Let's cut the BS for a second.

I'm about to piss off a lot of "gurus" with this email. (Sorry, not sorry.)

If you're new to this game, you might want to sit this one out. But if you're serious about scaling your business and tired of the same old rehashed advice, keep reading.

Here's the deal: Most of you are doing content marketing completely wrong.

Yeah, I said it.

You're on this endless hamster wheel, churning out content, chasing likes, and wondering why your bank account isn't reflecting all that "hustle." We’ve talked about this before.

I'm about to drop some truth bombs in this newsletter that'll make you rethink everything you've been told about making money online.

The 3 deadly sins of content creators

Your offer sucks (Sorry, Someone Had to Say It)

Look, the market's getting smarter. That half-baked offer you threw together after watching a few YouTube videos? It's not cutting it anymore.

You're busy worrying about "engagement" and "algorithms" when the real problem is staring you in the face: Your offer is a dumpster fire.

Those 18-year-old growth gurus (or adults acting like them) have you chasing vanity metrics while your business is built on quicksand.

Your backend is non-existent

Here's a little secret: You could’ve made an extra $5K last month without lifting a finger.

How? Have a backend system that works.

Most of you are so busy trying to land the next client that you're leaving money on the table with the ones you already have.

You need a "world" for your clients, not just a one-night stand of a service.

You don't have a sales ecosystem

One-off purchases are for amateurs. You're playing checkers while the real players are playing chess.

You need an ecosystem where followers seamlessly become customers, and customers effortlessly turn into high-ticket clients.

It's not about working harder; it's about building smarter systems.

The wake-up call you didn't know you needed

Alright, now that I've probably offended half of you, let's talk solutions.

I'm going to give you the blueprint that's helped me land high-ticket clients. For free 👇️ 

The holy trinity of content domination

Omnipresence: Be everywhere or be nowhere

Posting once a day on Twitter isn't "content marketing." It's barely even trying.

Here's the real deal:

• 1 long-form piece weekly (blog/video)

• 5 social media posts extracted from it

• 1 email newsletter

• 3 Reels/TikToks/Shorts

• 1 LinkedIn article

That's 11 pieces from ONE source. Do this for a year, and you're looking at 572 touch points.

Overwhelmed? Good. That's the point. That’s strategic omnipresence.

Value ladders: The art of the perpetual upsell

Your free content is just the gateway drug. Here's how to structure your offers:

• Freebie (Lead Magnet)

• Tripwire ($7-$27)

• Core Offer ($297-$997)

• High-Ticket ($2,000+)

Set this up right, and you'll have customers begging to give you more money.

Ascension loops: The money printer

This is where the pros play. Create an ecosystem where customers naturally level up:

• Low-cost membership ($29/month)

• Quarterly workshops ($497)

• Annual mastermind ($10,000)

Do this right, and you'll never worry about cash flow again.

The #1 launch sequence

Want to know how to launch a product that sells out fast? Here's my exact email sequence:

• Day 1: Disrupt their reality

  • Challenge their current thinking or assumptions to grab attention.

• Day 2: Paint the dream

  • Show them a vivid picture of what success looks like.

• Day 3: Show them it's possible (case study)

  • Provide real-world examples that prove the dream is attainable.

• Day 4: Give them the roadmap

  • Give them a clear, easy-to-follow path to get where they want to go.

• Day 5: Bridge the gap

  • Address their doubts and show how they can overcome obstacles.

• Day 6: Create a sense of urgency

  • Let them know why now is the best time to act.

• Day 7: Light a fire under their ass

  • Create FOMO so intense they can't help but take action.

The golden rules:

1. Each email should deliver a punch to the gut and leave them craving more.

2. Use storytelling to keep them glued to every word.

3. Always give value, even if they don't buy.

4. If they haven't opened by email 3, tag them as a "cold lead" and move them to a re-engagement sequence.

5. For those engaging but not buying, create a "downsell" offer on Day 8.

The follow-up strategy:

• Day 10: Send a "Did you miss out?" email to non-buyers. Offer a time-sensitive "last chance" opportunity.

• Day 30: Re-engage cold leads with new content, not sales pitches.

• Day 90: If still no engagement, purge them from your list. A clean list is a profitable list (seriously, get rid of them)!

Each email should make them feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves.

The last word

Look, I could go on, but if you haven't gotten the message by now, you're probably not ready for it.

This isn't just theory. This is the real deal, battle-tested stuff that's made me and my clients real money.

If you're ready to stop playing small and start building an empire, here's what I want you to do:

1. Pick ONE thing from this email

2. Implement it in the next 24 hours

3. Reply with your results

Talk soon,

Kiyo

P.S. If this free stuff blew your mind, imagine what my paid one-on-one consulting is like. Just saying.

The hard truth about content creation?

It's not enough.

✅ You can write the most insightful threads.

✅ You can shoot the most polished videos.

✅ You can craft the cleverest one-liners.

But if no one sees them, does it really matter?

To turn your content into a thriving business, you need more than just creation skills.

You need these 5 critical content marketing strategies.

The content creation trap

I was scrolling through Twitter the other day.

Post after post of beautifully crafted threads. Clever one-liners. Insightful takes on the latest industry trends.

All with barely any engagement.

These creators are falling into the same trap I did years ago.

They're creating content. But they're not marketing it.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love content creators.

They're the lifeblood of the internet. The reason we keep scrolling, keep learning, keep being entertained.

But I definitely wouldn't model my business after just creating content.

The endless cycle of creation

Back when I started my first online business, I was all about creation.

Blog posts, YouTube videos, Instagram stories - you name it, I made it.

I was churning out content like a machine.

And my view counts? Well, let's just say they were... intimate.

It worked in the sense that I was building a body of work.

But beyond that, the dynamic just wasn't good.

• I'd pour my heart into a blog post. Crickets.

• I'd spend hours editing a video. Three views (probably all me).

• I'd craft the perfect Instagram caption. Zero likes (not even a pity like from my best friend).

I tried to pretend it was worth it but I hated it inside.

The hard truth about content creation

Here's something a lot of people won't like:

Creating content is not hard.

Sure, it's harder than it was 3 years ago. But it's really not hard.

I created 30 pieces of content in 30 days because there's a very clear system to content creation. You just need to know the system and be willing to put in the work.

Since then, I've been consistent with my content for months straight.

While most people are celebrating their one viral post in 6 months.

But if creating content is not hard...

Then what is hard?

• Creating content that people actually see.

• Creating content that builds your authority.

• Creating content that gets you paid.

The missing link: Content marketing

Even if you create tons of content, there's no guarantee anyone will see it.

Because marketing your content is harder than it looks.

Before, it felt like I had to shout into the void to get anyone to notice.

I had to create 24/7 if I wanted something to actually happen.

So I made an executive decision for this year:

No more aimless creation.

The shift: From creation to strategy

It took a few months to figure it out.

I paid people ahead of me to help me make it work.

But looking back - I'm so glad I made the leap.

Today, I've built a content strategy that works for me:

An introvert who's never been too good at self-promotion.

• We don't create endlessly.

• We focus on high-impact pieces.

• We don't waste energy on platforms that don't convert.

• We get clients by strategically promoting our best work.

• We create content that does all of the marketing for us.

• We repurpose smartly so we're never starting from scratch.

• We have a system so we're never desperate for content ideas.

All powered by a solid understanding of our audience which makes it all work.

The results: A business that works

So instead of needing to convince people to look at our stuff...

The content already positions us as an authority and attracts quality clients.

I'm never going back to the content hamster wheel.

Because I know what works for me.

And I'm building a business my way.

Your turn

I have 2 spots left to work directly with our team to build your content marketing strategy before the end of the year.

If you've been wanting to grow your audience and business, but haven't found a good approach...

This might be for you.

Here's what we'll do:

1. Week 1: Audit your current content and build a strategy that aligns with your goals.

2. Weeks 2-3: Create and launch a campaign to get some quick wins and prove the concept.

3. Remaining time: Refine your system for consistently creating and marketing content that attracts your ideal clients.

So you don't just create content...

But you create content that actually builds your business.

If this sounds like the right move - hit reply and let's chat.

And give me some context about your current content efforts if you think it'd help.

Want more blueprints?

Follow ContentSesh on Twitter for daily tips, proven strategies, and actionable blueprints to turn your content into a thriving business.

Twitter tweet

I've got a Zoom call in 10 minutes so I'm typing this out quickly.

Which, funnily enough, ties perfectly into today's lesson:

Consistency.

If you want your content to actually build an audience, you need to show up. Regularly. Even when you don't feel like it.

You see creators doing this all the time.

Daily posts, weekly newsletters, monthly YouTube videos. When all else fails...

Tell yourself that if you skip today, your dreams of being a successful creator die forever.

The truth is, most consistency is a struggle.

It's not some magical state where you're always inspired and motivated.

If it's effective, it's because you pushed through when you didn't feel like it.

Now I'm not saying you should produce crap just to stick to a schedule.

But rather, in reality, there's never a "perfect" time to create.

You could wait for inspiration, for better equipment, for more knowledge, or even for retirement.

There's always a reason why now isn't the ideal time to create.

And that's why consistency in content marketing is crucial.

You're battling the excuses in your own head.

Let's say you want to build an audience and monetize your knowledge.

You bounce between platform ideas.

You convince yourself you need to learn more before you start, and you put off creating anything.

You tell yourself that once XYZ happens, you'll be in a better position to really commit.

I've been there.

When I started my blog and my newsletter, I wrote "ship it" on a Post-it note above my desk.

Because I knew nothing happens until I put content out there, and the perfect piece I was waiting to create doesn't exist.

It will never exist.

And until you drill this into your skull, you'll wait.

You'll find a new reason why you can't create what you want, share how you want, and impact who you want.

Now will never feel completely "right", but it will always be the only time you have.

Sure, the audience will always be there.

The "best time to start was yesterday" advice might feel cliché.

The engagement might be low at first.

And the results might take way longer than you expected.

But you and I both know there's no perfect time to start creating.

In fact, most of the content I've made that resulted in the biggest breakthroughs was done on a whim when I felt a spark of motivation.

I got tired of waiting and followed my gut.

Maybe it's time for you to do the same.

Keep creating,

Kiyo

P.S. We just launched a new Twitter account, and if you're not following @ContentSesh, you’re leaving money on the table.

