---
name: substack-note-writer
description: Write Substack Notes optimized for engagement and subscriber growth.
---

# Skill: Substack Note Writer

Create engaging Substack Notes that drive discovery and subscriber growth.

## Specifications

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Length | 280-500 characters ideal |
| Format | Short paragraphs, no headers |
| Media | Optional image/link |
| Goal | Engagement + discovery |

## Substack Notes vs. Twitter

**Similarities:**
- Short-form content
- Feed-based discovery
- Engagement-driven reach

**Differences:**
- Longer character limit
- Writerly audience
- Links don't kill reach
- More conversational tone
- Newsletter cross-promotion works

## Note Types

### 1. Thought/Observation
Quick insight or opinion on your topic.

### 2. Question
Engagement driver, conversation starter.

### 3. Behind-the-Scenes
Newsletter/writing process glimpse.

### 4. Newsletter Promo
Teaser for new or evergreen posts.

### 5. Curated Share
Restacking others' notes with commentary.

### 6. Thread
Multi-note story or breakdown.

## Note Templates

### The Thought Note

```
[Observation or opinion in 1-2 sentences]

[Brief expansion or context]

[Optional: question to invite discussion]
```

**Example:**
```
The best newsletters aren't written by the best writers.

They're written by people who actually have something to say.

Voice > technique. Every time.
```

### The Question Note

```
[Direct question]

[Optional: context or your take]

[Optional: "Curious what you think" type closer]
```

**Example:**
```
What's one newsletter you've been subscribed to for 2+ years?

I'm curious which writers have real staying power. Not the viral ones, but the consistent ones.
```

### The Behind-the-Scenes Note

```
[What you're working on]

[Challenge or insight from the process]

[Optional: ask for input]
```

**Example:**
```
Currently rewriting my "best WordPress hosting" article for the 4th time.

Every time I test a new host, the rankings change. This stuff doesn't stay static.

The annoying part: my current #1 pick wasn't even on my radar 6 months ago.
```

### The Newsletter Promo Note

```
[Hook related to the post topic]

[1-2 sentence preview of what's inside]

[Link to post]
```

**Example:**
```
I switched from WP Rocket to FlyingPress last month.

In today's post, I break down exactly why—with speed tests, cost comparison, and the one feature that sealed the deal.

[Link]
```

### The Curated Restack

```
[Your commentary on why this matters]

[Restack/quote of original note]
```

**Example:**
```
This is exactly right.

The "best" tool is the one you'll actually use consistently. Not the one with the most features.

[Restack]
```

### The Thread Note

First note:
```
[Hook with promise]

Here's what I learned [doing X]:

🧵 Thread:
```

Subsequent notes:
```
1/ [Point with brief explanation]
```

```
2/ [Next point]
```

Final note:
```
That's it. The TL;DR:

[Summary in 2-3 bullets]

If this was helpful, follow for more [topic].
```

## Writing Style for Notes

### Do:
- Write conversationally
- Share genuine opinions
- Ask real questions (not engagement bait)
- Reference your actual experience
- Use specific examples
- Share incomplete thoughts (invites discussion)

### Don't:
- Write mini-essays
- Use headers or complex formatting
- Post generic motivational content
- Ask obvious questions just for engagement
- Over-promote your newsletter
- Sound like you're performing

## Hook Patterns

### The Contrarian
> Most [common belief] is wrong.

### The Confession
> I used to [belief]. Then [what changed].

### The Observation
> I've noticed [pattern]. Here's what I think it means.

### The Question
> Does anyone else [experience/thought]?

### The Behind-the-Curtain
> Working on [thing]. The hardest part is [challenge].

### The Hot Take
> [Strong opinion stated directly]

## Engagement Tactics

### Ask Genuine Questions
Not "What do you think?" but specific questions:
- "What's the oldest newsletter in your inbox?"
- "How long did it take before your newsletter felt sustainable?"
- "What made you start writing online?"

### Share Incomplete Thoughts
Invite people to finish the thought with you:
> "I'm starting to think the best newsletter strategy is... no strategy. Just write what you're thinking about. Still figuring this out."

### Reference Shared Experiences
> "That moment when you hit publish and immediately want to rewrite everything..."

### Give Credit Generously
Restack others' notes with genuine commentary. They often reciprocate.

## Frequency and Timing

### Suggested Frequency
- 1-3 notes per day when active
- At least 3-5 per week minimum
- Consistency > volume

### Timing
- Test different times
- Generally: morning and lunch work well
- When your audience is online (check analytics)

## Notes for Newsletter Growth

### Teaser Strategy
Post note that creates curiosity → link to newsletter for the answer

**Example:**
```
I ran a test on 12 WordPress sites last month.

The results surprised me. One plugin outperformed everything else by 40%.

Full breakdown (with the speed tests): [link]
```

### Evergreen Promo
Resurface old content with fresh angle:

```
This post from 6 months ago still gets traffic daily.

If you missed it: my complete guide to [topic]

[Link]
```

### Subscriber-Only Tease
Create FOMO for paid content:

```
Just published for paid subscribers: [topic]

The short version: [key insight]

The full breakdown has [what's included].
```

## Cross-Platform Repurposing

### Twitter → Substack Note
- Can be nearly identical
- Add more context/nuance if character limit allows
- Link to newsletter more freely

### LinkedIn → Substack Note
- Condense significantly
- Remove corporate-speak
- More casual tone

### Newsletter → Notes
- Pull out single interesting points
- Share behind-the-scenes of writing it
- Ask follow-up questions

## Quality Checklist

- [ ] Would I engage with this as a reader?
- [ ] Does it invite conversation?
- [ ] Is there a genuine thought/insight?
- [ ] Is it appropriately short?
- [ ] Does it sound like me (not generic)?
- [ ] If promoting, is there value in the note itself?
- [ ] Have I engaged with others' notes today?

## Common Mistakes

### Writing Mini-Essays
Notes should be quick reads. Save the depth for your newsletter.

### Only Self-Promoting
Mix promotional notes with genuine thoughts. Ratio: 1 promo to 4-5 others.

### Engagement Bait
"What's your favorite color?" isn't interesting. Ask questions you actually want answers to.

### Ignoring Others
Notes is a conversation platform. Engage with others' content, not just your own.

### Copying Twitter Style
Substack audience is different. More writerly, less meme-y. Adjust tone.
