What Changed on Substack in 12 Months Based on the P.I.L.L.A.R. Framework Is Available for Early Access
Dear Members,
Substack Mastery Version 2 includes new strategies that earned a bestselling badge for my two publications within eight months, as well as mistakes I corrected using my new P.I.L.L.A.R. framework.
Early access to Substack Mastery Version 2 is available on Digitalmehmet Content Ecosystem bundled as both AUDIO and DIGITAL in one product at a discounted price. Early access is also available on Google Play as audio and on Google Books as digital.
Non-members can read this introduction on our community blogs.
Why I Wrote Substack Mastery in 2024 and Why I Updated It in 2025
When I published Substack Mastery in 2024, I aimed to address the known pain points of freelance writers, book authors, and content startups so that they could use this unique platform and gain a competitive advantage.
My goal at the time was to jumpstart these creators, as there was no resource apart from official Substack documentation, which only includes mechanistic aspects like how to create an account or publication or configure them at a very basic and high level. There was no book or user manual apart from Substack’s helpdesk resources.
Apart from elaborating on the fundamentals, I also shared personal experiences and observations to help writers create a tailored strategy, writing plan, and marketing tactics. Therefore, it was sufficient to provide essential information to get many writers started quickly.
Version 1 of Substack Mastery covered my experiences and observations up to mid-2024. Its chapters are still available on this platform, and they can be helpful to beginners.
However, although the subtle changes of Substack were not visible to the public or those who are not part of the platform, after a year, many things had changed on the platform for those who observe it closely, like me.
When I wrote the book, I had around 30,000 subscribers and had not even gotten my bestseller badge on Substack. In a year, my subscriber base increased to 239,000, and two of my publications were recognized as bestsellers, thanks to refining my strategies and tactics.
This 696% growth in my subscribers was not by chance, and I thought it was worth documenting the key factors in a new book, so Substack Mastery Version 2 was born. It took me six months to turn my notes into a manuscript and submit it as a preorder over a month ago, which many bookstores published.
Over the last four weeks, I shared the manuscript with hundreds of alpha readers, who provided substantial feedback. I then submitted a new version to beta readers, who will be able to access it through bookstores, which will be available on July 31, 2025.
As I do with all my books, I create an advanced version to extend beta reading to a broader audience. In version 1 of Substack Mastery, I provided chapters on Medium, Substack, Patreon, and my website. However, only around 1% of readers offered written feedback, and 99% did not contribute to refining the book.
With this eye-opening data, I decided to make it available via my author platform, bundling digital and audio versions in my product for interested readers. Those who purchase the advance copy and provide feedback will have a complimentary copy of both digital and audio files when the full version is published.
What is different in the new version of Substack Mastery?
When writing Substack Mastery, I aimed to help writers who were struggling to find clarity and traction, just as I had when I started it in 2019.
The early version of the book guided readers through practical steps, such as how to start a newsletter, write engaging posts, start growing an audience, and understand the basic mechanics of Substack.
To my surprise, it quietly reached thousands of writers and helped many start their journeys with more confidence. It was my first hybridly published book, which over 100,000 readers have read for free through Medium, Substack, Patreon, my website, or purchased from multiple bookstores in digital, audio, and paperback formats.
I mentioned this exposure because many writers started reaching out, informing them they could begin on Substack, but they felt stuck and struggled with confusing advice from other writers. Many told me sadly that they were overwhelmed, disillusioned, or burning out after months of effort with no noticeable growth.
Some left Substack refunding their paid subscribers due to excessive stress. Others informed me that they were close to giving up because they were unsure what to focus on or how to do it sustainably, without compromising their values, lifestyle, or peace of mind.
Substack is a complex platform (mixing web publishing with email marketing with potential business building and sponsorship), so it can be overwhelming for beginners if they don’t have a clear strategy, a supportive community, and learn about the proprietary mechanisms.
Even well-established writers struggle with using it, growing a meaningful or sizable audience there, and converting their free subscribers to paid ones.
Many established writers brought their audiences as they found managing financial and marketing aspects, with only a 10% deduction by Substack, was a great business idea.
There were real issues with finding the voice in a new platform, which became very competitive in a short time due to saturation.
