the "make it in parallel" was such a massive learning for me a few years ago and it really works with my energy. there's such an additional pressure from trying to wrap up something to completion when you can just have a bunch of little seeds you're watering at once.
Thank you for the ideas and inspiration! I started my substack about a week ago to find emerging creators and invite them as founding members to my community, where they can find right-fit people for collaboration and shared growth. Also for friendship. :) I gasped when Substack launched its connection tool a couple days ago because it helps facilitate the same. However, I calmed down when I saw how it’s based off algorithm and clout - whereas mine is just real people connecting on stuff they are fascinated about and can’t stop yapping about it. 😂Also, eventually it will include likened newsletters, podcasters, bloggers etc. All of that to say — your newsletter has given me many ideas - even down to the original art. So, thank you and please thank your intern, too! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
writing, editing, marketing a newsletter is a full time job so dont be harsh on yourself. I have also started writing weekly newsletter 3 months ago and I m at 500 subscribers only and there is much to improve but thinks will improve over time. all the best
The ideas folder today articles years later approach is such a good reminder that great newsletters are built through accumulation, not inspiration on demand.
Marketing Ideas is an example of what happens when someone puts a ton of time, thought, care, and energy into a business. You have one of the best Substack publications. Reading the behind the scenes process makes me appreciate it even more. As an illustrator and designer, I love the pixel artwork. Great work, Tom!
Guess I have to find a way to work through and compile all those hundreds of ideas, posts, and internet wisdom I've collected throughout the years just sitting in my OneNote and Obsidian pages! Thank you for sharing your process, Tom; such valuable insights
The "doomscroll intern" is the part of this I can't stop thinking about.
Most of us are that intern for ourselves—hunting for ideas, curating examples, hoping the next scroll will be the one that sparks something. But paying someone to do the hunting while you do the thinking? That's a different level of leverage.
I already have my idea folder. But systematizing the collection—that's the gap I didn't know I had until I read this.
Appreciate you pulling back the curtain, Tom. And congrats on 100K—well earned.
The 'research is already done' point is the one that lands for me, and I'd add that it works beyond marketing. My business runs on about sixty AI agents and I keep the same habit: every breakage gets a line in the log, and the log becomes the post. I'm at four posts, not 100k subscribers, but the pipeline is the same shape as yours - notes accumulate until a 'why now' shows up.
Tom hi, I would love to get the "full guide to writing email subject lines that hook people". Great article.
what a freaking stellar post Tom.
the "make it in parallel" was such a massive learning for me a few years ago and it really works with my energy. there's such an additional pressure from trying to wrap up something to completion when you can just have a bunch of little seeds you're watering at once.
100%! exactly
Thank you for the ideas and inspiration! I started my substack about a week ago to find emerging creators and invite them as founding members to my community, where they can find right-fit people for collaboration and shared growth. Also for friendship. :) I gasped when Substack launched its connection tool a couple days ago because it helps facilitate the same. However, I calmed down when I saw how it’s based off algorithm and clout - whereas mine is just real people connecting on stuff they are fascinated about and can’t stop yapping about it. 😂Also, eventually it will include likened newsletters, podcasters, bloggers etc. All of that to say — your newsletter has given me many ideas - even down to the original art. So, thank you and please thank your intern, too! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
And maybe you would do me the honor of reading this: https://opalineoutpost.substack.com/p/did-you-receive-a-community-invite?r=6j8h01&utm_medium=ios
Reading all this makes me realize how unserious I am about growth. Not sure if I’ll become more so. But I’ll save this just in case.
writing, editing, marketing a newsletter is a full time job so dont be harsh on yourself. I have also started writing weekly newsletter 3 months ago and I m at 500 subscribers only and there is much to improve but thinks will improve over time. all the best
Great email! I will work on these suggestions for future newsletters. My newsletter on here is theparkernathan.substack.com.
Yeah, this is killer dude. Thank you!
אין אין אין עליך! ❤️
The ideas folder today articles years later approach is such a good reminder that great newsletters are built through accumulation, not inspiration on demand.
Exactly!
Marketing Ideas is an example of what happens when someone puts a ton of time, thought, care, and energy into a business. You have one of the best Substack publications. Reading the behind the scenes process makes me appreciate it even more. As an illustrator and designer, I love the pixel artwork. Great work, Tom!
Thank you so much, Justin!
Guess I have to find a way to work through and compile all those hundreds of ideas, posts, and internet wisdom I've collected throughout the years just sitting in my OneNote and Obsidian pages! Thank you for sharing your process, Tom; such valuable insights
Is there any way I can get an invite to http://marketingideas.ai? Missed the opening window. Note to self: allow notifications from Substack :-)
When we officially launch in Q4 :)
I want you full guide to writing email subject lines that hook people 🫶🏼
Congrats
You've inspired me to climb over the wall I've hit with my writing project. https://thewayweconnect.substack.com/
I've been thinking of a paid sub for a while and think now's the time.
can't wait to see you inside 🙏
Believe me, it's worth more than what you invest. Marketing Ideas is my favorite paid newsletter.
Thank you Vishal 🙏
The "doomscroll intern" is the part of this I can't stop thinking about.
Most of us are that intern for ourselves—hunting for ideas, curating examples, hoping the next scroll will be the one that sparks something. But paying someone to do the hunting while you do the thinking? That's a different level of leverage.
I already have my idea folder. But systematizing the collection—that's the gap I didn't know I had until I read this.
Appreciate you pulling back the curtain, Tom. And congrats on 100K—well earned.
The 'research is already done' point is the one that lands for me, and I'd add that it works beyond marketing. My business runs on about sixty AI agents and I keep the same habit: every breakage gets a line in the log, and the log becomes the post. I'm at four posts, not 100k subscribers, but the pipeline is the same shape as yours - notes accumulate until a 'why now' shows up.