Best Substack Notes

Discover the most engaging and viral Subtack Notes from top Substack creators

Adam Grant

Ana Calin

Post #1

Ana Calin

2m ago

My first month on Substack, I had 10 subscribers—it paid for a coffee. By month two, I had 9K subscribers—it paid for my groceries. After three months, I was making $5,000/month. Now, I’ve made over $50,000 writing on Substack. This could be YOU, but you’re stuck overthinking your first post. Start messy. I’ve got you. 💌

Why This Post Performed Well

This post did well because it tells a compelling story of success in a relatable way. The author starts with humble beginnings (10 subscribers, enough for a coffee) and then shows rapid growth (9K subscribers, groceries, $5,000/month). This progression is inspiring and makes the success seem achievable. The post also uses specific numbers to make the story more tangible and credible. The author then shifts from their personal story to directly addressing the reader. This shift creates a sense of intimacy and connection. The last lines are a call to action. They challenge the reader ("This could be YOU") and then offer support ("Start messy. I’ve got you"). This combination of challenge and support is motivating and engaging. Finally, the use of the heart emoji adds a touch of warmth and friendliness, making the post more appealing. Overall, the post is a masterclass in storytelling, engagement, and persuasion.

Post #2

Lizzie Mulherin

2m ago

You hit publish. Nobody likes, comments, or shares. But what if someone read it and felt less alone? What if it sparked their next big idea? You don’t always see the ripples your words create. Keep writing anyway.

Why This Post Performed Well

This post resonates because it taps into the universal human experience of feeling unseen or unheard. It's a gentle reminder that impact isn't always measurable by likes, comments, or shares. The rhetorical questions engage the reader, prompting them to ponder the unseen influence they might have. The post also offers a motivational message, encouraging persistence in the face of discouragement. The language is simple and relatable, which makes it easy for readers to connect with the sentiment. The brevity of the post also works in its favor, delivering a powerful message without overwhelming the reader. In short, this post thrives on its ability to connect with the reader on an emotional level, while also providing a thought-provoking and motivational message.

Post #3

Landon Poburan

2m ago

I buy a $6 coffee every morning. I watch Netflix every night. I procrastinate. A lot. But, I also: Exercise for 60 minutes a day. Write every morning. Make 6-figures. The finance gurus told me I should cut my coffee. Because I spend over $200/Month on coffee when I could buy a coffee machine. The business gurus told me to stop watching Netflix. Because I could spend those 2 hours every night building my business or learning. I'm not about the hustle and grind life. (It's one of the main reasons I limit my input on social media) What happened to having fun? Turning our brains off? Enjoying a really f* expensive coffee or three? Here's the way I see it: It's about balance. Patience. And having fun. That's my recipe for success. Choose 2-3 things to stay consistent with. For me, it's exercise, writing, meditating, and duolingo. Don't stress the rest. Watch Netflix. Play video games. Go for a happy hour on a Thursday. Instead of blindly following, realize you can chart your own path. Landon "Cold Brew" Poburan

Why This Post Performed Well

This post resonates with many because it challenges the conventional wisdom about success and productivity. The author starts with a list of seemingly negative habits, then juxtaposes them with positive ones. This creates a sense of balance and relatability. The tone is casual and conversational, making the post feel like advice from a friend rather than a lecture. The author also uses a storytelling approach, which is engaging and easy to follow. The post also taps into a common sentiment of frustration with the 'hustle culture'. It offers an alternative perspective, advocating for balance and enjoyment in life. The author's use of personal details (like his love for coffee and Netflix) makes him more relatable and authentic. The closing lines encourage readers to chart their own paths, which is empowering and inspiring. Overall, the post's success can be attributed to its relatability, authenticity, and empowering message.

Post #4

Matt Lillywhite

2m ago

I once spent 5 hours writing a post, only to have it get zero likes. A month later, someone messaged me saying it changed their life. Not every seed grows right away. Be patient with your words.

Why This Post Performed Well

This post resonates with readers on a deep, emotional level. Firstly, it's a narrative. People love stories, and this post tells a mini one. It's a journey from effort, to disappointment, to unexpected reward. Secondly, it's relatable. Many of us have felt the sting of putting effort into something that wasn't immediately appreciated. Thirdly, it ends with a universal truth. The idea that not every seed grows right away is a metaphor that can apply to many aspects of life. Lastly, it's encouraging. The final line, "Be patient with your words," serves as a call to action and a comforting reminder. All these elements combined make for a post that's engaging, thought-provoking, and shareable. No wonder it performed well!

