How to Grow Your Substack Following the Hard Way (Without Following the Herd)

Jan 22, 2025

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A digital illustration of a person walking up a steep, winding path symbolizing the 'hard way' to success. The path is filled with unique and creative markers like books, a laptop, thought bubbles, and quirky icons representing individuality and depth. The person looks determined and carries a notebook, symbolizing their writing journey. Surrounding the path are shortcuts and fast tracks that others are taking, but the main figure sticks to their uphill climb. The background is vibrant and inspiring, with elements of creativity and perseverance highlighted in bright colors.

Building a following on Substack can feel like staring at an empty canvas, wondering how to create something that will not only be seen but appreciated. The internet is full of advice on how to "hack" growth—post on social media daily, partner with other writers, publish newsletters about trending topics, and so on. But what if you’re not interested in …

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