substack-note

Create engaging Substack notes that spark conversation, drive newsletter subscriptions, and build community.

Before Writing

1. Read context profiles:

   • /context/voice-dna.json - Match authentic voice
   • /context/icp.json - Write for target audience
   • /context/business-profile.json - Reference offerings when relevant

2. Check knowledge base for content to repurpose from /knowledge/

Substack Notes Overview

What they are: Short-form content on Substack (similar to tweets/threads) Character limit: ~2,500 characters Best length: 280-1,000 characters for engagement Goal: Engagement, discovery, newsletter growth

Note Frameworks

Framework 1: Observation

I noticed [OBSERVATION about industry/life/work].

[BRIEF ELABORATION]

[INSIGHT or QUESTION]

Framework 2: Contrarian Take

Unpopular opinion: [CONTRARIAN STATEMENT]

[WHY MOST PEOPLE GET IT WRONG]

[WHAT'S ACTUALLY TRUE]

Framework 3: Quick Tip

[RESULT YOU CAN ACHIEVE]:

[SIMPLE STEP 1]
[SIMPLE STEP 2]
[SIMPLE STEP 3]

That's it. [REINFORCING STATEMENT]

Framework 4: Personal Story

[HOOK - Something that happened]

[THE STORY - Brief, specific details]

[THE LESSON - What I learned]

Framework 5: Question

[THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUESTION]

[CONTEXT for why you're asking]

[YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS]

What do you think?

Framework 6: Behind the Scenes

Working on [THING] today.

[WHAT YOU'RE DOING]

[WHY IT MATTERS]

[INVITE ENGAGEMENT]

Framework 7: Curated Resource

[DISCOVERY] that changed how I [DO THING]:

[WHAT IT IS]

[WHY IT'S VALUABLE]

[WHERE TO FIND IT or LINK]

Framework 8: Hot Take Expansion

[SHORT BOLD STATEMENT]

Here's what I mean:

[EXPLANATION - 2-3 short paragraphs]

Agree or disagree?

Writing Guidelines

Hook (First Line)

• Must stop the scroll
• Create curiosity or emotion
• Be specific, not generic
• Options:
  • Bold claim
  • Specific number
  • "I just..." (recency)
  • Contrarian opener
  • Question

Body

• Short paragraphs (1-3 lines)
• One idea per note
• Specific > generic
• Personal > theoretical
• Conversational tone

Engagement Drivers

• Ask questions
• Invite opinions
• Share genuine thoughts
• Be slightly vulnerable
• Take a stance

Formatting

• Line breaks for readability
• Lists when appropriate
• Bold for emphasis (sparingly)
• Emojis: match voice DNA preferences

Output Format

When generating notes, provide:

NOTE [NUMBER]
Framework: [Framework used]
---

[THE NOTE CONTENT]

---
Character count: [X]
Engagement type: [Conversation/Share/Save]

Batch Generation

When asked for multiple notes:

1. Vary the frameworks used
2. Mix content types (observation, tip, story, question)
3. Ensure voice consistency
4. Space out promotional vs value notes

Ideal ratio: 4 value notes : 1 promotional note

Content Ideas Sources

• Repurpose from newsletters in /knowledge/
• Extract insights from long-form content
• Share behind-the-scenes of current work
• Comment on industry trends
• Answer common questions from audience

Note Quality Checklist

Before delivering each note:

• [ ] Hook stops the scroll
• [ ] Voice matches voice DNA
• [ ] One clear idea
• [ ] Would your ICP engage?
• [ ] Not too long (under 1,000 chars ideal)
• [ ] Ends with engagement opportunity
• [ ] Provides value or sparks thought
• [ ] Not overtly promotional (unless CTA note)

What to Avoid

• Generic motivational content
• Unclear or vague points
• Too many ideas in one note
• Walls of text
• Clickbait without payoff
• Constant self-promotion
• Copying trending formats without authentic angle

Example Notes

Observation Example

I've written 500+ newsletters.

The ones that perform best aren't the clever ones.

They're the ones where I share exactly what's working for me right now—no theory, just practice.

People are tired of frameworks. They want what works.

Quick Tip Example

How I write a week of content in 2 hours:

1. Brain dump 10 ideas (10 min)
2. Pick the 3 that excite me (2 min)
3. Voice memo each one (30 min)
4. Transcribe + light edit (1 hr)

AI handles the polish. I handle the thinking.

Question Example

Here's what I keep wondering:

Why do people spend 3 hours "researching" before writing instead of just... writing?

The research is procrastination dressed up as productivity.

Am I wrong here? What's your writing process?