How I Got 300K+ Views Using Notes as Free Advertising
The exact strategy I used to grow from 0 to 5.5K+ readers on Substack.
Hello you 🤍
I hope you’ve had some nice Easter vacation days.
At least, that’s how it has been in Denmark, where I’m from.
However it looks for you, wherever you’re located, I just hope that you’re doing well.
Yes, I genuinely care about my readers.
I appreciate you, and I notice many of you.
One of the best feelings is to be seen—and yes, I do see you and notice your posts, notes, and comments. Thank you.
From Zero to Viral Notes
Today, I would love to share something with you:
Only a few months ago, I had no subscribers, followers, comments, likes, or reposts.
Nothing.
Today, almost every note I create gets 50+ likes.
Not every one—but many.
Right now, I have two notes going viral.
I’ll show them to you here:
Why My Notes Started Working
What you’re seeing here are two notes going viral.
188,960 views, 17,000 likes, 409 comments, 2,000 restacks, 126 forwards.
135,687 views, 11,000 likes, 108 comments, 2,100 restacks, 93 forwards.
How?
Well, I’ve found that Notes are like advertising—and if you focus on creating the “right ones,” you’ll attract your “right audience.”
For me, that’s women within the age group of 25–40.
And I’ll tell you: my Substack now consists of 5.5K+ women (followers and subscribers in total). All of them are women. Most of them are interested in life design or Substack growth.
What a gift.
Want to Grow Like This Too?
Today, I would love to share with you how to create this.
First: I’ve created a bundle for you that consists of 5 products and 4 bonuses—all for $27, which is nothing compared to the time I’ve invested in trying, failing, and trying again. You can find it here: Grow Your Substack — Without Being an Influencer
It’s definitely a Substack growth product.
Before we dive into the details, I would love to share some former articles I’ve written about this:
Now, let’s get into it.
How to Use Substack Notes as Free Ads
How to use Substack Notes as free ads for your Substack—and attract your dream audience.
Definition: How to use Substack Notes as free ads and attract your dream audience
Using Substack Notes as free ads means creating short, intentional pieces of content that showcase your ideas, tone, and values—so the right people naturally feel drawn to you and your writing.
Instead of posting randomly, you treat each Note as a small “invitation” into your world. You share thoughts that resonate with your ideal reader, speak directly to their desires or struggles, and give them a reason to click, follow, or subscribe.
When done right, your Notes don’t just get likes—they filter in the people who truly align with your message, turning attention into a loyal and engaged audience.
Step-by-step: How to use Substack Notes as free ads
1. Get clear on your “dream reader”
Before you write anything, decide who you want to attract.
Ask yourself:
Who are they?
What do they care about?
What are they struggling with or dreaming about?
Your Notes should feel like they are written only for them.
2. Choose one clear message per Note
Don’t try to say everything at once.
The best Notes are simple and focused.
Think:
one idea
one insight
one relatable feeling
Clarity is what makes people stop and engage.
3. Write like you speak (make it human)
Notes that perform well feel personal and real—not perfect.
Write like:
