I’ve read your strategy pieces before, but this article — the simplicity, the “think like a stranger” framing — made me realize I’ve been overcomplicating my own setup. I just subscribed as a paying reader because I want to keep learning from the way you think about structure, not just content.
Starting this week, I’m applying your full framework in earnest across my own publication, Collaborate With Mark. If a fraction of your clarity can rub off on me, it’ll be the best subscription I’ve made all year.
Thank you for making strategy feel both accessible and alive.
Mark, this really means so much to me. Thank you!!
Honestly, this is why it's worth creating content here, knowing it actually helps someone see things differently.
I'm cheering for you and excited to see where you take it. And if you ever get stuck or just curious about something, you're always welcome to join the weekly Q&A chat.
This is such a handy way of sharing the tips that worked for you! I always had a magazine layout but seeing how to choose posts visually helped so much! Thanks Andi!
Interesting! Very helpful. And makes sense! I also love the look of the Magazine layout, but (and not to play devil's advocate here), I've noticed on the app, when you go to the "Posts" tab, the pinned posts don't appear at the top. I think a lot of discovery probably also happens within the mobile app, like when ppl are multitasking, watching TV, and scrolling, etc. Do you have any workarounds for that? I guess there are none atm... :-/
Hey Andi, I've been using the magazine layout since I started. However, didn't know about the in depth tips - so thank you! What if ONE post is a perspective AND gained new subs? What would I do in place of the other one? 😂
Thanks Andi! I had mine on magazine layout for the longest time and recently changed it to Featured, but after reading this, it's back to magazine, with your thoughtfully pinned posts suggestions! THANK YOU!
Andi, this one sealed it for me.
I’ve read your strategy pieces before, but this article — the simplicity, the “think like a stranger” framing — made me realize I’ve been overcomplicating my own setup. I just subscribed as a paying reader because I want to keep learning from the way you think about structure, not just content.
Starting this week, I’m applying your full framework in earnest across my own publication, Collaborate With Mark. If a fraction of your clarity can rub off on me, it’ll be the best subscription I’ve made all year.
Thank you for making strategy feel both accessible and alive.
— Mark S. Carroll
(Collaborate With Mark)
Mark, this really means so much to me. Thank you!!
Honestly, this is why it's worth creating content here, knowing it actually helps someone see things differently.
I'm cheering for you and excited to see where you take it. And if you ever get stuck or just curious about something, you're always welcome to join the weekly Q&A chat.
Looking 👀 forward to that weekly chat. When is it?
Love this take!! Brb turning mine into a magazine layout
Amazing! Plus, you can enable it to show your top posts below. Works together perfectly.
This is such a handy way of sharing the tips that worked for you! I always had a magazine layout but seeing how to choose posts visually helped so much! Thanks Andi!
I'm so glad to hear this, and curious to see how it goes for you!
Really appreciate it 🙏. Am going to follow this advice right away
Thanks for this
I really like this one. So simple. Will have a think and then implement.
Thanks Andi. This has been really helpful.
Interesting! Very helpful. And makes sense! I also love the look of the Magazine layout, but (and not to play devil's advocate here), I've noticed on the app, when you go to the "Posts" tab, the pinned posts don't appear at the top. I think a lot of discovery probably also happens within the mobile app, like when ppl are multitasking, watching TV, and scrolling, etc. Do you have any workarounds for that? I guess there are none atm... :-/
No :( I really hope Substack improves the app soon! There are so many issues with it.
I like this layout as well, but didn't think about pinning posts, thanks for the tip and also explaining what's worth pinning and why.
Hey Andi, I've been using the magazine layout since I started. However, didn't know about the in depth tips - so thank you! What if ONE post is a perspective AND gained new subs? What would I do in place of the other one? 😂
Of course, there’s some overlap, it’s not exclusively one or the other :) It’s more about where the focus is.
I agree!! 💯
Definitely worth trying! Thanks for sharing.
I’m happy 👏
Thanks Andi - I didn’t realise I could pin posts! So I’ll be changing that now.
I'm glad I could help! :)
Love the suggestions!
Yes I love the magazine layout over everything else! It's much easier to read and enjoy peoples content.
Thanks Andi! I had mine on magazine layout for the longest time and recently changed it to Featured, but after reading this, it's back to magazine, with your thoughtfully pinned posts suggestions! THANK YOU!