What are office hours? When do they come out and what do I do to engage with them fully? 😆 I’ve been here a year and still don’t get it
Notes too - they’re loud and busy and I don’t know if I like it. It feels like a place I need to show up and perform so people will find and follow me which isn’t what I wanted from here but maybe is also what I need? Who knows 🤔
Sections truly are a gift to us multi-passionate beings. They can help with clarity around the different threads we are following. It took me awhile to find what each one was and will be but it has helped massively with knowing where what will live. P.S. Receiving own email is a brilliant idea. Thank you.
It is so comforting to know it took you a while to figure out what to write. I sometimes feel my writing is all over the place and perhaps I am trying to work out what a) interests me and what b) interests my readers. Sections sounds like a good way of where it could go in the future if I felt the need to untangle the two main things I tend to write about. 🙌🏻
Oh totally Kylie-Ann! So I really used this as a place to process my postpartum feelings and my thoughts being a career for two children and my husband who had/ has post covid viral fatigue to start with... I just needed to be heard even if that was by two people... then when I moved my mailing list here it felt different because I used to email them once a month and there was a format to that but inbetween all of it sometimes I think - ooo flash of inspiration I just want to write a Substack post! I love writing these Friday emails and helping others on their journey but none of that part was planned... although I’ve always mentored creatives since being very young I didn’t come here for that originally ! What are you most enjoying writing about? Cx
I don't know what sections are... maybe I do and I may have used it? I think I've used "tags" thinking that it's good for SEO when people search for certain types of posts I make, haha. Still so much more to learn.
You set them up to talk about different things/ manage your audience. Multiple sections within the one publication is a lovely thing, a lovely opportunity but it’s one of those things that is totally optional. The beautiful thing is people can unsubscribe from sections so you can (in theory) have wildly different topics. So this is a section but lots of my subscribers aren’t on Substack so won’t be interested in reading it... hope that helps? Cx
I am unsure about sections...I am still figuring out my writing style and topics. But I did just recently start a section called 'Education', as I know one of my primary writing interests is different methods of education, home schooling, education philosophy, and so on. I also have a second Substack for fiction, as I feel that is a world apart from this newsletter.
I’m getting more comfortable with Notes. When it first came out, it felt very overwhelming but now I am making my way round it and I am okay with it now.
I don’t have sections on my Substack, but also I can’t see other sections on others Substacks on the app. Maybe I’m missing something?
Hmm yes can’t see them on the app only on desktop!
So it’s way more for us to feel organised here and I find myself writing out what section I’m writing in if it’s Big Dreams or Substack because I want to be clear on that...
Hopefully they will pull through into the app soon.
I found it quite a whimsical invite to be playful with my bigger vision here - I like them ALOT!
Hi, Claire! I am new to your Substack and am thoroughly loving it already! Thanks for creating such a lovely place to be.
I think I understand Sections, but haven't utilized it just yet. I've noticed that I can see people's Sections when I'm on the actual website. But when I'm on the mobile app, I can't see any of their Sections unless I tap on Manage My Subscription. I always see people recommending the app, but I don't understand why - if it doesn't resemble the website and allow us to see all the "extras". Maybe I'm misunderstanding something?
As for Notes, I haven't tried that either. I'm just not sure what to say. I have a very small audience with only a couple people who actually engage - sometimes. Is Notes something I should be utilizing now or do I wait until I have a good amount of subscribers?
Yes the desktop is way better than the app for sure!! They are constantly improving it though.
Hmm I guess what I’d say is - use Notes if it feels playful to you and use the “my subscribers” button to chat a little with those folk on there... you can get to know your subscribers a little that way...
You could treat it as an added bonus and just share things that feel good to share restacking your faves or your own work or sharing frustrations, challenges, thoughts... it only takes one reply before they gain traction...
You can also join in the conversations with a thread to them too.
