LA Grind: Newsletters, Events, and Growth

In this episode, TJ Larkin interviews Justin Gordon, the creator of two high-impact newsletters: Just Go Grind and LA Grind. Justin shares how his journey began with a podcast back in 2018, eventually transitioning into newsletters focused on startup founders, investors, and the LA tech scene. He walks us through how he built up an audience of over 20,000 for Just Go Grind and used his unique positioning and risk tolerance to go full-time as a creator.

We dive into the strategy behind LA Grind, a hybrid local newsletter tailored to LA’s startup and VC community. Justin reveals how segmentation, events, and a deep understanding of his audience drive growth and monetization. He also touches on paid ads, social media, and how he maintains high open rates while cleaning his list regularly.

Key takeaways include how to test newsletter concepts efficiently, monetize through sponsorships, and use events as an in-person moat against AI disruption. If you're building a newsletter or local media business, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

👉 Connect with Justin at https://justgogrind.com and https://thelagrind.com. For serendipity calls and event access, check the top of each newsletter edition.

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