
Unlocking the Power of Substack for SMEs: A Growth Story
In a world hungry for authentic content, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can turn to platforms like Substack to foster genuine connections and grow their audience. Alex Lewis, an avid writer and social media expert, revealed that he was able to grow his Substack newsletter, Feels Like Home, by an astounding 7,000% in under three years. But how did he manage to do this without burning out?
Follow Your Passion
Alex emphasizes one key factor: writing about what you love. He chose to explore personal passions such as NBA basketball and cultural insights, which made the writing process enjoyable rather than daunting. For SMEs, this principle can be transformative. When businesses share stories that reflect their core values and interests, they not only attract like-minded readers but also build a loyal community. To echo Alex's sentiment, " readers can tell when you’re being authentic, and they’ll stick around for your voice—not some polished version of what you think they want."
Nurturing Established Connections
Another essential strategy was nurturing existing connections. Before joining Substack, Alex built a following on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. However, he found the best way to reach his readers was through email, generating a whopping 186% more engagement than other social media channels. SMEs can learn from this by directly linking their newsletters to their customer base, offering a seamless way for eager readers to stay updated on the latest products, offerings, or services.
Creating an Invitation to Connect
By inviting his audience to subscribe to his newsletter, Alex started with over 100 subscribers in just one week — a testament to the potential of building a direct line to your audience. For businesses, the lesson is clear: use conversations in your favor. Each reading experience becomes an invitation to share, grow, and connect.
Fostering a Supportive Community
Ultimately, Lewis’ journey is about more than just numbers; it’s about creating a supportive community. When SMEs share personal stories alongside business offerings, they humanize their brands, making them relatable and memorable in a sea of competition.
As Alex’s experience reveals, the way forward in content creation might not involve complex strategies but rather a genuine approach to what you're passionate about and nurturing the audience that supports you. By aligning your narrative with your interests and values, you can not only grow your presence but enjoy the process along the way.
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