Niche Pursuits Podcast: Find Your Next "Niche" Business Idea! How CJ Gustafson Built a +60k Subscriber Newsletter as a Side Hustle
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Mar 26, 2025 
CJ Gustafson, founder of Mostly Metrics and a former CFO, reveals how he built a thriving newsletter with over 60,000 subscribers while juggling a full-time job. He shares strategies for engaging content and effective community building. CJ discusses the shift from free to paid subscriptions and explores innovative monetization methods, including securing sponsorships. The synergy between newsletters and podcasts is highlighted, emphasizing meaningful interactions and networking. His insights are a treasure trove for anyone interested in niche content marketing.
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Early Growth Struggles
- CJ Gustafson initially struggled to gain subscribers, even asking his friend to subscribe to reach 400.
- He realized his early business case studies were uninteresting, but his explanations of metrics resonated.
Identifying Target Audience
- Gustafson initially wrote for a fictional ideal reader, which proved ineffective.
- Focusing on the specific needs and characteristics of his target audience (CFOs in tech) improved his content.
Content Creation Strategy
- Write about topics you find personally useful or have extensively researched.
- Share your knowledge generously, focusing on providing value to your audience.