The problem with surface-level marketing

We've all been there. You spend hours crafting what you think is a "killer" marketing message. You hit publish with a smug grin, sit back, and wait for the flood of engagement.

And then...

Crickets.

No likes. No shares. No sales. Nada.

It's like shouting into a black hole.

I call this "surface-level marketing," and it's a silent killer lurking in 90% of businesses I see.

It's not just bad marketing. It's worse.

Surface-level marketing is why most entrepreneurs stay stuck on the hamster wheel, running faster and faster but going absolutely nowhere.

But it's not your fault.

Nobody taught us how to tap into what really makes humans tick.

Until now.

Enter the Life-Force 8 (LF8)

Every decision we make boils down to 8 core human desires—the stuff that keeps us up at night and drives us to take action. These aren’t just “wants.” They’re hardwired into our brains.

I didn't invent this.

Drew Whitman calls them the Life-Force 8 (LF8) in Cashvertising. And if you’re not using them in your marketing, you’re leaving serious money on the table.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Survival & life extension – Think health, fitness, living longer.

2. Freedom from fear & pain – Security, insurance, peace of mind.

3. Sexual companionship – Everything from dating apps to fashion.

4. Comfortable living – Home products, real estate, anything that screams “ease.”

5. To win & feel superior – Status symbols, luxury goods, things that show you’re ahead.

6. Care for loved ones – Family, pets, children. Protection and well-being.

7. Social approval – Likes, followers, personal development. The stuff that gets attention.

8. Personal growth – Learning, self-improvement, being a better version of yourself.

These are the desires behind every purchase decision. Nail them.

Here's the deal:

Your marketing is broken. Here’s why—and how to fix it.

5 symptoms. 5 solutions. No fluff.

And you’re not waiting until tomorrow or next week. You’re doing this today. Right now.

Why the urgency?

1. Your competition is already implementing this while you're reading this email.

2. Your ideal customers are losing sleep over problems you can solve. They'd throw money at you TODAY if you spoke directly to their pain.

3. No one ever built a 7-figure business with "meh" marketing.

Let's dive deep.

🔍 The LF8 marketing pyramid

I need you to burn this diagram into your brain.

1. Top Level: These are the 8 core desires hardwired into every human brain. They're not wants; they're needs.

2. Middle Level: This shows how each desire translates into a marketing angle. It's your bridge from psychology to practical application.

3. Bottom Level: These are concrete examples of headlines that tap into each desire. Use these as inspiration, not templates!

How to use it:

• Identify which 1-3 desires your product or service primarily fulfills.

• Craft your main message around these desires, not features or generic benefits.

• For each piece of content you create, consciously choose one desire to target.

(Can't see the image? You're probably using a slower email client like Proton 😛 . No worries - grab the diagram for free here. Save it, study it, use it to 10x your marketing.)

5 symptoms of broken marketing (and how to fix them)

Symptom 1: Generic benefit statements

Your copy is full of "save time" and "make more money." But so is everyone else's. If this hits a little too close to home, don't feel bad. It's common.

Action step: Choose ONE desire that aligns with your product. Rewrite your main headline to speak directly to that desire. No more "we help you grow your business." Get specific and emotional.

Symptom 2: Copying competitor's messaging

Newsflash: If you're copying your competition, you're always going to be in second place.

At best, you're the store-brand cereal to their Frosted Flakes.

So here's what you're gonna do instead:

Action step: Set your phone timer for 30 minutes. Write down your best guess at the top 3 deep desires of your ideal customer. Not surface-level wants, but core, emotional needs. When the timer goes off, reach out to an actual customer or prospect and ask them what they're really struggling with.

Symptom 3: Focusing on features, not emotions

Your website reads like a spec sheet. You've listed every feature of your product or service.

Your customers don’t care.

They care about how you're going to make their lives better, their dreams closer, their fears smaller.

Action step: Choose ONE feature and write a paragraph about how it fulfills one of the LF8 desires. Send it to five people in your target market, and ask if it resonates. Real-world emotional feedback beats logic every time.

Symptom 4: Chasing marketing trends

You've tried every new marketing tactic that pops up on Twitter. Reels, threads, carousel posts – you name it. But your message still isn't landing.

Action step: Grab a notebook. Write down the top three LF8 desires that your product or service fulfills. Spend 25 minutes crafting a message that speaks to just ONE of these desires, regardless of platform. Because no trend or tactic will magically make your marketing resonate. Emotional connection is the only thing that creates loyal customers.

Symptom 5: Waiting for the "perfect angle"

You've convinced yourself you'll start really marketing when you find that magical unique angle. But unfortunately, the perfect angle never seems to arrive.

Action step: Pick ONE of the LF8 desires. Write a single social media post or email that speaks directly to that desire. Publish it today, regardless of how "perfect" you think it is.

The old adage remains true: The best time to connect deeply with your audience was yesterday. The second best time is now.

The golden rule of emotional marketing

Every successful brand started with a bunch of imperfect, but emotionally resonant messages. And of course, your goal shouldn't be to eliminate logic entirely — you need to find the right balance between appealing to emotions and showcasing your value.

Here's a simple rule of thumb: For every rational benefit you share, provide at least two emotional reasons why it matters. Because you'll never be rewarded for staying on the surface. Rewards come with real, emotional connections.

Your action checklist

So here's what you're going to do right now:

1. Ditch the generic benefits: Open your website. Rewrite your main headline using ONE Life-Force 8 desire. Do it now.

2. Stop copying competitors: Set a 30-minute timer. List your customers' deep emotional needs. Then talk to 3 real customers to validate.

3. Features ≠ benefits: Choose your top feature. Rewrite it as an emotional benefit using LF8. Send it to 5 customers for feedback.

4. Quit chasing trends: Craft one core message based on a single LF8 desire. Ignore platforms. Focus on resonance.

5. Perfectionism kills progress: Write one email or social post that speaks to an LF8 desire. Publish it today. No excuses.

Remember, the key is to move from surface-level tactics to deep emotional connections. Start small, but start now. Imperfect resonance is better than perfect blandness when it comes to marketing.

And that's all for today.

Kiyo

Hey you 👋 

Table of Contents

• Research is your superpower

• Craft a killer subject line

• Get to the point…fast

• Focus on them, not you

• Provide value upfront

• Clear CTA (call-to-action)

• Follow-up is key

• Test and iterate

• THE COLD OUTREACH TEMPLATE

• Final thoughts

It's Kiyo. I don't know why I always find so much inspiration near midnight, but I do. And here I am, writing to you.

Today I attended a webinar about clients, doing cold outreach, blah blah blah. You get the point. It was alright. I get it. But honestly? I don't think the audience learned that much.

So today, we're talking about COLD OUTREACH and how to actually land clients.

You know, that thing everyone hates doing but secretly wishes they were good at?

Yeah, that.

Cold outreach, when done right, is your ticket to high-paying clients.

I'll break it down for you—I think everyone can truly do this. Yes, it does mean you still have to actually apply and try and fail and improve and iterate.

This is so simple it hurts, but it works:

Research is your superpower

Before you hit "send," do your homework.

• Who are they?

• What do they do?

• What problems are they facing?

The more you know, the more you can PERSONALIZE. And personalization is the key to getting responses.

BAD: "Hey [First Name], I noticed your company is in the tech industry. Want to hop on a call?"

GOOD: "Hey Sarah, I saw that TechCorp just launched its AI-powered chatbot last month. Congrats! I also noticed you mentioned on LinkedIn that you're aiming to reduce customer service response times. Have you considered how AI could help with that?"

See the difference? The second one shows you've done your homework. You know:

• Her name (Sarah)

• Her company's recent product launch (AI chatbot)

• A specific goal she's mentioned (reducing response times)

• How your expertise might align with her needs (AI in customer service)

Craft a killer subject line

Your subject line is your foot in the door. Make it:

• SHORT (3-5 words)

• INTRIGUING

• PERSONALIZED

Here are some examples that'll make your prospects actually want to open your email:

1. "Sarah, let's 10x TechCorp's AI" (Personalized, hints at massive growth, mentions their recent focus)

2. "GreenGrow's missed Instagram opportunity" (Creates curiosity, suggests you've spotted something they haven't)

3. "Coffee, croissants, and conversions?" (Intriguing, casual, hints at a value-packed meeting)

4. "Your competitor's secret weapon" (Triggers FOMO, makes them curious about what they're missing)

5. "I found $1M in FitTech's data" (Bold claim that's hard to ignore, especially if true)

Get to the point…fast

Your first sentence should HOOK them. Show that you've done your research.

Look, people are busy. You've got about 3 seconds before they decide if your email is worth their time or if it's headed straight to the trash. So make those first words count.

Here are some examples that'll make them sit up and pay attention:

"Your latest earnings report shows a 15% drop in customer retention - I've got a strategy that could turn that around in 60 days."

Why it works: Shows you've done your homework, identifies a specific problem, and offers a concrete solution with a timeline.

"I saw your CEO's interview on Tech Today where she mentioned struggling to hire top AI talent. What if I told you I could help you fill those positions in half the time?"

Why it works: References a specific, recent event, pinpoints a challenge straight from the horse's mouth, and proposes a compelling solution.

"Congrats on hitting 1 million users! But I couldn't help noticing your app's rating has dropped from 4.5 to 3.8 stars in the last month. I think I know why - and how to fix it."

Why it works: Acknowledges a success, identifies a specific problem they might not be aware of, and teases a solution.

"Your competitor, TechGiant, just rolled out a feature that's eerily similar to your flagship product. I've got three strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve."

Why it works: Creates urgency by mentioning competition, shows industry awareness, and offers multiple solutions.

"I analyzed your website's conversion funnel and found a leak that's costing you approximately $50,000 in lost revenue per month. Want to plug it?"

Why it works: Presents a specific, quantifiable problem they might not know about, and implies you have the solution.

Compare these to weak sauce like "I hope this email finds you well" or "I wanted to reach out about your business needs." Snooze fest, right?

Remember, your opening line should make them think, "Shit, this person knows their stuff." Because if you don't grab them right away, you've already lost them.

Focus on them, not you

Nobody cares about your achievements. They care about THEIR PROBLEMS. Show how you can solve them.

