Doing it! 99.9% of the folks I have great conversations with out in the wild aren’t on SS, but a solid percentage of them would be if given a direct line. 🙌🏻🆒💫
“Out in the wild” 😂 I’m totally going to try this too - so many amazing conversations with folks that never ended with introducing them to the Substack world!
I’ve tried mentioning it a couple times and it typically flies overhead. Having something tactile to share probably bridges the gap of the unfamiliar. So many opportunities!! 🤯
I've had similar issues myself. People just haven't heard of the site and don't know what it is. But having something like this that could quickly show them what it's all about could definitely be very useful... 😎
Great ideas Kristi! It’s exactly what I’ve done. I have my QR codes set up on my phone so people can use their phone and get taken right to my sign up page. 🦋🎯
I LOVE this idea. And I feel like I should have thought of it myself. I haven't yet started my Substack, but I think I'll be in a good position to hit the ground running when I do. (Or, at least, putting one foot in front of the other.) Thank you!
I totally agree that the URL is hard. This is a great idea. Also, I got the "Custom Domain Name" which helps I think. (Of course, I chose my full name which is kinda complicated). Remember when you needed some weird app to open QR codes. I just found out you can just scan them with your phone camera and open the site!
Great idea, but what if people just don't care? I've sent emails with links out to non-subscriber friends and while I think they've visited, they don't subscribe. I have a cousin who even asked whether she should. For a 46 year old (i.e. an Xennial), she's really social media/tech shy. My Boomer aged parents (and likely HER Boomer aged parents) are more comfortable.
Strangers and acquaintances are much more curious and willing to support than friends and family. I meant networking in this post, not family dinners 😁 My friends and family don't even know I'm on Substack and I don't even care lol.
I think those of us who are more general (opposed to niche) will find it harder. I may have to look at rebranding. Maybe recycling an old name or something….
I've told people I know in real life about my Substack and none of them have Subscribed, either. But some do come on and read. It's very likely your friends are just wary of giving their email to an unfamiliar site, as that is what a couple have told me, but as long as they're visiting and having a look, that is still a wonderful way of showing support... 😎
This post got me all excited, Kristi! There’s something very invigorating about REMEMBERING the roots of “old school” ways of marketing and promotion out there in the real world lol. I’ve literally been fantasizing about creating an actual POSTER to hang up in coffee shops and stuff, because why the hell not 😂 With pretty much everything being shared online these days I feel like there’s an opportunity here! (Also, I laaaaaughed out loud at your description of your work-from-home-all-day, YouTube yoga-watching, dog-walking self. SO incredibly relatable haha)
Lol Brandy, I don't even try to lie about having a grand life anymore 😂😂 I'm happy sitting in the grass while my dog chews a stick hahaha!
But you're right about the old ways. It was so much more organic and people-oriented. Remember those paper placemats in restaurants with a bunch of ads on them? I'd love to find one of those restaurants and give them a stack of placemats with MY QR code on it and maybe one of my posts printed on it.
PS: I just looked at your profile and see that you're grumbling around western Canada. I'm in Calgary 😊 If you're in my hood let's meet at a dog park and hand out flyers!! 😂
Great idea. QR code. I need to do that for my business too
Doing it! 99.9% of the folks I have great conversations with out in the wild aren’t on SS, but a solid percentage of them would be if given a direct line. 🙌🏻🆒💫
Awesome! And such an easy solution 👌
“Out in the wild” 😂 I’m totally going to try this too - so many amazing conversations with folks that never ended with introducing them to the Substack world!
Yes and it's also great for when people ask, "What do you do?" Whip out a card and let them know!
YES!!
I’ve tried mentioning it a couple times and it typically flies overhead. Having something tactile to share probably bridges the gap of the unfamiliar. So many opportunities!! 🤯
I've had similar issues myself. People just haven't heard of the site and don't know what it is. But having something like this that could quickly show them what it's all about could definitely be very useful... 😎
Totally. Added bonus… bringing more cool kids to the party 🤙🏻
Absolutely. I may even add that as a slogan on the cards: "Substack: Where The Cool Kids Hang Out". Haha... 😎
A business card! How unconventional, but a great idea. Thank you Kristi.
