Kick-off party! Questions answered: May Notes Boost Challenge

Notes Boost Challenge

* (00:00:22) Introduction to the Notes Boost Challenge

* Created when Substack introduced notes

* Notes is now 2 years old and offers phenomenal growth potential

* (00:01:21) Purpose of the Notes Boost Challenge

* Created to connect Substack writers with each other

* Helps writers gain visibility through engagement

* Not about frequency but quality of engagement

* (00:03:11) How the Notes Boost Challenge works

* Writers share notes in comments

* Others can boost notes they genuinely like

* Creates community and connection between writers

* (00:04:05) Mental health considerations

* Emphasis on keeping Notes a mentally healthy space

* Recommendation to limit time in the main notes feed

* Notes Boost helps avoid toxic aspects of social media

* (00:06:01) Participation process

* Post your note in the comments

* Others find and boost notes they genuinely like

* Will separate into categories (culture, health, literature, etc.)

* (00:07:32) Timing of Notes Boost

* Emails go out at 9 AM daily

* Being early increases traction

* Will add afternoon boost at 2 PM (everything closes at 5 PM)

* (00:09:49) Types of notes that get traction

* Tweet-like short posts

* Facebook-style life updates

* Instagram-style photos with captions

* Longer text-only posts with a story/narrative

* Avoid links in posts

* (00:14:13) SEO in notes

* Using keywords helps visibility

* Search for your topic to see what works

* Curate your feed for better experience

* (00:16:44) Importance of authentic voice

* Don't use AI - readers can tell

* Voice and tone are what AI can't duplicate

* Personal stories and authentic voice get traction

* (00:18:01) Growth potential

* Example of client gaining 5,000 subscribers from one note

* Email lists are valuable assets for authors

* (00:20:59) Export your subscribers monthly

* Critical safety tip after someone accidentally deleted their Substack

* Export CSV files regularly to protect your subscriber list

* (00:22:54) Time management advice

* Don't engage with notes constantly

* Just be in Notes Boost once a day during the 21-day challenge

* Takes about an hour a day to participate meaningfully

* (00:36:33) Final tips

* Post an "introduce yourself to Substack" note

* The challenge runs for 21 days, then you get time off

* Take advantage of the growth opportunity while it lasts

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