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name: substack-notes-standalone description: Generate high-performing Substack notes using proven structural patterns and psychology.

Substack Notes Generator

Overview

This skill generates 20 high-performing Substack notes by applying proven structural patterns and psychological techniques.

When to Activate

Use this skill when:

• User wants to write a Substack note
• User mentions "create a note" or "write a post"
• User asks for short-form content for Substack
• User wants to share an insight, update, or piece of advice on Substack

How It Works

Step 1: Load Context Profiles (REQUIRED)

Before generating any note, review the context you are working in.

Step 2: Understand the Goal

Ask the user (use AskUserQuestion when appropriate):

Primary Questions:

• What's the main message or insight you want to share?
• What do you want readers to feel, think, or do after reading?
• Is there a specific topic or angle? (teaching, sharing results, observation, advice, story), or do you want me to decide?

Step 3: Choose Note Type

Present versions of these 10 note types (choosing which ones based on goal and/or context):

1. Single-Punch Wisdom - One powerful quotable statement (1-2 sentences) 2. Income Proof Story - Share results with vulnerable beginning (3-7 sentences) 3. Pattern Observation - "I've noticed..." authority-building insight (3-8 sentences) 4. Contrarian Statement - Challenge conventional wisdom (2-6 sentences) 5. Problem → Solution Insight - Identify issue + root cause + fix (3-6 sentences) 6. Build-in-Public Update - Transparent progress sharing (3-8 sentences) 7. List-Based Tactical - Actionable numbered/bulleted advice (4-12 sentences) 8. Vulnerable Personal Story - Deep connection through story (4-10 sentences) 9. Philosophical Observation - Life principle or worldview (2-5 sentences) 10. Direct Advice - Clear instruction with reasoning (2-5 sentences)

If user is unsure, recommend based on their goal:

• Teaching → List-Based Tactical or Problem → Solution
• Building Authority → Pattern Observation or Income Proof Story
• Connection → Vulnerable Story or Philosophical Observation
• Quick Value → Single-Punch Wisdom or Direct Advice
• Transparency → Build-in-Public Update
• Positioning → Contrarian Statement

Step 4: Apply Structural Formula

Each note type has a proven formula. Apply the structure while using the user's voice.

Formula 1: Single-Punch Wisdom

Copy[One powerful statement that stands alone]
[Optional: Brief supporting thought]

Psychology: Screenshot-worthy, highly shareable Length: 1-2 sentences

Formula 2: Income Proof Story

Copy[Starting point - vulnerability or struggle]
[Turning point - what changed]
[Results - specific numbers]
[Insight or encouragement for reader]

Psychology: Builds credibility through transparency Length: 3-7 sentences

Formula 3: Pattern Observation

Copy[Hook: "I've noticed..." or "A pattern I see..."]
[Examples or numbered list of patterns]
[Why it matters or application]

Psychology: Creates authority through observation Length: 3-8 sentences

Formula 4: Contrarian Statement

Copy[Bold claim that contradicts common belief]
[Why conventional thinking is wrong]
[Better alternative or truth]

Psychology: Creates cognitive dissonance, memorable Length: 2-6 sentences

Formula 5: Problem → Solution Insight

Copy["You don't have X because..."]
[Root cause explanation]
[What to do instead]

Psychology: "Aha moments" through revealing hidden causes Length: 3-6 sentences

Formula 6: Build-in-Public Update

Copy[What you're working on]
[Specific metrics/progress]
[Learning, insight, or next step]

Psychology: Transparency builds trust and connection Length: 3-8 sentences

Formula 7: List-Based Tactical

Copy[Hook: "How to X:" or "If you want Y:"]
- [Specific action 1]
- [Specific action 2]
- [Specific action 3]
[Optional: Punchy closing insight]

Psychology: High perceived value, scannable, actionable Length: 4-12 sentences

Formula 8: Vulnerable Personal Story

Copy[Personal moment or realization]
[Emotional impact or turning point]
[Universal lesson or takeaway]