Look, I get it. You're awesome. Your company's the bee's knees. But guess what? Your prospect doesn't give a rat's ass about any of that... yet. They care about their own problems, their own goals, their own bottom line.

So instead of this: "Our AI-powered software has won 17 awards and is used by Fortune 500 companies..."

Try this: "I noticed your customer service team is handling 1000+ inquiries daily. Our AI tool could automate 40% of those, freeing up your team to handle complex issues and improve customer satisfaction."

See the difference? The first one's all "me, me, me." The second one? It's all about them and their specific challenges.

Here's another example:

BAD: "I have 10 years of experience in digital marketing and have worked with top brands..."

GOOD: "I saw that your latest Instagram campaign had a 2% engagement rate. With a few tweaks to your content strategy, we could boost that to 8% in 30 days, potentially doubling your leads."

Remember: Make it about THEM. Always.

Provide value upfront

Give them a quick win. A tip, insight, or resource. PROVE that you know your stuff.

This is where you show you're not just another schmuck trying to make a quick buck. You're here to actually help. So give them something valuable. Right freakin' now.

Examples:

1. "I noticed your website takes 5 seconds to load on mobile. Here's a quick tip: compress your images using [free tool]. This alone could cut load time by 30% and boost your mobile conversions."

2. "Your competitor just launched a referral program that's killing it. Here's a breakdown of how it works and three ways you could create an even better one."

3. "I analyzed your last 50 tweets. Your highest engagement comes from posts with infographics. Here's a free tool to create them quickly: [link]."

The key? Make it specific to them, make it actionable, and make it valuable whether they hire you or not.

Clear CTA (call-to-action)

What's the next step? Make it EASY for them to say yes. "Have time for a 15-minute call this week?"

Don't leave them hanging. Tell them exactly what you want them to do next. But here's the trick: make it so easy they'd feel like a jerk for saying no.

BAD: "Let me know if you want to discuss this further."

GOOD: "I have a 15-minute slot open this Thursday at 2 PM or Friday at 10 AM. Which works better for a quick chat about boosting your engagement rates?"

See how the second one makes it easy? You're not asking for their firstborn, just 15 minutes. And you're giving them options, which increases the chances of a "yes."

More examples:

1. "I'd love to show you a 5-minute demo of how this could work for [Company Name]. Is Tuesday or Wednesday better for you?"

2. "I've prepared a custom 2-page report on your website's SEO. When's a good time for a quick call to walk you through it?"

3. "I'm hosting a free webinar next week on [relevant topic]. Want me to save you a spot?"

Make it specific, make it easy, make it valuable.

Follow-up is key

80% of sales happen after the 5th contact. Don't be afraid to follow up. But ADD VALUE each time.

Most people won't respond to your first email. Or your second. Or maybe even your third. But that doesn't mean they're not interested. They're just busy, distracted, or not ready yet.

So follow up. But don't be that annoying person who just says "Just checking in" every week. Add value every single time.

Here's a follow-up sequence that works:

1st follow-up (3 days later): "Hey [Name], just wanted to make sure you saw my previous email about boosting your customer retention rates. I've attached a case study of how we helped [Similar Company] increase theirs by 35% in 60 days."

2nd follow-up (1 week later): "Hi [Name], I came across this article about emerging trends in [their industry]. Thought you might find it interesting, especially point #3 which relates to the challenges we discussed."

3rd follow-up (2 weeks later): "Hey [Name], I noticed [Company] just launched a new product line. Congrats! I have some ideas on how we could leverage this to improve your customer loyalty program. Let me know if you'd like to hear them."

4th follow-up (1 month later): "Hi [Name], I'm running a free workshop next month on [relevant topic]. Would you like me to reserve you a spot? It'll be packed with actionable strategies you can implement right away."

5th follow-up (2 months later): "Hey [Name], it's been a while since we last connected. I've been keeping an eye on [Company] and noticed [specific observation]. I have a new strategy that could help with [specific goal]. Are you open to a quick chat about it?"

Remember: persistence pays off, but only if you're adding value each time.

Test and iterate

Track your:

• Open rates

• Response rates

• Conversion rates

Constantly improve your approach.

Look, nobody gets it perfect right out of the gate. Cold outreach is a game of continuous improvement. So track everything and use that data to get better.

Here's how:

1. Open rates: If these are low, your subject lines need work. A/B test different approaches. Try questions vs. statements, using their company name vs. not, being mysterious vs. direct.

2. Response rates: If people are opening but not responding, your email body needs work. Test different opening lines, value propositions, or calls-to-action.

3. Conversion rates: If people are responding but not converting to calls or clients, your offer or follow-up process needs tweaking.

Example:

• Subject line A: "Quick question about [Company]'s growth" Open rate: 22%

• Subject line B: "[Company]'s untapped $1M opportunity" Open rate: 35%

Clearly, B is winning. Use more subject lines like B.

• Email body A: Starts with "I hope this email finds you well..." Response rate: 5%

• Email body B: Starts with "I noticed [Company] is struggling with [specific problem]..." Response rate: 12%

B wins again. Always start with a personalized observation.

The key? Never stop testing. Never stop improving.

THE COLD OUTREACH TEMPLATE

Here's a template to get you started:

I noticed [Company Name] is aiming to [specific goal]. Many [industry] companies struggle with [common problem], often leaving [specific metric] on the table. 

We helped [similar company] increase their [relevant metric] by [X]% in [timeframe]. 

Here's a quick tip: [Actionable advice they can implement immediately] 

Would you be open to a 15-minute call this week to explore how we could drive similar results for [Company Name]? 

I have slots open on [Day 1] at [Time 1] or [Day 2] at [Time 2]. Best, [Your Name] P.S. Whether we talk or not, here's a free resource on [relevant topic] that you might find useful: [Link]

Remember: This is a TEMPLATE. Customize it. Make it YOURS.

Final thoughts

Cold outreach isn't about being pushy. It's about:

1. Identifying problems

2. Offering solutions

3. Building relationships

Master this, and you'll never run out of high-ticket clients.

And remember, every "no" is just one step closer to a "yes."

Until next time,

Kiyo

P.S. If this helped you land a client, shoot me an email. I love hearing success stories!

You're probably doing it all wrong.

Spending hours crafting the perfect portfolio? Waste of time. Cold DMing every business owner on Twitter? Amateur hour. Lowering your rates to compete? You're digging your own grave.

Finding clients isn't about being the best writer or having the prettiest website.

It's about being in the right place, at the right time, with the right message.

Let's break it down 👇️ 

1. Fish where the fish are

Stop hanging out in freelancer groups circle-jerking about how hard it is to find clients. Your clients aren't there.

Instead:

• Join industry-specific groups where your target clients hang out

• Attend conferences (virtual or in-person) in your niche

• Be active on the platforms your ideal clients use (hint: it's probably not TikTok—or maybe it is)

If you're not where your clients are, you don't exist to them.

2. Solve real problems

Nobody gives a shit about your "passion for words" or your degree.

What they care about:

• Increasing their traffic

• Boosting their conversions

• Establishing thought leadership

Show them how your content does that.

Don't just say you're a "content writer." Be the "B2B SaaS Traffic Multiplier" or the "E-commerce Conversion Catalyst."

Solve problems. Get paid.

3. Leverage your network (Yes, you have one)

You're connected to more potential clients than you think.

• That cousin who runs a small business? Potential client.

• Your old college roommate working at a startup? Potential client.

• The local coffee shop you visit every day? You guessed it.

Stop looking for strangers to buy from you when you're surrounded by opportunities.

4. Create content about creating content

Meta, right? But it works.

• Write LinkedIn posts about content strategy

• Start a newsletter sharing writing tips

• Create Twitter threads on the impact of great copy

Show, don't tell. When you demonstrate your expertise, clients come to you.

5. Perfect your pitch

Your pitch sucks. There, I said it.

Stop with the "I'm a passionate writer looking for opportunities" BS.

Instead: "I helped a SaaS startup increase their blog traffic by 200% in 3 months. Want to see how we could do the same for you?"

Results. Specificity. Value proposition. That's what gets responses.

I talk more about this in the next newsletter—stay tuned.

The bottom line

Finding clients isn't rocket science. But it does require you to get up and take action.

Stop making excuses. Stop waiting for the perfect moment.

Get out there. Be visible. Solve problems. Provide value.

Do this consistently, and you won't be looking for clients.

They'll be looking for you.

Kiyo 👋 

Stand up, show up…

I'm writing this from my standing desk, feeling a bit like a productivity god here. I was thinking about how much time people spend sitting down and being inactive. The average human being only walks about 3,000-4,000 steps a day. That's horrible. Get up and go for a walk.

You're not meant to be machines.

Anyway, I had an epiphany 💡 

No, I haven't cracked the code to those mythical $50k months (yet), but I've stumbled upon something that could be a game-changer for you ↓

I call it the 3-3-3 content strategy. It's not a magic pill, but it's pretty damn close. Here's the lowdown:

3 pieces of content daily

Don't overthink this. A tweet, a LinkedIn post, a TikTok where you point at words - just ship it. Your first 100 pieces will probably make you cringe later. That's normal. Embrace the suck and keep going.

3 different platforms

Don't focus all your efforts on just one social media platform. Diversify your presence. Try Twitter, LinkedIn, and any other platform where your target audience spends their time. And yes, even Threads if that's where your people hang out.

3 months straight

90 days of consistent output. No breaks, no "but I'm not inspired" days. This is where you separate yourself from the "I'll start tomorrow" crowd.

Now, I can hear you groaning. "That's a lot of content!" Well, yeah. Did you think building an empire was going to be as easy as binge-watching Netflix? Don't worry—it gets easier. Trust me.

After 3 months, you'll have:

• 270 pieces of content (aka 270 chances to go viral)

• A presence on 3 platforms (diversification, baby!)

• An audience that actually cares what you have to say

• A stronger content creation habit

Pro tip: Use a content calendar. Plan your themes weekly. Batch create when you can. That random thought you had in the shower? Content. Your dog's judgmental stare? Content. Your existential crisis at 3 AM? You bet that's content.

Your audience is out there, mindlessly scrolling, waiting for YOUR content to wake them up from their digital coma. But they can't find you if you're not showing up consistently.

Commit to the 3-3-3.

