QUICK POLL

THE MAIN THING

 📈 Newsletter Growth Lessons

I watched an interview with Ken Yarmosh, (founder of The Remote Solopreneur) where he said (paraphrased):

"I'd rather have 1,000 people who are all-in than 100,000 who don't know who I am."

His advice was aimed at someone running a small, specialized newsletter and is similar to the '1,000 true fans' concept.

The first lesson: Focus on depth

We often think more subscribers is the answer to a successful newsletter model, but that's not always true. It's the reason you hear the term 'vanity metrics' when talking about subscriber numbers (or social followers), because those numbers aren't a guarantee you'll make money.

Ken's point is a reminder that your niche isn’t a limitation if you have the right people on your list. 

He calls this finding your "lighthouse client" someone you're obsessively focused on serving better than anyone else could. So, think about how much deeper you can go than everyone else writing about the same topic.

The second lesson: Monetization 

Many newsletter creators believe ads are the fastest way to earn revenue, but Ken makes a smart point. 

If you've got skills, the quickest way to make money is to offer advice or consulting to people who already trust you. 

Not a course. And not a digital product or a complicated funnel.

If you get someone to pay you $100 for a 45-minute call, you're not only selling your expertise, you're also learning. That's because talking to people helps you identify exactly what product or service you could launch later.

The quick win is that you get some runway (working funds). This keeps you going while you build to 5,000 subscribers, instead of burning out at 2,000 because you couldn't figure out the money part.

How did you make your first $100? 

Reply and I'll round up the best answers next week.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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THINGS IN BRIEF

1. Black Friday is coming
 

Black Friday is next week, but it's not the only opportunity to get sales before 2025 ends.

If you're promoting anything in your newsletter or on a landing page, a few tests will help you figure out what drives the most conversions.

Get ready by trying out these experiments:

1. Simple subject line tests: Keep it simple and try two different angles, a statement or a question, to see which one resonates most with your audience.

2. Experiment with long-form and short-form: Explore how the length of your emails impacts click rates and conversions.

3. Test the call-to-action placement: Discover where your call-to-action drives the most clicks. Is it at the top, middle, or bottom of your email?

4. Test call-to-action design: Check to see if images, buttons, or in-line text have any impact on getting your readers to take action.

Start testing and learning now to get the most out of your promotions during the holiday season.

2. Mystery links

Source: AI Fire Newsletter

I've seen mystery links appear in two newsletters last week. Is this a new trend? 

Not exactly. I recall seeing 'surprise' or 'random' link buttons in the past. It's a new twist on an old tactic.

I like the idea, though. You could link to anything you want: a meme, an article, a video related to your niche, or send people to a game or quiz.

Would you try it? 

3. Welcome offers made easy

Sparkloop just announced a new feature (in beta) that adds welcome offers when someone signs up to your newsletter. Louis Nicholls explains how it works in this 2-minute video.

Whether you use Sparkloop or not, welcome offers are worth considering, especially if you want to earn back the cost of acquiring a new subscriber.

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ONE LAST THING

☝️ A tip to 5x your click-through rates

Lose the text ‘Learn More’ or 'Read More' in your newsletter links and get creative with your calls-to-action (CTAs).

This is essential when you want to get eyes on your offers or content.

How do you do that?

Integrate the link into your text. This makes it easy for readers to click through without disrupting the flow of your message.

Examples (colored text to demonstrate):

"See our comprehensive review of the top online learning platforms available today."

"Explore the hidden gems of Europe with our ultimate travel itinerary to off-the-beaten-path destinations."

This way, your CTAs seem like a natural part of your story, not an interruption. 

What do you think?