However, some problems of writers looked perceptible to me. For example, these writers who perceived failure or inadequacies were comparing themselves to other big names who have a large audience, rather than focusing on their own progress or blessings. Everyone’s journey is unique.
I understood that the first version of Substack Mastery was no longer enough to address the new issues I identified within 12 months. Therefore, I decided to observe and review my own missteps, mistakes mentioned by others, and the observations of those who have made significant progress.
After analyzing data, I created a new framework called P.I.L.L.A.R. It stands for Positioning, Intentional Content, List Growth, Loyalty Loop, Activation of Revenue, and Rhythm/Review.
This structure does not focus on a blueprint for going viral, chasing followers, or gaining many free subscribers, but something deeper I wished I had from the start. Unfortunately, there was no one to guide me when I started, so I had to learn the hard way through trial and error.
The new structure, featuring nuanced, helpful, and memorable content, became the P.I.L.L.A.R. Framework, including five fundamental aspects of the online writing business.
The P.I.L.L.A.R. Framework is a practical system I shaped from practical experiences and observations in ethnographic settings, reflecting the reality of the platform and the digital landscape where writers could thrive.
This practical framework, suiting the Substack platform, centers on clarity, purpose, connection, sustainability, and financial freedom.
This structure and methodical approach helped me rebuild my writing rhythm, grow my Substack audience, and led to two of my publications being recognized with bestseller badges on Substack, though that was not my goal. My goal is to build a strong community where members can flourish with support.
With improved vision and a new framework, I decided to share my experiences, including the ups and downs, in Substack Mastery V2: Building a Successful Writing Business with Purpose and Precision.
This new version goes beyond platform tutorials. It includes stories of what worked, what failed, and what truly moved the needle for me and others in my circles, including customizable strategies and examples freelance writers, book authors, or content startups can use.
I have written this version for those who feel lost in the noise and want to grow with clarity, support, and integrity. While many chapters of the previous version still apply, what is substantial is a new framework and new lessons learned, which can be deal-breakers for growth and sustainability.
To make it more useful, I added a few chapters from the advanced Substack newsletter writing book to make this new version. These additions will make it more comprehensive and useful.
Additionally, I have included details about the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot initiative I have been building in the background over the last six months to empower the community.
This first-of-its-kind service offering will provide a practical and affordable education and marketing support system for writers who want to grow ethically and joyfully with community support, without compromising their voice or identity in the challenging process of Substack.
I want to highlight one key observation. Some writers have begun to view Substack as a career path or an indispensable platform for building a business. Yes, it is a great platform, but it is not a job role.
Substack is just another tool. Like any tool, it can be useful or useless, helpful or dangerous, depending on the use cases and approaches we employ. It cannot be a full-time role as we don’t know what will happen to the platform. There is no guarantee it will stay like this.
Another mistake which I also made, like many other writers, was too much reliance on Substack Notes for audience growth. Notes are helpful to reach out quickly, but not a panacea for growth. Most Note users are writers, so unless you target the writer community with a writing business proposal, you will hardly gain any benefits from such subscribers.
We don’t need to chase trends to be successful on Substack or any other platform. We need a tailored strategy, structure, and plan that aligns with our time, a path that honors our values, and a community that supports our growth.
This enhanced version of Substack Mastery with the P.I.L.L.A.R. framework will bring you new clarity on challenges and peace with unexpected breakthroughs, which I share clearly and transparently to make it a valuable resource for the community.
I am now offering early access to this enhanced edition of the Substack Mastery book on my website and through my Substack publication before its public release. Early access is also available on Google Play as audio and on Google Books as digital.
I also shared my changing thoughts about Substack in a recent story. Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life
Quick Updates on My Writing and Community Activities
This is my daily newsletter for the writing and reading community. I am pleased that my community activities and solutions for a broad audience were recognized as one of the top 50 innovative organizations of the year. I wrote a heartfelt story about it.
I developed several prototypes for writers and readers to use at no cost. I documented them in a story with usable links. You are welcome to share your story links or feature the stories of your favourite authors:
To measure customer satisfaction, I linked my platform to TrustPilot and would appreciate your honest feedback if you use my free services. My goal is to pass along the hard-learned lessons to the new generation so that they don’t make the mistakes I made.
