This may go without saying, but being a professional writer is hard–financially and emotionally. Taylor Swift is a business icon. Say what you want about her, there's much to learn from her about empowering ourselves as writers and in our careers. Read on to learn the five ways writers can learn from Taylor Swift.
I’ve done a reader survey in my newsletter, it was super helpful! Chats are also good. And engaging in comments on your posts. This may be obvious but I only recently learned you can Follow people without subscribing to their publications - good way to interact more with readers across the platform.
Basically it was to learn more about the motivations, pain points and demographics of my readers to tailor a personalised climate action guide I’m developing.
This is really fascinating actually. To be honest, I'd love to know why my subscribers do subscribe to me, what content is speaking to them most. Maybe I should do something like this.
Sarah, I needed to read this today. Totally agree it's about building relationships with readers, to acknowledge them for showing up and posting a comment, to thank them for reading and for sharing and for the $. Looking forward to your talk this weekend.
I suspect a LOT of us Stackers write for our people. We're just not big enough for anyone to realize it...yet. The big promote the big around here 😁😁 But by the same token, the small fries boldly support other small fries which is the true definition of being here for our people.
I love the community I'm building and the people in it.
PS: I'm allergic to cats 😁 Dogs are all that matter.
This is very helpful, thanks Sarah! I tend to write for myself...I like this perspective much better. Is there a way to send my subscribers an email? ( not all use the app or chat) I did a welcome latter before I really knew what I was doing. I’d like to write them, explaining myself, using their names in relation to their comments, thank them etc.
I tried Substack help page... but not helping at all. 🤨thank you!
You’re in the right place! Substack is amazing.
Yes!
Any tips for finding out who your readers are? Whenever I get a little hint, they run back to hiding 😅
I’ve done a reader survey in my newsletter, it was super helpful! Chats are also good. And engaging in comments on your posts. This may be obvious but I only recently learned you can Follow people without subscribing to their publications - good way to interact more with readers across the platform.
what did you put in your reader survey?
Hi Noha, I put the survey (a linked Google form) at the top of this newsletter if you want to take a look: https://wecanfixit.substack.com/p/is-there-a-doctor-on-the-planet
Basically it was to learn more about the motivations, pain points and demographics of my readers to tailor a personalised climate action guide I’m developing.
That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing - I will definitely check it out
This is really fascinating actually. To be honest, I'd love to know why my subscribers do subscribe to me, what content is speaking to them most. Maybe I should do something like this.
Great ideas! You can also use a Google form. (Just go to Google forms to ask them a couple questions.)
You can look to your content and ask, Who am I serving with this? Who needs this and why?
Also check out the Building Community and Keeping Subscribers on Substack workshop
https://www.writersatwork.net/p/replay-building-community-and-keeping?autoPlay=true
Sarah, I needed to read this today. Totally agree it's about building relationships with readers, to acknowledge them for showing up and posting a comment, to thank them for reading and for sharing and for the $. Looking forward to your talk this weekend.
Absolutely! Just finished the slides!
B E A U T I F U L ✨
I didn't know you interviewed the Sneaky Artist! Can't wait to check it out.
I suspect a LOT of us Stackers write for our people. We're just not big enough for anyone to realize it...yet. The big promote the big around here 😁😁 But by the same token, the small fries boldly support other small fries which is the true definition of being here for our people.
I love the community I'm building and the people in it.
PS: I'm allergic to cats 😁 Dogs are all that matter.
Wonderful! I meet with a lot of writers and can tell you that they don't do that. Dogs are great.
Smallest of the small fry here, totally relate. Dogs are good too!
Love all animals, but love dogs the most. 🐾♥️
Valid!
This was a helpful post. Thanks for the perspective shift.
nicely done, Sarah 🙏🏼
sending you (and your cats) 💚
Thank you! And my cats thank you.
Beautiful post, Sarah! Thanks for the reminders and inspiration!!!
And you know this vet loves those cat posts!!!
I am so grateful, at this special time of the year, for your wisdom, guidance and effervescence in sharing your gifts to us all!
Thank you! Your comment made my week!
"Substack’s media assets for social don’t connect with people. Do your own." FIRE.
Right????
Great angle using the mega superstar Ms. Swift as an example of legit connection.
I've really tried to love some of the "celebrity" stacks but they weren't for me. My favorites tend to be writers who have less than 500 subscribers.
I hope I'm connecting with my subscribers. Given the parties in the comments section I think I have a great community.:)
You do!
This was a really smart and helpful post. Needed this reminder. Thank you! ✨
So glad!
You had me at Taylor Swift. Lol
Great advice here.Thanks so much!!
I’m so glad!
This is very helpful, thanks Sarah! I tend to write for myself...I like this perspective much better. Is there a way to send my subscribers an email? ( not all use the app or chat) I did a welcome latter before I really knew what I was doing. I’d like to write them, explaining myself, using their names in relation to their comments, thank them etc.
I tried Substack help page... but not helping at all. 🤨thank you!
I’m so glad this was helpful and I hear you about Substack tech help. Here’s how to email without posting: https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/19163529016212-How-do-I-send-an-email-to-a-select-group-of-subscribers-on-Substack-#:~:text=When%20you%20send%20out%20a,list%20to%20find%20your%20audience.
Yes to all of the above. Except, dogs count right?
Hi there! So great to see you in the comments. Doug’s definitely count!