It’s all optional - I’ve got friends who don’t use it as it a little too social media esq for them and they’d rather just write and post and read other publications.
It’s your space to curate in a way that feels glorious to you.
Thanks so much for taking the time to offer some advice! I ended up sharing my first Note just before you commented. I might not hear anything but crickets, but it felt good to finally do it. Thanks for being the inspiration!
Hi Claire. I'm definitely on the side of confusion with sections! Maybe I need to give it more thought. And I totally agree about the tip around asking for feedback before publishing. My husband proofreads every newsletter of mine on a Thursday before it goes out on a Friday ... the things he does for love! But the great thing is that he gives me an honest review. You don't want someone telling you it's good or not pointing out a mistake because it may hurt their feelings. Honesty is required.
I was also battling between a couple of ideas this week and I had to quieten that noise to help me focus and make the right decision and I mean the right decision for me, not everyone else. It definitely helps :) x
Ooo the pull of two things - I’ve had that a lot actually and now I’ve learnt to schedule a post for a week or so in the future to revisit and see what fits better...
I love that your husband proofs your articles - thats just so magic! Dave makes me read his in preview so I won’t change things 😂 ✨✏️
I have 3 substacks, lol! Though I did set the first 2 up before sections were announced and they have distinct audiences and functions. And since they were so specific, it made sense to have a 3rd for the art, and I love the focus, personally. Notes, though, really feels like I’m speaking into a void, and it makes me feel a bit anxious/left out. I have conversations with others on Notes, though, which is nice, but it does nothing to build traction for me. I guess part of the reason is because most of my readers aren’t part of the substack network...I’d love to figure out how substack’s network effect works. Have you written about that, Claire?
3! Ha love this! When did you join? I think I would have ended up the same.
I hear you on Notes. I honestly think some of the traction I’ve had is I brought lots of people here after teaching my Substack Masterclass and I’d chatted in open office hours before that...
Growing through the Substack network - YES I’m teaching that as part of Mondays Masterclass. I’ve fathomed out 7 ways Substack helps us grow and plan to share how I’ve been making the most of each of those! 🥰 you’re so welcome to come!
Some time in 2020. And then the next year I think I set up the second substack, which I fleshed out a bit better this year. And this year I set up the art substack.
Ah, I think I should hop on to office hours more. I just find it confusing, and getting back to replies/comments isn’t the easiest!
Your master class sounds great, but I’m on a pretty tight budget, and currency conversions don’t help any!
Thanks for sharing your second Substack- I recently started a second one and was wondering if it was overkill. Same reason as you, though, as it has a completely different audience. I think it's the right step for me.
I love sections & tags! I started using them as soon as they were introduced and it keeps everything nicely organized. Love them as a reader, too.
Great insights on Notes - I'm very much still finding my feet with them, and as a new/small publication sometimes feel like I'm shouting into a void. Your perspective is encouraging 🙂
You can have two paid substacks. I do. Requires two different stripe 'accounts' but they're attached to the same email. Not sure about the nitty-gritty but it does work.
Ahh thanks Zenobia! Ok I’ll look into the stripe thing for the future of Company of Two...
I think we just know don’t we... for us because Company of Two is co authored AND niched it made so much sense. Also I’m keen to make sure what I post has broad appeal to creatives and we didn’t want to dull or dilute our motherhood stories at Company of Two...
I wonder whether with Notes it takes a while and it could be dependent on whether your subscribers use it too? You can join conversations with others as a starting point or try to share and restack things that connected for you?
I’m looking forward to the replay of Notes on Notes - I think it will be on their YouTube channel...
Yes, it's definitely a 'you just know' situation! I think for me one stack is also a lot more personal than the other, so again different readerships.
Most of my subscribers are not on Substack, but I've brought in from friends/social media so that is probably a factor. I have dipped my toes into sharing and restacking so perhaps it will be a good idea to focus on that more. There's so much worth sharing so it's not hard!
