E27: Three months ago, I decided to launch the First Class Founders newsletter.

Problem is, I had no subscribers, no list, and, essentially, no idea what to do or, even, where to begin!

Today, my newsletter has over two thousand subscribers. It has an open rate of 40% and a 10% click-through rate. In case you are wondering, yes, that IS indeed a high number. How did I achieve this? What did I do that was so effective? What's my secret sauce?

Get ready to take notes because I plan to reveal all my secrets to you today!

DISCLAIMER: Twitter just updated their API pricing plans impacting many of the tools mentioned in this episode. This is a fast-changing development so please check the individual websites for updates on how each tool is handling this situation.

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TOPICS:

Great Content is Not Enough (3:41)

Using Beehiiv to Swap Recommendations (5:42)

When Swapping Recs: Growth Rate > List Size (7:00)

In-Network Recommendation Engines: ConvertKit, SparkLoop, Substack (7:10)

How to Cross Promote Your Newsletter Using Lettergrowth (7:27)

How to Create Beautiful Snapshots Using Xnapper (8:25)

How to Design Your Newsletter Using Canva (9:12)

How to Use Twitter to Repurpose Newsletter Content Using Typefully (11:27)

Track Your Most Important Metrics Using ilo.so (13:11)

How to Convert Followers on Twitter Using Birdy.so (14:54)

How to Engage with Your Twitter Followers Using Engagement Builder (16:05)

Using Auto-DMs on Twitter to Grow Your Newsletter (18:22)

How to Manage Your Twitter DM Inbox Using Inboxs (19:42)

Summary of Newsletter Tools (21:16)

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LINKS:

Beehiiv
Lettergrowth
Xnapper
Canva
Typefully
ilo.so
Birdy.so
Engagement Builder
Hivoe
Inboxs

Episode 22
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First Class Founders is a show for indie hackers, bootstrapped founders, CEOs, solopreneurs, content creators, startup entrepreneurs, and SaaS startups covering topics like build in public, audience growth, product marketing, scaling up, side hustles, holding company, etc.

Past guests include Arvid Kahl, Tyler Denk, Noah Kagan, Clint Murphy, Jay Abraham, Andrew Gazdecki, Matt McGarry, Nick Huber, Khe Hy, and more.

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