I swear when that showed up I thought for a moment "holy sh*t" she kicked me off her list!" On a more serious note, I love the way you put things in perspective. A great reminder that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Appreciate you!
Hahaha this made me chuckle I didn’t even think of that 🫣😆 I wanted to make a bold title to grab attention to an important topic, thankfully it solidified your presence more than making you want to leave haha, grateful to have you 🥂
Your words are pure gold Elin and you always seem to write exactly what I need to read ✨
I’ve been growing steadily for a few months now and am so close to the 100 mark, however, last week I lost 4 subscribers in one day, why I have no idea. But again you have reminded me that slow and steady growth is much more valuable, so thank you! 🤍
This is a fascinating yet utterly inexplicable trend you’ll discover over time: unsubscribers always tend to come in bulk and then there’s radio silence for a bit in between (I can’t track especially for my email lists as it’s too much movement but this applies especially to my art membership where all is roses and then one day several unsubscribes from different parts of the world and you wonder whether they all know each other somehow…) 😆❤️
Loool yeah you know I’ve seriously contemplated on this many times through the years xD and even more since my husband started a second business where there’s a similar pattern but in a completely different niche … so strange!!!!
When I posted my new ‘welcome post’ I lost a few subscribers, and then gained about ten times that in the following hours! It was a rollercoaster day, a kind of a recalibration. I was sad but the influx did make up for it! Thanks for staying your thoughts! ✨💛✨
Well, this piece is reflective of "fast intuition," so I guess I observed just right in my testimonial. I personally wouldn't worry about unsubs; there's a sea of many potential subs out there. My 5-week experience on here is that if you have good content, write well, and maintain some level of activity, you'll find your people.
On going viral, the point you make cannot be overemphasized. Going viral is good. (There's a note of mine that's "gone viral", amassing 328 likes, very interesting convo in the comments, and 40+ subs so far.) But you want to go viral with your content. Posts on how to grow on Substack are popular, but these are irrelevant to most readers who aren't writers.
Growth is work, and what is more tiring that work is the "wrong" kind of work. There's wisdom in the "slow is smooth" thing; numbers stack up slowly but steadily and are reflective of one's overall message and theme. As for those who'll inevitably leave, they should: they deserve a publication that is worth their time. Also, it's a large market on here... plenty of people to find.
Ps. I’m really curious to know what was the note about that is trending for you and even more so - how can you track conversion from that?! I’m really confused by the metric translation from Notes… 🥸
Was just doing a rough estimation, looking at subscribers' emails as most were subscribing as we conversed in the comments section. Also, hadn't published a new post at the time (I publish just once weekly), so I could rule out subs from posts.
This has taught me something: a note that resonates, and which is in line with the overall message of your publication, and taking the time to respond in a way that deepens the conversation in the messages, is just as good as a post. Here's the link to the note (can see on profile as well): https://substack.com/@patomuindi/note/c-48747312
Yes! And love the last bit: they also deserve a publication worthy of their time. You’re so in point that the benefits really go both ways, they save time and energy and we can focus on our thing 👏
Thank you so much for your support these weeks it’s been a blessing to have you in the community 🙏🏼
Your words about going viral for the sake of going viral are bang on! At the end of the day, people will stick around for the daily menu not the sporadic specials. You’ve got to focus on the regulars. Easier said than done but as someone who works in Marketing this part has been the easiest for me to wrap my head around starting my own newsletter. It’s a gift when people opt-out because they’re letting you exist more freely in the space you need to occupy.
💯💯💯 I love to see it as a gift too rather than a rejection. They’re gifting you freedom to keep doing your shit than to feel limited and forced to adapt to a reader base that isn’t aligned 👏👏
Wow, I needed to read this today. I lost some subscribers today after a period of pretty rapid growth over the last couple of weeks. It stings. I didn't think what I posted today was that controversial but it is definitely aligned with my overall perspective. So my intellectual self knows that it is probably good, they are not a fit for me but my emotional self still feels bummed.
I feel you !! Imagine how easy it would be if our emotional selves were able to see the unsubs (especially in pieces that are in line with your intention) as blessings 🙏🏼❣️
Mmmmm. "Your list is an ebb and flow of wonderful people who happen to stumble upon your work at a certain time in their life when what you provide is what they need." YES YES YES
Yes MAMA it’s like life at large really just a digital speeded up version… we all have people who come and go in our lives irl too. Some are there to stay others pass by to teach us something and I think it gets heavy to carry the sadness of what maybe wasn’t supposed to be, so instead let’s think of it as this beautiful ebb and flow 🥰🥰
Almost every time I send an email I lose 1-2 people from one of my old lists. People who attends my workshops long ago. People I remember, faces I know from LinkedIn… initially I was so hurt but as you say, it’s a good thing in the end. Overall, there’s always more people joining than leaving and I’m not supporting those people’s work either because we just have to prioritise what’s important to us.