Introduction to ILLUMINATION Health and Wellness Network 🌟
I’m pleased that our Health and Wellness Network was announced as a bestselling publication on Substack in March 2025. I wrote a story about my strategy on Medium to guide freelance writers. Thank you for being part of our joyful and exciting journey.
I am grateful to subscribers who want to support our work, help this community grow, make health-related information accessible to everyone, and make a positive impact on society.
I interview healthcare professionals and book authors to create visibility for their content on multiple platforms.
Introduction to How I Accelerated My Learning Effortlessly for a Happier Life
This comprehensive learning guide is a natural extension of my previous health-related work in Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life, Cortisol Clarity, Cellular Intelligence, and Healthspan Mastery, as learning is both a biological and psychological process.
This book is also part of my health and wellness series on Amazon and growing content ecosystem, including Substack newsletters, Medium articles on EUPHORIA, blog posts on Digitalmehmet Content Ecosystem, multilingual editions, and free resources on guest blogging sites, for those who want to learn without financial barriers.
Invitation to Become a Superlearner via a Super Supportive Community
I have been running superlearning workshops for many years, both offline and in closed online environments. However, I recently opened my services to the public on Substack and Patreon, and many paid members joined in the last few days.
The reason, I suppose, is that it is not only affordable and moderated by a passionate and experienced person like myself and my collaborators, but also that 90% of these members are over 50, and they want to prevent cognitive decline and enjoy the second, third, or fourth part of their lives. One of the members is over 90 years old.
Every genuine person is welcome to join our community of superlearners. For a limited time, to help build a big community, I’m offering an 80% discount on the $8 monthly membership fee on Substack, which is a significant savings.
After the pilot, next year, this will become a $ 3,000 program, as demand is expected to be massive. My goal is to reach over a million members by the end of 2026, operating it on my own platform, Digitalmehmet Content Ecosystem, with assistance from Substack and Patreon.
I also created a publication called Superlearning on Medium and will support my readers here. Opportunities are endless in integrated platforms, where passion and community spirit can illuminate us and society.
Introduction to Cellular Intelligence
Although I wrote this book for the general reader, I believe it will inspire scientists and clinicians to refocus their attention on mitochondria as the foundation of healing.
We cannot continue to address surface symptoms without restoring cellular function. Lasting health begins deep inside the cell with the signal of mitochondria and genes.
You do not need a medical background to understand this book. If you are searching for mental clarity, emotional strength, or physical renewal, Cellular Intelligence will help you connect the dots.
My goal is to help you rediscover the power of your biology, beginning at the root, within the silent Intelligence of the trillions of cells that sustain your life, feeling, and being every single day.
Cellular Intelligence is a continuation of Cortisol Clarity and Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life, going into more granular details from energy to metabolic signalling.
Gaining cellular intelligence and understanding the role of mitochondria can also help you shed extra pounds and might help you live a healthier and happier life, making you feel younger as you get older, like me.
I wrote Cortisol Clarity to help readers learn about the complex nature of this hormone and provide valuable information to optimize it for a healthier and happier life. It is available in multiple bookstores and in my Health and Wellness Network newsletter as an educational source.
About Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life.
The human brain and mind are areas of interest and fields of study. I recently summarized my research and experiences in a book titled Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life.
How Google, Apple, Audible, & Spotify Amplified My Brain Hacks for a Global Audience with ZERO Cost
The importance of effortless audiobook creation and vast distribution for book authors and the value of knowledge…medium.com
Related to Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life, I’d like to share four stories enjoyed by many readers on this platform.
How I Train My Brain Daily for Mental Clarity and Intellectual Productivity.
You can find many relevant stories on this list.
I invite you to subscribe to my publications on Substack, where I offer experience-based and original content on health, content strategy, book authoring, and technology topics you can’t find online to inform and inspire my readers.
Healthspan Mastery (NEW)
Get an email whenever Dr Mehmet Yildiz publishes. He is a top writer and editor on Medium. dr-mehmet-yildiz.medium.com
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 38K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. If you are a new writer, check out my writing list to find some helpful stories for your education.
You can find out about my scholarly work on my Google Scholar or Bohrium profiles. You may check out my other most loved stories on this platform.
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