Extremely successful, perpetually cranky copywriter Ben Settle, who I have followed for a long time, famously built his list, top-shelf newsletter and businesses without social media.
He was recently asked how he does it.
“By doing things people did to build their lists before social media.
It’s okay to use it, if you want to.
But only amateurs buy into “needing” social media for list-building.“
Ah, a man after my own heart.
What did people do before social media? About what you think:
Advertising, networking, public speaking, interviews, joint ventures, seminars, sponsorships, writing articles/books. . . and mentioning their offer (website, newsletter, services, etc.) to people connected with their target market.
Things that work just as well today, and arguably better. For building a business, a newsletter, or a law practice.
There’s also SEO and publicity and direct mail and handouts. Some work better than others. Some require money but very little time. And some are incredibly labor intensive and not a lot of fun. But work.
What you should do depends on your field, your niche, what you offer, your budget (and tolerance for risk) and what you like and are good at.
I know, too many choices. Pick something that’s not social media and run with it.
On the other hand, if you’re okay with social media but find it challenging to find time to do it, your best bet might be advertising on social media.
Could be the best of both worlds.
