@Chris Stanley: I feel pretty sure you didn't make $800,000,000.00 (that's $800M) last year from your subscribers. Here's a tip: If your going to write out the whole amount, with all the zeros like ya did, you don'tput the "k" at the end, that's shorthand for "times 1000."
So what you should've written is $800k if in fact you made $800, 000.00
A good way is to create a quick survey for your readers! That way, you don't waste your time creating something you THINK they want, only to be disappointed.
I'm seeing more of this feedback online, and it makes sense. I also see your point about solving problems for people—it's a far better hook to capture targeted audiences. I also appreciate your comment about a laser-focused niche. In that way, you don't have to be an expert at everything—just something specific that you can handle and then go on a deep dive from there.
Matt, where can I find your "Free SEO course?" You mentioned it in one of your articles (I've read quite a few, don't remember which). That is very interesting to me, in terms of helping me get my blog to get discovered.
I started out writing what I felt like writing about. Stupid, I know, but I was just starting out with the whole blog thing. Since then I've started providing more value for someone to read. Obvy that's important, especially to grow & monetize! I've indentified what niche it falls into, but I'm planning to tighten that up as well. All the advice I hear & read is that the tighter the niche, the better--that's true of pretty much anything, not just writers.
Really appreciate this post and the advice in it. As someone still juggling their 9-5 while growing an online audience, it sometimes feels as if I'll never figure things out. But I love the people on my small list - especially the ones that engage. Just have to keep writing about my offers and one day something will stick for them.
The catalog model is great. It’s what im building because it’s one of the few that doesn’t require sales calls or managing communities. Nothing wrong with either but fundamentally different business models.
Thank you for sharing this. It's very appealing to me because I also sense that a small and fiercely loyal audience is better than a large indifferent one.
Would it be possible to message you and ask you a few questions about this? I feel I can benefit from your ideas but I need a little more guidance.
This is excellent advice! We've lightly scratched the surface of this, but you're reminding me whe in the coming year this should be the key strategy. I'm pursuing a book deal, which annoying needs a "solid" audience, but when it comes to building that, your advice still applies. Thank you!
Niche down on your niche.
I had a similar experience. I currently have 12,000 email subscribers (after 7+ years) and here is the niche,
Independent Auto Insurance Adjusters
Not insurance people
Not insurance Adjusters
Not independent Adjusters
Independent Auto Insurance Adjusters
And that business generated $800,000k last year....
Your niche isn't too small if you are struggling. It takes time, keep drilling down deeper, keep niching down... There's oil down there!
Specificity = Superpower
@Chris Stanley: I feel pretty sure you didn't make $800,000,000.00 (that's $800M) last year from your subscribers. Here's a tip: If your going to write out the whole amount, with all the zeros like ya did, you don'tput the "k" at the end, that's shorthand for "times 1000."
So what you should've written is $800k if in fact you made $800, 000.00
(just sayin') 😉
How did and do you find what else your current customers want from you?
I scratch my own itches.
I also talk to clients each week on coaching calls – so I get direct feedback on that.
A good way is to create a quick survey for your readers! That way, you don't waste your time creating something you THINK they want, only to be disappointed.
I did. It's not the answer you need. The best test is a pre-sale.
Very interesting! I will certainly keep that in mind.
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'm seeing more of this feedback online, and it makes sense. I also see your point about solving problems for people—it's a far better hook to capture targeted audiences. I also appreciate your comment about a laser-focused niche. In that way, you don't have to be an expert at everything—just something specific that you can handle and then go on a deep dive from there.
Glad it was helpful!
Love your catalog Matt!
Merci.
Means a lot coming from you, Jamie
Matt, where can I find your "Free SEO course?" You mentioned it in one of your articles (I've read quite a few, don't remember which). That is very interesting to me, in terms of helping me get my blog to get discovered.
I started out writing what I felt like writing about. Stupid, I know, but I was just starting out with the whole blog thing. Since then I've started providing more value for someone to read. Obvy that's important, especially to grow & monetize! I've indentified what niche it falls into, but I'm planning to tighten that up as well. All the advice I hear & read is that the tighter the niche, the better--that's true of pretty much anything, not just writers.
Really appreciate this post and the advice in it. As someone still juggling their 9-5 while growing an online audience, it sometimes feels as if I'll never figure things out. But I love the people on my small list - especially the ones that engage. Just have to keep writing about my offers and one day something will stick for them.
Absolutely.
People will buy if the offer is relevant + when the timing is right for them.
People stay on my list for several years before they even pull the trigger.
Good advice. Can I translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a descripción of your newsletter?
Absolutely. Please use this link for linking back:
https://mattgiaro.com/cheat-code-monetize-small-audiences/
Done, this link is at the beginning, in your name, and information about the original post and your newsletter at the bottom:
https://carreras.substack.com/p/por-fin-he-encontrado-el-codigo-trampa
muchas gracias
De nada !!!
Great stuff…you’ve given me some food for thought
Glad it resonated, Antoine!
Starting from 0, how many subscribers do you think one should have before they monetize their content?
Depends on what you have to offer.
I'd start with coaching because you can charge more, and doesn't require you to create a product upfront.
The catalog model is great. It’s what im building because it’s one of the few that doesn’t require sales calls or managing communities. Nothing wrong with either but fundamentally different business models.
Thank you for sharing this. It's very appealing to me because I also sense that a small and fiercely loyal audience is better than a large indifferent one.
Would it be possible to message you and ask you a few questions about this? I feel I can benefit from your ideas but I need a little more guidance.
Great insight from this post!! Thank you for this.
Thank you for sharing this, Matt. Helpful especially for new writers
This is excellent advice! We've lightly scratched the surface of this, but you're reminding me whe in the coming year this should be the key strategy. I'm pursuing a book deal, which annoying needs a "solid" audience, but when it comes to building that, your advice still applies. Thank you!
Nice post. Thanks for the encouragement!
I discovered your podcast. I can’t stop listening.
I loved what you have to say Matt. The analogy of eating an elephant bit by bit is so true for us solopreneurs.