This is the most effective and reliable strategy for anyone with less than 100 followers.
The very first thing to do is to send a message to all your friends, family and colleagues. Let them know you have a newsletter and they should subscribe.
Call in every favor you can. Getting started with a newsletter is no joke.
If you don’t have any more friends to ask, it’s time to make some more.
The second thing you need to do is send a message to everyone you can find in your target audience.
The trick here is simple: establish a connection first. Then, and only then, invite them to join your newsletter.
Here’s how to do it.
If your target audience is not business related (e.g. news, entertainment, sports reports), message people on Twitter (I refuse to call him X).
If your target audience is business people (e.g. marketing/business ideas/real estate newsletters), message people on LinkedIn AND Twitter.
Step 1 (Find the most popular people in your niche): Find all the most influential creators on Twitter and add them to a “List“.
2nd step (Find people to message): Access the most recent posts from the influencers on your list. Open the comments on the Tweet and send a message to each person who commented on this Tweet. These people will be much more likely to respond to your DMs.
Step 3 (Establish a connection): Your mission is to make this person your friend. This means that your first goal is to have a normal conversation. Start a conversation and even try to arrange a call with them. Here are some things you could say/ask:
- Hi! I noticed you really like it (shared interest). What do you think of (insert topic of conversation)?
- I can see from your profile that you know (topic) very well… what do you think of (insert topic of conversation)?
- I LOVE your article on (recent article). I’d love to hear more about your approach to content.
- Eh eh ! I’m trying to learn as much as I can about the (niche) space…would you be willing to chat sometime? I try to meet as many like-minded people as possible
Step 4 (Take your photo): After you’ve established a relationship with the person (at least 3-4 days after your first conversation), ask them if they would consider subscribing to your newsletter.
How to Message People on LinkedIn
- Step 1 (Find a LinkedIn Group): Find a LinkedIn group relevant to your niche.
- Step 2 (Get involved in the group): Start engaging in conversations and sharing your expertise and knowledge. Ask questions to spark conversations. Do NOT publish your newsletter yet.
- Step 3 (message people): After you’ve had a few conversations with people in the LinkedIn group, add them and start making a connection (see step 3 in the Twitter guide above).
- Step 4 (Take your photo): After you make a connection with someone, ask them to consider subscribing to your newsletter.
It’s going to be a chore (enjoy it)
Your first 1,000 subscribers are going to be tough, but it gets easier (I promise).
This strategy of messaging strangers has very little scalability, but you should do everything in your power to set the tone.
I LOVE this method for three reasons:
- It’s effective (i.e. a lot of new subscribers)
- You will make true friends and connections who can help you on your journey
- You will learn a lot. Take advantage of this time to learn as much as possible about your subject. You’ll learn all about your audience’s problems and desires, and you’ll be able to create content that helps them solve them.
Take your shot
If you want to practice this method, go ahead and message me on Twitter. Let’s connect!
