We all start somewhere. There's you and me, and then there are those solopreneurs with book deals, massive followings, and millions in revenue. How do we close that gap? Is it just about putting in the work, or do these successful people have a secret formula?
After really digging into it, we’ve discovered that it’s both. Successful solopreneurs not only work hard but also think differently and focus on different things.
In this article, we’ll explore some of their strategies and see how we can apply them to our own journeys.
Strategy 1: Write less, publish more
One of the most effective strategies comes from Dan Koe, who teaches a 2-hour writing course.
Dan Koe
Here’s his approach:
- Write one long-form piece weekly: Aim for around 1,000 words;
- Send it to your email list: Share it with your subscribers;
- Break it down: Turn the long-form content into smaller posts for platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn;
- Create a video: Record a simple YouTube video where you read your newsletter out loud.
Marie Forleo, founder of B-School, echoes this sentiment: "There’s always something that can be reused or built upon, especially out of a successful piece of content."
Marie Forleo
If you’re writing multiple long-form pieces each week and feeling overwhelmed, consider Dan’s method. It’s efficient and leverages your efforts across multiple channels.
Strategy 2: Edit ruthlessly
Top solopreneurs are often excellent writers. Writing can change lives, but it’s not just about the first draft. As a creative writing teacher once said, "None of the writing you know and love was a result of the first draft."
Here's a step-by-step guide to editing like a pro:
- Write a messy first draft. Don't worry too much about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure at this stage. Just focus on getting your ideas down on paper;
- Take a break and come back to your work with fresh eyes. This will help you approach your content with a critical eye and make more effective edits;
- Cut anything that distracts from your message. If a sentence or paragraph doesn't contribute to the overall message, cut it;
- Fix and refine your writing. Take the time to rewrite sentences, rephrase paragraphs, and ensure that your content flows smoothly;
- Learn and follow structures to enhance your content. Using a clear structure can help you create content that is easy to follow and understand;
- Use words that evoke emotions. The right words can make a big difference in how your content is received. Choose words that are engaging, informative, and relevant to your audience;
- Include a clear call to action. What do you want your readers to do next? Make sure your content includes a clear call to action that encourages them to take the next step.
Takeaway: Editing is crucial to creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
Strategy 3: Get more exposure
The difference between poor and rich solopreneurs often lies in visibility. Poor solopreneurs focus on improving their product, while rich solopreneurs focus on getting seen. Take Kanye West’s Super Bowl ad, for example. He spent $7 million on a spot but used his phone to record a basic video, which brought in $19 million in revenue and opened doors to new opportunities.
Here are some practical ways to increase your exposure:
- Adding one more social media platform to your strategy. Don't be afraid to experiment with new platforms and see what works best for your business;
- Posting content and promoting yourself daily. Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Make sure you're posting content regularly and promoting yourself to your audience;
- Helping others and asking for help in return. Collaboration is a powerful way to build relationships and increase your visibility;
- Building something in public to create a live story. This can be as simple as sharing your journey on social media or creating a blog that chronicles your progress;
- Crafting irresistible social media content. Use attention-grabbing headlines, images, and videos to make your content stand out.
Takeaway: Exposure is key to growing your audience and increasing revenue.
Strategy 4: Create irresistible products
Selling products is one of the best ways to make significant money online. To create products that sell, follow these steps:
- Build an audience through exposure and email list growth. Without an audience, you won't have anyone to sell to. Focus on building a loyal following that is interested in your products;
- Research what people want, not just what you want to create. Use tools like Ahrefs or Helium 10 to conduct keyword research and identify what people are searching for;
Let's find out how many people in the USA search for this term each month and what other related searches they make.
Here are the results. KD stands for Keyword Difficulty, which ranges from 1 to 100. It tells us how many people are trying to rank for that keyword. The volume shows how many times the phrase is searched for each month.
- Monitor your data to identify popular topics. Use analytics tools to see what content is performing well and what topics are resonating with your audience;
- Start small with mini-products that solve specific problems. Don't try to create a comprehensive product that solves every problem. Start small and focus on solving one specific issue;
- Gradually build upon your successful products to create larger, more comprehensive offerings. As you gain more experience and feedback from your audience, you can create more complex products that meet their needs.
For instance, if your top-performing articles are about personal development, writing advice, making money, and quitting jobs, you can write more on these topics and see which ones resonate the most. From there, you can develop mini-products that address these interests.
Conclusion
The path to making crazy money as a solopreneur is well-trodden, and there are countless success stories to inspire us. The road to riches (or at least nice income) is packed with inspiring success stories. Whether you're dreaming of a seven-figure payday or just a comfortable lifestyle, the key principles are the same. It's hard work, but who said building a dream wasn't?
By adopting these strategies, you can close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. So, grab your toolbox, roll up your sleeves, and get started!
