27 Comments
User's avatar
Morgan Jungels's avatar

I love your suggestion to "start with a business problem and then pick a platform." Honestly, 99% of business owners do the reverse and it's a big part of their struggle. I'd actually go so far as to say it creates the problem. 🙃

Expand full comment
Michael Lim's avatar

Whenever I make a decision, I always ask myself: What problem is this solving in my business? If I can't answer it, I don't make that decision.

What's a business problem you're solving for right now?

Expand full comment
Ramon Rubio de Castro's avatar

It is definitely a very nice network, be it for creators or just as users.

Expand full comment
Michael Lim's avatar

Exactly. Substack;s got something for everyone. Excited to see where it goes in 2025. What are you working on?

Expand full comment
Veronica Llorca-Smith's avatar

I’m so happy you came here! And I’m very proud and humble you chose me as your book coach. Thank you

Expand full comment
Michael Lim's avatar

I'm very happy to be here!! It's been so awesome working with you over the last 5-6 months

Expand full comment
Bin Jiang's avatar

There's a small typo "M3dium", I fixed it on Medium but can't here.

Expand full comment
Michael Lim's avatar

It was done purposely to avoid the Medium algorithms, but no problems!

Expand full comment
Bin Jiang's avatar

Okay, got it.

Expand full comment
The Wallachian Girl 🖤❤️'s avatar

Hi, Michael! Wow, what great commentary, especially for an aspiring business owner like me. I'm really working to turn my Substack into a lucrative business, and this is exactly what I needed to hear! Likewise, I loved the line "Start with a business problem and then pick a platform." Wow, what a message to pass onto fellow businesspeople, and you really are in the right place if you think this way!

Likewise, if you’re interested in a fresh perspective on culture, lifestyle, and politics, I’d really appreciate it if you could please subscribe to and comment on Letters From the Castle 🏰🌙💜 And if you're feeling so inclined, you can also buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/thewallachiangirl

My latest article: https://substack.com/home/post/p-162373301

Expand full comment
Aline S.'s avatar

I'm currently still hanging on to 2 years of work and writing relationships on Medium but feeling excited about Substack. Thank you for sharing your experience Michael!

Expand full comment
A Cultural Shift's avatar

Great article. I'm a relative newbie and move slowly as I learn platforms. I like Substack as well and hope it continues to do well.

Expand full comment
Namrata Gohain's avatar

I’m taking up storytelling / writing full-time and loving Substack already! Thank you for the article. It motivates me to really make use of the platform now as we are unsure about how it will grow.

Expand full comment
Chaotic Success's avatar

Awesome

Expand full comment
EP Shelky's avatar

The comment about building community when information is so available (+ the addition of AI is spot on). New to substack, but I can absolutely see the benefits of hitting all parts of the funnel in a way that supports new voices.

Expand full comment
Amy Evans's avatar

Fantastic thoughts, and I definitely agree on the use of Notes as the best short-form writing outlet. Working on getting the volume up now without sacrificing quality.

Expand full comment
Try to be kind's avatar

I've joined at the right time it seems...I like the way substack allows people to find each other. And it is a place where people love to comment :D

Expand full comment
Kaila Krayewski's avatar

I don't know that this was really "brutal", but an interesting analysis for sure. I agree that this is an exciting time to be on Substack and I'm super stoked to see what's coming. The sheer number of incredible creators joining is inspirational.

Expand full comment
Judith BQ's avatar

I'm new on Substack. This was a helpful read. Thanks for sharing this.

Expand full comment
Michael Wallace's avatar

I just started on Substack January 1 and still learning the ropes. Thank you for your article Michael I think you are in the right place.

Expand full comment
Norman Lesperance's avatar

This is encouraging. Thank you for sharing your experience and your thoughts!

Expand full comment