Like with everything in life, when we say no to something (are unsubscribing) we’re saying yes to something else. And that’s something we should support people do more of, take care of themselves, their inbox, mental health… 🔥
Oh my, I feel every unsubscribe! I’m trying to ignore them and focus instead on the people who engage with my writing and Notes, but it’s hard not to take it personally 🥴
Of course it is and it always will to some extent or another. A concrete example; this morning I woke up feeling like I wanted to delete this post altogether because what was I thinking?
Then I remind myself that I’ve averaged 1-2 hrs of sleep per night for a week due to sick children (and myself) and that last night when we’re all well my eldest suddenly woke up to per and woke her sister up in the pursuit of going to the toilet…. After which her sister roamed wild between 3-5am and I felt like I could sink through the floor and everything you read and hear becomes a personal attack…
These things are definitely harder to manage when being in the thickness of motherhood but that too has its ebbs and flows!
Please don't delete your post... (although of course you don't have to listen to me!) I find so much value in mothers working within the reality of motherhood: it's messy and chaotic and yet something about it is so joyful and wonderful. I think it's the very fact of being forced to work in the edges that makes us love and value our craft so much: it's so precious when we do get that time.
And sometimes our work isn't perfect as a result (although I didn't notice any imperfections in yours, as always!): but that's ok.
Feel free to delete, but also know that this mama found value in your work this week :)
Haha don’t worry I will not delete 🥰 I unpublished one story so far (and have prepared an essay about the process waiting for the right time to get published…) but in general I recognise the difference in my gut when I’m being irrationally sleep deprived or when I genuinely feel like changing my mind ❤️
Yes that’s really it!! You’ve been killing it lately on notes I’m so impressed Mika and I’m hoping you’re having a lot of aligned readers coming your way while I also realise there may be some unsub waves weaved in too 🫶🏼✨
Great points. I've had people unsub from my stack as I've unsubbed as well. It's part of the process. Meanwhile, I love supporting other writers whether paid or free and have way too much to read. Sigh. And so it goes. :)
Your perspective on unsubscribes as a natural part of the ebb and flow of readership is refreshing. It's reassuring to hear your how you manage the complexities of maintaining an engaged audience.
I love how you said, “Your list is an ebb and flow of wonderful people who happen to stumble upon your work at a certain time in their life when what you provide is what they need.” It’s not about your ego, greed, and numbers. It’s about writing from your heart for people who need it. Thank you for your healthy perspective.
This post landed with such great timing for me today. I scrubbed my list just the other day and then wondered if I'd regret it. Then, this morning after my usual email went out I saw my number drop by a few. BUT right after that? I got a couple of new PAID subs which tells me they DO want to be here. It all works for the greater good in the end.
Nice touch. Been there, done that. I whittled 5000 supposed followers down to about 500 truly interested subscribers and my open rates rose to nearly 50%. And since I've got quite a few new no-openers now through migrating to Substack, it's probably time to wean off a few again.
You're right - like "when" is one of these going to do something simple like click on a link? Not ever, even when you ask them.
Of course, I went the route of giving away ebooks for supposed subscribers. I like value for value better, as here on Substack.
For sure, there’s definitely another depth to the conversations here on Substack, which I really appreciate. And the idea of value is different in my opinion.
To do free PDF giveaways worked very well for me but it wasn’t ebooks but rather directly usable patterns for embroidery, and then I’d receive tons of pictures of people who stitched them up. I think it really depends on the niche on what works and what doesn’t.
Great to see you here and thanks for your contribution!!
I swear when that showed up I thought for a moment "holy sh*t" she kicked me off her list!" On a more serious note, I love the way you put things in perspective. A great reminder that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Appreciate you!
Hahaha this made me chuckle I didn’t even think of that 🫣😆 I wanted to make a bold title to grab attention to an important topic, thankfully it solidified your presence more than making you want to leave haha, grateful to have you 🥂
Me too!!!
I really thought I was "Being Invited to Unsubscribe"!!😱
Haha I had the same reaction!