Ooh this is very interesting and timely regarding sections. I considering introducing sections as way to give myself more space to write about things. Great to be able to see how other people use them and if they’re useful!
I find my own shoulds usually come from the external world. I love what Claire has proposed through the questions. Getting aligned with our inner intentions really is the answer we seek. ❤️❤️❤️
I was intimidated by Notes at first too, but I realized I can just scroll through and chat with people that are talking about things I am interested in. I try to spend a little time each day doing that.
Morning Claire! Sounds like it’s been a very busy week for you 💛 I hope you get some time to rest. I like the idea of sections for creating a menu, and I don’t find them confusing personally. I think having a way for subscribers to choose between different sections to read is great, but it doesn’t allow for different types of paid options. I’m (very slowly) investigating a new thing, and I think I will have to have it as a separate publication, as any paid option wouldn’t work with my current substack. But it’s a lot of extra work to set up and manage a separate publication.. and I’m already incredibly time poor..
Ooo maybe that’s something for the long term goals and remember you can always set up slow build from the off so with one of my commissioner newsletters it goes out seasonally so just four a year and we still have 400 (and growing) people on that list... 👀✨🌱✉️🗺️
I’m definitely taking it slow. I’m excited about it but I need it to feel different energetically for me, and I want it to be my escape from employment, so it’s not going to be quick..
Subscribe to your own publication was great advice, Claire, thank you! And getting someone else to look over your newsletters - early feedback - sometimes I feel like it isn't warranted here (code for: my publication isn't good enough to need this) but it's something I care about so why not put this back on the table?!
Yes I could see little swap groups emerging - just not sure of the vehicle yet. This week two friends used the secret link to send me their posts to cast eyes on and I loved that!
For my husband David I often have to say this is probably a two parter or ask him to copy and paste whole sections out - his process is rooted in thoughts, feelings and research so sometimes we have to bring it all back to the reader.
I asked him to read one I have scheduled for tomorrow and he suggested cutting a paragraph and I’d already wondered if it was out of place but I wouldn’t have cut it because you sometimes get attached to the storytelling in it don’t you?
It’s been a beautiful and interesting week, thanks for asking!
I’ve been preparing to launch my substack and paid subscription for a live group coaching option, which I’m only going to open a couple of times a year for women who are on a healing journey with shadow work.
Your post really supported me in making this move, so thank you for all that you share xx
It's a free one, I'm not a paid sub. It's dated 24th May.... Just realised you might mean the post is setting up sections for paid?! Maybe I need more ☕ ?
I used his tip on hiding the section from the menu bar and a few others from the post.
So I've been working in the back office of SS this week, preparing the ground for my list import.
What are office hours? When do they come out and what do I do to engage with them fully? 😆 I’ve been here a year and still don’t get it
Notes too - they’re loud and busy and I don’t know if I like it. It feels like a place I need to show up and perform so people will find and follow me which isn’t what I wanted from here but maybe is also what I need? Who knows 🤔
Oh ok I am going to make a YouTube about notes!! Office hours you just subscribe to the emails from Substack and you’ll get those! ✨🪄
Sections truly are a gift to us multi-passionate beings. They can help with clarity around the different threads we are following. It took me awhile to find what each one was and will be but it has helped massively with knowing where what will live. P.S. Receiving own email is a brilliant idea. Thank you.
