Set Your Subscriber Dashboard to These Key Metrics and Get Back to Writing
Create a 30-day view dashboard and let the data work quietly in the background
Setting up your Substack can feel overwhelming, but if you’re a new paid member, you have access to all my best resources in the Newsletter Launch Pad. And today’s essay is my chance to remind you that when you’re pulling all the pieces of your newsletter together, be sure you don’t forget about the data.
→ Set up your dashboard so it works for you, not the other way around. Below the paywall, I’ll show you exactly which metrics to focus on to ensure you’re tracking what’s reliable and meaningful.
I like to keep my own subscriber dashboard set to a 30-day view. This approach gives me a steady, month-to-month perspective, revealing patterns without the distraction of daily fluctuations.
In the world of newsletter publishing, where we pour so much into each post, it’s easy to get caught up in every small blip in the data. But by focusing on 30-day trends, you’ll gain insights that a single day’s numbers simply can’t provide.
The Power of Patterned Data
In the early days, any sign of engagement can feel like a small victory, and it’s natural to want to examine every reader action. Yet, 30-day views allow us to see the medium-sized picture — the trends and rhythms that genuinely reflect where our audience is today. These patterns tell us things like: Are we reaching more people over time? Are readers coming back? Are they engaging more deeply?
Day-to-day data can’t answer these questions. In fact, individual data points can be misleading, influenced by factors as minor as the day of the week or the time of day (or, even a national election). But a 30-day view gives us a stable view without requiring a deep-dive into six- or 12-month trends; it filters out the noise and shows us how our work is resonating.
For Advanced Writers: Growing Intentionally with Data
If you’re an experienced newsletter writer with a clear vision and a goal to grow your reach intentionally, tracking data can be an empowering part of your strategy. The following metrics can help you gauge reader engagement, identify ambassadors for your work and refine your approach to engaging your audience. (See the screenshot below for directions on how to set these in Substack.)