I’m a bit overwhelmed Leyla - can’t thank you enough for the mention (it’s taken a day to sink in). You deserve every bit of your success due to your enthusiasm, openness and generosity added to a methodical and meticulous work ethic. Inspiration is a very overused word but totally appropriate in this case. Your words have been so helpful in steering the way to meaning change as well as being a delightful read. I’ve started back at daily yoga after a year off (I have my intention written in a book by my bed), I’ve been complimented on how well I look many times - your guide to looking younger works! You’ve given me so much to think about - but I’m great at thinking! - and to take action. I keep repeating “The braver I am the luckier I get”.
Substack is a great platform to foster communities and the one that you’re nurturing here is a shining example of what can be achieved. Your paid subscribers get real value - those numbers will keep growing. Thank you Leyla.
Well Sally, now I am the one who is overwhelmed - I have sent both of your lovely comments to my whole family on Whatsapp this morning! Thank you so much for being so open and just so very lovely about me and what I am doing here. The way you interpret what I am doing says more about you than anything I have done. It is really just so great to have here and a part of this.
Congratulations Leila! You are an inspiration, especially to new writers (Substack) like me. I think your newsletter title and writing are brilliant, exhibiting and anticipating what many of us want in life! Wishing you continue success, and I look forward to reading your behind the scenes (I just published one on similar topic yesterday, too :-))!
Thank you very much for your kind words Marianne, they are really appreciated ☺️ We are both newbies! It's great to have you here, thank you for taking the time.
As a newbie to both writing and SubStack I really appreciate seeing 'under the hood' of how other people are succeeding on here. My niche, as such, has yet to reveal itself to me, but it feels amazing to be able to write in the same space as some famous and inspirational writers. I will happily await the orange tick rollercoaster!!
I'm so pleased you've found this post useful Gráinne. Yes the niches can take time to figure out, but often do so in the development stage of a Substack (I write about this in tomorrow's post). And yes I know what you mean, we are sharing the space with some pretty big names, stardust all around! Thank you for being here.
Brilliant piece Leyla. You are doing so amazingly well, and I love how you've broken down your process here for a behind-the-scenes peak. It's true that there can be cruel bumps in the road, particularly when it comes to unsubs when you've just hit a milestone (I speak from my own recent experience here!), but there is nothing quite like the freedom and connection I've experienced so far on the Substack journey. I just love how it has given writers a place to be totally independent while connecting with their most loyal readers, and actually enable interactions that feel a lot more sincere and meaningful. Good warning about the Dashboard too, I spent way too much time agonising over this when I first started!
I think this type of publishing along with your content is different , engaging & the statistics of your journey was no doubt pleasantly surprising . Nothing ever is without its downs & I’d like to believe that this aspect of it will not deter you in any way .As on a personal & selfish note ,I for one do not want to be deprived of YOUR content , along with no doubt most of your other followers ..
I've been here, two years, and your experience is not the norm. Thanks for sharing, I think this post shows what a careful and strategic planned launch with excellent info can do as the platform has grown! Thanks for sharing, this is encouraging!
Most welcome Toby! And yes I am aware it's not the norm, which is why I thought sharing what I did it might be helpful for others. Not that what I did guarantees success in any way, but it's worked for me. It's what I share tomorrow, it will be bit of a long post 😅
Most welcome Toby! And yes I am aware it's not the norm, which is why I thought sharing what I did it might be helpful for others. Not that what I did guarantees success in any way, but it's worked for me. It's what I share tomorrow, it will be bit of a long post 😅
Substack featured you not once but twice. That made all the difference. End of story. Lots of other Substacks do everything else you've done but don't get the same results. This is not to say you aren't a terrific writer or smart about marketing, but like I said, other Substack writers have ticked those boxes, too; they just haven't received that extra-special Substack boost.
Certainly it helped Lisa, but it's actually not the end of the story. I haven't yet shared what I did (that's this post: https://leylakazim.substack.com/p/bestseller-in-5-weeks which is a 13 minute read because, I did a lot) - there were weeks of hard work and planning prior to me even launching my Substack, that's what helped carry it. Not everyone does that. I know others who have been featured and have not seen the same results; so whilst it helps, it is far from enough on its own.
I started writing my substack about 6 weeks ago and have noticed something similar about the dashboard. I try not to spend much time there, because I don't want my writing to become all about the numbers.
I've been struggling with the idea to monetize - I have exactly one pledge from my 20-or-so subscribers, which honestly feels like a miracle in itself, but I had planned to wait until I had more. Now I'm wondering, why bother? If even one person values my work enough to pay, why not let them? My birthday is coming up at the beginning of August, and I've decided as a gift to myself that I'll be turning on paid subscriptions then, and the numbers will be whatever they are.
How interesting A, we started around the same time and we both have birthdays at the begining of August (are you a Leo?). And how wonderful you have received your first pledge, people are valuing your work already. I think your birthday is a great point of the year to turn it on and see what happens. And you are so right, it's not just about the numbers. Those initial goals I shared in the 'what you want' Sunday Reflections a while back are still the case for me.