Now go create something worth talking about. Preferably while standing.

Catch you on the next Deep Sesh,

Kiyo

P.S. If you found this valuable, share it with a fellow friend or creator.

"Some people have it easier than others."

True. This is very true, whether some guru tells you it is or not.

Some people were born into rich families, some had resources and opportunities handed to them on a silver platter from the day they turned 16. It's true.

But most of the successful people in the world have one thing in common (I talked about this in my last newsletter) - they're doers. The gap between you and them is literally hard work.

Let me take you on a journey - my journey - to show you what I mean.

The early days: Learning the basics

My very first job was at a farm. 6 am to 3pm, sometimes earlier. For a 15-year-old, that was brutal.

Our days were a whirlwind of activity:

• Counting crates of strawberries, making sure each one was perfect before they headed to market.

• Lugging heavy boxes of produce from field to storage, muscles screaming with every step.

• Racing against time to get everything done before the afternoon heat became unbearable.

But it taught me hard work, operations, and the power of a good team.

The daily routine:

• Mopping floors that would inevitably be dirty again by lunchtime (rainy days were the worst).

• Cleaning bathrooms that made me question humanity's basic decency. (Another pro tip: avoid this job during finals week.)

• Restocking shelves with books heavier than my student debt.

• And the pièce de résistance - dealing with a parade of stressed-out students and their equally frazzled parents.

It wasn't glamorous, but it taught me patience, discipline, and the power of holding onto dreams.

The creative spark

While working these jobs, I started creating content consistently. Instagram, YouTube - wherever I could. This caught the eye of a media company on campus. Suddenly, at 19, I had my own cubicle and access to a video studio. I was in heaven.

I fell in love with the creative process so much that I took a semester off to work there full-time. Speed, consistency, quality - these became my mantras.

Taking the leap: From college to career

As college was coming to an end, I had built a decent Instagram audience and started a media agency. But I felt stuck.

Then, an opportunity: a full-time position as a marketer focusing on videos and growing an audience. The catch? It paid only $50K a year. But for a 21-year-old, it was a goldmine.

I took a risk. I dropped out of college and took the job.

The Miami move: Betting on myself

Downtown Miami

After busting my ass day in and day out, I took another risk. I moved to Miami with only a couple thousand dollars in my pocket and a dream. I had friends there, my partner in crime, and a life I'd never been exposed to waiting for me.

Four years in Miami taught me more than I could have imagined. I worked for multiple startups - some failed, some raked in tens of millions. I was at the forefront, immersed in it all. All the knowledge I lacked before? Gone. I learned everything I wanted to learn so badly.

The present: Starting from zero (again)

So here I am now. I've deprecated the agency I started. I've launched new businesses. I've worked with clients globally - big names like Lexar, Panasonic, URTH, and Monos Travel. (I'll dive into that story in another letter.)

And now, I'm starting my second big business (with about 5 micro-businesses in between). I'm starting from ZERO. But here's the best part - this time, I'm sharing the journey with all of you.

For those of you reading this - you're early. You're going to see it all unfold, learn from my experiences without having to go through them directly.

The lesson: Bet on yourself, always

If there's one thing I want you to take away from this letter, it's this: Take calculated risks. Bet on yourself. Find that dream, that passion inside you, and chase after it 24/7.

From this journey, we've learned the importance of:

• Patience

• Discipline

• Speed

• Consistency

• Quality

And now, we add one more crucial element to the mix: the power of betting on yourself. Every. Single. Time.

The reality of betting on yourself

Let me be real with you for a moment.

Betting on yourself is terrifying. It's not all Instagram highlights and LinkedIn success stories. It's sleepless nights wondering if you've made the biggest mistake of your life. It's explaining to your family why you're dropping out of college for a job that pays less than what your degree promised. It's moving to a new city with nothing but a suitcase and a dream, questioning your sanity with every passing day.

But it's also exhilarating. It's the rush of landing your first big client. It's the pride of seeing your work plastered across billboards in Times Square. It's the quiet satisfaction of looking back and realizing that every risk, every failure, every moment of doubt led you exactly where you needed to be.

I'm not going to sugar-coat it: betting on yourself is hard. It's a constant battle against self-doubt, against the voices telling you to play it safe, against the very real possibility of failure.

But here's the thing: The alternative is worse.

The alternative is waking up 20 years from now, stuck in a job you hate, wondering "what if?" The alternative is watching others live out your dreams because you were too afraid to chase them yourself.

So yes, bet on yourself. Take the risk. Make the move. Start the business. Create the content. Do the thing that scares you shitless.

Because at the end of the day, you're the only sure bet you've got.

And trust me, the payoff? It's worth every sleepless night, every risk, every moment of doubt.

I'm living proof of that. And I'm betting that you can be too.

So, what's it going to be? Are you ready to go all in on yourself?

The table's set. The chips are down. It's your move.

Make it count.

Kiyo

It's 3 AM, and I'm wide awake.

Not because of insomnia or a wild night out, but because my mind is buzzing with ideas. Ideas that could change everything.

Sound familiar?

If you're reading this, chances are you've had your fair share of late-night epiphanies. Those moments when the world is quiet, and your dreams seem closer than ever.

3 AM ideas are worthless if you're still hitting snooze at 7 AM.

The brutal truth about dream chasing

Two years ago, I was drowning in a sea of "what ifs" and "somedays." I had a notebook full of business ideas, a head full of dreams, and a life full of... well, not much else.

I was the one who always talked about "starting that blog" or "starting that SAAS business" The one who'd get fired up after watching a motivational video, only to sink back into Netflix and chill an hour later.

Sound painfully familiar? Yeah, I thought so.

The wake-up call (Literally)

One night, after another 3 AM idea session, I decided enough was enough. Instead of rolling over and promising myself I'd "start tomorrow," I got up.

I fired up my laptop and started writing. Not a business plan. Not a to-do list. Just raw, unfiltered thoughts about why I was stuck.

And you know what I realized?

I was terrified of failing. But even more than that, I was terrified of succeeding.

Because success meant change. It meant leaving the comfort of my excuses and facing the unknown.

The content creation lifeline

That night, I published my first blog post. It wasn't perfect. Hell, it wasn't even good. But it was out there.

And you know what? The world didn't end. Instead, something incredible happened.

People responded. They shared their own thoughts, their own 3 AM ideas. Suddenly, I wasn't just creating content; I was creating connections.

That's when it hit me: Content creation isn't just about building a brand or making money. It's about building a bridge between your dreams and reality.

The copywriting revelation

As I dove deeper into content creation, I discovered the power of copywriting. Not the sleazy, "buy-now-or-your-life-will-suck-forever" kind. But the art of using words to inspire action.

I learned how to take those 3 AM ideas and turn them into stories that resonated with others. Stories that made people feel something. Do something.

As I helped others take action, I found myself taking more action too.

The harsh (but liberating) truth

No one's coming to save you. No one's going to hand you your dreams on a silver platter. NO ONE.

Your 3 AM ideas? They're just the beginning. The real work starts when you open your eyes in the morning and decide to do something about them.

1. Write down your latest 3 AM idea.

2. Tomorrow (or today, if you're reading this at 3 AM), spend just 30 minutes working on it.

3. Share your progress. Tweet about it, post on LinkedIn, publish it on Instagram, I don’t give a f**k. Just do it.

Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

The truth is: The world doesn't need another dreamer. It needs doers.

The clock's ticking. But this time, you're awake for it.

Let's get to work.

Kiyo

Hey. Remember when you thought making real money from content was just a pipe dream?

Yeah, I was there too. Grinding away, creating endless content, watching my bank account stay painfully stagnant. Some days, it was a big fat $0.

(Okay, full disclosure: I did start an agency back in college. Made decent money. It played a part in getting me here. But it wasn't enough. It was a side thing, eating up my time. Now? It's abandoned. Deprecated. Ancient history.)

But when I finally decided to step outside of myself and put myself out there, everything changed. I learned how to actually make money with content.

No agency. No 80-hour weeks.

Just me, my laptop, and a basic system I'm about to share with you.

Fair warning: This is pretty long. But stick with me, because by the end, you'll have a simple blueprint for turning your content into a legit money-printing machine.

LOL. Okay, maybe "money-printing machine" is a bit much. But you get the idea.

Quick reality check though: Just reading this won't magically fill your bank account. You actually have to, you know, do the work. Crazy concept, I know.

Here are the things you NEED to know (and actually do) if you want to make real money from your content:

1. Get real or go home

Those polished feeds? Dead. I once spent hours crafting the "perfect" post. Got 3 likes. My friend, my other friend I never talk to, and a bot.

Then I decided to share raw stories online instead. Boom. Thousands of likes + comments.

Authenticity sells. Period.

2. Struggling Steve

Stop writing for everyone. It's killing your conversions.

I write every piece of content for "Struggling Steve." He's 27, works a 9-6 he hates, and dreams of starting his own business. He's an ideal customer, and he's a real dude in my head.

Do this: Create your "Steve." Write only for them.

Why does this work? Simple:

1. It's like texting a friend. Your writing becomes more natural.

2. You solve real problems. You know Steve's struggles, so you address them directly.

3. It cuts the fluff. You write only what Steve needs to hear.

When I started writing for Steve, my email opens jumped from 22% to 48%. And by the end of Q4, it’ll be at least be 15% higher. I’m confident.

How to do it:

1. Picture your ideal reader. Give them a name.

2. Write down their biggest fears and dreams.

3. Next time you write, imagine explaining it to them over coffee.

That's it. No fancy techniques. Just you, talking to one person who needs your help.

Try it. Your content will hit different. Promise.

3. Content multiplication

I used to pump out 20 mediocre posts a week. Now? One killer piece, sliced and diced.

A formula you can steal:

• 1 deep dive article

• 1 video

• 1 email newsletter

• 5 tweets

• 2 reddit posts

One idea, multiple platforms.

4. The "free gold" strategy

Okay, this might sound crazy, but hear me out: Give away your best stuff. For free.

"But that's how I make money!"

Listen. It’s simple:

1. It builds trust. People see you actually know your stuff.

2. It creates a "wow" factor. They think, "If the free stuff is this good, imagine the paid content!"

3. It hooks people in. They get results and want more.

When I started doing this, my email list grew by approximately 85% in a month. No ads. Just free, valuable content.

