Building His Newsletter to 75k Subscribers with Eddie Shleyner of Very Good Copy (#003)
Dec 18, 2024
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In this conversation, Eddie Shleyner, creator of Very Good Copy, shares his journey from personal writing to building a thriving newsletter with 68,000 subscribers. He reveals how a single article transformed his growth and discusses his innovative system for capturing ideas. Eddie emphasizes the importance of testimonials and why he takes sabbaticals to enhance his creativity. He also dives into clever marketing strategies, like leveraging LinkedIn for audience engagement and repurposing content to alleviate burnout.
Eddie Shleyner's transition from an inexperienced copywriter to a successful creator highlights the importance of adaptability and self-education in professional growth.
Leveraging strategic marketing and networking at conferences, Eddie significantly expanded his audience through personal connections and intentional engagement on platforms like LinkedIn.
Taking intentional breaks from content creation allows Eddie to focus on larger projects, preventing burnout while producing high-quality work when he returns.
Deep dives
The Journey of Self-Taught Copywriting
Eddie Schlener's career began with an unexpected turn when he was hired as a copywriter despite having no prior experience in the field. He had to teach himself the ropes on the job, documenting his learnings in a Google Doc which eventually became the foundation for his successful project, Very Good Copy. Initially, he wrote for personal growth, but encouragement from colleagues led him to share his insights online, rapidly growing his audience. This story emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the willingness to learn independently, which are crucial traits for anyone venturing into new professional territories.
Intentional Growth and Marketing Strategies
Eddie's growth trajectory for Very Good Copy notably accelerated after he joined G2.com in 2018, where he learned the value of strategic marketing. Initially, he focused on personal development without the pressure of audience engagement, which shifted when he recognized the importance of actively promoting his work. This shift involved not only sharing his insights through various platforms but also utilizing LinkedIn effectively, where he encouraged engagement through comments that directed back to his newsletter. By embracing intentional marketing and audience interaction, he significantly increased his subscriber base and strengthened his community.
The Power of Networking and Collaboration
Eddie's success can also be attributed to his proactive approach in building valuable connections within the industry. A pivotal moment in his journey occurred at the HubSpot Inbound conference when he personally approached an editor to pitch his writing, leading to multiple publications on their platform. This networking experience demonstrated that reaching out directly and establishing relationships can open doors to significant opportunities, far beyond conventional application processes. It reinforces the idea that genuine interactions and efforts in networking can yield tangible professional growth and visibility.
Sabbaticals as a Tool for Creative Focus
Eddie advocates for taking intentional breaks from consistent content creation to enhance focus on larger projects. He practices taking sabbaticals, which allows him to concentrate on meaningful endeavors like course development and writing his book without the distraction of regular output. Unlike many creators who fear losing momentum, he emphasizes the importance of using this time to deepen creative processes and produce quality work. This approach not only helps prevent burnout but also enables him to return with renewed energy and clarity on his goals.
The Value of Testimonials and Community Feedback
A critical strategy for Eddie has been leveraging testimonials to build credibility for Very Good Copy. By requesting feedback from early subscribers and clients, he was able to display an array of endorsements that communicated his value to potential new subscribers. This direct approach not only encouraged existing users to provide input but also cultivated a sense of community, as he emphasized the importance of connection with his audience. The use of testimonials serves as a compelling reminder that social proof is a powerful influencer in attracting new clients and fostering trust.
#003 - Welcome to the Growth In Reverse podcast — in this episode, Chenell & Dylan host a special guest: Eddie Shleyner, the creator behind Very Good Copy.
Eddie has built a successful newsletter and blog focused on micro lessons in copywriting, creativity, and marketing, garnering the attention of over 70,000 subscribers and leading brands.
The Journey to Growth: How Eddie transitioned from a personal writing project to intentional audience-building starting in 2018.
From HubSpot to Solo Success: The pivotal moments that skyrocketed Eddie’s subscriber base and how a single article led to his first 2,000 subscribers.
The Well of Ideas: Eddie’s system for capturing fleeting creative sparks and turning them into compelling content.
Growth Loops and Marketing Strategies: The powerful LinkedIn growth loop Eddie used to amplify his reach and grow his newsletter audience.
Sabbaticals and Balance: Why Eddie takes months-long breaks from content creation and how it fuels his biggest projects, like his book and courses.
Repurposing Content: How Eddie leverages his content library to stay consistent without burning out.