent majority that only share within their own family over email and text. Make sure those people have an easy way to share and subscribe.
Also keep in mind the millions of seniors out there that might love to read your stuff, but don’t have a clue about Substack or how to use it. How could you reach those old folks and get them Restacking and sharing your stuff? They all have phones and most watch TV.
Easier said than done, but one idea is to tour like a politician from townhall to church, to senior citizen center, advertising your Substack. Tell them that things will only get better through education and Substack is one of the best new ways to educate.
Also, keep in mind the high volume of notifications and emails people are getting from Substack. I would focus on quality. If I follow five big Substacks I can barely keep up with the volume. There’s too much to read. Too much volume is annoying even if all your stuff is great. This might lead to cancelled subscriptions. You’re competing for our time.
I would aim for “poetry,” high quality, low or medium volume. Definitely not high volume.
You were a free subscriber for a while, right? I would always put the subscribe button at the bottom of pieces. If you are already a free subscriber, does it tell you to upgrade? I thought it did.
You’re asking the wrong guy. In the past day, I’ve come to assume it must, but I’m too busy and too new to Substack to figure this stuff out. One of these days I’ll sit down with it and figure it out.
If you go to the About page for Rob Henderson you’ll notice that he has these big, easy-to-see buttons embedded in the text that say Subscribe. When I go to your About page, I don’t see those. :)
I actually tried upgrading to a paid subscription for your newsletter a few days ago, but it was difficult enough to find the Subscribe button that I gave up, and I’m glad I did because now I have the discounted rate for life! :)
I actually concluded that you didn’t have a paid subscription option for your newsletter. I’m not kidding.
I suggest having a friend look over your Substack pages and your posts to see how they compare to your competitors, especially in how easy it is to subscribe.
You sold me! I like most of your writing and appreciate your unique point of view, even though I think you are little harsh on conservatives at times. But I get it. You are like the shock jock of intellectuals😉
Great. I am going to do it. I enjoy reading, mainly because I learn. A lot of news, I don't learn anything other than nice to know stuff, yours gives me insight on Macro thinking. Like CJ Lyons in that respect.
Signed up for a paid subscription. I respect your ability to not take yourself too seriously despite being a high level intellectual. I love Thomas Sowell but his style is very academic. Hopefully you can reach a broader audience. I'd be interested in a piece on where you agree/disagee with Sowell and how he influenced you.
Richard,
Continuing the thread from above...I think every major post should contain three buttons.
1. Share this post
2. Subscribe
3. Upgrade to paid (through a custom button?)
Probably best to space the buttons out in the post or put two at the end of each post. Keep in mind that readers are receiving an endorphin shot at the “high points” of your posts, i.e. your best paragraphs and punchlines, and they might naturally want to subscribe, share or upgrade based on that high, so make it easy for them. That high only lasts 30 seconds and then they’re off to something else.
Also, consider that readers might upgrade to a paid subscription for a while, like a month or two, then cancel for any number of reasons; some having little to do with you, then go a month or two unpaid and then revert back to paid again if they see or hear some good stuff from you.
The buttons make it easy for readers to sign back up again.
I’m constantly canceling my subscriptions because I get too busy to read or can’t remember who this guy is, or why I signed up. Or I just want to try a new Substack, and limit myself to N paid subscriptions.
Also, keep in mind that Substack is brand new. Most people and almost all newcomers still aren’t aware of most of its sharing functionality. For example, you might want to occasionally remind people that by highlighting a block of text in a post they can
1. Restack the highlighted block
2. Restack with a note
3. Share (via text message or email)
Most people are too busy to write blog posts, but these Twitter-like sharing features are convenient and can be private or anonymous. So I would occasionally encourage people to highlight and Restack their favorite excerpts from your posts or share blocks of text privately.
Keep in mind that there is a silent majority that only share within their own family over email and text. Make sure those people have an easy way to share and subscribe.
Also keep in mind the millions of seniors out there that might love to read your stuff, but don’t have a clue about Substack or how to use it. How could you reach those old folks and get them Restacking and sharing your stuff? They all have phones and most watch TV.
Easier said than done, but one idea is to tour like a politician from townhall to church, to senior citizen center, advertising your Substack. Tell them that things will only get better through education and Substack is one of the best new ways to educate.
Also, keep in mind the high volume of notifications and emails people are getting from Substack. I would focus on quality. If I follow five big Substacks I can barely keep up with the volume. There’s too much to read. Too much volume is annoying even if all your stuff is great. This might lead to cancelled subscriptions. You’re competing for our time.
I would aim for “poetry,” high quality, low or medium volume. Definitely not high volume.
This is good advice.
You were a free subscriber for a while, right? I would always put the subscribe button at the bottom of pieces. If you are already a free subscriber, does it tell you to upgrade? I thought it did.
You’re asking the wrong guy. In the past day, I’ve come to assume it must, but I’m too busy and too new to Substack to figure this stuff out. One of these days I’ll sit down with it and figure it out.
Thanks Richard, much appreciated!
Fine! +1
Richard,
If you go to the About page for Rob Henderson you’ll notice that he has these big, easy-to-see buttons embedded in the text that say Subscribe. When I go to your About page, I don’t see those. :)
I actually tried upgrading to a paid subscription for your newsletter a few days ago, but it was difficult enough to find the Subscribe button that I gave up, and I’m glad I did because now I have the discounted rate for life! :)
I actually concluded that you didn’t have a paid subscription option for your newsletter. I’m not kidding.
I suggest having a friend look over your Substack pages and your posts to see how they compare to your competitors, especially in how easy it is to subscribe.
Thanks, I can’t even remember ever looking at my about page. I’ll try to make it more attractive.
You sold me! I like most of your writing and appreciate your unique point of view, even though I think you are little harsh on conservatives at times. But I get it. You are like the shock jock of intellectuals😉
Great. I am going to do it. I enjoy reading, mainly because I learn. A lot of news, I don't learn anything other than nice to know stuff, yours gives me insight on Macro thinking. Like CJ Lyons in that respect.
Signed up for a paid subscription. I respect your ability to not take yourself too seriously despite being a high level intellectual. I love Thomas Sowell but his style is very academic. Hopefully you can reach a broader audience. I'd be interested in a piece on where you agree/disagee with Sowell and how he influenced you.
I think I am a paid subscriber. I can't keep track of such amounts. If not, I will sign up. If so, where's my 30% discount?;)
Dan
Does this discount apply to current monthly subscribers?
I would think so.
i tired and no way to switch to the $49/y in perpetuity plan
I would think if you’re monthly you would be able to cancel and then sign up? I don’t program the system, so I can’t change what it does.
I canceled (including selecting “end my subscription now”) and was able to sign up with the discount ($49).
just signed up for an annual 2 days ago. oh well.
Sorry, I was worried that this would happen but it’s unavoidable whenever you start a promotion.
Can’t you cancel and re-sign up?
I’ll try that. Also, what mattress do you recommend?
Call my boys in El Paso and they’ll help you out.
I don’t want a mattress with blood stains, but thanks.
Thanks.