How to do it:

1. Pick your best tip or strategy.

2. Share it in detail. Don't hold back.

3. At the end, mention your paid stuff for those who want to go deeper.

It feels scary. But trust me, it works.

Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?

5. Build a value ladder, not a product

Stop thinking single products. Build an ecosystem:

• Free content (social, blog)

• $27 ebook

• $297 course

• $2000 coaching

Each level feeds the next.

6. The "boring" secret to success

Not sexy, but it works: Show up. Every. Damn. Day.

I posted daily for 365 days straight one year. Even on $0 days. Even with 0 views.

Consistency beats talent. Always.

Side note: Stop deleting the content that gets 0 views.

7. Problem-solving pays

Every piece of content = solve a problem.

Struggling with cold emails? Here's my 80% open rate template. X posts flopping? Try this 3-part formula.

Solve problems, sell solutions.

The richest people solve the biggest problems.

If you want to make money, just learn how to solve people’s problems.

8. Automate or die

I spent 80% of my time creating, 20% promoting. Now it's reversed.

My secret weapons:

• Automated email sequences

• Retargeting ads

• Scheduled social posts

• Analytics obsession

Set it, forget it, profit.

9. Collab to the top

Want 10X growth? Leverage others' audiences.

2 collabs a month minimum. You could do: Podcast swaps, co-written articles, joint webinars — whatever it is, do it.

Reach out to one person in your niche today. Worst case? They ignore you.

10. Always be testing

Markets change. Algorithms change. That haircut you thought was cool in college? Definitely changed.

Test everything:

• Headlines

• CTAs

• Pricing

• Formats

What worked yesterday might flop tomorrow. Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Look, this isn't always easy. There will be days when you'll want to chuck your laptop and become a sheep farmer in New Zealand (trust me, I've been there).

But push through. It’s worth it on the other side.

If you've read this far, you're serious about this. Good. Free stuff is coming your way soon.

Keep crushing it,

Kiyo

You're probably wasting 80% of your content efforts.

Because you're not repurposing your best stuff.

There was a time in my life when I was drowning in content creation. Every. Damn. Day. I'd wake up thinking about content, go to sleep thinking about content, and somewhere in between, I'd churn out post after post like some kind of deranged content machine. You might relate to this… and I’m sorry.

If you're on this hamster wheel of endless creation, you're screwed. It's not sustainable, it's not smart, and it's definitely not necessary. I don't care if some "guru" told you about creating 25 new pieces of content a day – they're full of shit, and deep down, you know it too.

Let me repeat that → It’s not sustainable. You have to work smarter.

Let me paint you a picture of where this leads: Burnout. Crippling anxiety every time you open your content calendar. That sick feeling in your gut when you realize you've got nothing left to say. And worst of all? You'll start to hate the very thing that used to light you up.

this is you if you don’t listen to me

It doesn't have to be this way. I'm about to show you how to turn ONE solid idea into 50 pieces of content.

And trust me, your sanity (and your audience) will thank you for it.

The repurposing mindset

First things first: Stop thinking of content as one-and-done. That blog post? It's not just a blog post. It's a goldmine of tweets, LinkedIn posts, Reels, YouTube scripts, and more.

Why repurposing is your new best friend:

• Save time (duh)

• Consistent messaging across platforms

• Reinforce your expertise

• Reach new audiences

• Boost SEO*

*The more content you have out there, the more chances you have to rank. Every piece is another hook for search engines to find you, build authority, and drive traffic.

The content hydra strategy

Remember the Hydra? Cut off one head, two more grow back. That's your new content strategy.

Here's how to turn one long-form piece into multiple pieces of content:

1. Start with a pillar piece (blog post, podcast, or video)

2. Extract key points for social media posts

3. Turn stats or quotes into graphics

4. Create a slideshow for LinkedIn or Instagram

5. Write a thread

6. Record a TikTok explaining a key concept

7. Develop an infographic

8. Craft an email newsletter (meta, right?)

9. Host a live Q&A on the topic

10. Create a lead magnet (checklist, cheat sheet, etc.)

That's 10 pieces from ONE idea. And we're just getting started.

Tools that'll save your ass

Let's cut the crap and get to the good stuff. Here are the tools + strategies I swear by:

1. Descript: Your secret weapon for video repurposing

Descript: Edit Videos & Podcasts Like a Doc | AI Video Editor

Edit your videos & podcasts just by typing. Descript's powerful AI editing tools let you make videos, podcasts, & short clips for social fast. Try it for free.

Why: Edit video like you're editing a Google Doc. No joke.

Insider strategy:

• Record a 30-minute deep dive on your topic.

• Use Descript's "Remove Filler Words" feature to clean it up instantly.

• Create a "Highlight Reel" of the best 2-3 minute segments.

• Export these as separate videos for social media.

• Transcribe the full video and boom – you've got a blog post.

Pro Tip: Use Descript's "Studio Sound" feature to make your audio sound like it was recorded in a professional studio, even if you're in your closet.

2. Notion: Your content brain on steroids

Your connected workspace for wiki, docs & projects | Notion

A new tool that blends your everyday work apps into one. It's the all-in-one workspace for you and your team.

Why: It's a second brain for your content.

Here's how to set up your Content Vault:

1. Create a database called "Content Vault"

2. Set up the following properties:

   • Title (text)

   • Status (select: Idea, In Progress, Published, Repurposed)

   • Content Type (multi-select: Blog, Video, Social Post, etc.)

   • Platform (multi-select: Website, YouTube, Twitter, etc.)

   • Date Created

   • Date Published

3. Create views:

   • Kanban board for visualizing your content pipeline

   • Calendar view for your content schedule

   • Table view for quick data entry

Want my Notion Content Vault template? Here's the link. It's free, because I'm not an asshole who charges for a simple database layout.

3. Hypefury: Turn one tweet into a content machine

Hypefury - Schedule & Automate Social Media Marketing

Save time on social media while creating more value, and growing your audience faster. Schedule & automate your social media experience!

Why: Automate your Twitter game without losing your voice.

Repurposing strategy:

1. Write one solid, insight-packed tweet.

2. Use Hypefury's thread generator to expand it into a 10-tweet thread.

3. Set up auto-retweets of your best-performing tweets.

4. Use the "Inspire" feature to throw into new content.

5. Automatically cross-post your best tweets to LinkedIn or Threads.

4. Beehiiv: Monetize your knowledge like a pro

beehiiv — The newsletter platform built for growth

Access the best tools available in email, helping your newsletter scale and monetize like never before.

Why: It's not just an email tool, it's a money-making machine if you use it the right way.

Monetization strategy:

1. Set up a free newsletter to build your audience.

2. Use Beehiiv's analytics to identify your most engaged subscribers.

3. Create a paid tier with exclusive content.

4. Use the "Recommendations" feature to cross-promote with other newsletters and earn affiliate revenue.

5. Leverage Beehiiv's native ads platform to sell sponsorships without the middleman.

Remember, tools are just tools. It's how you use them that counts. Start with one or two that solve your biggest pain points and go from there. Don't let shiny object syndrome derail you – focus on creating killer content first, then optimize your ass off.

The ROI of repurposing

Let's talk numbers. Here's a real example from one of my clients:

• Original blog post: 1,000 views

• Repurposed content (10 pieces): 10,000 total views

• Time spent on original: 4 hours

• Time spent repurposing: 2 hours

• ROI: 400% increase in views for 50% more time

Translation: Repurposing is a cheat code.

Your action plan

1. Audit your top 5 performing pieces of content

2. For each, list 10 ways to repurpose (use the Hydra Strategy)

3. Block 2 hours this week for repurposing

4. Track views/engagement for 30 days

5. Compare to your regular content. Prepare to have your mind blown.

Interesting news you might’ve missed

• Threads Continues To Gain Momentum Based on Download Charts

• Top 100 Marketing Trends in September

• Why We’re Entering The Era Of The Solopreneur

• Musk's X banned in Brazil after disinformation row

• Support for a U.S. TikTok ban continues to decline, and half of adults doubt it will happen

The bottom line

Creating new content all the time is a sucker's game. Smart marketers repurpose.

It's not about being everywhere. It's about being smart with your time and maximizing your impact.

Got questions? Hit reply. I want to hear your biggest repurposing challenge.

See you in the next edition,

Kiyo

P.S. If you're not repurposing this email into at least 3 social media posts, you're doing it wrong. Just saying.

If you're reading this, you're probably neck-deep in some high-octane, innovation-obsessed company where "move fast and break things" isn't just a motto, it's a lifestyle. Sound familiar? Good. You're in the right place.

You probably landed here because you snagged one of my freebies - maybe it was that lightning lesson on personal branding, or those productivity templates that promised to unf**k your workday (It works, doesn’t it?). Whatever it was, welcome to the party.

Let's talk about something real for a second. All that baggage you're carrying from your upbringing? The work ethic your parents drilled into you, the communication style you picked up, the way you approach problems? Yeah, that stuff's shaping your career whether you like it or not.

Sometimes, that childhood programming is your secret weapon. Other times? It's the very thing holding you back from dominating in your field.

If you're still reading, congrats. You're not afraid of a little tough love.

5 things your mom got right

Look, I get it. The last thing you want is another lecture about how “mother knows best” (there are times when they don’t). But hear me out - there's gold in those clichés you've been rolling your eyes at for years.

1. You have a personal brand, whether or not you’re building it on purpose.

News flash: Your personal brand isn't just some LinkedIn buzzword. It's the “professional” version of you that's been forming since day one of your career. It exists whether you care or not.

Remember the "first impressions matter" spiel? Well, it wasn't wrong. But it goes way beyond that first handshake. Every email you fire off, every meeting you snooze through, every half-assed project you deliver - it's all part of your brand.

Sure, you can coast through your career without actively managing your brand. But don't be surprised when you're passed over for that promotion or pigeonholed in a role you've outgrown.

Pro tip: Stop obsessing solely over skills and networking. Add personal branding to your career to-do list.