Do you feel you’re there and settled? I don’t think I’ve got capacity for more but one is bubbling 🙈✨😆
I do yes. But I also feel it will be an ever-evolving thing just as we are ever-evloving beings. :)
Love this 💗🌱
It is so comforting to know it took you a while to figure out what to write. I sometimes feel my writing is all over the place and perhaps I am trying to work out what a) interests me and what b) interests my readers. Sections sounds like a good way of where it could go in the future if I felt the need to untangle the two main things I tend to write about. 🙌🏻
Oh totally Kylie-Ann! So I really used this as a place to process my postpartum feelings and my thoughts being a career for two children and my husband who had/ has post covid viral fatigue to start with... I just needed to be heard even if that was by two people... then when I moved my mailing list here it felt different because I used to email them once a month and there was a format to that but inbetween all of it sometimes I think - ooo flash of inspiration I just want to write a Substack post! I love writing these Friday emails and helping others on their journey but none of that part was planned... although I’ve always mentored creatives since being very young I didn’t come here for that originally ! What are you most enjoying writing about? Cx
I don't know what sections are... maybe I do and I may have used it? I think I've used "tags" thinking that it's good for SEO when people search for certain types of posts I make, haha. Still so much more to learn.
You set them up to talk about different things/ manage your audience. Multiple sections within the one publication is a lovely thing, a lovely opportunity but it’s one of those things that is totally optional. The beautiful thing is people can unsubscribe from sections so you can (in theory) have wildly different topics. So this is a section but lots of my subscribers aren’t on Substack so won’t be interested in reading it... hope that helps? Cx
Oh okay, yeah that makes a lot more sense!
✨✏️💗
I am unsure about sections...I am still figuring out my writing style and topics. But I did just recently start a section called 'Education', as I know one of my primary writing interests is different methods of education, home schooling, education philosophy, and so on. I also have a second Substack for fiction, as I feel that is a world apart from this newsletter.
That sounds good! I think we can grow into them... they are such an opportunity! ✨✏️✨
Happy Friday Claire! 🌸
I’m getting more comfortable with Notes. When it first came out, it felt very overwhelming but now I am making my way round it and I am okay with it now.
I don’t have sections on my Substack, but also I can’t see other sections on others Substacks on the app. Maybe I’m missing something?
Aw thanks!!
Hmm yes can’t see them on the app only on desktop!
So it’s way more for us to feel organised here and I find myself writing out what section I’m writing in if it’s Big Dreams or Substack because I want to be clear on that...
Hopefully they will pull through into the app soon.
I found it quite a whimsical invite to be playful with my bigger vision here - I like them ALOT!
Cx ✨✉️✨🌸
Hi, Claire! I am new to your Substack and am thoroughly loving it already! Thanks for creating such a lovely place to be.
I think I understand Sections, but haven't utilized it just yet. I've noticed that I can see people's Sections when I'm on the actual website. But when I'm on the mobile app, I can't see any of their Sections unless I tap on Manage My Subscription. I always see people recommending the app, but I don't understand why - if it doesn't resemble the website and allow us to see all the "extras". Maybe I'm misunderstanding something?
As for Notes, I haven't tried that either. I'm just not sure what to say. I have a very small audience with only a couple people who actually engage - sometimes. Is Notes something I should be utilizing now or do I wait until I have a good amount of subscribers?
Hi Melissa!! Thanks for being here!!
👋
Yes the desktop is way better than the app for sure!! They are constantly improving it though.
Hmm I guess what I’d say is - use Notes if it feels playful to you and use the “my subscribers” button to chat a little with those folk on there... you can get to know your subscribers a little that way...
You could treat it as an added bonus and just share things that feel good to share restacking your faves or your own work or sharing frustrations, challenges, thoughts... it only takes one reply before they gain traction...
You can also join in the conversations with a thread to them too.
It’s all optional - I’ve got friends who don’t use it as it a little too social media esq for them and they’d rather just write and post and read other publications.
It’s your space to curate in a way that feels glorious to you.
Cx
Thanks so much for taking the time to offer some advice! I ended up sharing my first Note just before you commented. I might not hear anything but crickets, but it felt good to finally do it. Thanks for being the inspiration!
You’re welcome. ✨
Hi Claire. I'm definitely on the side of confusion with sections! Maybe I need to give it more thought. And I totally agree about the tip around asking for feedback before publishing. My husband proofreads every newsletter of mine on a Thursday before it goes out on a Friday ... the things he does for love! But the great thing is that he gives me an honest review. You don't want someone telling you it's good or not pointing out a mistake because it may hurt their feelings. Honesty is required.