I really like this idea, Kristi. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Oh yes, another brilliant idea from the house of Kristi!
I love that...the house of Kristi 😁 I feel like I should buy that domain lol.
Brilliant! I just added my Substack url to my business cards, but this is so much better!
Right?? It's just easier all around!
I love this advice Kristi! Been needing to update my biz cards..thank you😀
You're welcome!
Great ideas Kristi! It’s exactly what I’ve done. I have my QR codes set up on my phone so people can use their phone and get taken right to my sign up page. 🦋🎯
Great minds think alike. I actually thought of that right after publishing this post. Just having a screenshot on hand is brilliant.
I just took a minute and created a quick business card with QR code in Canva and saved to phone so it's always with me.
Excellent idea!!
And just created a full screen version so it's easier to scan. 📱
HA! Look at you getting all fancy 😂
I LOVE this idea. And I feel like I should have thought of it myself. I haven't yet started my Substack, but I think I'll be in a good position to hit the ground running when I do. (Or, at least, putting one foot in front of the other.) Thank you!
You're welcome!!
I totally agree that the URL is hard. This is a great idea. Also, I got the "Custom Domain Name" which helps I think. (Of course, I chose my full name which is kinda complicated). Remember when you needed some weird app to open QR codes. I just found out you can just scan them with your phone camera and open the site!
I totally remember when we needed apps to scan QR codes!! Life used to be so clunky lol...not very "on the fly" back in the day.
Great idea, but what if people just don't care? I've sent emails with links out to non-subscriber friends and while I think they've visited, they don't subscribe. I have a cousin who even asked whether she should. For a 46 year old (i.e. an Xennial), she's really social media/tech shy. My Boomer aged parents (and likely HER Boomer aged parents) are more comfortable.
Strangers and acquaintances are much more curious and willing to support than friends and family. I meant networking in this post, not family dinners 😁 My friends and family don't even know I'm on Substack and I don't even care lol.
But what if you don't really go to networking events? Speed networking was kind of a thing circa 2008 or so, but I haven't heard about many recently.
Like I said in the first paragraph, this idea is not for everyone. It's for people who see the opportunity in it!
I'm not here to change the world of networking, just the world of people who are looking for ideas 😁
I think those of us who are more general (opposed to niche) will find it harder. I may have to look at rebranding. Maybe recycling an old name or something….
Or just have faith that your writing is meant for someone and your audience is out there!
I've told people I know in real life about my Substack and none of them have Subscribed, either. But some do come on and read. It's very likely your friends are just wary of giving their email to an unfamiliar site, as that is what a couple have told me, but as long as they're visiting and having a look, that is still a wonderful way of showing support... 😎
What a great idea! And a pleasure to read about, like all your writing...
This post got me all excited, Kristi! There’s something very invigorating about REMEMBERING the roots of “old school” ways of marketing and promotion out there in the real world lol. I’ve literally been fantasizing about creating an actual POSTER to hang up in coffee shops and stuff, because why the hell not 😂 With pretty much everything being shared online these days I feel like there’s an opportunity here! (Also, I laaaaaughed out loud at your description of your work-from-home-all-day, YouTube yoga-watching, dog-walking self. SO incredibly relatable haha)
Lol Brandy, I don't even try to lie about having a grand life anymore 😂😂 I'm happy sitting in the grass while my dog chews a stick hahaha!
But you're right about the old ways. It was so much more organic and people-oriented. Remember those paper placemats in restaurants with a bunch of ads on them? I'd love to find one of those restaurants and give them a stack of placemats with MY QR code on it and maybe one of my posts printed on it.
PS: I just looked at your profile and see that you're grumbling around western Canada. I'm in Calgary 😊 If you're in my hood let's meet at a dog park and hand out flyers!! 😂
That's a very good tip and I would never have thought of it! Thank you so much for sharing! Lots of love.
You're welcome!!
I love this Kristi!
I’ve been tinkering with a virtual biz card for a while but never commit.
Your letter today convinced me. I’m going for it!
Thank youuuu 💓
Love this idea Kristi thank you!