This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit sparkleon.substack.comHi all,We’re meeting this morning! 9.30am (UK time) to discuss increasing your income on Substack through Founding Memberships.Register here. Replay will be posted after the call. In response to a reader question, I recorded you this video/ audio so you can better understand the strategy behind my recent decisions here at Sparkle on Substack.Members - I’ll be away this w…

The Power of Community on Substack: "I had no idea that it was going to become this massive community that I was going to want to live in."Lindsay Johnstone From the archives and in celebration of Lindsay completing an incredible memoir serialisation project here on Substack, here is a wonderful episode on the POWER of audio on Substack. Lindsay is running a flash sale where you can access her serialised memoir ‘Held in Mind’ for the price of a hard back book. GO see!Lindsay Johnstone has been here in my membership here at Sparkle on Substack from the very beginning and it’s been an ABSOLUTE joy to celebrate her triumphs and see her express herself so creatively on this platform. I believe audio is the most under utilised resource here. The transcription tools are insanely good, the hosting is COMPLETELY free and we can record with the technology we already have. 😬With audio my publication keeps growing. This podcast has been downloaded almost 35k times. It blows my mind. As the platform gets busier, audio is the way to stay ahead of the curve! Substack tell us publications that integrate audio grow 2.5 times faster. I’m so passionate about it I’ve built a whole course to teach you about process, tech and mindset on sharing your voice. If you want to join us live we start next Friday, I’m going to guide you every step of the way…More details here on my LIVE course Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting. Guest bio Lindsay is a writer, reviewer and creative writing workshop facilitator based in Glasgow, Scotland. Post-therapy, she’s holding the necessary space for herself and others entering midlife while very much still figuring things out.In autumn 2022, she ended a three-year psychotherapy journey asking, ‘What now?’ and vowed she’d replace those thrice-weekly therapeutic hours with something, but wasn’t then sure quite what.Enter Substack…Follow Lindsay’s work on Substack over at What Now? with Lindsay Johnstone or on Instagram; 🎙️ Timeline00:00 Writer discusses work on Substack and books.05:07 Substack became community and writing practice hub.07:45 Connection turns comments into conversations, fostering community.12:35 Loneliness-driven mental health epidemic needs deeper connections.15:32 Audio storytelling enhances personal connection in publishing.19:35 Episodes revised for better audio pacing, content.21:55 Curating content creatively yields timely, impactful connections.23:48 Teaching schedule, energy management, and consistent writing.26:58 Creative evolution with Substack, community, and experimentation.30:25 Guest authors connect with writers via Substack.35:36 Holding space: connection, creativity, balance, wellbeing.37:23 Substack voiceover improved; eager to try.41:53 Voice notes on Substack built global connections.45:19 Audio offers creators personal expression and accessibility.47:47 Exploring audio snippets and diaries for creativity.53:27 Recording helps refine writing; creative expression evolves.54:53 Stopping recording; continuing chat with paid members.This podcast is supported by my Diamond Members who’s belief in me has led to me running the business of my dreams. Thanks to them and to you for being here. Diamond membership opens again in January 2025 for one month. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Just a reminder, it’s the last month to jump in as a monthly paid member to Sparkle on Substack. It’s currently £11 a month or £95 for the year. On 1st November, I am TAKING OUT the monthly option and the annual price will be £145. That’s a jump from USD $124 to $189 or you can lock in monthly at USD$14. If your a current member your price will always stay the same. ✨Help Lucy Werner meet her goal of reaching 500 paid members and upgrade to her membership with this special 30 day free trial. "And even before I turned on Substack, I'd written about 100 articles on medium just to practice. So I kind of had the, you can actually, if you scroll back to my early medium articles, the headlines and the content are horrendous because I kind of just use that as my public draft notebook. We didn't have an audience there, so it didn't matter."Lucy Werner Want audio only? It’s here;AI Timestamped Overview 00:00 Transitioned from agency owner to teaching DIY PR.03:54 Starting paid subscriptions is challenging but essential.08:17 Needed time to join membership; later invested.11:06 Unusual growth pattern influenced by pricing adjustments.14:24 Volume strategy balances lower price with higher subscribers.19:31 Adjusted pricing due to audience preferences and data.21:07 Incredible