How to use Instagram to build your Substack

Convert scrollers into subscribers by doing this

You must have seen the advice of starting and building an email list in every corner of the internet since the whole fiasco with TikTok.

I know I did a whole blog on how to get going with email lists and an author newsletter, and I keep banging that drum with advice on what to write about, but what I don’t often see, is how to grow and keep growing that email list or Substack.

And if you’re trying to do just this, you’ll know it’s not that easy.

You can have a sign up button on your website, a link in your bio, but converting scrollers to subscribers is a tricky thing.

Everyone has too much email these days. Too many things to read and give attention to, just think about your own email. I know I used to sign up to things at the drop of a hat, but now I’m much more cautious.

But when I see something that really speaks to me, I can’t hit subscribe quick enough, and that’s what brought me to writing this to you today.
And, with all the changes that have happened in Instagram, I thought it’d be good to focus on that one platform and how to make it really work for you.

Changes on Instagram?

OMG yes. Here’s a quick break down:

• Squares on the grid have been replaced with portrait size pictures, from now on use a 4:5 ratio on posts and carousels.

• Reel covers are staying at 9:16, so check your preview on the grid before you hit post.

• Profile names are now above your follower count.

• Highlights will be going soon, sob, and move to a separate tab.

• Reels are getting longer, you can now film and post them up to 3 minutes.

• You’ll soon have a ‘friends’ tab for Reels, showing which friends liked or commented.

• A sparkling new editing app for Instagram is on the way.

• For US creators, you can apply for a ‘breakthrough bonus’ and a ‘New Year bonus’ to earn money from your content.

Phew! So now you know all of what Instagram has in store, how can you make your Instagram into a successful tool for getting more subscribers?