Recommendations. I tested it recently because one of my newsletters recommends more than 50 publications. When a new person subscribes, they only see 3 (always 3) recommended newsletters. So my current strategy is recommending as many related and valuable publications as possible.
This is how I see it from desktop; maybe in the app it's different.
For a reason I don't yet understand, new people me recommned a huge number of people to follow.
Mack, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, you are a real inspiration.
The recommendation dilemma is real. A recommendation from someone you trust feels like a personal introduction. A list of 50 recommendations starts to feel more like a directory. š
One thing Iāve started doing is paying much closer attention to incoming subscribers from recommendations. I look at their profile, what they read, and whether thereās any overlap with the kind of work I write.
If someone is already reading similar publications, thatās usually a good signal. But if they mostly read fiction and poetry, thereās a good chance my newsletter may not be what theyāre looking for.
I know it sounds a little ruthless, but Iād rather have fewer people who actually want to be there than a bigger number that drags down engagement. My open rate is already sitting around 34%, so Iām becoming a lot more intentional about who Iām building the community with.
Thanks for great post Mack! I liked the part you mentioned a conversion strategy before you get free subscriber and I realized after working with you over the last few months that it was a big missing piece for and something I am working on now and truly excited for it.
That's great, Manisha! Getting the content and conversion strategies nailed down before you chase growth makes everything sooo much easier! You are in a good spot right now with your audience size. You haven't hit your big growth spurt yet, in fact the work you are putting in now will accelerate your growth because of the foundation you are laying now. Very proud of you :)
Great choice of someone to spotlight - Denise Wakeman!
Thank you, Vicki! I agree, Denise is a great source of smart marketing and technology information! Plus she engages!
I love how you break it all down for us! I'm sorry you've had such a hard month on a personal level. Sending light! š
Thank you, my friend. Hopefully the hard month is behind us and I can start spending more time here now. Always appreciate your support!
Sorry that July was a challenge with family medical issues; it sounds like that's all settled now, so that's good.
Thanks for sharing the behind-the-scenes real numbers, Mack; it's super helpful!
And Denise is fantastic - great spotlight choice! š
Recommendations. I tested it recently because one of my newsletters recommends more than 50 publications. When a new person subscribes, they only see 3 (always 3) recommended newsletters. So my current strategy is recommending as many related and valuable publications as possible.
This is how I see it from desktop; maybe in the app it's different.
For a reason I don't yet understand, new people me recommned a huge number of people to follow.
Mack, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, you are a real inspiration.
Congrats on the growth.
The recommendation dilemma is real. A recommendation from someone you trust feels like a personal introduction. A list of 50 recommendations starts to feel more like a directory. š
One thing Iāve started doing is paying much closer attention to incoming subscribers from recommendations. I look at their profile, what they read, and whether thereās any overlap with the kind of work I write.
If someone is already reading similar publications, thatās usually a good signal. But if they mostly read fiction and poetry, thereās a good chance my newsletter may not be what theyāre looking for.
I know it sounds a little ruthless, but Iād rather have fewer people who actually want to be there than a bigger number that drags down engagement. My open rate is already sitting around 34%, so Iām becoming a lot more intentional about who Iām building the community with.
I added 105 New subscribers in July
Notes
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Recommendations
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Other
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Thank you for the breakdown, bro.
I should plan a Bestseller party for you.
It does feel like a directory lol.
And look at you breaking down all your stats!
I do suspect subs from recommendations might lower your open rate a bit.
Thanks sis!
It doesā¦ not to mention that Substack cannot reliably track open rates. š
Thanks for great post Mack! I liked the part you mentioned a conversion strategy before you get free subscriber and I realized after working with you over the last few months that it was a big missing piece for and something I am working on now and truly excited for it.
That's great, Manisha! Getting the content and conversion strategies nailed down before you chase growth makes everything sooo much easier! You are in a good spot right now with your audience size. You haven't hit your big growth spurt yet, in fact the work you are putting in now will accelerate your growth because of the foundation you are laying now. Very proud of you :)
Thanks Mack! I feel excited to grow which is fueling all my ideas, so thank you for your guidance.