Forget SEO. Use Notes.
The #1 Growth Strategy for New Substack Writers
Everyone wants to talk about SEO.
Long-tail keywords. Topic clusters. Evergreen content.
But here’s the truth most newsletter beginners need to hear:
If you’re under 1,000 subs… stop worrying about Google.
Start showing up in Notes.
Why?
Because Notes work instantly.
Google doesn’t.
SEO takes:
Months of backlinks
Authority you don’t have yet
Patience most creators burn through by post #3
Notes take:
15 minutes a day
A clear voice
The courage to post consistently
🚀 Here’s How I’d Grow My First 1,000 Subs (Again)
If I were starting RTM from zero today?
I wouldn’t touch SEO.
I’d do this instead:
✅ 1. Post 2x/week (short and useful)
Build trust with my list.
✅ 2. Drop Notes daily
One insight, one story, or one value-packed tip related to:
Newsletter growth
Side hustle mindset
Financial freedom
✅ 3. Engage with others
Restack generously.
Comment with purpose.
Be known as “the guy who actually shows up.”
✅ 4. Drop a weekly Notes Boost thread
And invite others to drop their best Note — creating engagement for everyone.
📈 Results Come Fast
With Notes, I’ve gotten:
More eyeballs than Twitter (without the algorithm stress)
Substack-only subscribers I never would’ve reached on my own
Actual sponsor interest — without any SEO traffic
Is SEO valuable? Of course.
But for newsletter writers under 1,000 (even 2,000) subs?
It’s the long game.
Notes are the now game.
🧱 RTM Takeaway
Substack is a platform, but Notes is the network.
If you’re not using Notes every day, you’re leaving subscribers (and income) on the table.
Start today.