Your words are pure gold Elin and you always seem to write exactly what I need to read ✨
I’ve been growing steadily for a few months now and am so close to the 100 mark, however, last week I lost 4 subscribers in one day, why I have no idea. But again you have reminded me that slow and steady growth is much more valuable, so thank you! 🤍
This is a fascinating yet utterly inexplicable trend you’ll discover over time: unsubscribers always tend to come in bulk and then there’s radio silence for a bit in between (I can’t track especially for my email lists as it’s too much movement but this applies especially to my art membership where all is roses and then one day several unsubscribes from different parts of the world and you wonder whether they all know each other somehow…) 😆❤️
Haha how strange! Maybe they all telepathically tell one another to unsubscribe 🙈
Loool yeah you know I’ve seriously contemplated on this many times through the years xD and even more since my husband started a second business where there’s a similar pattern but in a completely different niche … so strange!!!!
Wow, that’s so interesting!
When I posted my new ‘welcome post’ I lost a few subscribers, and then gained about ten times that in the following hours! It was a rollercoaster day, a kind of a recalibration. I was sad but the influx did make up for it! Thanks for staying your thoughts! ✨💛✨
Oh it’s fantastic news I think 👏 some housekeeping for those who weren’t fully aligned and getting more onboard for those who are 👏❣️🥰
Well, this piece is reflective of "fast intuition," so I guess I observed just right in my testimonial. I personally wouldn't worry about unsubs; there's a sea of many potential subs out there. My 5-week experience on here is that if you have good content, write well, and maintain some level of activity, you'll find your people.
On going viral, the point you make cannot be overemphasized. Going viral is good. (There's a note of mine that's "gone viral", amassing 328 likes, very interesting convo in the comments, and 40+ subs so far.) But you want to go viral with your content. Posts on how to grow on Substack are popular, but these are irrelevant to most readers who aren't writers.
Growth is work, and what is more tiring that work is the "wrong" kind of work. There's wisdom in the "slow is smooth" thing; numbers stack up slowly but steadily and are reflective of one's overall message and theme. As for those who'll inevitably leave, they should: they deserve a publication that is worth their time. Also, it's a large market on here... plenty of people to find.
Thanks, Elin, and thanks for the mention.
Ps. I’m really curious to know what was the note about that is trending for you and even more so - how can you track conversion from that?! I’m really confused by the metric translation from Notes… 🥸
Was just doing a rough estimation, looking at subscribers' emails as most were subscribing as we conversed in the comments section. Also, hadn't published a new post at the time (I publish just once weekly), so I could rule out subs from posts.
This has taught me something: a note that resonates, and which is in line with the overall message of your publication, and taking the time to respond in a way that deepens the conversation in the messages, is just as good as a post. Here's the link to the note (can see on profile as well): https://substack.com/@patomuindi/note/c-48747312
Yes! And love the last bit: they also deserve a publication worthy of their time. You’re so in point that the benefits really go both ways, they save time and energy and we can focus on our thing 👏
Thank you so much for your support these weeks it’s been a blessing to have you in the community 🙏🏼
Always welcome, and thank you.
Your words about going viral for the sake of going viral are bang on! At the end of the day, people will stick around for the daily menu not the sporadic specials. You’ve got to focus on the regulars. Easier said than done but as someone who works in Marketing this part has been the easiest for me to wrap my head around starting my own newsletter. It’s a gift when people opt-out because they’re letting you exist more freely in the space you need to occupy.
💯💯💯 I love to see it as a gift too rather than a rejection. They’re gifting you freedom to keep doing your shit than to feel limited and forced to adapt to a reader base that isn’t aligned 👏👏
And also important to remember that not everything that goes viral is good or has heart lol
Dropping truth bombs 💣 😂
Wow, I needed to read this today. I lost some subscribers today after a period of pretty rapid growth over the last couple of weeks. It stings. I didn't think what I posted today was that controversial but it is definitely aligned with my overall perspective. So my intellectual self knows that it is probably good, they are not a fit for me but my emotional self still feels bummed.
I feel you !! Imagine how easy it would be if our emotional selves were able to see the unsubs (especially in pieces that are in line with your intention) as blessings 🙏🏼❣️
Mmmmm. "Your list is an ebb and flow of wonderful people who happen to stumble upon your work at a certain time in their life when what you provide is what they need." YES YES YES
Yes MAMA it’s like life at large really just a digital speeded up version… we all have people who come and go in our lives irl too. Some are there to stay others pass by to teach us something and I think it gets heavy to carry the sadness of what maybe wasn’t supposed to be, so instead let’s think of it as this beautiful ebb and flow 🥰🥰
Ohhh love this!
