what metrics would you use to evaluate substack's writer discovery feature?

Introduction

Evaluating Substack's writer discovery feature requires a comprehensive approach to product success metrics. This feature is crucial for connecting readers with relevant writers and content, ultimately driving engagement and growth on the platform. I'll follow a structured framework that covers core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders.

Step 1

Product Context

Substack's writer discovery feature is designed to help readers find and subscribe to writers that align with their interests. This feature is critical for both new and existing users to expand their reading list and engage more deeply with the platform.

Key stakeholders include:

1. Readers: Seeking quality content aligned with their interests
2. Writers: Looking to grow their audience and subscriber base
3. Substack: Aiming to increase user engagement and monetization

User flow:

1. Reader enters the discovery section or receives recommendations
2. Browses writer profiles, sample content, and subscriber counts
3. Follows writers or subscribes to newsletters based on interest

This feature aligns with Substack's broader strategy of empowering independent writers and creating a sustainable ecosystem for paid newsletters. Compared to competitors like Medium or traditional publishing platforms, Substack's focus on direct writer-reader relationships makes discovery particularly crucial.

Product Lifecycle Stage: Growth - The feature is established but continually evolving to better serve users and drive platform growth.