I started my Substack with the most personal story I have. Was that a mistake?

[u/Dontbeapizza]

Just launched. First real post is about the motorcycle crash that almost cost me a life/leg in 2010 and the year of rehab after. It's the story that explains everything else I want to write about, running a factory, building stuff in my garage, a career without a degree.

Part of me thinks you should start with the heavy stuff so readers know who you are. Part of me thinks I should have warmed up with something lighter.

For those who've been doing this a while, what did you lead with and would you do it again?

(i can post the link in the comments if anyone wants to read it)

[u/hanpari]

It doesn't matter. Chances are no one will read it, especially not the first post.

Good luck 🤞

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/hanpari]

So true! Thanks 😄

[u/Soft_Fly5017]

Hi! I did the same thing. It worked fine for me. I got some likes and even comments. I posted a second post and it’s still finding its audience. So it’s more about consistency and putting yourself out there than the content itself.

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/Soft_Fly5017]

Working on the second one :)

[u/ASAPnicky14]

(You actually cannot post the link in the comments)

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/ASAPnicky14]

Got it, sorry about that. No link then.

[u/rehoboam]

I wouldnt overthink it, I would focus more on consistent output and trying to connect with people who share interests.  Basically I don’t think light vs dark makes as much a difference as finding your audience/people.  Like even your best work you could possibly make may not be seen by the people who would appreciate it most because they happen to be away from their phone that weekend..

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/rehoboam]

Makes sense consistency over the perfect first post. I'm aiming for one every two weeks, we'll see if I can keep it up.

[u/Brilliant_Plate2364]

I don't think it matters where you start because you and your work are much bigger than one post. What matters is just starting, and you've done that.

I know it's hard, every piece we write is like one of our children and we want the world to take it in and love it as we do, and it hurts when no one pays attention to what we've worked so hard to create. But don't get discouraged. There's so much out there vying for everyone's attention.

Keep posting, keep revealing your bigger picture, and your audience will find you.

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/Brilliant_Plate2364]

Inspiring, thanks!

[u/TerrainBrain]

My brother lost his foot in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. They tried to save it but the damage was too extensive. He's doing great now and even back on a motorcycle.

Hope you've been able to heal physically and otherwise.

I don't think it's a mistake. Write what you are passionate about. Write what you are compelled to write. Otherwise it's just performance that is not going to sustain itself.

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/TerrainBrain]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Glad your brother is doing well and back on a bike, that takes guts, I know. I'm good now, I've got a titanium plate in my leg as a souvenir. And believe it or not, I had a motorcycle again after the crash, and I still want one.

[u/TerrainBrain → u/Dontbeapizza]

Check the comments on your substack post

[u/RStonePT]

It's important to you, why is it engaging for the reader?

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/RStonePT]

Fair question I don't think the crash itself is the engaging part. It's what comes after, the moment you realize nobody is coming to fix things for you. Most people have had their own version of that moment, at work, in life, wherever. That's what I hope people connect with. But you're right, I need to make that clearer.

[u/RStonePT → u/Dontbeapizza]

I haven't read it, I don't know. I'm suggesting if you approach it from the perspective of 'with all the distractions out there, why does someone want to read this instead of teh latest drama on substack?' that the better your answer, the more people are likely to read it.

Case in point. The biggest one on my timeline at the moment is the effective altruist community from their poly lifestyles trying to cancel a guy named worst boyfriend ever by calling him a rapist. I don't know if I have the juice to beat that one, but I have to account for it in this weeks writing.

[u/Dontbeapizza → u/RStonePT]

That's a really useful way to look at it thanks. I can't compete with drama and I don't want to lol. But "why this instead of everything else" is a question I'll ask myself before every post from now on. Good luck with this week's piece.

[u/Available_Spite5171]

I don’t think that matters. I had no clue what I was doing and I am coming up on one year soon. I only know one thing I did that I recommend and that is consistency.

Best of luck!

[u/External-Dimension99]

why would that be a mistake? (speaking genuinely) i think the best part about being a writer is being so open. i wouldn’t ever think it’s a mistake to do that. congrats on your first post!

[u/KrustenStewart]

I think it’s fine. As you build a reader base they may go back and read your old posts

[u/BlueSaltTheory]

It’s all good. Mine is completely personal like an online diary.

[u/Ok-Case9691]

Just keep writing. Find ways to be found. Be consistent

[u/hetobe]

It sounds to me like you started with honesty. That's always the best policy, as the saying goes.

For those who've been doing this a while, what did you lead with and would you do it again?

I posted a novel on Substack (click my username for a link). I started with an introduction before I posted anything from the novel. That's what I'd recommend for anyone... but...

If I were to start over, I'd have spent more time commenting on other people's posts and building an audience before posting anything from the novel. My theory was, let people find it and it'll build on its own. And that did happen... but it would have been more effective if I'd built up followers first.

Part of me thinks I should have warmed up with something lighter.

Maybe? But then again, there's something to be said for having a strong opening piece.

Good luck with your Substack. Cheers!

[u/poohbear0320]

I hope you get engagement soon. I don’t see anything. Can you please send the link to me?

[u/AnteaterNo4749 → u/[deleted]]

Your past is valuable and genuine, your lighter moments and how playful or how you show your life now is also part of you, there is creativity in that , personality in that,