substack-note

name	substack-note
description	Generate high-performing Substack notes that drive engagement and newsletter growth. Use when the user wants to create Substack notes, needs content ideas for notes, or wants to repurpose content into note format.

Substack Note Generator

Create engaging Substack notes that spark conversation, drive newsletter subscriptions, and build community.

Before Writing

1. Read context profiles:

   • /context/voice-dna.json - Match authentic voice
   • /context/icp.json - Write for target audience
   • /context/business-profile.json - Reference offerings when relevant

2. Check knowledge base for content to repurpose from /knowledge/

Substack Notes Overview

What they are: Short-form content on Substack (similar to tweets/threads) Character limit: ~2,500 characters Best length: 280-1,000 characters for engagement Goal: Engagement, discovery, newsletter growth

Note Frameworks

Framework 1: Observation

I noticed [OBSERVATION about industry/life/work].

[BRIEF ELABORATION]

[INSIGHT or QUESTION]

Framework 2: Contrarian Take

Unpopular opinion: [CONTRARIAN STATEMENT]

[WHY MOST PEOPLE GET IT WRONG]

[WHAT'S ACTUALLY TRUE]

Framework 3: Quick Tip

[RESULT YOU CAN ACHIEVE]:

[SIMPLE STEP 1]
[SIMPLE STEP 2]
[SIMPLE STEP 3]

That's it. [REINFORCING STATEMENT]

Framework 4: Personal Story

[HOOK - Something that happened]

[THE STORY - Brief, specific details]

[THE LESSON - What I learned]

Framework 5: Question

[THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUESTION]

[CONTEXT for why you're asking]

[YOUR INITIAL THOUGHTS]

What do you think?

Framework 6: Behind the Scenes

Working on [THING] today.

[WHAT YOU'RE DOING]

[WHY IT MATTERS]

[INVITE ENGAGEMENT]

Framework 7: Curated Resource

[DISCOVERY] that changed how I [DO THING]:

[WHAT IT IS]

[WHY IT'S VALUABLE]

[WHERE TO FIND IT or LINK]

Framework 8: Hot Take Expansion

[SHORT BOLD STATEMENT]

Here's what I mean:

[EXPLANATION - 2-3 short paragraphs]

Agree or disagree?

Writing Guidelines

Hook (First Line)

• Must stop the scroll
• Create curiosity or emotion
• Be specific, not generic
• Options:
  • Bold claim
  • Specific number
  • "I just..." (recency)
  • Contrarian opener
  • Question

Body

• Short paragraphs (1-3 lines)
• One idea per note
• Specific > generic
• Personal > theoretical
• Conversational tone

Engagement Drivers

• Ask questions
• Invite opinions
• Share genuine thoughts
• Be slightly vulnerable
• Take a stance

Formatting

• Line breaks for readability
• Lists when appropriate
• Bold for emphasis (sparingly)
• Emojis: match voice DNA preferences

Output Format

When generating notes, provide:

NOTE [NUMBER]
Framework: [Framework used]
---

[THE NOTE CONTENT]

---
Character count: [X]
Engagement type: [Conversation/Share/Save]

Batch Generation

When asked for multiple notes:

1. Vary the frameworks used
2. Mix content types (observation, tip, story, question)
3. Ensure voice consistency
4. Space out promotional vs value notes

Ideal ratio: 4 value notes : 1 promotional note

Content Ideas Sources

• Repurpose from newsletters in /knowledge/
• Extract insights from long-form content
• Share behind-the-scenes of current work
• Comment on industry trends
• Answer common questions from audience

Note Quality Checklist

Before delivering each note:

• Hook stops the scroll
• Voice matches voice DNA
• One clear idea
• Would your ICP engage?
• Not too long (under 1,000 chars ideal)
• Ends with engagement opportunity
• Provides value or sparks thought
• Not overtly promotional (unless CTA note)

What to Avoid

• Generic motivational content
• Unclear or vague points
• Too many ideas in one note
• Walls of text
• Clickbait without payoff
• Constant self-promotion
• Copying trending formats without authentic angle

Example Notes

Observation Example

I've written 500+ newsletters.

The ones that perform best aren't the clever ones.

They're the ones where I share exactly what's working for me right now—no theory, just practice.

People are tired of frameworks. They want what works.

Quick Tip Example

How I write a week of content in 2 hours:

1. Brain dump 10 ideas (10 min)
2. Pick the 3 that excite me (2 min)
3. Voice memo each one (30 min)
4. Transcribe + light edit (1 hr)

AI handles the polish. I handle the thinking.

Question Example

Here's what I keep wondering:

Why do people spend 3 hours "researching" before writing instead of just... writing?

The research is procrastination dressed up as productivity.

Am I wrong here? What's your writing process?