This is the most intelligent, insightful, and valuable guide to Substack success I've ever read. I can't think of a single point you've missed or overwritten. The value I'm taking from it is the realization that my instinct was right from the beginning. I would love to have a huge following, but have no interest in doing the hard work necessary. I write what I want, when I want. Recently retired from a long career, I will avoid making my hobby another job. Thank you, Benjamin. I'm quite sincere in this.
I'm glad my comments didn't annoy you. It was just my personal perspective, of course, but a lot of people would have thought me an asshole for having a contrary view. But I don't. You encouraged me to think and come to the conclusion that suits me. Besides, I'm old. I've done hard work. Not so inclined anymore. I'm happy. 😁
Thanks Mr Antoine for this beautiful growth piece.
I have a question though. I have a problem knowing what time to post my essays. I try to post for a specific time zone. But in the end it doesn't get as much views aa it should get. What am I doing wrong?
This is a great piece. Thank you so much. Most of the time I feel like I’m stumbling around in a house wearing a blindfold ands have no clear perspective on what’s going on.
I second Dave Williams comment. This post was a valuable read and I appreciate the clarity and honesty. I just started here on Substack and have a long way to go but this already has helped me think about how I need to consistently string my posts together with a central idea. It’s there but not as directly as it needs to be. Thank you!
This line about Substack being a human network nailed what so many writers miss... they optimize for posts and algorithms instead of identity, resonance, and real relationships. The Identity -> Resonance -> Rhythm -> Networks -> Surfaces stack is the cleanest mental model for 2026 growth I’ve seen. If someone feels stuck on Substack today, which pillar do you usually tell them to diagnose first?
I felt relief & encouragement reading this, thank you Benjamin! I am still in the intentional stage of writing just because, just as I am, intuitively and intentionally without any “strategy.” So many other areas of my life are over-strategized. This space has been a respite, and playful exploration. Yet reading your words, I can feel the subtle tug towards “hmm what if?” So I will be saving this for when I stretch into that next level.
Thank you for this! I’ve only been around for a couple of weeks, so I found this to be very helpful.
I’ve been writing for years and had several people suggest I join Substack. I had honestly never heard of it! Lol. But I’m definitely enjoying the space.
After just one essay I fumbled through, someone pledged a year subscription. I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t even know there were paid subscriptions, but I saw that as a good sign!
Thank you for sharing this breakdown. I am relatively new on Substack and find the platform and its algorithms extremely confusing. What in your opinion is the most important layer?
Hey Elena. Yeah it takes quite a bit of getting used to. The most important layer is identity. Who are you? why are you here? what are you offering? what is the impact you hope to accomplish? Those quesitons need to be very clear
The thing I value most about this advice on Substack growth is that I can follow it with integrity. None of it encourages me to be someone I'm not in the promotion of my newsletter. What a relief!
This is the most intelligent, insightful, and valuable guide to Substack success I've ever read. I can't think of a single point you've missed or overwritten. The value I'm taking from it is the realization that my instinct was right from the beginning. I would love to have a huge following, but have no interest in doing the hard work necessary. I write what I want, when I want. Recently retired from a long career, I will avoid making my hobby another job. Thank you, Benjamin. I'm quite sincere in this.
Wow! Thank you for the kind feedback and I’m so glad you have clarity. It take courage to be honest and decide to make that trade off
I'm glad my comments didn't annoy you. It was just my personal perspective, of course, but a lot of people would have thought me an asshole for having a contrary view. But I don't. You encouraged me to think and come to the conclusion that suits me. Besides, I'm old. I've done hard work. Not so inclined anymore. I'm happy. 😁
Thanks Mr Antoine for this beautiful growth piece.
I have a question though. I have a problem knowing what time to post my essays. I try to post for a specific time zone. But in the end it doesn't get as much views aa it should get. What am I doing wrong?
Time zone is irrelevant. If don’t believe me? test this out. Post at a different hour every time and see what happens…
Thanks Mr Antoine
Does it also apply to notes
Yes…test and iterate as required
This is a great piece. Thank you so much. Most of the time I feel like I’m stumbling around in a house wearing a blindfold ands have no clear perspective on what’s going on.
Ha! Great metaphor…I think most of us are like that
About the best analysis of how to thrive on Substack that I’ve ever read, Benjamin. Thank you!
I really like this, very informative. Thanks
I second Dave Williams comment. This post was a valuable read and I appreciate the clarity and honesty. I just started here on Substack and have a long way to go but this already has helped me think about how I need to consistently string my posts together with a central idea. It’s there but not as directly as it needs to be. Thank you!
This line about Substack being a human network nailed what so many writers miss... they optimize for posts and algorithms instead of identity, resonance, and real relationships. The Identity -> Resonance -> Rhythm -> Networks -> Surfaces stack is the cleanest mental model for 2026 growth I’ve seen. If someone feels stuck on Substack today, which pillar do you usually tell them to diagnose first?
I felt relief & encouragement reading this, thank you Benjamin! I am still in the intentional stage of writing just because, just as I am, intuitively and intentionally without any “strategy.” So many other areas of my life are over-strategized. This space has been a respite, and playful exploration. Yet reading your words, I can feel the subtle tug towards “hmm what if?” So I will be saving this for when I stretch into that next level.
Bright and honest insights. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this! I’ve only been around for a couple of weeks, so I found this to be very helpful.
I’ve been writing for years and had several people suggest I join Substack. I had honestly never heard of it! Lol. But I’m definitely enjoying the space.
After just one essay I fumbled through, someone pledged a year subscription. I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t even know there were paid subscriptions, but I saw that as a good sign!
Welcome to the club
Very Helpful!
Thank you for sharing this breakdown. I am relatively new on Substack and find the platform and its algorithms extremely confusing. What in your opinion is the most important layer?
Hey Elena. Yeah it takes quite a bit of getting used to. The most important layer is identity. Who are you? why are you here? what are you offering? what is the impact you hope to accomplish? Those quesitons need to be very clear
I thought so. Without identity, it would be incredibly hard to create other layers.
I am still unsure about my writer’s identity. I appreciate your giving me questions to think about.
The thing I value most about this advice on Substack growth is that I can follow it with integrity. None of it encourages me to be someone I'm not in the promotion of my newsletter. What a relief!
Becoming your true self is the only way to succeed…at least in my opinion
Feel better!
Happy Holidays!
Yes, you need to work hard, play hard..
But seriously REST HARD.
And yes things take time to build. In little pieces.. and before you know it… its there in all its glory. And you did it.
Thanks for this Benjamin, I know I’ve been treating Substack more like a hobby and as always your insights are very helpful and informative.
Maybe this time next year I’ll be writing an essay with similar ideas! For now, I’ll share yours 🫶🏻
So useful!! Thanks so much