Periodically I will be analyzing posts to see how successful writers are using some of the many features of Substack. Referrals are relatively new and the post being analyzed is by a technology writer. It provides a sense of the possibilities … and the complications … of them.
In a recent workshop by
, she rated referrals as a low payoff action. I agree, primarily because of the complication of explaining it to readers.Keep in mind that this is a technology-oriented post written for technology and fact-oriented people.
has over 25,000 subscribers. The full online version of this post can be seen here.Brief description of AI Supremacy from Substack search:
Note: “Preview” — free subscribers receive only a portion of the post.
Note: opening graphic and first line clearly telegraphs the subject and context. In this “small note” preview, he provides a tip with a promise: “My List to Improve your LinkedIn Feed 10x”
Next comes 5 calls to action in a very short period:
Refer a friend
Share
Follow me on Threads
Upgrade to Paid
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Note:
recommends no more than 2 calls to action with a post. Let’s dip into what you would see if you clicked on the “Refer a friend” button:
Note: This is clean and simple. The complication comes next.
Note: This is still rather simple, however the leaderboard lists 10 people with their referral totals which feels rather gamey to me. I have seen entire posts devoted to telling readers how to do the referrals and what they’ll get in return.
This is the best use of referrals I’ve seen, but I’m still leaning toward referrals being too complicated and somewhat tone-deaf.
This is a new venture into learning more about the inner workings of Substack. If you have any ideas about what might be helpful to you or any great resources for understanding the wonderful world of Substack, please share. What I have found so far is a lot of information on the what and how of Substack. I’m a “why” person so I’m trying to get a better grip on why I would use the various features as well as how and when.
All in all, however, I am thrilled with Substack and the amazingly generous and fascinating writers I’m meeting here.
joyce
Thank you for this post!