Post #5

Michael Lim

2m ago

My 90-year-old grandmother ruined my life. Her advice shattered everything I knew. While in Singapore earlier this year, She asked me a simple question: "Are you happy with what you’re doing?" I said yes. …I thought I was. I had a six-figure job, a fancy title, and a house. Everything society tells you to get. But then she just stared, silent and waiting. She used her Asian grandmother powers on me. So I admitted I wanted to travel the world, and pursue a new business idea. She asked, "What’s stopping you?" I listed the reasons—work, routine, responsibilities. She shook her head and said, "Excuses." "Life doesn’t wait for you to be ready." She was right. I was holding myself back. Thirty days later… → I quit my job, → Exited a business, → Left my newly built house, → Boarded a one-way plane to Asia. My old life was ruined. (in the best way possible). It’s been more than 100 days since I left. My life enjoyment has 10x. I’m building a one-person biz I love. I’ve eaten more Durian than ever before. I’m living and working anywhere in the world. And last month, I got to be in Singapore to celebrate her 90th birthday, alongside my mum and older brother. (see picture below). To anyone feeling stuck, remember this: You’ll always find an excuse. You’ll always find a better time. You’ll always find a reason to play it safe. But.. The business, travel, and life you want, is on the other side of fear and discomfort. Feel the fear. And do it anyway. Fun Fact: My grandmother is 31 years older than the country of Singapore

Why This Post Performed Well

This post resonated with many because it tells a relatable, human story. The protagonist is someone many can identify with - someone who's achieved societal success but feels unfulfilled. The grandmother's simple yet profound question triggers a life-changing realization. This is a universal theme that strikes a chord with many people, regardless of their age or life stage. The post also uses effective storytelling techniques. It builds suspense ("Her advice shattered everything I knew.") and uses humor ("She used her Asian grandmother powers on me.") to keep the reader engaged. The post's structure, with its frequent line breaks and use of arrows, makes it easy to read. The short sentences and paragraphs create a fast pace that mirrors the protagonist's rapid life changes. Finally, the post ends with a powerful, motivational message. This call to action encourages readers to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams, which is a universally appealing message. The post's success lies in its ability to connect with readers on a deep, emotional level.

Post #6

Linda Hoenigsberg

2m ago

At 14 I was placed in juvenile hall. According to the judge, I was “incorrigible.” At 15 I got kicked out of high school. At 16 I got married. At almost 18 I gave birth to my son (who is now 55 and one of my best friends in this world). Also at 18, I was admitted to a state mental hospital. At 19 I was gang raped on a date. At 21 I ran from a three-year abusive relationship and never saw that man again. At 23 I had a complete mental breakdown that took a decade to heal from. At 42 I married a wonderful man (celebrated our 30th anniversary in 2022) At 49 I fell and broke my neck. At 51 I began college. At 55 I graduated summa cum laude with a BA in psychology. At 56 found out I had a brain tumor and had a year to live. I got a second opinion, had brain surgery, and am still here. (I’m 73). At 57, while recovering from the brain surgery and unable to walk or see, I started my masters degree. At 59 I graduated with a 4.0 and began working towards licensing as a psychotherapist. At 61 I went into private practice. At 64 I found out the brain tumor was growing back. I had a second brain surgery. This year I found out it’s growing back again. I had radiation and am still recovering. But this stuff is not going to stop me. I began writing on Substack this year as well, and I’m loving this community.

Post #7

Temi Coker

2m ago

🤝 so true. Something I learned a lot this year.

Post #8

Tim Denning

2m ago

As a writer, do you feel this?

Why This Post Performed Well

This post is a classic example of a question-based engagement strategy. It's simple yet effective. Why? Because it's open-ended. It invites writers to share their personal experiences and feelings. The beauty of this post lies in its ability to foster a sense of community. It makes the audience feel seen and understood. Also, it's a great way to generate content. The responses can be used as a basis for future posts or articles. The post is also successful because it's targeted. It's specifically aimed at writers, a group that's likely to be active on social media and willing to engage in discussion. Finally, the post's success can be attributed to its emotional appeal. Writing is a deeply personal activity, and by asking about feelings, the post taps into that emotional connection. In short, this post works because it's engaging, targeted, and emotionally resonant.

Post #9

Ana Calin

2m ago

I don't care how small your Substack is, CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 Promote it here, and I'm going to check on each and every one of you And maybe recommend some that fit my audience too. You can do the same thing too Let's start 💛

Why This Post Performed Well

This post did well because it taps into the power of community and support. The author is offering to check out and potentially promote other people's Substacks, which is a great incentive for engagement. The use of emojis 🎉💛 adds a friendly and positive tone, making the post more inviting. The language is informal and inclusive ("I don't care how small your Substack is"), which makes it more relatable and approachable. The call to action ("Promote it here") is clear and direct, encouraging immediate responses. The post also implies a reciprocal relationship ("You can do the same thing too"), which fosters a sense of community and mutual support. Finally, the post ends on an encouraging note ("Let's start"), which gives a sense of momentum and excitement. All these factors combined make this post highly engaging and effective.

Post #10

Mindful Minute

2m ago

You need 3 daily wins: 1) A physical win: • Walking, running, lifting, swimming... 2) A mental win: • Reading, writing, creating, learning... 3) A spiritual win: • Praying, meditating, studying, growing... Subscribe and let’s grow together

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