I started knowing Substack thanks to u, and now I follow a lot of writers. It’s really interesting know more about this world, for me it’s difficult understand even how it work Instagram in the last yrs. Substack looks like a safe place where people could share and write everything, maybe for writer it’s a better way to understand if their ideas will have success, if readers will love or hate it and the fact to have this direct channel between writers and readers it’s priceless.
Sometimes I think to start writing here, not a big things but maybe will be nice share recipes here or write a small travel book full of recipe, but I always struggle with writing I’m like Jamie Oliver in this case.
In only 5 weeks u made an incredible work u reached so many people, ur post resonated in so many and darl u already have 1k follower here that so amazing 😍😍
Yes Laura, the direct channel is so priceless! I am really enjoying it here - thank you so much for your continued support and lovely comments as always 🤗 You know there are a lot of well known Italian Substacks here too I believe. And enjoy the extra post tomorrow!
Yes there are a lot of Italian Substack but reading and writing English it’s the best way for me to practice the language, at work I talking a lot on English but I never write nothing so following u and other it’s like if I made jackpot: I’m following something I love+translation+exercise+inspirational moment what I could ask more?
Agree about having the direct channel. This place has a very different vibe to other Social channels. It feels more substantial. Purposeful. Or maybe that's because of who I follow here!
I loved instagram in the first time because I found a lot of people with I could share my passion for photography and kitchen, everyone was kind a lot of people was Sharing options or ask more about different topic. but after the change of the algorithms now it’s a mess. here it’s way more better place.
What a fascinating look behind the scenes, especially where your reader subscribers come from relative to your initial contacts. The appearing/disappearing tick is a mechanised horror show tho, stroking you and just as easily blinking away. Well done for keeping going!
Oh I'm glad you enjoyed it Lisa. If you think this was interesting, wait until tomorrow's post..! Yes the subscriber source is very interesting and not at all what I expected. It just goes to show the power of this platform.
I’m a bit overwhelmed Leyla - can’t thank you enough for the mention (it’s taken a day to sink in). You deserve every bit of your success due to your enthusiasm, openness and generosity added to a methodical and meticulous work ethic. Inspiration is a very overused word but totally appropriate in this case. Your words have been so helpful in steering the way to meaning change as well as being a delightful read. I’ve started back at daily yoga after a year off (I have my intention written in a book by my bed), I’ve been complimented on how well I look many times - your guide to looking younger works! You’ve given me so much to think about - but I’m great at thinking! - and to take action. I keep repeating “The braver I am the luckier I get”.
Substack is a great platform to foster communities and the one that you’re nurturing here is a shining example of what can be achieved. Your paid subscribers get real value - those numbers will keep growing. Thank you Leyla.
Well Sally, now I am the one who is overwhelmed - I have sent both of your lovely comments to my whole family on Whatsapp this morning! Thank you so much for being so open and just so very lovely about me and what I am doing here. The way you interpret what I am doing says more about you than anything I have done. It is really just so great to have here and a part of this.
Congratulations Leila! You are an inspiration, especially to new writers (Substack) like me. I think your newsletter title and writing are brilliant, exhibiting and anticipating what many of us want in life! Wishing you continue success, and I look forward to reading your behind the scenes (I just published one on similar topic yesterday, too :-))!
Thank you very much for your kind words Marianne, they are really appreciated ☺️ We are both newbies! It's great to have you here, thank you for taking the time.
As a newbie to both writing and SubStack I really appreciate seeing 'under the hood' of how other people are succeeding on here. My niche, as such, has yet to reveal itself to me, but it feels amazing to be able to write in the same space as some famous and inspirational writers. I will happily await the orange tick rollercoaster!!
I'm so pleased you've found this post useful Gráinne. Yes the niches can take time to figure out, but often do so in the development stage of a Substack (I write about this in tomorrow's post). And yes I know what you mean, we are sharing the space with some pretty big names, stardust all around! Thank you for being here.
Brilliant piece Leyla. You are doing so amazingly well, and I love how you've broken down your process here for a behind-the-scenes peak. It's true that there can be cruel bumps in the road, particularly when it comes to unsubs when you've just hit a milestone (I speak from my own recent experience here!), but there is nothing quite like the freedom and connection I've experienced so far on the Substack journey. I just love how it has given writers a place to be totally independent while connecting with their most loyal readers, and actually enable interactions that feel a lot more sincere and meaningful. Good warning about the Dashboard too, I spent way too much time agonising over this when I first started!
Thanks so much Rosie! And also thank you for giving me the nudge to come here in the first place and for your support all along the way.
I think this type of publishing along with your content is different , engaging & the statistics of your journey was no doubt pleasantly surprising . Nothing ever is without its downs & I’d like to believe that this aspect of it will not deter you in any way .As on a personal & selfish note ,I for one do not want to be deprived of YOUR content , along with no doubt most of your other followers ..
