Why Substack Recommendations Are a Game-Changer for Growth

It's not just what you write — it's who shares it.

Taqaddus Qamar

Jul 12, 2025

I started writing on Substack with just a few subscribers — most of them friends and family.

No fancy strategy. No viral content. No big name.

Just me, my words, and a quiet hope that someone out there would care enough to read.

But slowly, something unexpected happened.

People started discovering my work — not from Google, not from Instagram or Twitter — but through recommendations.

Yes, those little gems tucked into a Substack profile or email footer.
They changed everything for me.

And today, I want to share why they might just change things for you too — especially if you’re starting from scratch like I did.

Before you scroll down, support my work by subscribing.

1. What Are Substack Recommendations?

When someone subscribes to your newsletter, they often see a list of “recommended writers” that you’ve personally chosen.

These recommendations:

Appear on your profile page
Are included in the welcome email new subscribers receive
Can boost your chances of being featured in Substack’s Discover tab when others recommend you

Likewise, if someone else recommends you, your newsletter gets featured in front of their audience.

It’s basically Substack’s version of word-of-mouth marketing — and yes, it works like magic when done right.

2. Why Do They Matter So Much?

Let’s be honest: Discovery is tough.

There are thousands of newsletters out there. Most new writers feel like they’re writing into a void, hoping someone — anyone — will notice.

That’s where recommendations become your shortcut.

When a writer with even a small audience recommends you, it’s like a warm introduction at a party. Their readers are more likely to click and subscribe — not because of fancy copywriting, but because they trust the person who sent them.

This isn’t an algorithmic trick. It’s deeply human.

And that’s what makes it powerful.

3. They Build Trust (Fast)

Here’s the thing:

We trust humans more than platforms.

If someone I admire or already follow recommends a newsletter, I don’t overthink it. I hit subscribe. Simple.

No lead magnet. No sales funnel. Just trust.

That’s the magic of Substack recommendations.
They come with built-in credibility.

And in today’s online world — where attention is scarce and skepticism is high — trust is everything.

4. You Don’t Need a Huge List to Benefit

You might be thinking:
"But I only have 50 subscribers. Why would anyone care who I recommend?"

I felt the same. But here’s the truth:

Even a tiny list has value.
Even 5 new subscribers can be meaningful early on.
Every recommendation plants a seed for future growth.

And here's something beautiful: When you recommend others genuinely, it often comes back around.

People remember kindness. Writers notice support. And many will return the love — without you even asking.

Show some love — recommend my newsletter if you enjoyed it!

Recommend All About Writing

5. How to Use Recommendations the Right Way

If you're not sure how to get started with recommendations, here are 3 simple steps that helped me:

Be intentional:
Don’t just pick big names. Recommend writers you actually read, learn from, or feel aligned with.
Keep it relevant:
If you write about parenting, tech, or poetry — recommend newsletters in a similar vibe. This helps your audience connect with your suggestions more easily.
Engage with others:
Comment on their posts, like their notes, reply to their emails. Let them know you exist — and that you care.

This is not networking in a fake way. It’s just showing up as a reader and writer who appreciates someone else's work.

Believe me, that kind of authenticity travels far.

6. Real Talk: It’s Not Just Strategy. It’s Connection.

Yes, recommendations help you grow.
Yes, they can bring more eyeballs to your work.

But underneath all that, they’re about connection.

They’re your way of saying:

“I believe in your work. I think others should read it too.”

It’s quiet. Generous. Human. And rare in today’s attention-hungry world.

So don’t think of recommendations as just another “tactic.”
Think of them as a conversation. A relationship. A ripple.

That’s where real growth happens — both as a writer and as a person.

Final Thought

If you’re feeling stuck, small, or invisible on Substack, here’s my advice:

Start recommending a few writers you genuinely enjoy.

Let them know.

Support their work with intention — not because you expect something back, but because it’s the kind of writer you want to be.

Chances are… your own growth will follow.
Not overnight. But steadily, and meaningfully.

It worked for me.
And I’m just getting started.

Do you use Substack recommendations yet? Have they made a difference?

I’d love to hear your experience — drop a comment below and let’s chat.