2. "Clean your room" = Get your sh*t together, professionally

The tidiness fetish wasn't just about making the house look nice for guests. It was about creating systems that set you up for success. In your career, that translates to:

• Keeping your digital + physical workspaces less of a dumpster fire

• Actually documenting your work (future you will thank present you)

• Regularly decluttering your commitments (say "no" more often, thank me later)

3. "Eat your vegetables" = Invest in the hard sh*t that matters

Having a balanced diet wasn't just about avoiding scurvy. It's about building a skill set that doesn't topple over at the first sign of trouble:

• Tackle the tough stuff, especially when it feels like pulling teeth

• Stop procrastinating on hard skills. Your soft skills are great, but they need a backbone

• Master complex tools everyone else is avoiding

The pros who stand out aren’t the ones who eat dessert all day.

4. "Because I said so" = Sometimes, your gut isn't full of crap

There's a nugget of wisdom here about trusting your instincts:

• As you rack up experience, learn to trust your Spidey sense

• Not every decision comes with a pretty bow of hard data. Deal with it

• Be confident in your choices, even when you can't write a dissertation on why

trust your Spidey sense

Developing this intuition is what separates the leaders from the "let me check with my boss" crowd.

5. "What if everyone jumped off a bridge?" = Don't be a lemming

Don’t be a mindless follower:

• Don't swallow every industry trend or "best practice" hook, line, and sinker

• Question everything, especially in fields where everyone's drinking the same Kool-Aid…

• Make decisions based on data, values, and needs - not just because it's trendy

The bottom line

Look, your mom probably couldn't tell blockchain from a chain restaurant. But those annoying life lessons? They're surprisingly on point for navigating the clusterfuck that is…life.

P.S. If this gave you a wake-up call, send it to a friend who needs a swift kick.

If you're reading this, you're probably tired of shouting into the void and watching your ideas disappear into the digital abyss. You want an audience that hangs on your every word, clicks your links like they're winning lottery tickets, and defends you online like you're their long-lost bestie.

Well, here’s how you can do that.

Table of Contents

• 1. You're not special, but your weird combo is.

• 2. Consistency is boring. Be consistently surprisi …

• 3. Have opinions. Strong ones.

• 4. Engage like you're getting paid per interaction …

• 5. Be a human vending machine of value.

• 6. Master the art of the humble brag.

• 7. Memes are the new Shakespeare.

• 8. Build in public, fail in public, grow in public …

• 9. Collaborate like your audience depends on it (b …

• 10. Take your work seriously, but not yourself.

1. You're not special, but your weird combo is.

News flash: There are billions of people on this planet, and a good chunk of them think they're the next big thing. You're not more special, but your specific combination of traits, experiences, and ideas? That's your “secret sauce”.

Lean into it hard. Be the lovechild of your industry expertise and your oddball hobbies. People dig authentic weirdness.

2. Consistency is boring. Be consistently surprising.

Everyone preaches consistency 🥱 . Be unpredictably consistent instead. Drop knowledge bombs when they least expect it. Go quiet for a bit, then flood their feed with value. Keep 'em on their toes, but never disappoint.

This is how I never miss a post ↓

Worried about finding time to post consistently? Pssh, you don’t want to be that person. Use tools like Hypefury. It plans, schedules, and automates your posts across Twitter, Threads, Linkedin — you name it.

I spend like 4 hours on a single day writing tweets and I get content for the whole week. So while you’re reading my seemingly live, oh-so-witty tweet, I’m probably face-deep in a Peruvian dish somewhere in Miami.

3. Have opinions. Strong ones.

If you're not ruffling a few feathers, you're probably not saying anything worth hearing. Take a stand on issues in your industry. Love low-code platforms? Shout it from the rooftops. Think AI is overhyped? Make your case. Your future ride-or-dies are the ones nodding along.

Just kidding—ideally, you don’t want people to remember you for all the drama. But you get the idea.

4. Engage like you're getting paid per interaction.

Reply to comments like your life depends on it. Slide into DMs with value, not creepy vibes. Make your followers feel like they're part of an exclusive club. Because they are - the "I get you" club.

You know what I'm talking about. Those "hey got a sec?" DMs that make you wanna throw your phone across the room. I get like 50 of these a day, I swear. It's always some rando trying to sell me their "revolutionary" product that has absolutely nothing to do with what I'm about. Like, did you even look at my profile, dude?

Don't be that guy. Seriously.

Instead, try this: actually care about the people who follow you.

When someone comments on your post, reply like they just told you the meaning of life. Get excited! Start a real conversation. If you're sliding into DMs (which, btw, can be totally cool if done right), bring some value to the table. Share an insight. Offer help without expecting anything back.

It's like... imagine you're at a party. You don't walk up to someone and immediately try to sell them your homemade energy drinks. You chat, you joke, you find common ground. Same thing online.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I spend at least an hour a day just talking to my followers and leads. No agenda, no sales pitch. Just shooting the shit. And guess what? These are the people who end up buying my stuff, sharing my content, defending me like their life depends on it.

So yeah, engage like you actually care. Because if you don't, why should anyone care about you?

P.S. If you're still struggling with this, hit me up. I've got some methods that’ll help you out.

5. Be a human vending machine of value.

Give, give, give. Then give some more. Free guides, templates, your secret recipe for grandma's cookies—whatever it takes. Make them feel like they're getting the deal of a lifetime. They'll stick around, and maybe even buy something when you finally ask.

6. Master the art of the humble brag.

"Just helped a client 10x their revenue while binge-watching The Office." Learn to share wins without sounding like you're auditioning for a reality show. It's a fine line, but walk it like a pro.

7. Memes are the new Shakespeare.

If you can't communicate in GIFs and pop culture references, are you even trying? Speak the language of the internet. Be fluent in memes, but make them relevant to your niche. Your audience will eat 👏 it 👏 up 👏.

8. Build in public, fail in public, grow in public.

Share everything (well, almost). Your wins, your losses, that time your product launch flopped harder than a dad joke at a teenagers' party. People love a good story, especially if it helps them learn from your mistakes.

9. Collaborate like your audience depends on it (because it does).

No one makes it big on their own. Not even those "self-made" millionaires you see flexing on Instagram. We all need a little help from our friends, or in this case, other creators who are killing it in our space.

When I started out, I was that lone wolf type. Thought I could conquer the internet all by myself. Spoiler alert: I couldn't. It wasn't until I swallowed my pride and started reaching out to other creators that things really took off.

So how do you do it without coming off like a desperate weirdo? Glad you asked.

1. Do your homework: Don't just hit up the biggest name you can find. Look for creators who share your vibe, your audience, your values. I once reached out to this huge tech influencer thinking we'd be a perfect match. Turns out, they were all about enterprise solutions and I was talking to solopreneurs. Awkward.

2. Bring something to the table: And I don't mean your charming personality (though that helps). What can you offer? Maybe you're a genius at video editing, or you've got a killer email list. Whatever it is, lead with that.

3. Start small: You don't have to go all in with a 6-month joint venture right off the bat. Start with something simple. Guest post on each other's blogs. Hop on each other's podcasts. Baby steps, people.

4. Be genuine: This isn't speed dating. Take the time to build real relationships. Comment on their posts (thoughtfully, not just "great post!"). Share their stuff. Be a human, not a robot.

5. Don't be a parasite: If you're always taking and never giving, people will smell that a mile away. It's like that friend who only calls when they need something. Don't be that friend.

Some of my best content ideas have come from casual chats with other creators.

P.S. If you're still feeling weird about reaching out, remember this: The worst they can say is no. And if they do, well, their loss. Shrug it off — that’s business.

10. Take your work seriously, but not yourself.

The moment you start believing you're God's gift to your industry is the moment you become unbearable. Stay humble, stay hungry, and keep it real.

Building an audience isn't about being perfect. It's about being so genuinely interesting and valuable that people can't help but pay attention. Like a TED talk, but with better jokes and fewer pretentious pauses.

💭 Did this newsletter make you think? Good.

The magic happens when you're just a little bit uncomfortable. See you in the next one, where we'll dive into "Why your mom was right about everything (including your career choices)".

I'm sitting here, nursing sore biceps and a bruised ego. Who knew those little dumbbells could be so heavy?

It's the weekend, and I've just realized that building a business is weirdly similar to my newfound gym addiction. Bear with me here 👇️ 

So, I dragged myself to the gym yesterday. Again. It's becoming a habit, which is terrifying. Am I turning into one of those people who drinks protein shakes and flexes in mirrors?

Anyway, as I was trying (and failing) to do a proper bicep curl, it hit me: this is exactly like trying to grow my business.

Consistency is king (or queen, we're inclusive here)

We all know that one person at the gym who goes hard for a week, then disappears for a month? Yeah, that was me. Both at the gym and in my business.

I'd write one viral post, then ghost my audience for weeks. Spoiler alert: it doesn't work.

Consistent, daily actions beat sporadic bursts of intensity every time. It's not about writing one banger post or landing one big client. It's about showing up day after day, even when you'd rather binge-watch "Selling Sunset".

Try this: Pick one small, high-impact action you can take daily in your business. Maybe it's DMing one potential client or writing 100 words for your newsletter. Do it every day for the next 30 days. Yes, even on Taco Tuesday.

Progressive overload isn't just for gym bros

In the gym, if you lift the same weight forever, you plateau. In business, if you keep doing the same things, you stagnate. Mind. Blown.

Gradually increasing the challenge is how you grow, both in muscle and in business acumen.

Look at your current business activities. Where can you add a bit more weight? Maybe it's increasing your content output by 10% or targeting slightly larger clients. Just don't pull a business muscle.

Form matters

Sloppy bicep curls? You're cheating yourself and risking injury. Sloppy business practices? You're leaving money on the table and risking burnout.

Good form in the gym means focusing on the right muscles. Good form in business means focusing on the right metrics and activities that actually move the needle.

Audit your daily activities. Are you focused on vanity metrics (like how many likes your gym selfie got) or real growth drivers (like deep work on your core offerings)?

Rest days are not for the weak

You don't build muscle in the gym; you build it during rest and recovery. Similarly, some of your best business insights will come when you're not grinding away at your desk.

Schedule deliberate downtime. Maybe it's a weekly "thinking walk" or a monthly day off completely unplugged from work. Use this time to let your mind wander and synthesize ideas. Or, you know, to actually have a life.

The hardest rep is the one you do when no one's watching

It's easy to push hard when the gym is full and people are watching. It's harder when you're alone at 5 AM, wondering why you're not still in bed.

The same goes for business. Real growth happens in those moments when no one's cheering you on, and you have to rely on your own discipline.

