#147 Three-year Milestone

What I learned in three years of writing.

Fast forward three years from when I started Substack to the spring of 2022, when the pandemic's exit was finally beginning to be seen, and restrictions were still in place in Japan. The fact is that three years have passed in the blink of an eye, and it's been a challenge to maintain writing and sending out an article every week for the past three years while trying to repeat that goal. In other words, I was desperately searching for topics and chasing time to avoid being left behind by the deadlines that came once a week.

Due to various circumstances, I was unable to deliver posts for several weeks, but I managed to provide an article almost every Sunday. This delivery would not have been possible without the readers who have taken the time to read my posts, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have continued to do so. I could not have reached this point without all of you. And I am incredibly grateful to those who comment on my articles and other posts. Through my interactions with all of you, my connection with you has slowly but surely expanded, becoming the energy that fuels my writing of articles.

This week, on the third anniversary of my writing journey, I will share my experiences on Substack, including both the successes and the regrets, and I hope they will be of help to you.

The Beginning

It was a casual remark from my daughter that got me started on Substack. My daughter, who loves to read, mentioned a social networking platform that focuses on reading. I read some posts and found that the contributors were serious and different from the Twitter of the time, a mixture of cobblestones. With my guiding business in mind, I decided to explore topics I was interested in and post them weekly in some form or another, regardless of quality.

As a photography enthusiast, I regularly share helpful information for traveling in Japan, often accompanied by photos. Surprisingly, I've been able to continue sending out information without worrying about what to write next. The high seasons for sightseeing in Japan are the cherry blossom season in spring, and the autumn foliage season in fall, so I have plenty to write about during these times. Since I started guiding at the end of 2022, I have also been able to write about things I have noticed while guiding visitors. The synergy effect with my guiding business has been a significant reason why I have been able to continue for so long.

Struggle with Data

On the other hand, as is the case with any platform, I had to struggle with data to continue publishing. Detailed data constantly bombarded me, such as the number of accesses, which changed with each post. I found myself continually concerned with such data, sometimes comparing it with the situation of other writers.

The number of current subscribers is less than 1,000, and growth has been very slow for weekly submissions over the past three years. The area of tourism that I deal with, especially regarding so-called helpful information, may not be an area for everyone. Another reason may be that I don't work on Substack for a living, as I've had my day job since working at a TV station. However, I have not been without my insights during my three years of writing. I’m sharing them with you.

Positive Action

• Write every week without worrying about the result.

• Continuity is essential, not aiming for excellence.

• The timing, from 6 months to 1 year, is challenging; significant changes will occur after that.

• An interactive relationship with readers

• Send out Notes as often as possible.

• The earlier paid articles are published, the better.

Negative Behavior

• Lack of consistency

• Examination of causes is pointless.

• General themes lead to the dispersion of readers.

The Future

Writing for the past three years has given me a rhythm to my life and increased my sensitivity to the travel industry. I have made discoveries through writing and have met many writers. Throughout the process, I will have opportunities to challenge myself in new areas. However, I still have about one year left at my day job and need to balance my life. Since my day job at a TV station became full-time in April, it will be challenging to deliver articles every week without fail. I would appreciate your understanding on this point. Instead, I will try to send you articles that are highly satisfactory to you.

In particular, if you plan a visit to Japan, I can create an itinerary that suits your needs. I can also suggest a niche model route. Please make the most of your trip by taking advantage of these suggestions.

Finally

As I enter my fourth year, I will continue to gather information with a fresh mindset and disseminate helpful information. I am always seeking fresh information and will continue to share it with you.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. I am excited to hear from you.