Summertime Sadness Is Real — But So Is Your Power
Feeling the summer slump? Here’s how to shift your mindset, reconnect with your audience, and use the slow season to grow stronger.
Since I started writing online and turning my finance blog into a real online business, I honestly didn’t pay much attention to seasons. I just kept going, one post after the other.
But now, being here on Substack — and especially since I’ve started publishing on Notes — I’ve noticed something new:
Many creators and writers talk about summer as a slow growth season.
For the first time, I’m aware that growth can be seasonal.
And to be honest? My own publication is growing slowly, too.
Let’s face it.
You’ve been showing up — writing, posting, planning.
But now? Crickets.
Open rates drop. Growth slows down. Engagement feels… flat.
It’s frustrating, especially when you’re putting your time and energy into your content alongside a full-time job.
If you’re feeling that summertime sadness, you’re not alone.
And here’s the thing: this happens every summer.
That might not fix how you feel right away — but it’s comforting to know it’s not just you.
As someone who naturally tends to look for the upside, here’s the good news:
This slower rhythm isn’t a problem — it’s an opportunity.
In this post, I want to share a slow season content strategy that’s helped me turn quiet periods into creative turning points — and why having a small audience right now is actually a huge advantage.
Why the Slow Season Is Actually a Gift
Let’s be honest:
During the fast-paced seasons, we often feel pressured to keep up — to create more, grow faster, and match what everyone else seems to be doing.
But here’s the truth: we’re not full-time entrepreneurs with a big team behind us.
We simply can’t move at the same speed — and that’s okay.
Still, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring progress by performance:
More followers. Higher engagement. Better numbers.
And when those numbers plateau, it can feel like we’re doing something wrong — or that we’re not cut out for this.
But just like in nature, seasons of rest are part of the growth cycle.
So before you throw in the towel, remind yourself of this:
Summer isn’t broken — it’s just different.
Instead of pushing harder, you can use this time more intentionally.
Here’s how:
Revisit what’s working (and what’s not).
Explore ideas you’ve put on hold for “when things calm down.”
Create without the pressure of performance.
Clean up your publication — like you’d declutter your home — to make it more welcoming for new readers.
Tackle all the non-urgent tasks you’ve been putting off.
📌 For me, summer has become a space for recalibration. I rethink my content themes, refine my systems, and reconnect with why I started.
That’s powerful — and it’s the heart of my slow season content strategy.
Your Slow Season Content Strategy: What to Focus On
You can either complain about the slow season and fall into the summertime sadness blues — or you can turn it into your personal strategy. Your summertime superpower.
Because if you use this time wisely, you’ll come back stronger and more empowered when the high season rolls around.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of this quiet time, here’s a simple slow season content strategy you can try (just a side note: this is exactly what I’m doing right now):
1. Reconnect With Your Why
Summer gives you mental space to pause and reflect.
So take a moment to journal or revisit your goals.
Here’s why this matters:
Our mindset has a huge impact on our work.
What you think about yourself — and your content — shapes the results you see.
Instead of pushing harder to create more, take a breath and reconnect with what you really want your business to be.
What kind of content lights you up?
What impact are you hoping to make?
→ Let those answers guide your next moves.
👉 P.S. Here’s a great post from my friend and mentor
about transfoming from “a starving Artist to a valued Creator” — highly recommended.2. Experiment Without Pressure
Have an idea you’ve been afraid to test — maybe a new post format, a bold opinion, or a fresh writing style?
Now’s your chance.
Try something different:
Voice notes
Casual or shorter posts
Visual storytelling
A mini-series
A “weird” but interesting question
Summer is the perfect time to experiment — because fewer eyes = more freedom.
And who knows?
That thing you’ve been scared to try might be your next big breakthrough.
3. Plan for the Busy Season
Let’s talk about one of my favorite things: planning.
The quiet season is ideal for getting ahead — without the pressure of weekly publishing or growth goals.
You can:
Brainstorm post ideas
Batch outlines
Create reusable templates
Or even start sketching out a simple product or offer
There’s so much you can do now that will make your fall season feel lighter, calmer, and more focused.