I was also battling between a couple of ideas this week and I had to quieten that noise to help me focus and make the right decision and I mean the right decision for me, not everyone else. It definitely helps :) x
Ooo the pull of two things - I’ve had that a lot actually and now I’ve learnt to schedule a post for a week or so in the future to revisit and see what fits better...
I love that your husband proofs your articles - thats just so magic! Dave makes me read his in preview so I won’t change things 😂 ✨✏️
I have 3 substacks, lol! Though I did set the first 2 up before sections were announced and they have distinct audiences and functions. And since they were so specific, it made sense to have a 3rd for the art, and I love the focus, personally. Notes, though, really feels like I’m speaking into a void, and it makes me feel a bit anxious/left out. I have conversations with others on Notes, though, which is nice, but it does nothing to build traction for me. I guess part of the reason is because most of my readers aren’t part of the substack network...I’d love to figure out how substack’s network effect works. Have you written about that, Claire?
3! Ha love this! When did you join? I think I would have ended up the same.
I hear you on Notes. I honestly think some of the traction I’ve had is I brought lots of people here after teaching my Substack Masterclass and I’d chatted in open office hours before that...
Growing through the Substack network - YES I’m teaching that as part of Mondays Masterclass. I’ve fathomed out 7 ways Substack helps us grow and plan to share how I’ve been making the most of each of those! 🥰 you’re so welcome to come!
Some time in 2020. And then the next year I think I set up the second substack, which I fleshed out a bit better this year. And this year I set up the art substack.
Ah, I think I should hop on to office hours more. I just find it confusing, and getting back to replies/comments isn’t the easiest!
Your master class sounds great, but I’m on a pretty tight budget, and currency conversions don’t help any!
Ahh fab!
I offer free spots if you want one just email me - claire@creativelyconscious.co.uk
Oh, that is incredibly kind! I will drop you an email, thank you ♥️
All sorted for you! ✨
Thanks for sharing your second Substack- I recently started a second one and was wondering if it was overkill. Same reason as you, though, as it has a completely different audience. I think it's the right step for me.
I love sections & tags! I started using them as soon as they were introduced and it keeps everything nicely organized. Love them as a reader, too.
Great insights on Notes - I'm very much still finding my feet with them, and as a new/small publication sometimes feel like I'm shouting into a void. Your perspective is encouraging 🙂
You can have two paid substacks. I do. Requires two different stripe 'accounts' but they're attached to the same email. Not sure about the nitty-gritty but it does work.
Ahh thanks Zenobia! Ok I’ll look into the stripe thing for the future of Company of Two...
I think we just know don’t we... for us because Company of Two is co authored AND niched it made so much sense. Also I’m keen to make sure what I post has broad appeal to creatives and we didn’t want to dull or dilute our motherhood stories at Company of Two...
I wonder whether with Notes it takes a while and it could be dependent on whether your subscribers use it too? You can join conversations with others as a starting point or try to share and restack things that connected for you?
I’m looking forward to the replay of Notes on Notes - I think it will be on their YouTube channel...
✨✏️✨
Yes, it's definitely a 'you just know' situation! I think for me one stack is also a lot more personal than the other, so again different readerships.
Most of my subscribers are not on Substack, but I've brought in from friends/social media so that is probably a factor. I have dipped my toes into sharing and restacking so perhaps it will be a good idea to focus on that more. There's so much worth sharing so it's not hard!
Ooh this is very interesting and timely regarding sections. I considering introducing sections as way to give myself more space to write about things. Great to be able to see how other people use them and if they’re useful!
