10 Powerful Ways to Use Substack Notes That Most Writers Ignore

Substack Notes isn’t just Twitter’s cousin—it’s the secret writing you didn’t know you had.

The first time I used Substack Notes, I felt like a tourist who had stumbled into a quiet but beautiful town—one where people were kind, thoughtful, and interested in conversations beyond clickbait.

It wasn’t full of shouting. It didn’t demand I go viral. But it did give me something else: Connection, visibility, and momentum.

Still, I had no clue how to use it. So I tried. Fumbled. Observed. Failed. Asked questions. Experimented.

Now, months later, I can confidently say: Notes is a goldmine—if you treat it right.

Let’s dive into the 10 ways you can use Notes to not only engage readers, but to feel less alone as a writer. Bonus: You might just grow your newsletter in the process.

1. Start With a “Messy Thought

Use Case: Share half-formed ideas or unfinished observations from your day.

Instead of waiting for the perfect newsletter, try something raw:

“Why do I always get my best ideas when I’m brushing my teeth?”
Or
“Is anyone else having a ‘what’s the point of writing’ kind of week?”

This kind of post feels human. It invites engagement. You’re not preaching—you’re wondering out loud.

Why it works: Notes reward honesty, not polish.

2. Tease Your Upcoming Post

🧩 Use Case: Share a sneak peek or ask for input.

You can say:

“Working on a piece about procrastination and identity. Have you ever delayed something so long it started to define you?”

It sparks curiosity, gives your readers a behind-the-scenes look, and makes them feel part of your creative process.

Why it works: People love being involved in the process before the final product.

3. Highlight Someone Else’s Work (Generously)

Use Case: Read a piece that moved you? Shout it out.
But don’t just say “great read”—add why it moved you.

“This essay by @maria felt like a punch and a hug in the same paragraph. Especially this line: ‘We chase productivity to avoid sitting with pain.’”

Why it works: Gratitude spreads. And writers notice when you uplift them.

4. Turn Comments Into Notes

Use Case: Someone leaves a great comment on your post? Feature it.

Example:

“A reader said something beautiful on my last piece about digital clutter:
‘We declutter our homes, but ignore the tabs in our brains.’
Let’s talk about it.”

Why it works: It fosters community and demonstrates to your readers that you’re listening.

5. Ask Thoughtful, Low-Stakes Questions

Use Case: Don’t ask “What’s your biggest regret?” on a Monday.
Instead, try:

“What’s one small joy that kept you sane this week?”

Or:

“Are you a digital calendar person or a sticky-note gremlin?”

Why it works: Light questions open heavy doors.

6. Use Visual Notes (Screenshots, Memes, Doodles)

Use Case: Share a visual that made you smile or think. Try posting a sketch of your morning routine or a funny meme about deadlines.

Tip: Keep it original or give credit. Don’t turn Notes into another repost circus.

Why it works: Visuals break monotony and are scroll-stoppers.

7. Bring Back Old Posts

Use Case: You wrote something months ago that’s still relevant.
Dig it up. Give it new life.

“This one’s from January, but feels even more true now: ‘Burnout doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it whispers in cancelled plans.’
Here’s the full piece 👉 [link]”

Why it works: You’re building an evergreen library. Don’t bury your best work.

8. Respond Instead of Broadcast

Use Case: Instead of only posting your stuff, reply to others.

Add to their idea. Echo something. Disagree respectfully.

“Love this from @jane about digital minimalism.
Curious—has anyone tried using just one tool for all your notes?”

Why it works: Algorithms aside, people engage with those who engage first.

9. Share a “Note-to-Self”

Use Case: Use Notes like a mini journal.

“Note to self: Write even when the words feel boring. They become better when I show up.”

Short. Quiet. Honest. You’d be surprised how many people relate.

Why it works: It shows your inner process—not just the shiny outcomes.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Use Case: Did you just cross 100 subscribers? Finish a draft? Hit “publish” on a hard post?

Celebrate it with your readers, not as a show of flex, but as a genuine thank-you.

“100 humans are reading my messy thoughts. That’s 99 more than I ever expected. Thank you for being here.”

Why it works: Gratitude is magnetic.

Learn more about ‘Notes’ from

Kristina God

video below:

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Final Thought: Notes Is Not a Platform. It’s a Posture.

It’s not about performing. It’s about showing up—as a writer, reader, and curious human. Treat Notes like your creative front porch. Sometimes you’ll wave at neighbors. Sometimes you’ll sit quietly with coffee. Sometimes, the best conversations will happen when you weren’t even trying.

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Over to You:

👉 What’s your favorite way to use Notes?
👉 Have you had any surprising moments or connections from posting there?

Hit reply or drop a note of your own—I’d love to learn from your experience too.

If this helped you, consider sharing it with one fellow Substack writer.
Because good ideas (like good Notes) are better when passed around. 😊