How to Grow From Zero to 641 Subscribers in Just Six Weeks

Today: practical guides to bird identification apps, AI prompts, and digital tools anyone can use – no technical background required

In six weeks, Screen Skills grew from zero to 641 subscribers; learn how you can do that too. (AI-generated image)

I'm writing to you from Norway today, where spring arrives later than in many other parts of Europe. I've spotted my first flowers, and winter is firmly behind us. While market volatility and news of tariff walls dominate headlines, sending stocks plunging and raising economic anxieties, I've been thinking about something more uplifting—the bird migration season.

Next week, I'll head back to the Dutch island, where I spend much of my time. I look forward to enjoying nature again, escaping the misery of the news, and returning to the spectacular wetlands on the island, where migrating birds take a rest and build strength before continuing their journey north. To identify the diverse bird species, I've come to rely on several excellent apps on my phone that have completely changed how I experience nature.

This connection between nature and technology might seem contradictory at first. Aren't our phones usually what disconnects us from the natural world? But I've discovered that the right apps can actually deepen your appreciation for what's happening around you, turning your phone from a distraction into a useful tool for understanding nature.

In today's newsletter, I'll share how technology can enhance your natural experiences. For those following Screen Skills' journey, I'll also discuss how this six-week-old newsletter has attracted more than 100 new subscribers weekly—with detailed growth strategies for paid subscribers.

For those just joining Screen Skills, welcome! This newsletter provides practical digital advice without technical jargon. I focus on tools that give you the biggest benefit with the smallest learning curve—perfect for those who want to enhance their digital life without turning it into a second career.

Now, let's talk about how to identify birds and connect with nature using your smartphone.

Bird Identification Apps: Your Pocket Naturalist

I still have several pocket-sized bird books at home that I used to carry everywhere, along with binoculars and sometimes a small notebook to record what I'd seen. You may have similar books gathering dust on your shelves. While they're excellent references, they're not always practical in the field, especially when you catch only a glimpse of a bird or hear a call but can't see the singer.

Today's bird identification apps combine sound recognition, photo identification, and comprehensive databases to help you identify birds instantly. Here are the ones I use regularly:

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

Why it stands out: Developed by ornithologists at Cornell University, Merlin combines three powerful identification methods:

1. Sound ID: Record bird calls, and Merlin identifies multiple species in real-time. This works remarkably well in the wetlands of Plan Tureluur on my Dutch island, and in the dunes and forests too, where birds are harder to spot than in open landscapes.

2. Photo ID: Take a photo of a bird, and Merlin analyzes it to suggest possible matches.

3. ID by answering questions: If you only saw a brief glimpse, answer five simple questions about size, colors, and behavior for likely suggestions.

Ease of use: It is very beginner-friendly. The interface is clean and simple, and you don't need any prior bird knowledge to get started.

Cost: Free – supported by Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

eBird

Why it stands out: This is social media for bird watching. eBird lets you:

• Record your bird sightings and maintain life lists

• See what birds others have spotted near your location

• Discover "hotspots" with high bird diversity

When I lived in Ottawa years ago, eBird led me to discover a hidden corner in McKay Lake. This gem for bird watching became my regular retreat.

Ease of use: A bit more complex than Merlin, but the mapping features are worth learning.

Cost: Free – another Cornell Lab project focused on citizen science.

BirdNET

Why it stands out: This app specializes exclusively in sound recognition, and many experienced birders consider it the most accurate audio identification tool available.

Ease of use: Very straightforward – just record and identify.

Cost: Free – developed by Cornell University and Chemnitz University of Technology.

Bonus: Seek by iNaturalist

While not strictly a bird app, Seek identifies all kinds of organisms – plants, insects, fungi, and birds too. It's like having a complete field guide in your pocket.

One morning, on a previous visit to the island, I started identifying birds with Merlin but ended up using Seek to identify early spring wildflowers emerging in the wetlands. It turned a simple walk into a complete nature exploration.

Getting Started with Bird ID Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download your app of choice

   • Start with Merlin Bird ID for the best all-around experience

   • Install before heading outdoors (these apps can be large)

2. Optional pre-work

   • Download the bird pack for your region to enable offline identification

   • Spend 5 minutes exploring the interface at home

3. In the field

   • For sound identification: Find a relatively quiet spot, open the app, and tap the Sound ID button

   • Hold your phone up toward the sound (no need to point precisely)

   • Watch as identifications appear on your screen in real-time

4. Making it a habit

   • Try the "5-minute backyard challenge" – just 5 minutes daily with the sound ID running

   • Keep a casual list of birds you've identified to track your progress

The first time I used Merlin's sound identification at sunrise in Plan Tureluur, I was surprised to discover seven different species calling simultaneously – what I had registered only as "morning birdsong" was a diverse chorus of distinct species.

