This is why, as someone who’s been writing online since late 2020, I want to tell you what's picking up this year and what you should go all out on.
1/ Substack
I was taken aback by what this platform has become! In a good way, of course. But also overwhelmed, if I can be honest.
When I started a Substack newsletter, that's all it was — a newsletter.
I then took a break in mid-2024 because I was grieving and my emotions of grief came through in everything I wrote. I didn’t want that kind of energy to be out there, so I stopped.
Now, it’s become
- a newsletter
- a place with beautiful articles
- what Twitter was back in the day — a place for the writing community to engage, create, and connect
The annoying part is that there are too many ‘how to grow on Substack’ posts that the algorithm is boosting instead of showing soulful writing.
Do this
Write articles on Substack, once a week or once every two weeks. Follow and engage with other writers, and post ‘notes’ that add value to people. Notes to Substack is what tweets were to Twitter before it became X.
2/ LinkedIn for opportunities
No matter how cringy you find it, LinkedIn is still the place where your potential clients are. Say if you’re a ghostwriter for founders, those folks are hanging out on LinkedIn and not Substack or any other writing platform.
They can’t be bothered about writing platforms.
The good part is that LinkedIn is the easiest place to grow in.
I had an Authentic Influence meeting today where my student told me he’s got 3x impressions in 4 weeks of writing consistently. Which other platform gives you that?
Do this
- Create content around LinkedIn but make sure it has at least something to do with work as it's still a professional platform
- Engage with those in your niche and your potential clients
- Send InMails for opportunities
3/ Real, honest content
Now, this point doesn't answer the 'where' question but its crucial to build an audience.
I read an article this morning on Substack by one of my students. It was about marriage and its lessons, and I said,
“I thought you’d also write a personal anecdote on how you met your wife or about your marriage!”
He replied,
“I did, but then I was afraid it’d be too personal and nobody will read it.”
Your writing ought to be personal and real. People don’t relate to moral lessons as much as they relate to stories. Since the beginning of time, stories have made us feel understood and we resonate with them.
And when you’re writing something that has a takeaway, it’s easier to do that when it's backed by a personal story so you can give the reader an experience instead of just words.
Make them picture what you’re saying, make them feel things.
Writing gives you the power to do that — so why not use that magic?
Do this
- Add personal stories
- Mention what you saw, how you felt, and how you reacted
- Mention what you saw, how you felt, how you reacted
All the best!
Love,
N