Psychology: Deep connection through humanization Length: 4-10 sentences

Formula 9: Philosophical Observation

Copy[Core principle or belief]
[Supporting explanation]
[Implication for reader]

Psychology: Establishes worldview, attracts aligned audience Length: 2-5 sentences

Formula 10: Direct Advice

Copy[Imperative: "Do this" or "Stop doing that"]
[Why it matters]
[What happens if you follow/ignore]

Psychology: Clear guidance, removes ambiguity Length: 2-5 sentences

Step 5: Generate Note with Voice Integration

Critical Requirements:

1. Use the STRUCTURE from the formula
2. Match the PSYCHOLOGY of the note type
3. Follow the LENGTH guideline for the type

Structure Application Checklist:

• Follows the formula for chosen note type
• Opens with appropriate hook
• Develops according to pattern
• Closes with impact
• Matches intended length

Step 6: Format for Substack

Formatting Guidelines:

• Single-line paragraphs for emphasis
• 2-3 sentence paragraphs for development
• Lots of white space
• Easy scanning
• No excessive formatting

What to Include:

• The note text
• Clear paragraph breaks
• Natural punctuation (periods, em dashes, parentheses)

What to Avoid:

• ALL CAPS (except rare emphasis)
• Excessive emojis
• Over-formatting
• Corporate speak

Universal Best Practices

Opening Techniques (Choose One)

1. Bold Declarative - Strong claim that demands attention
2. Personal Admission - Vulnerable or honest opening
3. Pattern Observation - "I've noticed..." positions authority
4. Direct Address - "You don't need..." makes it about reader
5. Contrarian Hook - Challenges belief immediately

Middle Development Techniques

1. Numbered Lists - Scannable, high-value
2. Timeline Progression - Shows transformation
3. Contrast/Comparison - Before/after, right/wrong
4. Evidence Stacking - Multiple examples
5. Cause → Effect Logic - Clear progression

Closing Techniques (Choose One)

1. Punchy Restatement - Echo opening memorably
2. Actionable Implication - Clear next step
3. Open Loop - Hint at more
4. Quotable Wisdom - Screenshot-worthy ending
5. Encouraging Push - "You can do this" energy

Psychological Techniques to Apply

Authority Building:

• Pattern recognition ("I've noticed...")
• Proof through results (specific numbers)
• Transparent journey (struggle → success)

Connection Building:

• Vulnerability (admit fears, failures)
• Shared frustration (acknowledge reader's experience)
• Permission giving ("You're allowed to...")

Engagement Tactics:

• Cognitive dissonance (contradict beliefs)
• Specificity (concrete numbers, examples)
• Future pacing (show what's possible)
• Honest tension ("It's working, but...")

Length Guidelines

Ultra-Short (1-2 sentences): Maximum shareability, quotable wisdom Short (3-5 sentences): Quick insight with context - MOST COMMON Medium (6-10 sentences): Teaching or storytelling Long (10+ sentences): Deep dives, comprehensive frameworks - RARE

Default to 3-5 sentences unless the message demands more.

Examples

Example 1: Pattern Observation (Problem-solving niche)

User Request: "I want to share what I've noticed about successful problem solvers"

Generated Note:

CopyA pattern I've noticed in people who solve hard problems:

They don't start by googling solutions.

They sit with the problem. Write it down. Break it apart. Ask better questions.

Only then do they look for answers.

Most people skip straight to searching for solutions to problems they haven't fully understood.

Example 2: Build-in-Public Update (Creator niche)

User Request: "Share progress on my new content system"

Generated Note:

CopyWeek 3 of building my content system:

Created 15 pieces this week. Took 6 hours total (used to take 20).

The secret: Templates + voice documentation + clear frameworks.

Still refining the process, but already seeing how this scales.

The system pays for itself in time savings.