Almost every time I send an email I lose 1-2 people from one of my old lists. People who attends my workshops long ago. People I remember, faces I know from LinkedIn… initially I was so hurt but as you say, it’s a good thing in the end. Overall, there’s always more people joining than leaving and I’m not supporting those people’s work either because we just have to prioritise what’s important to us.
Like with everything in life, when we say no to something (are unsubscribing) we’re saying yes to something else. And that’s something we should support people do more of, take care of themselves, their inbox, mental health… 🔥
This “when we say no to something we say yes to something else” 👏👏 this is the key!! 🫶🏼
Oh my, I feel every unsubscribe! I’m trying to ignore them and focus instead on the people who engage with my writing and Notes, but it’s hard not to take it personally 🥴
Of course it is and it always will to some extent or another. A concrete example; this morning I woke up feeling like I wanted to delete this post altogether because what was I thinking?
Then I remind myself that I’ve averaged 1-2 hrs of sleep per night for a week due to sick children (and myself) and that last night when we’re all well my eldest suddenly woke up to per and woke her sister up in the pursuit of going to the toilet…. After which her sister roamed wild between 3-5am and I felt like I could sink through the floor and everything you read and hear becomes a personal attack…
These things are definitely harder to manage when being in the thickness of motherhood but that too has its ebbs and flows!
Sending you so much love: that sounds so tough!
Please don't delete your post... (although of course you don't have to listen to me!) I find so much value in mothers working within the reality of motherhood: it's messy and chaotic and yet something about it is so joyful and wonderful. I think it's the very fact of being forced to work in the edges that makes us love and value our craft so much: it's so precious when we do get that time.
And sometimes our work isn't perfect as a result (although I didn't notice any imperfections in yours, as always!): but that's ok.
Feel free to delete, but also know that this mama found value in your work this week :)
Haha don’t worry I will not delete 🥰 I unpublished one story so far (and have prepared an essay about the process waiting for the right time to get published…) but in general I recognise the difference in my gut when I’m being irrationally sleep deprived or when I genuinely feel like changing my mind ❤️
I read your comment on Remy’s note and I’m so glad you expanded on it. I absolutely feel the same way.
People leaving, leaves more room for aligned people to come!
If you write aligned pieces the right people will go AND the right people will come. 💕
Yes that’s really it!! You’ve been killing it lately on notes I’m so impressed Mika and I’m hoping you’re having a lot of aligned readers coming your way while I also realise there may be some unsub waves weaved in too 🫶🏼✨
Great points. I've had people unsub from my stack as I've unsubbed as well. It's part of the process. Meanwhile, I love supporting other writers whether paid or free and have way too much to read. Sigh. And so it goes. :)
Haha yes I can sign under to this, feels like the tbr pile never goes down but rather the inverse… appreciate you taking the time to read this✨🥂
Your perspective on unsubscribes as a natural part of the ebb and flow of readership is refreshing. It's reassuring to hear your how you manage the complexities of maintaining an engaged audience.
Thanks Winston I’m very glad you took value from this!
I love how you said, “Your list is an ebb and flow of wonderful people who happen to stumble upon your work at a certain time in their life when what you provide is what they need.” It’s not about your ego, greed, and numbers. It’s about writing from your heart for people who need it. Thank you for your healthy perspective.
Thank you Mary for your sweet words and for seeing what the point of this essay was, I appreciate you! 🫶🏼
This post landed with such great timing for me today. I scrubbed my list just the other day and then wondered if I'd regret it. Then, this morning after my usual email went out I saw my number drop by a few. BUT right after that? I got a couple of new PAID subs which tells me they DO want to be here. It all works for the greater good in the end.
It always does 🫶🏼 we all need to have faith in the process even when it feels really difficult 🥰 you did the good thing 🥂
You speak to me!
Yay I’m so glad!
Nice touch. Been there, done that. I whittled 5000 supposed followers down to about 500 truly interested subscribers and my open rates rose to nearly 50%. And since I've got quite a few new no-openers now through migrating to Substack, it's probably time to wean off a few again.
You're right - like "when" is one of these going to do something simple like click on a link? Not ever, even when you ask them.
Of course, I went the route of giving away ebooks for supposed subscribers. I like value for value better, as here on Substack.
For sure, there’s definitely another depth to the conversations here on Substack, which I really appreciate. And the idea of value is different in my opinion.
To do free PDF giveaways worked very well for me but it wasn’t ebooks but rather directly usable patterns for embroidery, and then I’d receive tons of pictures of people who stitched them up. I think it really depends on the niche on what works and what doesn’t.
Great to see you here and thanks for your contribution!!