I love reading other people’s hero posts and really get the importance.
Somehow the idea of writing a hero post really stresses me out. In my head it needs to be a polished version and explanation of me and my space and I need to put labels on things that fluctuate, change and evolve (sure I could edit it regularly…). I’m sure there’s no need for all these emotions and concerns but somehow every time I sit down to write it, I feel blocked 😅 I’m sure the day will come when I will also write my post and feel comfortable about it
Aw I hear you. What did you think of my copy and paste suggestions? I don't have one up at the moment so that's the other option - I have our last members replay pinned.
Claire, I love the bit you write at the end, of throwing all the cuteness and sparkles at it so didn't become a 'feast for locusts'. This has flicked a switch for me - thank you!
Thank you for this! I finally know what you mean by Hero post. Finished mine but need a photo. Do you always think a personal picture is best? You had mentioned you liked the journals that I had.
You know me I’m always one for a bit of bravery! I adore some of these examples they are brilliant. I’ve loved tweaking my written hero post over time it always helps me to come back to the core of who I am and what I am trying to do, and to see the evolution in action. Excited to see more of these!
Aw thank you Caroline. As I said 8k is through recommendations which blows my mind but it's why I teach leaning into reciprocity here. That little engine keeps working for us in the background while we do our best work...
I've made lots of changes since I first posted mine a few months ago. Thats the beauty of the internet - we can always tweak it! Big yes to always thinking about the reader. That's the paradox of any about me/hero post type page, right?
Yes it's true Sas... I still teach that the about page should lead with an invite but also be packed full of social proof and clarity of context. It's a good way to set them apart in your mind. I love a good tweak, unless it's on my website - I must be better at that lol
My Hero Post has brought in 48 new subscribers to my newsletter so far. It was actually the beginning of me getting some traction here on Substack for which I am so grateful. I have always been afraid of getting noticed, but it has proved to be such a powerful tool for connecting with like-minded individuals here.
Thanks for this! Three questions -- why not just pin your About page if it has info about you and a picture already? Are you suggesting we shouldn't be pinning more than one page? and finally, does having a picture lower the delivery rate and that is why you're suggesting adding it after? (I have been trying to figure out for a year why my delivery rate is only 84%. Doesn't that seem low?) Thanks Claire!!
Hey Jo-Ann. Hard to answer and get all the nuance across in a reply but I’ll try.
First thing - all the rules are made up. That’s a permission slip for you?
For sure you can copy and paste your about page into a post.
You can’t pin your about page - just the way Substack works. This is another opportunity for folks to get to know you depending on where they are finding you in your eco system.
You can’t pin multiple posts depending on which layout you choose. You can also pin in sections.
Thanks Claire! I remembered my About page being on my homepage at one point and thought I’d pinned it, but turns out, I’d pasted into a new post. Ha! I will love you forever if my delivery rate goes up without pics and be pissed at Substack who said they couldn’t tell me why it was low (84% is low right?) Now off to learn more about sections!
I just published my Hero Post today! Thanks for your guidance on this, Claire 💖🤗 So grateful for all of the wonderful information you've shared! I am curious - what would be your reasoning for turning off the comments on your hero post?
Thanks Claire, I recently did Beth Kempton mini course and through this I’ve been able to set myself up here. I’m enjoying the platform greatly. So far very good thank you 🙏
Great article. Do you advise only pinning one post? The hero post? I’ve pinned 3 or 4 and maybe it’s too much as it doesn’t refresh with the new stuff noticeably enough? Xx
I love reading other people’s hero posts and really get the importance.
Somehow the idea of writing a hero post really stresses me out. In my head it needs to be a polished version and explanation of me and my space and I need to put labels on things that fluctuate, change and evolve (sure I could edit it regularly…). I’m sure there’s no need for all these emotions and concerns but somehow every time I sit down to write it, I feel blocked 😅 I’m sure the day will come when I will also write my post and feel comfortable about it
Aw I hear you. What did you think of my copy and paste suggestions? I don't have one up at the moment so that's the other option - I have our last members replay pinned.
They are a game changer, copy paste idea for tired brains! ❤️ thank you
Great examples, Claire. Well done, every one included 👏👏
I wonder if you came across any other hero posts that stood out. I've included my one, it brought 41 lovely subscribers so far ❤️
Thanks for sharing. Yes the note I put out for calls for them, brought some lovely ones in I just ran out of space to include folks... https://substack.com/@clairevenus/note/c-93155783.
