Living Cozy: Ash Read on content businesses and niche media sites
Oct 23, 2023
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Ash Read, co-founder of Frontcourt Studio, discusses turning a side project into a full-time gig, the lessons B2B sites can learn from niche media sites, the importance of learning tools like Webflow, and how to prioritize content when you have tons of ideas.
Diversification and building a portfolio of niche sites are crucial for success in content marketing.
Webflow's no-code platform empowered Ash Read to build and customize his niche media sites and stay ahead in the evolving content landscape.
Deep dives
Ash Reed's Journey in Niche Media Site Entrepreneurship
This episode of Content Briefly features an interview with Ash Reed, a niche media site entrepreneur. Ash discusses his background in content marketing, including his work at Buffer and Wayflyer. He shares the story of his first affiliate sale on his site, Living Cozy, which made him realize the potential to turn it into a business. Ash emphasizes the importance of diversification and building a portfolio of niche sites, and shares his thoughts on the future of content marketing and the role of AI. He also touches on the significance of email marketing and user-generated content in niche media sites.
Webflow as an Essential Tool for Niche Media Sites
Webflow played a vital role in Ash's journey as a niche media site entrepreneur. Despite having limited coding experience, he was able to use Webflow's no-code platform to build and customize his websites, including Living Cozy. Ash highlights the importance of Webflow's onboarding and support resources, which helped him navigate the learning curve and create a professional website. He also appreciates the platform's SEO capabilities and the ability to create custom landing pages and content pages. Webflow enabled Ash to quickly iterate and experiment, empowering him to scale his niche sites and stay ahead in the rapidly changing content landscape.
The Role of AI in Content Creation and Strategy
Ash discusses his experiences and perspectives on using AI in content creation for niche media sites. He sees AI as a valuable tool, using it to generate first draft pages, integrate expert quotes, and prompt strategic thinking. Ash believes that AI can be an accelerator and a sparring partner in content creation. However, he also expresses concern about an AI-dominated future, highlighting the importance of human touch and trust in content, especially in areas such as product reviews and B2B content. He emphasizes the need to strike a balance between AI assistance and the unique perspectives and experiences that humans bring to content creation.
Key Metrics and Monetization Strategies for Niche Media Sites
Ash shares insights into the key metrics and monetization strategies for niche media sites. He focuses on clicks to brands as his primary metric, indicating the success of his affiliate marketing efforts. Ash prioritizes revenue generation and aligning content with sales opportunities. He highlights the role of email marketing in providing revenue stability and additional sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, Ash explores the significance of user-generated content, SEO, and partnerships with brands to enhance the value and impact of niche media sites. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of being agile and adapting strategies to fit the unique characteristics and needs of niche media sites.
On episode #29, Jimmy speaks with Ash Read from Frontcourt Studio. They discuss:
- How Ash turned his side project into a full-time gig and then an exit - What B2B sites can learn from niche media sites like Living Cozy - The importance of learning tools (like Webflow) to maximize your own ability to GSD - How to prioritize content when you have tons of ideas