7 Ways to Write Better Substack Posts People Will Actually Read

#1 - Write headlines aimed at your audience.

Image created in Canva.

I just love working hard on Substack posts that nobody reads.

Don’t you?

If we take the time to write a post on Substack, we want our audience to read it. But since we can’t force anyone to read what we write, how do we “persuade” them to open our Substack post and read it?

Here are seven ways to write a better Substack post that your readers will actually want to read.

#1 - Write headlines aimed at your audience.

Writing on Substack means you control the audience. This is the biggest difference between Substack and Medium, by the way.

Since you have full control over your audience, and your articles go directly to your entire audience, you can write headlines for your audience.

You know your audience - so write a headline that you know your audience will like.

For example, I think you were attracted to the title of this article because the audience of The Online Writing Guide care about writing on Substack. I know my audience - and so my title is for you!

#2 - Get creative with images.

Did you know Substack has a built-in AI that will generate an image for you?

Generate an image from the “Insert Image” button in Substack.

I told Substack’s “Generate” image AI to give me a typewriter - and it did.

This is a typewriter, in case you didn’t know.

Get creative with your images by using the “generate” feature in Substack.

Another option, and it’s one I use all the time, is to create your own images using Canva. I pay for the Pro version of Canva, but there is a lot you can do with the free version.

Creating your own images with AI or Canva will make your writing stand out from the crowd on Substack.

#3 - Stake a claim on a day and time.

Do you want to know the secret to a successful newsletter on Substack?

Consistency.

Your audience must know when to expect you to appear in their inbox. Once they know when to expect your writing to show up, they will work you into their routine.

But if you’re all over the place with your publishing schedule, how can they work you into their daily routine? They have no clue what to expect.

Try to send your articles out around the same time on the same days.

#4 - Use bullets and lists.

I like using bullet points; odds are, your audience likes it when you use bullet points and lists in your Substack articles.

Why?

• Bullet points and lists keep your thoughts (and your readers’ thoughts) organized.

• Makes for a quicker read.

• Creates more white space for a better reading experience.

Bullet points and lists condense everything down to what really matters. It’s an efficient way to share information.

#5 - Use those buttons!

Are you using some of the built-in tools Substack gives you to help grow your Substack?

I’m talking about buttons! And these buttons in particular:

I know, I know - we shouldn’t group all the buttons together like this in the middle of the article. That’s just for illustrative purposes.

But these buttons will make a difference in the long-term growth of your Substack - if you’re using them.

#6 - Be involved.

And speaking of the “Comment” button - when people take the time to comment on your Substack post, be sure to take a few moments to respond to them.

Be involved with the audience and community you’re growing on Substack. These are real people, and you’re trying to help them with something in their lives.

Give them your time and respect, and let them know you appreciate them by being involved with them.

#7 - Be willing to experiment.

Finally, be willing to try new things.

It could be as simple as putting a “subscribe” button near the beginning and the end of your article (*gasp - can we do that?!*).

If you haven’t found something that works exactly right, feel free to change things up a little bit. If you’re feeling burned out with a certain content style, try something a little different.

• Bring on guest writers.

• Have a guest on your podcast.

• Write something entertaining to make your audience laugh if you usually write something serious, and vice versa.

Mix it up a little. Try something new. See what happens.

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Here’s the recap (in list form):

1. Write headlines aimed at your audience.

2. Get creative with images.

3. Stake a claim on a day and time.

4. Use bullets and lists.

5. Use those buttons!

6. Be involved.

7. Be willing to experiment.

By implementing these seven things into your Substack posts, you will start writing things that people look forward to reading.

Now go forth and prosper!