How I Use Note Builder
And the 5 Levels of Awareness
When I first started using Note Builder, I did what most people do: I uploaded my full newsletter and let the GPT generate 20 Notes. Done and dusted.
And honestly? That’s still a great place to start.
But over time, I realised that the real magic wasn’t just in what Note Builder gave me—it was in how I used those Notes strategically.
For context: Note Builder is part of Note Stack, a three-part system for turning longform content into strategic, high-leverage micro-posts.
It includes:
Note Builder – to generate 20 Notes from your newsletter or article
Note Planner – a Notion system to organise and schedule those Notes
Note Publisher – a Chrome extension to post them effortlessly to Substack Notes
Together, they give you a complete workflow—from idea to impact.
If you’re already using Note Stack, and you want to get more from your Notes (without overwhelming your audience or burning yourself out), here’s how I approach it—especially using the 5 Levels of Awareness as a guide.
First: Why Awareness Levels Matter
Note Builder tags each Note with an Awareness Level from 1 to 5. It’s easy to ignore, but it’s one of the most powerful parts of the system. Here’s a quick refresher:
Unaware – They don’t know they have a problem yet.
Problem Aware – They feel the pain but can’t name it.
Solution Aware – They know solutions exist, but not yours.
Product Aware – They’ve heard of your product but aren’t convinced.
Most Aware – They’re ready to buy, they just need a reason to act now.
That little number next to each Note? It tells you where your reader is in their journey. And once you know that, you can meet them where they are—then gently walk them toward a decision.
Strategy 1: Awareness Ladder Across the Week
Sometimes I’ll map out a full week of Notes like this:
Monday – Level 1: A thought-provoking idea or surprising truth—no selling.
Tuesday – Level 2: Empathy-driven content. A relatable struggle.
Wednesday – Level 3: A helpful insight or a mini shift in mindset.
Thursday – Level 4: A low-pressure introduction to one of my offers.
Friday – Level 5: A direct CTA or offer recap. Clean and clear.
It’s a subtle journey, but it works. I’m not pushing anything. I’m creating space for clarity to land.
Strategy 2: One Awareness Level Per Week
This one’s especially useful during a launch or if I’m narrowing in on one particular type of reader.
Let’s say I’m promoting the Relationship Repair Kit, and I know most of my audience isn’t even aware they need it. I’ll spend a whole week on Awareness Level 1.
But I’ll mix up the emotional angle:
One Note leans into frustration
One sparks curiosity
One offers a reframe
One uses humour
One quietly tells the truth most people avoid
Same level. Different flavours. It keeps things fresh, but focused.
Want Even More Control?
Here’s something I wish more users knew: Note Builder will follow your lead.
Once you’re feeling confident, start giving it direction—literally.
Try pasting this above your newsletter when you prompt:
“Only generate 10 Notes at Level 1.”
“Give me 20 Notes at Levels 1–3 only.”
“Avoid the word ‘productivity.’ My audience hates it.”
“Speak to burnt-out founders. Keep the tone sharp but warm.”
You can even tell it what your audience sees, hears, or feels.
I often include lines like:
“My readers are experienced solopreneurs who’ve outgrown the hustle.”
“They value clarity, not hype.”
“They want sustainable momentum—not quick fixes.”
The more context you give it, the more dialled-in your Notes become. You’re not just generating content—you’re shaping a conversation.
What I Do With the Notes After That
I use the Note Planner in Notion to schedule them across 30 days. I might repeat Notes. I often reshuffle the order. Because not every follower sees every Note—and new people are joining all the time.
That rolling strategy means I’m not writing daily, but I’m showing up consistently. That’s what builds relationships.
Let Your Notes Show You Where Your Audience Is
At the end of each month, take five minutes to look at which Notes got the most reactions—likes, replies, restacks.
Now check: what Awareness Level were they?
That’s your audience showing you where they are.
If your Level 1 and 2 Notes are popping off, it means your people are still waking up to the problem. If it’s Level 4 and 5, they’re close to buying—but need trust and clarity to take the leap.
That data? That’s gold. Use it to shape your next article, your next product push, your next Note Stack.
They’re telling you what they’re ready for. You just have to listen.
Final Thought
If you treat Note Builder like a vending machine, it’ll give you snacks.
If you treat it like a strategic tool, it’ll give you leverage.
The 5 Levels of Awareness aren’t just labels—they’re invitations. When you know where your audience is, you can offer the exact nudge they need to take the next step.
And that’s what Note Stack is really for—not just filling your feed, but building trust, one moment at a time.
So open your CSV. Get curious. And let your Notes do the heavy lifting with you.
Share your strategy in the comments.
