I don't quite understand the question Harriette. Are you talking about one of my AI tools? The 5 Note firestarter is available in the Substack Writing System. It gives you 5 different Notes from one piece of content. https://derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-writing-engine/
This is the first advice I've read on substack so far that focuses on practical strategy that matches metrics (rather than motivation, or the suggestion there is practical stuff for newbies to learn for the right price point:).
I look forward to supporting creators and strategic innovators when I can, as I appreciate that insights are valuable.
But for now? It is genuinely helpful to read ways to build that foundational traction, to make all other forms of support more broadly possible.
Derek, this is an interesting breakdown, and I appreciate the clarity. What struck me most is that your system isn’t really about shortcuts — it’s about paying careful attention to what resonates and then iterating with intention.
A few things here feel especially true:
• Notes aren’t decoration; they’re discovery.
Most writers underestimate the power of showing up in small, consistent ways.
• The dashboard tells a more honest story than likes or intuition.
Subscriber-driven data is far more revealing than vanity metrics.
• Reposting only works if the idea has enduring value.
Readers can sense when a note is repeated for impact versus repeated for noise.
Where I might differ slightly is in the emphasis on volume. For some voices, especially those rooted in reflection or craft, multiplying variations works best when the underlying idea is strong — not simply when the algorithm approves of the shape.
Still, your overall message is sound:
experiment, observe, refine.
And for many creators here, that reminder alone is worth its weight.
Great info. I can certainly see the value of doing this, however, this is something one cannot apply as a complete newbie... I struggle to get any note read. (Granted, I have only been on here for 2 weeks)
I keep reading that beginners often post into the void and that is ok. But how can you learn if nobody sees you Notes tot start with?
This isn't what I thought It was. Or am I reading older information?
Is the Notes growth system the one I should use to get the different versions of my post?
I don't quite understand the question Harriette. Are you talking about one of my AI tools? The 5 Note firestarter is available in the Substack Writing System. It gives you 5 different Notes from one piece of content. https://derekhughes.thrivecart.com/substack-writing-engine/
I got the substack tool kit. I can't locate it now. So much has been happening. I will search my email for it.
Thanks Derek.
This is the first advice I've read on substack so far that focuses on practical strategy that matches metrics (rather than motivation, or the suggestion there is practical stuff for newbies to learn for the right price point:).
I look forward to supporting creators and strategic innovators when I can, as I appreciate that insights are valuable.
But for now? It is genuinely helpful to read ways to build that foundational traction, to make all other forms of support more broadly possible.
Thanks for that!
Derek, this is an interesting breakdown, and I appreciate the clarity. What struck me most is that your system isn’t really about shortcuts — it’s about paying careful attention to what resonates and then iterating with intention.
A few things here feel especially true:
• Notes aren’t decoration; they’re discovery.
Most writers underestimate the power of showing up in small, consistent ways.
• The dashboard tells a more honest story than likes or intuition.
Subscriber-driven data is far more revealing than vanity metrics.
• Reposting only works if the idea has enduring value.
Readers can sense when a note is repeated for impact versus repeated for noise.
Where I might differ slightly is in the emphasis on volume. For some voices, especially those rooted in reflection or craft, multiplying variations works best when the underlying idea is strong — not simply when the algorithm approves of the shape.
Still, your overall message is sound:
experiment, observe, refine.
And for many creators here, that reminder alone is worth its weight.
Thanks for laying it out so clearly.
— Coach Sydnor
Wow, the custom AI tool that writes in your voice sounds realy brilliant! How did you 'train' it to capture that specific tone?
A lot of trial and error mainly using custom prompts and projects with a lot of attachments. I've just started doing this for other people too. https://derekhughes.thrivecart.com/the-irresistible-substack-agent/
This is quite helpful. Thanks for sharing this.
Appreciate the hints, while I am still new, that was really helpful, thank you!
ok, but you just taught me more than anyone ever has on this platform, I literally going line by line to check my numbers and I'm learning so much. 👌
Always happy to help people grow on Substack Shirley
Great read! I am still new to all this, so this is very helpful. Appreciate you!
Thank you for your work
Great info. I can certainly see the value of doing this, however, this is something one cannot apply as a complete newbie... I struggle to get any note read. (Granted, I have only been on here for 2 weeks)
I keep reading that beginners often post into the void and that is ok. But how can you learn if nobody sees you Notes tot start with?
Good insights. Thank you :)