How I Got My First 2000 Subscribers
I’ve recently passed 2000 subscribers on this IdeaEconomy.net newsletter with a 50% open rate. Here is exactly how I got those subscribers.
I also share what I’d do differently if I were to start over. (I wouldn't start a curated newsletter.)
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The point about building relationships with other people/newsletters in the space is key — "competitors" can be powerful advocates. But don't just make an ask. Comment on their posts, start conversions, slide into the DMs (with value), meet them at conferences, promote their stuff (if you like it), etc. etc. And do all of this without asking for anything in return. At least until you have a strong relationship.
Also, good call on purchasing ads in their newsletters and taking their courses — that hadn't occurred to me, but it's a smart way to begin relationships.
Thanks for reading.
Most networking is very transactional now. Everyone wants to be your friend if you can do something for them. Very few actually care about developing a real relationship. It takes time, but it's very easy to stand out from all the spam.
This is interesting, this has been the primary acquisition channel for almost every newsletter creator I've seen. Write some awesome info and then say: "Want more? Subscribe here". Tried-and-tested.
Thanks for reading.
That's the problem with curated newsletters. There is no growth mechanism.
I definitely need to write more original content.
The newsletter space is amazingly difficult and I'm surprised anyone is in it for money. To me, I'd focus on the newsletter being quality first, then I'd worry about monetization, almost as if you were managing a band. The band first needs fans, then you figure out what merch you're going to sell at the shows.
My problem with newsletters these days is just the barrier to entry. Starting one is an immense undertaking, and writing one per week is similar to write 1 solid blog post per week (and its tough to tell which has more potential).
Over the past few years, it feels like newsletters have become more popular and trendy, kinda like podcasts. But I imagine a lot of people who start them don't end up keeping up with them, and thats the true test of a newsletter's success: consistency.
Yeah, you are right. Newsletteris not the main thing. As in the start of our https://techtheeta.com journey. I used newletter option. But latter it was quite difficult for me to manage it. Then instead of focusing on newsletter I started a valuable post on the day at which I was writing for newsletter.And I saw that our blog improved so much as compared to the newsletter.
Original content that ranks in search is key. Too many newsletters are missing this.
I don't think many creators are in it for the money. There are definitely easier ways to make a living. :-) It's very hard to publish every week if you don't enjoy creating.
I'd love to know the stats on abandoned newsletters. It must be over half that quit in the first year and probably approaches 80% by the end of year 2.