Substack Notes vs. X: Which Platform Should Writers Use for Content Strategy?
Again, it's a little complicated.
Hi, Writer Friends!
Picture this: you’ve just come up with a hilarious anecdote about accidentally emailing your cat's vet instead of your boss (or vice versa would be funnier. Anyway…).
Where should you share it? Substack Notes or X (formerly Twitter)?
Let’s dive into each platform's pros, cons, and quirks so you can decide where your next gem of genius belongs.
Before we do that, let’s talk shop: I’m always looking at the SEO benefit for writers.
Does Google index Substack Notes? Yes! Win. Does Google index X posts?
Yes, another win.
Visibility on Search Engines: Substack posts are public and can be indexed. So, when someone’s scouring Google for a topic you’ve covered, there’s a chance your Substack article could make an appearance— your email newsletter alone won’t do that for you!
~ Duo Collective.
What Are Substack Notes?
Substack Notes is like the chill café of the social media world—less chaotic than X but (mostly) full of thoughtful conversations. Notes is an extension of Substack, where creators like us can share bite-sized content, such as links, updates, witty observations, cat pix, etc., directly with our subscribers and the broader Substack community.
How it works:
Imagine you’re at a small book club where everyone actually reads the book. (I know, right? Imagine.)
That’s Substack Notes. Share a note about your latest article (“Why Fruit is an Unreliable Narrator” - I will write that one day), and the people who care most will see it—and maybe even subscribe to your newsletter.
Substack Notes Pros (aka “Why It’s a Breath of Fresh Air”):
Audience alignment: It’s like talking to your friends, not yelling into a crowded subway. People here are already into reading and subscribing.
Example: Share your short story link, and instead of “Nice, but can I have $5?” responses from randos and bots, you might get, “Loved this! Subscribing to your newsletter now!”
Monetization magic: Notes nudge readers toward your paid content (if that’s the goal). Or whatever call to action you have (buy my book, sign up for my newsletter, buy my Reliable Fruit 101 book, look at my cute cat). Ya know.
Example: Post a teaser about your exclusive guide, “How to Fold Fitted Sheets Without Crying,” and watch the paid subs roll in. (I’d totally pay for that.)
No ads, no noise, And no “Sponsored: Buy This Weird Pillow Guy” in the middle of your feed. It's just content that matters to you—curated by you.
Cozy community vibes: Fewer trolls, more people saying, “Wow, great point!” (and meaning it).
Substack Notes Cons (aka “The Not-So-Great Bits”):
Limited reach: It’s a smaller pond, but hey, fewer sharks! 🦈
Learning curve: Used to X’s fast pace? Notes might feel like a peaceful retirement home for your thoughts. I find it less noisy here, and given the season's craziness, I love that. A lot.
Not built for virality: If you want your joke about penguins playing soccer to go viral, this typically isn’t the place, but you never know!
What About X (Twitter)?
Ah, X: the loud, buzzing cocktail party where everyone’s shouting at once and, lately, throwing drinks and shoes. With its massive audience and real-time trends, it’s long been a hub for writers and readers - all types of creators, until recently.
But as the platform evolves, is it still the best place for you? Morally and ethically, maybe not. Creators and advertisers have left X in droves.
Readers, though. Where are our readers?
X is still helpful for connecting with readers, SEO, and book marketing, so I stick to that. I don’t engage in political, ideological, or religious discussions on social media. In fact, I go into Settings and mute particular words, phrases, and topics.
How it works:
Post quick updates, jump into conversations, and hope the algorithm favors you. Want your tweet about blue bunnies in space to get 10,000 likes? X is your playground. Maybe.
X Pros (aka “Why It’s Still Got Game”):
Massive audience: Everyone and their cat (literally, #catsoftwitter) used to be there. If you’ve read my latest post, you’ll know that millions have migrated over to Bluesky. Read more here:
Bluesky vs. X for Writers: What's the Best Choice?
·If you’re reading this, no doubt you’ve either already left X (formerly Twitter), are considering leaving X, or are unsure - do I need to be on both? Many of us are joining Bluesky by the tens of millions over the last week. Here’s me.
Versatility: X lets you do everything from serious threads to goofy polls (“Best pasta shape: go”).
Example: Poll your followers on cover options. People love giving feedback.
Networking goldmine: Want to connect with industry pros? They’re probably on X, complaining about X. Or Bluesky, complaining about X.*
*I recently attended an excellent free webinar with Jane Friedman and Allison K. Williams on the wonders of LinkedIn. For writers. https://janefriedman.com/online-classes/ to see all class offerings.Trending topics: Tie your content to what’s hot - or not.
X Cons (aka “The Headaches”):
Algorithm roulette: One day you’re trending, the next you’re invisible.
Troll central: Share your opinion, and there’s always that one person with a blank profile pic ready to argue. (Tip: Ignore.)
A time suck: Blink, and three hours of scrolling cat videos have passed.
Pay-to-play features: Want visibility? To run ads? To write longer posts? To edit? To have formatting options? See your analytics?
Comes at a cost: X Premium might be your new frenemy.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Go Substack Notes if you want deeper, more meaningful engagement with people who love good content (and are willing to pay for it).
Stick with X if You love the chaos, thrive on trends, and don’t mind the occasional troll battle.
Pro Tip: Why Not Both?
Use Notes to build a loyal following while posting on X to attract a wider audience.
Example Workflow: Share your Substack post on X, then engage with readers on Notes for thoughtful feedback.
Final Thoughts:
Substack Notes and X are like two very different friends: one brings you books, tea, and listens to your really deep thoughts (any Tori fans?); the other drags you to karaoke at midnight.
Both have their place in your content strategy—choose wisely (or embrace both). Or neither.) Listen, ultimately, you have to do what works for your vibe.
Great article ➡️ here on SEO and marketing. Explains a lot.
What’s your favorite platform for sharing your stuff? Hit reply and let me know. Until next time, happy writing!
P.S. I’m posting this on both Substack Notes and X, because why not? Let’s see who wins the engagement battle! I’ll let you know in my next newsletter.
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Coming up:
There will be no X Audiospaces this month. If you’re in publishing, you know how crazy this month can be. Happy holidays! ❄️ I wish you peace, compassion, and many cookies.
Please join me next month on Wednesday, January 8 at 2 pm PT/5 pm ET for my monthly #BookMarketingChat audiospace. X account required to listen, speak, or share. Click here now to set a reminder and add to your calendar.
Like this post? Please share with a friend!
Other News:
Several wonderful friends are having book sales this month.
Mayhem on Mulberry: Book One: Rise of the East by Vince Defilippo, Ph.D., is fantastic. A sink-your-teeth-into mystery/thriller. Very good.
In The Kitchen With Linda, by Linda Carsman, is $1.99 for the ebook. Okay, she’s my mom. It’s a great little book! Published by munnavenuepress.com and The Munn Avenue Muse.
Mom and her book were recently included in a cookbook round-up in The Sacramento Bee! She’s 84 and just published her first book. Go, Moms!
Stephen Deck’s Land of the Story Tellers will be free December 11 - 15. More here.
My Broken Series of 3 ebooks are all available now for only 99c this month.
Speaking of Munn Avenue, they hosted me on their fantastic podcast. Click here for more:
Youtube:
Spotify:
This was very insightful. Thanks!
Regarding BlueSky: Have you determined what days and times are best to post on BlueSky? I still refer to your post about timing on other social media platforms. It was one of my favorites that you've written.