Below is a cumulation of stuff I wish I had known earlier. Learn from my mistakes and boost your journey 🚀
1. Build an email list
I know it feels like you don't need it. Maybe some of you want to be a freelancer and never 'sell'.
Still, build it.
It's the only audience you actually own that isn't at the mercy of online algorithms.
Convertkit is free for up to 10K subs.
2. Lead magnet
Instead of being like me and randomly starting a newsletter, build a lead magnet instead.
This is a free downloadable your audience will get in exchange for their email. For instance, when someone downloads my free Side Hustler Checklist, they automatically hop onto my email list on Gumroad.
The issue is that I don't use Gumroad for emails 😕 Complicated stuff, I know. That's why I don't want you to make the same mistake as me!
You can create a landing page for your downloadable on Convertkit too.
3. Do regular issues
Start a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly newsletter.
Be in touch with your audience.
4. Do more Twitter threads
This is something I still don't do a good job with but want to improve.
I've seen that Twitter threads:
- attract your target audience
- build a following
- make you credible
- great way to showcase your writing
Look at people like Tim Denning and Jon Brosio who are doing a fabulous job on X.
Oops, I just realised I called it Twitter earlier... okay, I'm not changing that 😄
5. Engage
The reason I could have an online business is all because of engagement.
Engaging with people
- helped me build a product
- gave me customers for my products
- built relations with fellow creators
- grew my account
You can't grow if you talk in an empty room.
Engage!
6. Cold inmail every week
Inmail on LinkedIn or email the old-school way at least once a week. I didn't do it until this year, that's 4 years late.
Don't be like me.
You'll miss your chance at something new.
7. Show your work
Don't worry, nobody is going to steal it. We have more ideas than executions because not everyone takes action.
Show your work on LinkedIn and X.
Build in public.
It will build your audience and credibility.
When you show results, you'll become an authority in your domain.
Summary
- Build your email list
- Build it with a lead magnet
- Do regular newsletter issues
- Write more Twitter threads
- Engage with your audience and relevant accounts
- Do a cold inmail/ email each week
- Show your work and build in public