027: The Newsletter-Social Playbook (with Josh Spector)
Sep 10, 2024
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Josh Spector, an expert in newsletter growth and social media strategies, shares insights drawn from his transition from Hollywood to content creation. He breaks down the myth that follower count equals success, emphasizing targeted growth and niche marketing instead. Spector reveals the advantages of switching from a weekly to a daily newsletter, stressing brevity and increased engagement. He also discusses practical strategies for leveraging social media to boost newsletter subscriptions and offers tips for effective content repurposing.
Content creators should prioritize attracting the right clients over merely increasing follower counts for more effective business outcomes.
Using social media strategically can significantly amplify newsletter sign-ups by enhancing awareness and engagement among the audience.
Deep dives
The Importance of Strategic Goals in Content Creation
Content creators often overlook the fundamental importance of having clear strategic goals that align with their desired outcomes. Many mistakenly prioritize growing their audience in terms of followers or newsletter subscribers, yet the actual goal should be acquiring the right clients or customers instead. For instance, a consultant may only need a handful of clients each year, making it more effective to attract a small, targeted audience rather than a large, disengaged one. A precise content strategy focused on the desired client base can yield better business results and ensure that content resonates with the intended audience.
Defining Target Audiences Effectively
Identifying and understanding the target audience is crucial for content success. Creators should start by defining what they want to achieve, followed by determining who they need to reach to accomplish that goal. For example, a web designer focused on restaurants should aim to engage restaurant owners rather than a more general audience. The clearer and more specific the target audience, the more effectively content can provide value and foster connections that lead to business growth.
The Power of Providing Value
Content should primarily focus on delivering value to the target audience, moving past self-serving narratives. It's essential for creators to align their content with what their audience values, as this approach fosters engagement and drives action. By providing useful information or insights that cater to the audience’s needs, creators can position themselves as trustworthy sources, increasing the likelihood of conversion into clients. The emphasis on value means that the content must be relevant to the audience's interests and needs rather than simply showcasing the creator's expertise.
Leveraging Social Media to Boost Engagement and Reach
Social media serves as a powerful tool for amplifying newsletter sign-ups and overall engagement when used effectively. Many creators underestimate the potential of their followers, assuming they are aware of their newsletters, but polls often reveal a surprising number do not know about them. To change this, creators should optimize their social bios with clear links to their newsletters and the reasons for subscribing. Promoting the newsletter consistently across different platforms not only raises awareness but also enhances interaction with both social media content and email newsletters, ultimately driving business growth.
In today’s episode of The HeyCreator Show, Matt Ragland (@mattragland) interviews Josh Spector (@jspector) on how to grow your newsletter with social media — and vice versa.
(0:00) — Intro
(4:21) — Do you need more followers, or something else?
(17:20) — Switching from a weekly to daily email
(26:29) — Josh’s presentation on growing your newsletter with social media