Oh such lovely words of support Jimmy - thank you so much! Don't worry, I'll be sticking around 🤗
I've been here, two years, and your experience is not the norm. Thanks for sharing, I think this post shows what a careful and strategic planned launch with excellent info can do as the platform has grown! Thanks for sharing, this is encouraging!
Most welcome Toby! And yes I am aware it's not the norm, which is why I thought sharing what I did it might be helpful for others. Not that what I did guarantees success in any way, but it's worked for me. It's what I share tomorrow, it will be bit of a long post 😅
Most welcome Toby! And yes I am aware it's not the norm, which is why I thought sharing what I did it might be helpful for others. Not that what I did guarantees success in any way, but it's worked for me. It's what I share tomorrow, it will be bit of a long post 😅
Substack featured you not once but twice. That made all the difference. End of story. Lots of other Substacks do everything else you've done but don't get the same results. This is not to say you aren't a terrific writer or smart about marketing, but like I said, other Substack writers have ticked those boxes, too; they just haven't received that extra-special Substack boost.
This
Certainly it helped Lisa, but it's actually not the end of the story. I haven't yet shared what I did (that's this post: https://leylakazim.substack.com/p/bestseller-in-5-weeks which is a 13 minute read because, I did a lot) - there were weeks of hard work and planning prior to me even launching my Substack, that's what helped carry it. Not everyone does that. I know others who have been featured and have not seen the same results; so whilst it helps, it is far from enough on its own.
I started writing my substack about 6 weeks ago and have noticed something similar about the dashboard. I try not to spend much time there, because I don't want my writing to become all about the numbers.
I've been struggling with the idea to monetize - I have exactly one pledge from my 20-or-so subscribers, which honestly feels like a miracle in itself, but I had planned to wait until I had more. Now I'm wondering, why bother? If even one person values my work enough to pay, why not let them? My birthday is coming up at the beginning of August, and I've decided as a gift to myself that I'll be turning on paid subscriptions then, and the numbers will be whatever they are.
How interesting A, we started around the same time and we both have birthdays at the begining of August (are you a Leo?). And how wonderful you have received your first pledge, people are valuing your work already. I think your birthday is a great point of the year to turn it on and see what happens. And you are so right, it's not just about the numbers. Those initial goals I shared in the 'what you want' Sunday Reflections a while back are still the case for me.
I am a Leo! My birthday is the 3rd.
I'm the 1st! 🦁
The ups and downs of being a “best seller:” Please, do not let your inflated ego guide your pen. Do not let your ego cloud your passion.
Sound advice Frank - I will keep the passion true. Thank you.
Oh , forgot to mention that the best feature of it ifir ME, is the audio aspect
Yes I only recently discovered the play button, it's a game changer!
I started knowing Substack thanks to u, and now I follow a lot of writers. It’s really interesting know more about this world, for me it’s difficult understand even how it work Instagram in the last yrs. Substack looks like a safe place where people could share and write everything, maybe for writer it’s a better way to understand if their ideas will have success, if readers will love or hate it and the fact to have this direct channel between writers and readers it’s priceless.
Sometimes I think to start writing here, not a big things but maybe will be nice share recipes here or write a small travel book full of recipe, but I always struggle with writing I’m like Jamie Oliver in this case.
In only 5 weeks u made an incredible work u reached so many people, ur post resonated in so many and darl u already have 1k follower here that so amazing 😍😍
Yes Laura, the direct channel is so priceless! I am really enjoying it here - thank you so much for your continued support and lovely comments as always 🤗 You know there are a lot of well known Italian Substacks here too I believe. And enjoy the extra post tomorrow!
Yes there are a lot of Italian Substack but reading and writing English it’s the best way for me to practice the language, at work I talking a lot on English but I never write nothing so following u and other it’s like if I made jackpot: I’m following something I love+translation+exercise+inspirational moment what I could ask more?
Agree about having the direct channel. This place has a very different vibe to other Social channels. It feels more substantial. Purposeful. Or maybe that's because of who I follow here!
I loved instagram in the first time because I found a lot of people with I could share my passion for photography and kitchen, everyone was kind a lot of people was Sharing options or ask more about different topic. but after the change of the algorithms now it’s a mess. here it’s way more better place.
It is so different here! I really like it. It is also so much less *noisy*...
Exactly that...
And as for the dashboard 😱 stay away!
Seriously though... 😂
What a fascinating look behind the scenes, especially where your reader subscribers come from relative to your initial contacts. The appearing/disappearing tick is a mechanised horror show tho, stroking you and just as easily blinking away. Well done for keeping going!
Oh I'm glad you enjoyed it Lisa. If you think this was interesting, wait until tomorrow's post..! Yes the subscriber source is very interesting and not at all what I expected. It just goes to show the power of this platform.