Why Digital Bird Identification Enhances Nature Experiences

Many nature purists initially resist using smartphones outdoors. I understand this feeling – we go outdoors partly to escape our screens. Yet I've found these apps actually deepen my connection with nature in several ways:

1. Knowledge builds appreciation When you can name what you're hearing and seeing, you develop a more personal relationship with your environment.

2. Attention training These apps train you to become more observant, not less. You start noticing subtle differences in calls and behaviors.

3. Accessibility These tools make nature interpretation available to everyone, not just those who've spent years memorizing field guides.

4. Community connection Apps like eBird connect you with other nature enthusiasts.

Scarlet Macaw (Zdenek Machacek, Unsplash)

Privacy and Data Considerations

Most bird apps collect data on your sightings and locations to improve their databases and assist conservation efforts. Before using these apps, consider:

• eBird and Merlin make your sightings public by default (without your personal details)

• Location data can be generalized if you're concerned about privacy

• Most apps allow offline use if you prefer no data transmission

For me, the contribution to citizen science outweighs these concerns, but you should make your own informed choice.

Screen Skills Growth Update: Six Weeks and Counting

It's been exactly six weeks since Screen Skills launched on February 22, and I'm thrilled to report we've reached 641 subscribers! That represents growth of over 100 new subscribers weekly—a pace that continues to exceed my expectations.

“All subscribers” growth in six weeks.

For those following the meta-story of building this newsletter from the ground up, this consistent growth suggests we've found a sweet spot – practical technology advice that bridges the gap between overly technical guides and overly simplified instructions.

Growing a newsletter doesn't have to be complicated or mysterious. With the right approach, consistent quality, and some strategic decisions, you can build an engaged audience more quickly than you might imagine.

What's working? Finding a genuine need, delivering real value, and making technical topics accessible without talking down to readers.

For paid subscribers, I'll share a comprehensive analysis behind the paywall – including surprising statistics about where our readers come from, which newsletters performed best and why, demographic insights, the number of paid subscribers after six weeks, the power of cross-newsletter recommendations, and six specific lessons I've learned that you can apply to your own projects. These growth insights alone are worth the subscription price for anyone interested in building an online audience.

Substack Growth Tip of the Week: Upgrade Your Avatar

Have you noticed how many Substack users still use the default profile image? These generic icons (sometimes called "eggs" in social media circles) signal to others that you're either new to the platform or not fully engaged.

Here's why updating your profile picture takes less than one minute but can dramatically improve your Substack presence and lead to more followers:

1. Higher click-through rates: When I scan comments and likes, I'm much more likely to click on profiles with actual images than generic avatars.

2. Perceived credibility: A real image instantly makes your profile appear more established and trustworthy.

3. Better recognition: Your comments and interactions become more recognizable across the platform.

To update your avatar:

• Go to your Substack account settings

• Click on "Profile"

• Upload any image (it doesn't have to be your face – a landscape, pet, or logo works too)

• While you're there, add a brief bio – even a single line is better than nothing!

Pro tip: Research shows that slightly tilting your head in profile photos increases engagement. (Unfortunately, I can't follow this advice in my own photo since I'm holding a coffee cup that would spill!)

AI Prompt of the Week: The Perfect Spring Day Planner

This week's prompt helps you plan the perfect day outdoors while accounting for weather, interests, and practical considerations. Copy this exact prompt into ChatGPT for impressive results:

Act as my Spring Day Planning Assistant. I want to enjoy [activity: bird watching, hiking, photography, etc.] on [day of week] in [location].

Please create a detailed plan that includes:

1. A weather-aware schedule (check forecast for that location)

2. Equipment recommendations specific to my activity

3. Three specific locations/spots to visit with brief descriptions

4. A backup indoor plan in case of rain

5. One local seasonal food/drink recommendation

My primary goal is to [your specific goal, e.g., "spot migratory birds," "capture spring flowers," "get exercise while enjoying nature"].

Simply fill in the bracketed sections with your preferences and location. This prompt consistently delivers thoughtful, practical plans that balance ambition with realism – perfect for making the most of spring weather without getting caught unprepared.

Paid Subscriber Content: Newsletter Growth Secrets That Got Us to 641 Subscribers

For paid subscribers, let's dive deeper into the specific strategies that have helped Screen Skills grow from zero to 641 subscribers in just six weeks. These insights can help you grow your own newsletter, online presence, or digital project.