Example 3: Problem → Solution Insight (Generic productivity)

User Request: "Explain why people can't focus"

Generated Note:

CopyYou can't focus because you don't have a priority.

When everything feels important, nothing is important. Your brain doesn't know what to lock onto.

Solution: Pick ONE thing. Make everything else wait.

Clarity creates focus.

Example 4: Income Proof Story (Freelancer niche)

User Request: "Share my freelancing journey results"

Generated Note:

CopyMy first 6 months freelancing: $0

Month 7: First client, $500 project

Month 12: $3K/month consistent

Month 18: $8K/month, booked out 3 months ahead

It didn't click overnight. But once it clicked, everything moved fast.

Example 5: Contrarian Statement (Wellness niche)

User Request: "Challenge the 'hustle culture' mindset"

Generated Note:

CopyYou don't need to hustle harder.

You need to sleep better, eat cleaner, and stress less.

Everyone's optimizing for more output. Nobody's optimizing for better inputs.

Your energy determines your results more than your effort.

What to Avoid

Anti-Patterns (Never Do This)

1. Vague Generalities ❌ "Success takes time and hard work" ✅ "My first 6 months: $0. Month 7: $10K. Nothing happens, then everything happens."

2. Humble-Bragging ❌ "So grateful for this little win" [shows huge number] ✅ "Made $50K this month. Here's the mistake that cost me $30K of it."

3. Clickbait Without Payoff ❌ "This one thing changed everything" [no specifics] ✅ "Switched from hourly to value pricing. Doubled my income in 8 weeks."

4. Generic Advice ❌ "Work hard and believe in yourself" ✅ "Wake up at 5am. Complete your hardest task first. Ignore everything else until noon."

5. Corporate Voice ❌ "We're excited to announce our new offering" ✅ "Built something new. Tested it for 3 weeks. It works. Here's what it does."

Quality Checklist

Before delivering the note, verify:

Voice Authenticity:

• Sounds like the user would actually write this
• Uses their natural sentence rhythms
• Matches their conviction patterns
• Applies their signature phrases appropriately

Structural Integrity:

• Follows the chosen formula
• Opens with strong hook
• Develops logically
• Closes with impact
• Matches intended length

Value Delivery:

• Clear takeaway or insight
• Specific (not vague)
• Useful or thought-provoking
• Worth reader's time

Engagement Potential:

• First sentence grabs attention
• Would you stop scrolling?
• Shareable or quotable?
• Invites response or reflection

Formatting:

• Clean paragraph breaks
• Easy to scan
• No excessive formatting
• Looks natural on Substack

Pro Tips

For Maximum Engagement

1. Be specific - Numbers, timelines, concrete examples
2. Be personal - Use "I" and "you" language
3. Be bold - Strong point of view
4. Be useful - Clear takeaway
5. Be authentic - Real > perfect

For Building Authority

1. Pattern observations - "I've noticed..."
2. Proof points - Share real results
3. Transparent journey - Show the path
4. Contrarian takes - Challenge norms
5. Tactical breakdowns - Show how it's done

For Deep Connection

1. Vulnerability - Share struggles honestly
2. Shared frustration - Acknowledge their pain
3. Permission giving - Release limiting beliefs
4. Personal stories - Humanize yourself
5. Honest tension - Don't pretend it's all easy

Workflow Summary

1. Understand context (what context preceded this skill being invoked?)
2. Understand goal (what's the message?)
3. Choose note type (which of the 10 fits best?)
4. Apply formula (use the structural pattern)
5. Write in user's voice (structure + their unique voice)
6. Check quality (voice, structure, value, engagement)
7. Deliver note (clean, formatted, ready to post)

Final Notes

Remember: This skill gives you proven structures and psychology that work on Substack.

The result: High-performing Substack notes that sound authentically like you while using patterns that drive engagement, build authority, and create connection.

Now go create notes that get noticed.