Ask for engagement from your readers
Substack cares about reader engagement (and ranks you by it) so you should too
When substack compiles the Leaderboard of the Top Publications for each category it keeps track off, it looks not only at how much money is coming in, but also other metrics like views and engagement.
src: Nicholas Green
Notice that if you go to someone’s publication, you’ll see their last post and along side of it, you’ll see icons for both “likes” (hearts) and “comments” (speech bubble).
So as you write your post, think about how you could include a question and/or a suggestion for your audience to show you that your work resonated with them.
Something as simple as:
“If you enjoyed reading this, feel free to click the ❤️ button at the end of this post. Thanks!”
This can help drives likes to your work which will increase the engagement metrics of your publication.
Furthermore, this will serve as visible proof to people browsing your publication for the first time that you have something interesting to say and that it’s worth checking out your writing.
Until next time!
All the best,
Sebastian
ps. If you enjoyed reading this, share the love by clicking the ❤️ button at the end of this post. Thanks!