Identify your "5 AM equivalent" in business. What's the task you know you should do, but often skip? Commit to doing it consistently for the next two weeks.

Just like how going to the gym once won't give you abs of steel, implementing these principles once won't turn you into the next Elon Musk overnight.

But stick with it, and over time, you'll build a business that's as strong and resilient as... well, my biceps will be in about 10 years at this rate.

Remember, in the gym and in business, the goal isn't perfection. It's progress. And maybe looking good in a tank top. But mostly progress.

Let me know if you made it all the way down here. And if you did, tell me what your biggest "gym to business" parallel is.

Stay swole (in business and in life), Kiyo

P.S. If you want more half-baked analogies that somehow turn into solid business advice, reply to this email 🧠 

It's 2 pm. My desk is a graveyard of productivity tomes.

Cal Newport's "Deep Work" sits atop David Allen's "Getting Things Done." Duhigg's "The Power of Habit" leans against Clear's "Atomic Habits."

I've read them all. Twice.

Yet here I am, bleary-eyed, racing to meet a deadline I've already missed.

The irony is palpable.

We've become connoisseurs of productivity literature, gorging ourselves on a buffet of life hacks and time management strategies. We devour books, podcasts, and YouTube videos with the voracity of a scholar preparing for a dissertation.

The uncomfortable truth:

We're conflating knowledge acquisition with actual improvement.

Last month, I spent 6 hours reading about time-blocking.

You know how much time I spent actually time-blocking?

Zero.

We're so busy learning about productivity that we forget to be productive.

It's like watching YouTube videos about working out while sitting on the couch eating chips.

(Don't judge me. We've all been there.)

So, I instituted a new protocol:

For every productivity concept I encounter, immediate implementation is mandatory.

No exceptions.

Encounter the 'eat the frog' principle? I'm tackling my most daunting task at 9 AM sharp.

Read about the efficacy of habit stacking? I'm attaching a new behavior to my morning ritual today.

The results aren't always elegant. My first foray into time-blocking resembled a Jackson Pollock painting more than a well-structured schedule.

The crux:

I'm getting more done now than when I was just reading about getting things done.

So, here's my proposition to you:

Close the book. Pause the podcast. Shut down the YouTube video.

Pick ONE technique you've learned recently.

Implement it. Right now. Today.

Don't worry about perfection. Just start.

Because imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Pomodoro timer to set and some deep work to dive into.

We’ll talk soon, Kiyo

Come say hi to me on Twitter 👋 

Recent post ↓

Twitter tweet

We're about to crack the code on lead generation. No fluff, no BS - just actionable stuff that'll fill your pipeline faster than you can say "client acquisition."

1. Your website: More than just a pretty face

Your site's gotta work harder than a caffeinated squirrel. Here's how:

• Craft landing pages that convert like crazy

  • Use a clear, benefit-driven headline (e.g., "Double Your Leads in 30 Days")

  • Keep it scannable: short paragraphs, bullet points, subheadings

  • Add social proof: testimonials, client logos, case study snippets

  • Use contrasting colors for your CTA buttons

  • A/B test everything: headlines, images, button colors, form length

• Sprinkle CTAs like confetti (but strategically, ya know?)

  • Place primary CTA above the fold

  • Use action-oriented text: "Get My Free Guide" beats "Submit"

  • Secondary CTAs throughout long-form content

  • Exit-intent popups for last-chance conversions

  • Test different CTA types: buttons, in-line text, banners

• Offer freebies that make prospects go "Wow, I need more of this"

  • Create high-value lead magnets: eBooks, templates, checklists

  • Tailor offers to different buyer personas and funnel stages

  • Use content upgrades in blog posts for targeted lead gen

  • Host webinars or video series with gated access

  • Offer free trials or demos of your services

• Chat widgets = 24/7 lead magnets. Use 'em.

  • Set up triggered messages based on page content or time on site

  • Use AI-powered chatbots for initial qualification

  • Offer instant answers to FAQs

  • Route high-intent leads to live chat with sales team

  • Collect emails for offline follow-up

• Mobile-friendly? Non-negotiable. Make it snappy.

  • Use responsive design that adapts to all screen sizes

  • Optimize images and scripts for faster loading

  • Implement AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) for lightning-fast load times

  • Use thumb-friendly navigation and tap targets

  • Test on multiple devices and browsers

Pro move: Heat maps. They're like X-ray vision for your site. Use 'em to see where eyeballs go, then optimize accordingly.

2. Content: Your secret weapon

Content isn't king. It's the whole damn kingdom. Here's your battle plan:

• Blog like your business depends on it (because it does)

• Whip up guides that make you look like the Yoda of your industry

• Case studies = proof you're not just blowing hot air

• YouTube? More like YourTube. Get on it.

• Guest post where your dream clients hang out

Golden rule: Give away your best stuff for free. Sounds crazy, works like magic.

3. Social media: Not just for cat videos

Social platforms are lead gen gold mines. Here's how to strike it rich:

• Pick your platforms wisely. Be where your clients are.

• Share killer content. Engage like your life depends on it.

• Social listening tools = your new best friend

• Ad campaigns on LinkedIn/Facebook? Yes, please.

• LinkedIn Sales Navigator = B2B lead gen on steroids

Remember: Build relationships first. The sales will follow.

4. Email: The old dog with new tricks

Email marketing isn't dead. It's evolved. Here's how to crush it:

• Build that list like you're Noah and leads are animals

  • Create irresistible lead magnets (think: industry reports, tools, templates)

  • Use exit-intent popups to catch leaving visitors

  • Run social media contests that require email sign-ups

  • Partner with complementary businesses for list-building campaigns

  • Add signup forms to high-traffic pages (not just your homepage)

  • Use QR codes at events or on print materials for easy sign-ups

• Segment like a boss. One size fits none.

  • Divide by demographics, psychographics, and behavior

  • Create segments based on engagement levels (e.g., openers, clickers, inactive)

  • Segment by funnel stage (awareness, consideration, decision)

  • Use dynamic segmentation to update in real-time based on actions

  • Create VIP segments for your most engaged subscribers

  • Segment by content preferences (e.g., blog readers vs. video watchers)

• Nurture sequences = your 24/7 sales team

  • Create a killer welcome series to set expectations and deliver value

  • Develop behavior-triggered sequences (e.g., after downloading a specific resource)

  • Build re-engagement campaigns for inactive subscribers

  • Create product-specific sequences for different services

  • Use milestone emails to celebrate subscriber anniversaries or achievements

  • Implement abandoned cart or incomplete signup sequences

• Personalization is key. "Hey {FirstName}" won't cut it anymore.

  • Use behavioral data to recommend relevant content or services

  • Personalize subject lines based on past interactions

  • Send timezone-specific emails for better open rates

  • Use dynamic content blocks that change based on subscriber data

  • Personalize sender name for different segments (e.g., CEO vs. Account Manager)

  • Incorporate recent interactions or purchases into email copy

• A/B test everything. Seriously. Everything.

  • Test subject lines: length, personalization, emojis, questions vs. statements

  • Experiment with sender names: personal name, company name, or both

  • Test email designs: plain-text vs. HTML, single-column vs. multi-column

  • Try different CTA placements, colors, and copy

  • Test send times and days for optimal engagement

  • Experiment with content length and format (e.g., image-heavy vs. text-based)

Ninja move: Your email signature is prime real estate. Use it wisely.

5. Referrals: The OG of lead gen

Word-of-mouth isn't old school. It's timeless. Here's how to amplify it:

• Create a referral program that makes people want to shout about you

• Happy clients = walking billboards. Use testimonials everywhere.

• Partner up. Find your peanut butter if you're jelly.

• Your team = your army. Equip them to bring in leads.

Key point: Make referring you easier than ordering a pizza at 2 AM.

6. Events: Where the magic happens

Face-to-face still kills it. Here's how to maximize it:

• Hit up conferences like they're going out of style

• Host workshops that make people's jaws drop

• Speak at events. Become the guru everyone wants to know.

• Follow-up game strong. No lead left behind.

Insider tip: Event-specific landing pages. Track that ROI like a hawk.

7. Paid ads: Pay to play (and win)

Strategic ad spend can 10x your lead gen. Here's the playbook:

• Google Ads: Target those high-intent keywords like a sniper

• Retargeting: Because second chances are a thing

• LinkedIn Ads for B2B? It's like fishing in a stocked pond.

• Test ad formats like a mad scientist. Find your unicorn.

Golden rule: Start small, test like crazy, then go big on winners.

8. Local SEO: Own your backyard

Serving local clients? Local SEO is your best friend. Here's why:

• Google My Business = your new homepage. Optimize it.

  • Claim and verify your listing. No excuses.

  • Use every. Single. Field. Leave nothing blank.

  • Add high-quality photos that make your competitors look like they're using flip phones

  • Create Google Posts weekly. Think mini-billboards for your business.

  • Use Q&A to answer FAQs before they're even A'd

  • Set up messaging to catch leads faster than a hungry cat

  • Use the booking feature if you're service-based. Make it rain appointments.

• Reviews are your social proof. Get 'em, flaunt 'em.

  • Set up a review generation system. Make it easier than ordering a pizza.

  • Respond to EVERY review. Yes, even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones.

  • Use review schema to get those shiny stars in search results

  • Showcase reviews on your website. Let your clients do the talking.

  • Train your team to ask for reviews. Make it part of your culture.

  • Use email automation to follow up after service. Strike while the iron's hot.

• Create local content that makes you the hometown hero

  • Blog about local events, news, and trends. Be the local guru.

  • Create neighborhood guides. Show off your local knowledge.

  • Interview local business owners. Build relationships and backlinks.

9. ABM: The sniper approach

Going after big fish? Account-based marketing is your secret weapon:

• Ideal Client Profiles = your targeting cheat sheet

• Personalized campaigns that make prospects feel like VIPs

• Use tools like ZoomInfo. Knowledge is power.

• Sales + marketing alignment. No silos allowed.

Remember: In ABM, quality trumps quantity every damn time.

10. Marketing automation: Your 24/7 lead gen machine

Automation = scale. Here's how to do it right:

• Lead scoring: Focus on the hot ones

• Email sequences that nurture leads while you sleep

• Chatbots: Your tireless lead qualifying army

• CRM integration: Because data silos are so 2010

Pro move: Review and tweak your automation regularly. Set it and forget it = recipe for disaster.