That’s the power of a smart slow season content strategy.
4. Deepen Connections With Your Current Audience
One of the best features on Substack is the Chat.
I’ll admit — it took me a while to start joining chats in other publications. But once I did, I discovered how much fun they are — and how many wonderful people you can meet.
It pushed me to open the chat for my own community.
Yes, my audience is small — and that’s exactly why I love it.
I can personally answer questions and have real conversations.
I get to know my readers — and that’s something large creators often lose.
In big chats, it’s easy to feel ignored or lost in the crowd.
So if you have 30 readers? That’s amazing.
Talk to them.
Reply to their comments.
Ask meaningful questions.
Send a quick thank-you note.
Because a small, engaged audience is worth more than 1,000 silent subscribers.
Why a Small Audience Is Fantastic — Especially Now
Why am I here on Substack? And you? What’s your reason?
For me, it’s the community.
Yes, I want to create content, teach, and help others — but not by shouting into the void.
What I love about Substack is that it isn’t a one-way street.
It’s interactive — if you use it that way.
And here’s where our superpower of having a small audience comes in — something we often overlook, especially when we’re just starting or when our list feels tiny.
Let’s talk about the upsides:
You can pivot quickly. No red tape. No pressure.
You can test ideas and get real, meaningful feedback.
You can build trust and loyalty through personal connection.
🔥 Some of my early conversations with subscribers completely shaped the direction of my content. That wouldn’t have happened with a huge, anonymous audience.
How did I do this?
I simply sent a few DMs to my first subscribers to thank them personally and asked how I could support them better. Not everyone replied — but more did than I expected. And the replies were gold.
So if your list is small right now — celebrate it.
This is the season where trust grows and clarity forms.
It’s also a key part of your slow season content strategy.
Take this time to:
Use Substack Chat to connect with your readers.
Send personal DMs to welcome new subscribers.
Respond to every comment on your posts.
Comment on your readers’ content — check out their publications and learn more about them.
You won’t always have the bandwidth to do this when you grow. But now you can let your readers feel seen and appreciated.
→ Let them know: I see you. I hear you. I care.
A Reframe: From Discouraged to Intentional
Still stuck in the summertime madness blues?
Here’s a simple mindset shift you can try — and I promise, it works wonders.
Instead of seeing summer as a step backward,
✨ What if you saw it as a reset?
Ask yourself this one question:
“If I stopped worrying about growth, what would I want to create this summer?”
Your brain — that brilliant, built-in problem solver — will get to work.
Give it the right question, and it will give you the right answers.
And the best part?
🌿 The pressure lifts.
⚡ Your energy shifts.
💡 You start creating from a place of alignment — not anxiety.
This is the heart of a healthy slow season content strategy:
→ Less hustle. More clarity. More joy in your work.
Your Next Step: Implement Your Personal Slow Season Strategy
One of the first lessons I’ve learned across all our businesses is this:
Turn obstacles — or what seem like downsides — into strategy.
Instead of complaining, take action.
Instead of waiting, get creative.
Summer and slow growth?
That’s not your problem — it’s your chance.
Because while others are stuck in frustration, you know how to use this season wisely.
And if you do, you’ll come back stronger, clearer, and more aligned than before.
Here’s a quick recap to build your own slow season content strategy:
Reflect on your content goals and vision
Choose one experiment you want to try
Plan or batch at least 2 pieces for the upcoming season
Send a personal message or DM to a current reader
Reframe the “slowness” as a time of creative incubation
📌 Bonus: Choose one small thing that brings you joy in your creator routine — and double it this month.
Does summer feel like a slump — or a reset? What are you experimenting with while it’s quiet?
💬 Drop a comment — I’d love to hear your take.
Let’s normalize the ups and the downs of creative work.
✨ Build your Substack—without stress or burnout.
Use this slow season content strategy to stay consistent, clear, and confident all year round:
📘 How to Win on Substack – Create a purposeful publication that attracts loyal readers, even during slow growth.
🕓 The 4-Hour Creator – My simple weekly workflow to plan, write, and grow your Substack in just one focused morning.