story shared, emphasizes audience value clarity.23:35 Lucy's genuine journey is highly relatable and human.26:57 Networking in community fosters diverse support and learning.33:34 Reached over 40,000 people, enjoyed the process.35:35 Substack endorsement could've boosted book's popularity.37:08 Always carry and promote your book creatively.40:44 Contemplating final project launch before year's end.44:25 Improving base tier to spur organic growth.48:17 Expert: B2B data analysis and editorial skills combined.49:56 We're all in service, evolving together constantly.54:13 Never drastically reduce prices; honour initial supporters.57:44 Join workshops to learn and grow your business.How Data Analysis with Amanda B. Hinton Altered My Subscription Pricing: "The data audit was super, super clear that there was a sweet spot where my audience were coming in and the pricing of 20 pounds a month and 150 was way outside of that. So I decided to bring it down."Lucy Werner Watch on YouTube Find and follow Lucy onlinehttps://www.instagram.com/lucywernerpr This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

“One of the things that I like to do with my book is I try and take it everywhere. Because you never know who you're going to meet. And actually, that having a copy on me landed me my biggest ever podcast with the biggest ever, like somebody who had millions of followers on YouTube. I also quite like to stash them places."The video version is here - https://sparkleon.substack.com/p/subscriber-retention-on-substack This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

"Sometimes I would go into such a flow when I'm in conversation for the podcast that when I listen back, I'm like, wow, I can't believe that I'm that smart."Hannah Harvey Afternoon sparklers, how are you?1001 ways you say - what a gift… let’s chat about the ways you could use audio in the comments!BEFORE I get into it - I wanted to remind you that it’s the VERY last day to grab the early bird price on my NEW audio/ video podcasting course. Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting is the course to kick start your idea into a tangible podcast / audio/ video/ audio plan for your Substack. I’ll support you every step of the way. Join me for four weeks with tutorials to take in your own time, one live group mentoring call and 24/7 chat. Get your podcast planned out, named, branded, learn the tech, set up your flows and get ready to launch right here on Substack. We start with mindset work and finish with a plan/ launch.I’ve got you! We start Friday 1st November. (I am not planning on running another live round but the course will be available to my Diamond Members in January). ✨ 🎙️ ✨I have a BONUS mini video podcast episode for you today with my friend and fellow podcast host Hannah Harvey celebrating her podcast process and leaning into the power of speaking your truth. I invited Hannah over to chat with me because I’ve been absolutely fascinated with her bravery and style when it came to showing up to share her voice. I think you’ll adore her as much as I do, her work is a true gift to women. Hannah has been podcasting for two years and so I jumped in and got her to explain some of her potted reflections for those of you who are curious about starting. "Yes I booked a studio for the day for my first 8 episodes but there were plenty of times when (my co-host and producer) Katie and I were literally sat in my wardrobe just for sound dampening and producing it ourselves." Hannah Harvey Connect with Hannah Harvey https://www.hannahharvey.uk Hannah’s just getting started on Substack so give her a follow/ subscribe? While I’m here, there are lots of audio and video resources in the membership. Head over to the A-Z to find something to unlock the next stage of your journey. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Just to steal in quickly before the show and tell you my BRAND new podcasting course is on EARLY BIRD sale until Wednesday. Join in in Perfectly, Imperfect Podcasting and make your podcasting dreams come true! More here. It’s £220 right now or x2 payments of £110. (That’s USD $288 approx) 🎙️💫"Just because I think it's so interesting through your life how your relationship to money changes and how your experience with money changes and how already there's been kind of patterns of women not being taken seriously around this topic."Keris Fox Ah guys I know I say this every time but it was a DELIGHT to meet Keris. Keris was one of the first people I met here on Substack through my pal Suzy Walker and we reached Substack bestseller (101 paid subs) at the same time back in October 2023. It was in the heady days of growth where I thought everyone was my colleague and friend online - oh wait… Anyway, Keris Fox is a gem and on a one woman missing to spread more joy about lots of things including money, chocolate moose bears and Harry Styles. We don’t shy away from the money chat in this episode and we hope our way of speaking transparently is helpful. “Most books don’t earn out their