Bonus round: Measure everything

Yes, everything.

Can't improve what you don't measure. Here's the deal:

• Track every channel like a hawk

• Review analytics more often than you check your phone

• Calculate cost per lead. Ruthlessly cut losers, double down on winners

• Always be testing. Always.

Look, lead generation isn't a set-it-and-forget-it game. It's a constant grind of testing, tweaking, and optimizing. But get it right, and you'll have more leads than you know what to do with.

So, which of these strategies are you gonna tackle first? Hit reply and let me know. I'm always down to geek out about this stuff.

P.S. Found this valuable? Share it with another agency owner who needs a lead gen boost. Karma points are real, my friend.

Let’s talk money. Real, scalable money. The kind that doesn’t require a physical product, inventory, or shipping costs. We’re talking digital gold.

As you may know, Digital products are the new oil. They're a scalable, high-margin business model that can turn a hobby into a hefty income stream. But it's not just about slapping an ebook together and calling it a day. You have to craft a compelling offer, build a loyal audience, and then scale your empire.

Find your goldmine

The first step is identifying your niche.

What are you really good at? What problems can you solve better than anyone else? This is your digital goldmine.

Focus on a specific problem, not a broad market. Be the expert, not the generalist.

Here are some specific digital product ideas to ignite your imagination:

Ebooks and Guides: Diet plans, parenting advice, financial planning, career guidance, travel guides, hobby guides, relationship advice, home improvement, pet care, cooking, gardening, self-help, spirituality, personal development, productivity, time management.

Online Courses and Training: Language learning, coding, marketing, photography, fitness, cooking, music production, writing, public speaking, entrepreneurship, leadership development, personal finance, real estate investing, stock market investing, cryptocurrency investing.

Webinars and Workshops: Live or recorded online events on specific topics within your niche.

Masterclasses and Mentorship: Offer one-on-one coaching or group mentoring programs on your area of expertise.

Membership Sites: Create exclusive communities with premium content, networking opportunities, and member-only benefits.

Printables and Templates: Planners, worksheets, social media graphics, resume templates, business plan templates, home decor printables, party printables, wedding planning templates, educational worksheets, coloring pages.

Stock Photos and Graphics: High-quality images, illustrations, design elements, stock videos, stock audio.

Fonts and Typography: Unique font designs and typography packs.

Music and Sound Effects: Royalty-free music, sound effects, loops, jingles.

Software Presets and Brushes: Presets for photo editing, video editing, graphic design, and other creative software.

Craft irresistible offers

Your product is your digital salesperson. It needs to be compelling, valuable, and solve a real problem. Don’t just create something; create something people need.

Think of it as crafting a piece of art that also happens to generate income.

Build your sales machine

Once you’ve got your golden goose, you need to let the world know. Build an audience that craves your expertise. Use social media, email marketing, and content to draw people in. But don’t just blast them with sales pitches. Build relationships first.

Convert those casual fans into paying customers with a well-oiled sales funnel. Think of it as a journey, not a one-night stand. Guide your audience through the process with irresistible offers, guarantees, and a touch of urgency.

Scale your empire — finally

When you have a winning product and a loyal following, it’s time to dominate the world.

Create upsells, downsells, and cross-sells to maximize your revenue. Automate your processes so you can focus on what you do best: creating value.

The digital gold rush

The digital product landscape is a gold rush, but with less dirt and more potential.

It’s about finding your niche, creating something valuable, and building a loyal following.

Turn your knowledge into income + your passion into profit.

Let’s face it, having a product or service people like is great, but having them obsessed with it? That’s the sweet spot. Building a loyal community isn’t just about having followers; it’s about creating raving fans who become your brand’s biggest cheerleaders. So, how do you turn casual fans into passionate advocates? Let’s dive in.

Understanding the power of community

A strong community is more than just a collection of people who like your stuff. It’s a force multiplier. Imagine having an army of brand ambassadors working tirelessly to promote your product. That’s the power of a loyal community. It’s about creating a space where people feel connected to your brand and each other.

Think of your community as an extension of your brand. It’s where your brand personality really shines. A strong community can amplify your message, boost your reputation, and even help you develop new products or services. It’s a two-way street. You give your community value, and they give you invaluable insights and support.

Building your tribe

So, how do you build this magical community? Let’s break it down.

Know your people

Understanding your audience is the foundation of any successful community. Who are they? What do they want? What keeps them up at night? The more you know about your audience, the better equipped you are to create content and experiences that resonate.

Choose your platform wisely

Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on the platforms where your audience hangs out. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, Discord, or a dedicated community forum, choose the channels that best suit your brand and audience.

Content is king (and queen)

Create content that people actually care about. Forget about self-promotion; focus on providing value. Share stories, tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and anything that sparks conversation. Consistency is key. Keep your audience engaged with a steady stream of fresh content.

Foster a sense of belonging

Make your community feel like a club. Encourage interaction, create shared experiences, and make everyone feel welcome. Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show genuine interest in your community members.

Reward loyalty

Your most loyal fans deserve some extra love. Show your appreciation with exclusive perks, early access to new products, or personalized gifts. Make them feel special.

Turning fans into advocates

You’ve built a solid foundation, now it’s time to level up. Let’s transform those fans into brand advocates.

• Empower your community: Let your fans have a voice. Encourage feedback, suggestions, and even co-creation.

• Create a referral program: Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool. Incentivize your fans to share your brand with their friends and family.

• Recognize and reward: Publicly acknowledge your biggest fans. Little things like shoutouts or features can go a long way.

• Build a support network: Create opportunities for community members to help each other. A strong support network can deepen loyalty.

Overcoming challenges

Building a thriving community isn't always smooth sailing. There will be bumps in the road.

• Time constraints: Dedicate specific time to community management. It might feel like a luxury, but it's an investment.

• Negative comments: Don’t ignore negative feedback. Address it professionally and use it as an opportunity to improve.

• Maintaining momentum: Keep things fresh and exciting. Mix up your content and engage with your community in new ways.

The bottom line

Building a loyal community is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about building genuine connections with your audience. By focusing on providing value, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering your fans, you can create a powerful force that drives your business forward.

Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the relationships.

Let's cut the BS for a minute.

You're probably running around like a headless chicken right now. Dealing with one crisis after another. Your inbox is overflowing, your to-do list never ends, and you can't remember the last time you had a full night's sleep.

Sound familiar?

I've been there. Hell, some days I'm still there.

But here's the truth: It doesn't have to be this way.

You're juggling too many balls. Emails, meetings, social media, and that never-ending to-do list. It's exhausting. It's overwhelming. And it's definitely not sustainable.

Stop the madness

You're juggling too many balls. Emails, meetings, social media, and a never-ending to-do list. It's exhausting. It's time to take control.

Systems are your secret weapon

Success isn't about luck or talent alone. It's about having systems in place. It's the difference between chaos and control.

• Identify your key areas: Sales, marketing, operations, and finance are your battlegrounds.

• Break it down: Create step-by-step processes for everything. No task should be left to chance.

• Document everything: Write it down. Create clear guidelines and checklists.

• Automate wherever possible: Let technology handle the grunt work. Zapier comes in super handy.

• Continuously improve: Review and refine your systems regularly.

Master your time

Time is your most valuable resource. Treat it like gold.

• Prioritize ruthlessly: Focus on what matters. Cut out the noise.

• Time blocking: Dedicate specific time blocks for different tasks.

• Eliminate distractions: Create a focused work environment. Turn off notifications.

• Delegate effectively: Don't do everything yourself. Build a team.

Build a strong foundation

A solid business is built on a strong foundation.

• Financial control: Know your numbers. Budget, track expenses, and manage cash flow. We just use Notion and Sheets — it works fine.

• Leverage technology: Use tools to streamline operations.

• Continuous learning: Stay updated on industry trends.

Measure and adapt

Track your progress. Use KPIs to measure success. Analyze results and make adjustments.

Remember, building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on creating systems that deliver consistent results.

It starts with you

Implementing systems starts with you. You're the architect of your business. Design a system that works for your lifestyle and goals.

• Lead by example: Show your team the importance of systems by following them yourself.

• Be patient: Building systems takes time. Don't expect overnight results.

• Celebrate small wins: Recognize your progress along the way.

The bottom line

Systems aren't sexy, but they're the backbone of a successful business.

Stop chasing shiny objects and focus on building a solid foundation.

You're flying blind. Most creatives are. You're hoping your stuff lands with the right people. That's a terrible business strategy.

It's time to stop guessing and start dominating.

Your target audience is your goldmine

Understanding who you’re talking to isn’t just about selling stuff. It's about building a loyal army. It's the difference between being another noise in the crowd and becoming the one everyone's copying.

The shooting in the dark era is OVER

You've been winging it. Creating stuff and hoping it sticks. That's like throwing darts blindfolded. It's time to hit the bullseye.

• Build detailed customer avatars: Give 'em names, faces, and backstories. Know their fears, desires, and what keeps them up at night.

• Spy on your competition: Learn from their mistakes. Don’t copy them, but understand what’s working.

• Talk to real people: Surveys, interviews, and focus groups are your secret weapons. Get out there and listen.

• Leverage your data: Google Analytics and social media insights are goldmines. Don’t ignore the numbers.

Focus your firepower

Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Pick a lane and dominate it. It's better to be the king of a small pond than a minnow in the ocean.

Turn insights into action

Create content that speaks directly to their needs. Build relationships. Optimize your marketing.

Remember, knowing your target audience is an ongoing process. It's about building a loyal army that will follow you to the ends of the earth.

It's time to get specific

Let’s dive deeper. We've talked about the importance of knowing your audience, but how do you actually do it?

• Create detailed customer personas: Go beyond demographics. Understand their lifestyle, values, and challenges.

• Develop buyer journeys: Map out the customer's path to purchase.

• Utilize customer feedback: Pay attention to reviews, social media comments, and customer support interactions.

• Segment your audience: Divide your customers into smaller groups based on shared characteristics.

By taking the time to truly understand your audience, you’ll be able to create more targeted, effective marketing campaigns.

It's not about the number of followers; it's about the quality of your followers.

Who’s your target audience?