Thank you so much Sarah! Got the newsletter photos resized (it’s easy, I just uploaded the photo onto the desktop, click right - rapid actions - convert image - choose PNG medium size) and created a handy list of openers for further issues. Great and functional advice, as always!
This is such a great perspective, thank you. I don't think I had fully appreciated the differences in context between a reader, reading my work in Substack and someone reading an email in between a load of other emails. It's quite the mind shift.
This is so helpful, Sarah! I'm going to try the "Hello" salutation in all of my posts (I do this with my guest posts but not my monthly essays). Also - what is a non-compressed image? I usually select a personal photograph that accompanies my story.
I'm doing a whole post on images, but basically you can compress any image so it takes up less space, and you'll avoid that "too long for email" notice and improve deliverability.
This is one of those great pieces of advice that once you hear it, it seems obvious but before that, it's totally invisible. Thank you! Can't wait to apply it.
Sarah, for someone who uses Substack for writing stories, do you recommend starting off with a hello to readers? I usually just jump right in and start the story.
I hear you. As always, it's up to you. Stories do bring us in. So you might just look at your opening and put yourself in the position of the reader. Definitely send a draft to yourself using the Preview function.
Thanks for this! I am curious about reading email on Desktop vs Mobile. I feel that it can also shift the experience based on user behavior. I don't think the stats make this clear, unless I'm missing something? Any thoughts on this?
I agree and supposedly a very large percentage of people read email on their iPhones. You're right about user behavior dictating all of this. Also, are they reading us at work? On the weekends? In line at the grocery store?
Yeah, I've noticed that I personally read it on my Mail app on my phone if it's shorter - so that might be a waiting in line at the store kinda thing. But since Substack tends to be long-form, I often read it in bed, where I see the email but open it in the app. Or I just read it on my computer. I looked at my overall stats, and it says 90% email, so I'm going to go with the lowest common denominator here and write as if they're reading on their phone.
Thank you, Sarah! Because I almost always read in the app (the typeface is larger, it’s easier to comment and restack, other posts and Notes are more accessible) I don’t think as much as I should about the appearance of emails. Your advice about addressing the reader up front is a good reminder of basic etiquette. I’d appreciate a quick lesson on alt-text, or a link explaining it. Looking forward to the live session.
This post made me think it would be interesting to see you open a few posts on a live call and just make off the cuff observations… or have you already done this and I missed it?
Over here thinking about my three buttons in each post.
Thanks for this advice! So many things that may feel obvious but many may forget to take into account.
Thank you so much Sarah! Got the newsletter photos resized (it’s easy, I just uploaded the photo onto the desktop, click right - rapid actions - convert image - choose PNG medium size) and created a handy list of openers for further issues. Great and functional advice, as always!
I’m so glad!
This is such a great perspective, thank you. I don't think I had fully appreciated the differences in context between a reader, reading my work in Substack and someone reading an email in between a load of other emails. It's quite the mind shift.
It really is a mind shift—and makes what we do here that much more impressive.
This is so helpful, Sarah! I'm going to try the "Hello" salutation in all of my posts (I do this with my guest posts but not my monthly essays). Also - what is a non-compressed image? I usually select a personal photograph that accompanies my story.
I'm doing a whole post on images, but basically you can compress any image so it takes up less space, and you'll avoid that "too long for email" notice and improve deliverability.
This is one of those great pieces of advice that once you hear it, it seems obvious but before that, it's totally invisible. Thank you! Can't wait to apply it.
I totally agree. And I find myself forgetting and having to remind myself about every three months!
Truly helpful info as always, Sarah! Thank you.
Very helpful, Sarah. I need to check this. Thanks for the tip about alt text. I’ve gotten lazy about that.
Always love seeing you here!
Sarah, for someone who uses Substack for writing stories, do you recommend starting off with a hello to readers? I usually just jump right in and start the story.
I hear you. As always, it's up to you. Stories do bring us in. So you might just look at your opening and put yourself in the position of the reader. Definitely send a draft to yourself using the Preview function.
Thanks so much! These tips are so helpful ... myriad issues that can keep our posts from arriving and/or being opened.
Indeed!
Great reminders about how our work is read. Always appreciate your insights and food for thought. Thank you, Sarah!
Thanks for this! I am curious about reading email on Desktop vs Mobile. I feel that it can also shift the experience based on user behavior. I don't think the stats make this clear, unless I'm missing something? Any thoughts on this?
I agree and supposedly a very large percentage of people read email on their iPhones. You're right about user behavior dictating all of this. Also, are they reading us at work? On the weekends? In line at the grocery store?
Yeah, I've noticed that I personally read it on my Mail app on my phone if it's shorter - so that might be a waiting in line at the store kinda thing. But since Substack tends to be long-form, I often read it in bed, where I see the email but open it in the app. Or I just read it on my computer. I looked at my overall stats, and it says 90% email, so I'm going to go with the lowest common denominator here and write as if they're reading on their phone.
I’m the same re: reading on my phone and doing so when it’s shorter.
Thank you, Sarah! Because I almost always read in the app (the typeface is larger, it’s easier to comment and restack, other posts and Notes are more accessible) I don’t think as much as I should about the appearance of emails. Your advice about addressing the reader up front is a good reminder of basic etiquette. I’d appreciate a quick lesson on alt-text, or a link explaining it. Looking forward to the live session.
You're so right about the typeface being larger in the app. Alt-text coming in my images post on 3/17.
Thank you so much, Sarah. appreciate your help.
This post made me think it would be interesting to see you open a few posts on a live call and just make off the cuff observations… or have you already done this and I missed it?
Such a great idea! Done!
Also, I share your amazing teaser you wrote with the restack of your third post all the time. It's so good. People always say, "Wow."
Thank you!