How To Revive a Stalled Newsletter — with Ben Collins
Feb 12, 2025
auto_awesome
Ben Collins, creator of the Google Sheets Tips newsletter with over 55,000 subscribers, discusses the challenges of reviving a stagnant newsletter. He shares insights on overcoming burnout and the importance of evolving business models. Key strategies are explored, including the potential of ChatGPT tools, engaging YouTube content, and tapping into LinkedIn for audience connection. The power of collaboration, a well-crafted referral program, and turning subscribers into community members are also highlighted as essential steps to reignite growth.
Ben Collins emphasizes the importance of diversifying income through a membership model to reduce reliance on course launches.
Exploring AI tools, like a custom ChatGPT model, is a key strategy for attracting new subscribers and enhancing user engagement.
Leveraging platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn for video content can significantly increase outreach and revitalization of subscriber interest.
Deep dives
Stalled Growth and Business Challenges
Ben Collins's newsletter, centered on Google Sheets, experienced significant early growth, amassing over 55,000 subscribers. However, as of 2024, he faces stagnation in this growth, resulting in concerns about his business future. Despite maintaining a steady income, he recognizes the need to reevaluate strategies, particularly because he had not launched any new courses or significant offerings in the previous year. The pressure of subscriber retention and revenue generation, which has typically relied on course launches, poses a dilemma for him moving forward.
Exploring New Revenue Models
To diversify income sources, Ben has recently introduced a membership model, which he is actively developing while participating in various workshops. He aims to transition from a model heavily reliant on course launches to a more sustainable one through consistent membership engagement. Live workshops and collaboration with AI tools are also being explored to enhance user experience. However, there is some resistance from subscribers regarding moving to a subscription model, as they often prefer one-time payments for courses.
Leveraging Technology for Engagement
Innovative ideas, such as creating a custom ChatGPT model for solving Google Sheets inquiries, emerged during the discussion to attract new subscribers. This tool has the potential to serve as an effective lead magnet while providing immediate assistance to users. The conversation also highlighted the advantage of integrating AI in educational methodologies, especially in a tech-savvy audience. Engaging users through interactive and responsive learning can foster stronger connections and drive engagement.
Maximizing Social Media Potential
Ben's presence on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn remains pivotal for outreach and growth. Opportunities to produce more video content, align with trends, and create visually appealing posts were emphasized as key strategies to attract more viewers. Reinforcing collaboration with other creators and leveraging existing content for social platforms can help revitalize his outreach efforts. Regularly reminding newsletter subscribers about upcoming workshops and content via social media can nurture existing relationships and stimulate new sign-ups.
Engagement Through Community Building
To enhance user engagement within his membership model, introducing office hours and regular interactive sessions is a promising approach. This would allow members to ask questions, seek advice, and share experiences, leveraging the community's knowledge. Further emphasis on communicating membership benefits and addressing subscriber pain points can increase retention and engagement. Exploring collaborative projects and referral programs could also stimulate growth and enhance value for both current and prospective members.
What happens when an established newsletter hits a growth plateau? And can anything be done to revive it?
Chenell & Dylan sit down with Ben Collins of BenLCollins.com and his Google Sheets Tips newsletter.
When Chenell researched & wrote her GIR Deep Dive on Ben last year, all appeared to be going well for Ben and his Google Sheets Tips newsletter. But when we invited Ben to join us on the podcast, he was apprehensive: "Are you sure you want me to come on? Growth has been very flat." So we took this as an opportunity to flex our growth strategy muscles and provide Ben with some newsletter growth coaching.