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Finding My Audience: Lessons from This Week
This week, I found myself pleasantly distracted as my other Substack,
, climbed to #17 on the Education Leaderboard. It was a surprise, to say the least, especially since my expertise lies in Sex & Relationships—a topic that doesn’t quite fit neatly into the Education category in which it ranked. But, lacking a more relevant category, I decided to go with the best match.I never expected to rank at all, let alone see my name listed among well-established educators. It’s been a humbling experience and a reminder that sometimes, showing up consistently creates opportunities you didn’t anticipate.
But beyond the leaderboard ranking, there have been some subtle shifts in my side hustle that are worth reflecting on. These lessons might resonate with many of you who are still figuring out where your audience is and how to connect with them.
3 Key Milestones from This Week
Consistency Pays Off
June 16th will mark three years since I launched my first podcast on Substack. Every single week since then, I’ve posted one episode—no excuses, no breaks. That steady commitment has been the foundation of everything I’ve built.The Power of Collaboration
, a creator with a significant following. Cross-collaborating with someone whose audience aligns with mine led to an immediate boost in followers for both of us. It reminded me how important partnerships can be, especially when you’re just starting out.
This week, I went live for the first time withCreating Value for Subscribers
I invested time and money to create a 32-page booklet as a bonus for my paid subscribers. While it was a lot of work, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Offering tangible value not only deepens loyalty but also helps justify your pricing.
What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Leaning Into Substack’s Features:
I spent more time commenting on other posts and creating “Notes” (Substack’s version of a social feed). This small shift exposed me to a new audience and brought in new subscribers.Stepping Back from Other Social Media:
I intentionally spent less time on other platforms. Instead of spreading myself thin, I focused where I was seeing the most traction—on Substack.
The Lesson: Find Your Audience Before Going All In
I often talk with my partner
about the idea of “going all in,” but I’ve learned it’s crucial to first figure out where your audience or customers are hanging out. For me, Substack has proven to be the right place, not only for reaching readers, but also for finding collaborators who help amplify my work and for whom I can add value.What makes Substack unique is how it’s designed to encourage these kinds of partnerships. It’s not just about one-way broadcasting; it’s about building a network of mutual support.
Takeaway for You
If you’re struggling to find your customers, focus first on understanding where they already spend their time. Show up consistently, create value they care about, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Once you know you’re in the right place, then it’s time to go all in.
Dates for your Diary
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Introduction to LinkedIn
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Writing a One Page Business Plan - Online
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