Claire, I love the bit you write at the end, of throwing all the cuteness and sparkles at it so didn't become a 'feast for locusts'. This has flicked a switch for me - thank you!
Oh totally - hold the vision, keep the boundaries. xx
Thank you for this! I finally know what you mean by Hero post. Finished mine but need a photo. Do you always think a personal picture is best? You had mentioned you liked the journals that I had.
They are so beautifully inviting… I think as long as there’s a photo of you someone in that top section it’s all good?
I'll make sure there is! Thanks!
I just made a hero post! So far just my about page copied, but I can shape it as I go along. For now, I’m happy it’s there.
You know me I’m always one for a bit of bravery! I adore some of these examples they are brilliant. I’ve loved tweaking my written hero post over time it always helps me to come back to the core of who I am and what I am trying to do, and to see the evolution in action. Excited to see more of these!
Yay! Well done Anna… it’s certainly shows where we’ve been and how our writing evolves us over time..: my clarity has improved 10 fold!
Congratulations, Claire! Your growth is so inspiring. Xx
Aw thank you Caroline. As I said 8k is through recommendations which blows my mind but it's why I teach leaning into reciprocity here. That little engine keeps working for us in the background while we do our best work...
'Be a beacon, not a people-pleaser' - I'll be tucking that in my back pocket 😀
Proud of that one!
I've made lots of changes since I first posted mine a few months ago. Thats the beauty of the internet - we can always tweak it! Big yes to always thinking about the reader. That's the paradox of any about me/hero post type page, right?
Yes it's true Sas... I still teach that the about page should lead with an invite but also be packed full of social proof and clarity of context. It's a good way to set them apart in your mind. I love a good tweak, unless it's on my website - I must be better at that lol
This was very helpful! I'm going to go back and consider adding a post like this now.
You’re so welcome!
My Hero Post has brought in 48 new subscribers to my newsletter so far. It was actually the beginning of me getting some traction here on Substack for which I am so grateful. I have always been afraid of getting noticed, but it has proved to be such a powerful tool for connecting with like-minded individuals here.
That’s really great Mansi! What do you think it was that connected?
I’m saving this for a proper read when I’m not supervising the kids 😐. Thanks for the mention. You’ve def inspired me to update it now!
✨💞✨ the juggle is real! L is distracted with a cheese string right now.
Thanks for this! Three questions -- why not just pin your About page if it has info about you and a picture already? Are you suggesting we shouldn't be pinning more than one page? and finally, does having a picture lower the delivery rate and that is why you're suggesting adding it after? (I have been trying to figure out for a year why my delivery rate is only 84%. Doesn't that seem low?) Thanks Claire!!
Hey Jo-Ann. Hard to answer and get all the nuance across in a reply but I’ll try.
First thing - all the rules are made up. That’s a permission slip for you?
For sure you can copy and paste your about page into a post.
You can’t pin your about page - just the way Substack works. This is another opportunity for folks to get to know you depending on where they are finding you in your eco system.
You can’t pin multiple posts depending on which layout you choose. You can also pin in sections.
✨💞✨💞✨💞✨
Yes images/ videos can flag delivery problems.
Thanks Claire! I remembered my About page being on my homepage at one point and thought I’d pinned it, but turns out, I’d pasted into a new post. Ha! I will love you forever if my delivery rate goes up without pics and be pissed at Substack who said they couldn’t tell me why it was low (84% is low right?) Now off to learn more about sections!
I just published my Hero Post today! Thanks for your guidance on this, Claire 💖🤗 So grateful for all of the wonderful information you've shared! I am curious - what would be your reasoning for turning off the comments on your hero post?
Totally up to you and the feel of the post but the idea is to give them one action to subscribe or to upgrade to paid!
That makes sense 💖 - Thanks!
Thank you for the great tip on creating a 'hero post', I'm new to Substack so fingers crossed it will encourage some more subscribers.
It’s a really nice piece of work to do. Welcome to Substack Tracey! How are you finding it?
Thanks Claire, I recently did Beth Kempton mini course and through this I’ve been able to set myself up here. I’m enjoying the platform greatly. So far very good thank you 🙏
Great article. Do you advise only pinning one post? The hero post? I’ve pinned 3 or 4 and maybe it’s too much as it doesn’t refresh with the new stuff noticeably enough? Xx
I’ll have a look for you Emma. ✨ 💎