I’ve gone back and forth on Substack more times than I can count.
Technically, I don’t even know if “back” is the right word.
I’ve started.
I’ve stopped.
I turned my account anonymous and started another publication I never really had the bandwidth for.
But here I am again. As me.
Despite my misgivings about the social aspect of Substack Notes and system limitations (no integrations, no automations), it might just be the best place for organic newsletter growth and connection right now.
Especially because the focus is still primarily on the written word here.
And that is what I'm focused on right now: getting better at writing.
Better at writing consistently.
Better at writing in a way that engages.
Better at writing in a way that connects.
Better at writing in a way that converts.
At the same time, I'm looking for more connection with other creators, writers, and builders.
It can feel lonely sitting at your desk trying to get out of your own head and publish.
And I want to grow my audience and build a simple solo business around sharing helpful content.
Substack feels like it's a good place to do that.
But there’s a tradeoff.
Substack has Notes, and that is social media.
It’s a feed. It’s an algorithm.
And it can feel like if you’re not posting and replying all the time, you’re invisible.
I don’t want to be online 24/7. I don’t want to build my life around that.
But I also don’t want to ignore the opportunity in front of me right now.
Substack is where conversations are happening..
So I’m going to figure out how to participate in a way that works for me.
I want to be consistent but not obsessive.
My goal is to set aside 10-15 minutes a day to post 1 or 2 notes and reply on other notes where I have something to add, or to give some encouragement to someone else.
Why I'm also sticking with Beehiiv
I’m still using Beehiiv for my How I AI newsletter.
It’s great for paid growth with boosts, organic growth (if you can get other newsletters to recommend you). And the monetization is baked in with ads and boosts.
Plus, I have full control over my list there.
No worries about being banned.
Substack could shut me down tomorrow.
I read a story about that yesterday.
That’s something I’m aware of (and why I'll be backing up my Substack subscriber list regularly).
But for connection, for sharing ideas, for building in public?
Substack’s where the people are.
At least for now.
So key now is to give it enough time - and stay consistent with writing, posting and engaging - for growth to start compounding.
No new pivots. No new platforms.
Just consistent, imperfect execution.
That's the goal