advance, that’s the reality.” AUTHOR BIO - Keris Fox is the bestselling author of fourteen novels, including adult and YA romcoms and one Christmas novel for younger readers that is not a romance, but does star a talking pug. Her first non-fiction title, The Harry Styles Effect, both a fandom memoir and celebration of Styles, will be published in March 2025. Keris writes two Substacks: her author newsletter, Happy Endings, and The Ladybird Purse, where she interviews women about money and shares her own money misadventures. Keris and her two sons recently moved back to the seaside town she grew up in. She'll never say no to fish and chips on the beach."The biggest advance I got a few years ago was £9000 for one book and I was delighted! Then publication was another year after that so it worked out at more like two and a half grand a year over three years. You celebrate the advance, you forget that you've still got to write the bloody book as well."Shop all the books over at Keris website. Timestamped overview00:00 UK book publishing industry busy with timelines.07:16 Low advances, high royalties, successful book sales.15:24 Marriage, financial independence, and the challenges.16:23 Interviewing women across decades about money, experiences.21:50 Challenges of managing finances with limited income.29:34 Author reflects on book advances and upbringing.35:52 Industry workers navigating economic decisions and emotions.41:20 Free content, follow-ups, and expert interviews.45:14 Link to Keris, compile articles, talk money.51:04 Value proposition for paid content is crucial.55:27 Author documents writing process and personal memories.01:02:58 Building connections, feeling less alone in navigating.Other links we mentionedhttps://bookouture.com/The chocolate bear… We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear from you in the comments.Claire and Keris!Thank you to my WONDERFUL 💎 Diamond Members for sponsoring season 2 of the podcast. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting on Substack I have had SOOOO many questions about starting and committing to a podcast recently, I decided to make a month long LIVE course to support you. We start November 1st. (If you’re in the membership here at Sparkle on Substack, you can access some light touch resources to help you use audio here on Substack, just head to the a-z and you’ll find everything there).Podcasting starts with having something to say, something you care about… And we don’t have to say it ‘perfectly’. In-fact, in our podcast Linda at Substack shared that people like to see the real human here - those are the people who are growing well here. The people who show up in a way that’s relatable, as themselves not as a perfectly polished performance version of themselves. Thank goodness hey? The course is wholehearted, it’s holistic. It can be scary to sit and record audio home alone, should you go to a studio? What should you call your podcast? Do you want guests? What if they don’t reply to your invite. So many questions! 🎙️ Perfectly, imperfect Podcasting 💫 zooms out to look at where video/ audio podcast content could sit within your content eco system here and across the global air waves.It looks at our barriers and blocks to using our voice, being on video, tracks through planning, design, branding, naming, all the tech you need. Oh and a launch strategy that feels good to you. I’ll also pop your podcast on a stand alone post and tell everyone about it when you launch. A podcast doesn’t actually have to be a podcast. Short on time, how about a themed voice note - that’s where I started and one of the things I attribute to the growth I saw in my first year. Any questions on producing audio here, just ask, it would be a honour to support your audio/ video journey. Claire ✨ This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

"When I set up the Heiter Society, I wanted something for myself where I felt less alone, also in my business."Kiki "Yes, to some extent, Heiter is definitely slow living, but it is still beautiful."Kiki I’m thrilled to bring you another exciting episode of Sparkle on Substack the podcast. Kiki and I dive deep into creative processes, the importance of branding, and all things related to building joyful, engaging communities online. 