Nail Your Newsletter
Journalist Nancy Durrant taught members how to write your own Substack or newsletter. It's all about:
• Getting people hooked on your content
• Finding your unique voice
• Building a loyal audience of readers
First Steps: “Do You Have Something to Say?”
Identify your expertise: Before starting, ask yourself, "What do I have to say?" Clarify your area of expertise and decide how you want to invite people into your professional world.
Authenticity is key: Don’t force radical ideas. Stay true to what you believe and remember that your genuine voice matters.
Reasons to Start a Newsletter
Showcase your expertise: While generating income may not happen immediately, think of your newsletter as a platform to showcase your writing and knowledge.
Extend your personal brand: Use it as an extension of your personal brand or to think through important matters.
Raise your profile: Build awareness and position yourself clearly in your field.
Highlight a cause: If you are passionate about a particular issue, a newsletter can help you develop your position.
Know Your Audience
Who are you writing for? Consider if you want to engage a niche audience (like art world professionals) or if you'd prefer to engage a broader group.
Language matters: Tailor your language - make sure it’s accessible and engaging for the audience you want to reach
Finding Your Voice
Discover your voice: The key to finding your voice is writing with authenticity and listening to what sounds natural. Read your work aloud to fine-tune your style.
Keep it conversational: Aim for a conversational writing style - slightly formalized and restructured into a coherent argument.
How to Drive Readers to Your Page
Promote actively: In the early stages, promotion is essential. Engage with other Substack writers, comment on their posts, and share your own regularly.
Leverage social media: Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can drive traffic to your page. Share snippets of your writing and direct people to your Substack.
Bonus Tips
Consistency is important: To grow an audience, maintain a regular schedule. Remember: “People want to know that what they enjoyed last week is going to be there again”
Keep it concise: Aim for around 600 words. Avoid the temptation to write long pieces right away— “You have to earn length”