Yes they have been so useful for me and helped me to grow into what each of them were for...
i know i SHOULD use notes but I still can't quite figure out how to use them xD
I find my own shoulds usually come from the external world. I love what Claire has proposed through the questions. Getting aligned with our inner intentions really is the answer we seek. ❤️❤️❤️
You've got that right!
✨😂🌱✍️🙌🏻⚖️
That’s the thing isn’t it because we have to want to show up and to want to show up we need to know this stuff! ✨🌱
I was intimidated by Notes at first too, but I realized I can just scroll through and chat with people that are talking about things I am interested in. I try to spend a little time each day doing that.
That sounds a great approach. ✨✏️
What do you want to get from using them? Some exposure? Connection? Escapism? Education? Cx
Probably connection! to more writers.
Morning Claire! Sounds like it’s been a very busy week for you 💛 I hope you get some time to rest. I like the idea of sections for creating a menu, and I don’t find them confusing personally. I think having a way for subscribers to choose between different sections to read is great, but it doesn’t allow for different types of paid options. I’m (very slowly) investigating a new thing, and I think I will have to have it as a separate publication, as any paid option wouldn’t work with my current substack. But it’s a lot of extra work to set up and manage a separate publication.. and I’m already incredibly time poor..
Thanks Emily...
Ooo maybe that’s something for the long term goals and remember you can always set up slow build from the off so with one of my commissioner newsletters it goes out seasonally so just four a year and we still have 400 (and growing) people on that list... 👀✨🌱✉️🗺️
I’m definitely taking it slow. I’m excited about it but I need it to feel different energetically for me, and I want it to be my escape from employment, so it’s not going to be quick..
Subscribe to your own publication was great advice, Claire, thank you! And getting someone else to look over your newsletters - early feedback - sometimes I feel like it isn't warranted here (code for: my publication isn't good enough to need this) but it's something I care about so why not put this back on the table?!
:)
Yes I could see little swap groups emerging - just not sure of the vehicle yet. This week two friends used the secret link to send me their posts to cast eyes on and I loved that!
For my husband David I often have to say this is probably a two parter or ask him to copy and paste whole sections out - his process is rooted in thoughts, feelings and research so sometimes we have to bring it all back to the reader.
I asked him to read one I have scheduled for tomorrow and he suggested cutting a paragraph and I’d already wondered if it was out of place but I wouldn’t have cut it because you sometimes get attached to the storytelling in it don’t you?
✨✏️✨
Swap groups would be great - I'm sure so many people would be interested! The secret links are useful - I have used once before!
Thank you for the insight into your processes! So lovely to hear the background. Thank you for another great advice post, Claire :):)
I think this definitely a thing and I already have an idea on how to organise this! 💡 you’re so welcome!
Ooh! I like the idea of swap groups & using the secret link to get some feedback on posts before publishing them.
Right?!! Such a nice energy exchange... ✨💡
Brilliant and insightful Claire, thanks 💕
You’re so welcome! How’s your week been here? ✨✏️🌱✏️
It’s been a beautiful and interesting week, thanks for asking!
I’ve been preparing to launch my substack and paid subscription for a live group coaching option, which I’m only going to open a couple of times a year for women who are on a healing journey with shadow work.
Your post really supported me in making this move, so thank you for all that you share xx
Oh I love the depth of this - sounds beautiful! ✨
I read a post on sections that really helped me figure out how to use and display (or not) them. https://open.substack.com/pub/authorstack/p/how-to-use-substack-sections-to-beef
Oo it’s not letting me open but I’ll try find it... thanks Susan! How’s your week been here? Cx
It's by Russell on the Author Stack
Found it! This one is for paid subs though... I’ve subscribed to read his other stuff! Thanks!! ✨✉️✨
It's a free one, I'm not a paid sub. It's dated 24th May.... Just realised you might mean the post is setting up sections for paid?! Maybe I need more ☕ ?
I used his tip on hiding the section from the menu bar and a few others from the post.
So I've been working in the back office of SS this week, preparing the ground for my list import.