I grew my Founder OS newsletter to 100,000 subscribers in 18 months.
This is the exact blueprint I used to create my newsletter funnel:
To build a thriving newsletter funnel, you need a proven roadmap.
This is one of the roadmaps I teach at Founder OS.
A step-by-step system for attracting a loyal audience and exploding your subscriber count.
Let's break it down:
Develop Your Unique Framework
Create a framework leveraging audience, content, and data, helping you create a flywheel.
It becomes the DNA of your brand and the heartbeat of your newsletter.
This will set you apart and position you as an authority.
Invent a Category and Dominate It
Don't settle for being another voice in the noise.
• Create a new category and own it
• Become the go-to expert in your niche
When people think of your category, they should immediately think of you.
Identify Your Ideal Audience
• Who can you serve better than anyone else?
• Who is hungry for your unique content and insights?
• Who has the desire and means to buy what you offer?
Gain crystal clarity on your target reader persona.
Offer an Irresistible Lead Magnet
Create a free, high-value resource that solves a burning problem for your ideal audience:
• eBook
• Templates
• Mini-course
• Cheatsheet
Position your lead magnet behind an opt-in form to skyrocket your subscriber growth.
Produce Consistent, High-Value Content
Create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
I publish daily on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and my newsletter
Consistency is the key to cultivating a dedicated following.
Master the Art of Copywriting
Words are your most powerful asset.
Craft irresistible headlines, compelling hooks, and persuasive calls to action.
Great copy transforms casual readers into devoted subscribers and loyal customers.
Leverage the Magic of Design
Visuals are more important than ever in the crowded space.
Platforms like Convertkit offer eye-catching graphics, visually appealing layouts, and consistent branding.
Such newsletters stand out in cluttered inboxes. Here’s mine for Founder OS
Tap Into the Power of Storytelling
Humans are hardwired for stories:
• Weave captivating narratives into your content and newsletters
• Share personal anecdotes, case studies, and inspiring success stories
People forget facts, but they remember stories.
Let Data Be Your Compass
• Analyze engagement, click-through, and conversion rates
• Track your content performance metrics - double down on what works
• Use data to optimize your content strategy and newsletter funnel
Look deep into the numbers, and you’ll find patterns of gold.
Amplify Your Reach Across Multiple Growth Channels
Expand your presence and influence by leveraging multiple platforms - Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, your website, and your email newsletter.
Cross-promote to maximize exposure and impact.
Offer Crazy Value
Your newsletter should be a gift to your subscribers, not a constant sales pitch.
• Deliver content that improves your readers' lives or careers
• Pack each issue with valuable insights and actionable advice
Value-driven approaches naturally lead to sales.
Build Relationships, Not Just a List
Your subscribers are more than just names and email addresses.
They're real people with real challenges, dreams, and ambitions.
Treat them like cherished friends, not just objectives.
Test, Analyze, Optimize
Building a thriving newsletter is an iterative process.
• Test new strategies, formats, and offers
• Analyze results and gather reader feedback
• Cut what doesn't work and double down on what does
Continuous optimization drives sustainable growth.
Experiments > Perfection
Don't wait for the perfect time to launch your newsletter.
Start with what you have, where you are, right now.
Perfection is an illusion. Progress is reality.
Let your newsletter evolve over time.
The Fortune Is In the Follow-Up
Your welcome sequence is just the beginning.
• Nurture subscribers with valuable content and relevant offers
• Set a strategic follow-up sequence to drive conversions with platforms like Convertkit
The real magic happens after the first email.
Segment for Relevance and Results
Not all subscribers are created equal.
• Segment your list based on interests, behaviors, and preferences
• Tailor your content and offers to each segment for maximum relevance and impact
Personalized communication = Superior Results
Collaborate and Cross-Pollinate
You don't have to go it alone.
• Participate in joint ventures, co-promotions, and newsletter swaps
• Collaborate with complementary brands and influencers to expand your reach
Leverage the power of strategic partnerships to grow your list.
Celebrate Your Subscribers
They are the lifeblood of your business.
• Celebrate their wins, milestones, and achievements
• Feature their stories and testimonials in your newsletters
Shine the spotlight on your community. Make them the heroes of your narrative.
Continuously Prune and Improve
A healthy email list is a responsive email list.
Regularly clean your list of inactive, disengaged subscribers.
A smaller, engaged list beats a bloated, unresponsive one any day.
Keep Learning and Growing
The best newsletter creators are lifelong learners:
• Study your craft and hone your skills
• Stay on the cutting edge of email marketing trends
• Invest in your ongoing education and development
Your growth fuels your newsletter's growth.
The Journey of a Thousand Subscribers Begins with a Single Email
Building a thriving newsletter funnel takes time, effort, and relentless commitment.
But with the right system and unwavering focus, massive growth is possible.
P.S. If you like proven systems, you'll love my weekly newsletter (it's free).
1 actionable tip to grow your online business.
Join 107,000+ subscribers here:
founderos.com/newsletter
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