🎧 **Episode Highlights:**1. **Mailing List Moves:** Claire Venus shares her experience of moving her extensive Mailchimp list to her Podia course platform and how she manages to keep her community informed and engaged across multiple platforms. If you're juggling different mailing lists, this segment is a goldmine of practical tips!2. **Flow desk Insights:** Get inspired by her rundown of the platform's features.3. **Formatting Magic on Substack:** For all you content creators out there, Claire provides a detailed demonstration of formatting options on Substack—think centralised quotes, headers, images, and seamless video embeds.4. **Branding Brilliance:** The dynamics of maintaining a consistent brand presence are thoroughly explored. Claire highlights the significance of colours, logos, and pinned posts in creating a cohesive aesthetic.5. **Editorial Shifts:** Claire discusses her decision to shift from heavy topics to lighter content and seeks input on this editorial journey. What are your thoughts on this shift? Let us know!6. **Kiki’s Strengths and Collaborations:** Kiki talks about her passion for fashion, storytelling, and her partnerships with design agencies to craft a sustainable magazine. Plus, discover how she’s integrated support roles like sub-editors and virtual assistants to elevate her projects.7. **Community and Support:** The episode sheds light on various community-building strategies, including Kiki’s use of holistic life coaches and therapists for meditation sessions and book clubs. Claire also shares details of her upcoming masterclass on transitioning Instagram content to Substack.8. **Navigating Substack:** Together, Kiki and Claire explore the ins and outs of Substack, demonstrating its social media integration, writer profiles, and publication features. Get insights on how you can optimise the platform for your creative ventures.🌟 **Exclusive Sneak Peek:** Claire reveals some exciting news about upcoming targeted guest posts on joyful growth and monetisation on Substack. Plus, Kiki gives a shout-out to pre-orders for Heiter’s print issue two, "Homecoming," with a deadline at the end of June. Don’t miss your chance to get this beautiful issue!📌 **Community Engagement:** Concerned about relying too heavily on Substack? Claire reassures with insights on data ownership and maintaining control over your email list. Also, discover different ways to engage your community, both on and off Substack.💬 Join the Conversation We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this episode! How do you manage your editorial decisions and branding across platforms? What are your tips for maintaining consistency and engagement with your community? Kiki/ Heiter onlinehttps://www.heitermagazine.com Sparkle on Substack, the podcast is supported by my Diamond Members. You can find out more about them and support their work here. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

"How Paywalls Protect Personal Stories: "People pay, not because it's clickbait, because that's just not for everybody. That part of what they're saying, they only want to share it intimately with people who are part of their inner circle and bought in."Linda @ Substack I was delighted to meet with Linda @ Substack this week to chat all things Substack.Linda is a dedicated member of the writer partnerships team at Substack and has been on the staff team since 2021. Widely recognised for her active presence on Substack Notes, Linda's primary role involves engaging with potential new Substack users in the finance category. 🤓 💰I was SO excited to speak with her for sooo many reasons. The main one? Because she works and supports folks outside of my eco chamber and that’s where as an avid reader and an observer of Substack, I learn the most.She focuses on attracting individuals who can bring unique content and an audience to the platform and has a genuine passion (like me) for Substack's capabilities. Linda strongly believes in Substack's potential for individuals starting from scratch, as she's witnessed many success stories firsthand. Alongside her team, she is committed to fostering open dialogues and providing valuable insights to help new users thrive. She’s eager to share her knowledge and experiences with the community, contributing to the growth and success of Substack as a whole.✨If you’re short on time, I asked cast magic to summarise the lessons, thanks to Adam Ming for the suggestion of adding take aways for those who need them. Here are 10 Substack lessons from Linda1. **Jump Right In**Over-preparation can hinder starting. Embrace imperfection and create now.2. **Embrace the Blank Page**Substack’s design simplicity encourages unique and personal approach. You don’t have to look for a cookie cut out. 3. **From Twitter to Substack**Move from fleeting social media content to permanent, engaging Substack archives and bring your audience.4. **Video Strengths**Utilise video content for deeper, more personal connections with your audience.5. **Community Support**Engage and uplift fellow Substack users through workshops and subscriber chats. 6. **Utilise Headers and Footers**Customise email headers and footers to consistently communicate and engage with readers. Lean into thinking about the messages you want to set for free and paid subs… 7. **Consider Pricing Wisely**To avoid over thinking, start with common pricing models ($5/month, $50/year), and be prepared to adjust based on value.8. **Leverage Recommendations**Substack's recommendation tool helps expand reach and break reader echo chambers.9. **Exploit Machine Learning**Discoverability on Substack enhanced through advanced content recommendations over fixed categories.10. **Sustainable Growth**Avoid burnout with sustainable posting schedules and clear, value-driven pricing strategies for the long term.Sparkle on Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Timestamped Overview00:00 Writer recruiter for Substack, sharing insights today.09:15 Substack only profits if writers profit first.13:12 Substack empowers creators with innovative, user-friendly tools.16:11 Just start creating content on Substack now.23:12 Unsubscribes are inevitable in email marketing efforts.31:04 Team created categories; now observe user behaviour.32:06 Modernly categorising using machine learning, not drop downs.39:16 Balancing day job and monetising creative efforts on Substack.45:27 Sustainable writing schedules can improve long-term success.52:00 Excited, committed to diamond membership's annual model.56:52 Paywall restricts access to intimate, personal content.01:00:34 Nudge yourself out of your echo chamber.✨📙 Book RecommendationsStruggling with public speaking in your videos or podcasts? Check out "How to Own the Room" by Viv Groskop — a fantastic resource for overcoming those jitters and enhancing your communication skills.Seth Godin - all his books! Kevin Kelly - 1000 True Fans 🟧 Other Substacks mentioned… See you in the comments? I’d LOVE to know what you think of this one.Claire 💫Thank you to my WONDERFUL 💎 Diamond Members for sponsoring season 2 of the podcast. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”Arthur Ashe It was an absolute JOY to connect with David Speed for my podcast a couple of months back. David and I were at the podcast recording of Creative Coffee by Emma Gannon when she interviewed Farrah @Substack in London and I know both of them will be delighted we made this connection if they see this post. Connection - now there’s a word I overuse but honestly it makes everything possible. When we met he was pretty new to Substack and enjoying bedding in. Just after I spoke with David, he put out this piece which I loved. Well to be honest I love all of his writing; it’s sophisticated, honest and there’s NO snake oil;Speaker BioDavid Speed is a multi-disciplinary artist whose current focus is neon painting.The artist is fascinated by light and shadow and creates work that plays with that drama. David enjoys painting huge murals but is equally happy painting canvas. He relishes the challenge of painting on a small scale using spray paint and pushing the limitations of what is achievable in that medium.In the early 2000’s David was training to be a primary school teacher while balancing a mostly illegal graffiti career. Frustrated at the school system, he realised that by creating art, mentoring artists and now; podcasting, he could help many more people get in touch with their creativity."If you are an artist, or a creative, or a writer or a dancer, and you read, this is marketing, there's so many, your brain will kick ideas in a totally different way than if you're in the marketing space."David Speed Timestamped Overview00:00 From street art to renowned collaborative success.10:24 Started podcast with no experience; everyone agreed.15:48 Be mindful of influences and digital noise.20:14 Building career through influential conversations and a podcast.26:23 Art-infused Liverpool city tour and Instagram insights31:32 Artists explore voice and space in new ways.36:28 1000 true fans theory vital for creatives.40:54 Passionate about creating and supporting art transparently.42:58 Real art impacts people beyond social media.52:53 Encouraging people to make the most of life.56:34 Paints strangers from submitted photos for street art.59:05 Innovations happen when humans have creative freedom.Find David Speed online🌍 https://www.davidspeed.uk/about On instagram;On tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@davidspeeduk Creative Rebels (the podcast on You Tube) - https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRebels "I didn't really want to celebrate people that have already been celebrated. So I started this project called be Neon, where there's a form on my website where you can upload an image, and I will paint you in the street."David Speed Other links/ ideas we mentioned;“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. You've got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing. One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” Arthur Ashe 🥰 1000 True Fans - https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/📖 Seth Godin - This is Marketing - https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/This-Is-Marketing-by-Seth-Godin/9780241370148 ✨Your take on this conversation… 💬 We’d love to chat to you more in the comments about the important topics we brought to light in the podcast. There is so much in here about success and commitment and everything we do to make our creative careers work. Sparkle on Substack is sponsored by my Diamond Members. Thanks to them for supporting me so I can make time to have these conversations and bring them to life in the world. You can read more about them and their work here. 💎 This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe