Introducing: How I Made My First Dollar, A Go-To Podcast For Inspiration, Grit and Creativity

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Good morning. I was talking to a friend this weekend and she said, “Netta, I really just wish there was a way to automate some of the marketing we’re doing so that I didn’t feel so in the weeds of my business all the time.”

I think that’s something that we can all relate to. For the busy small business owner or solopreneur, planning your marketing strategy each month can feel like a complete time suck.

But, I’m here to share a way for you to build effective marketing funnels and free up your time.

The easiest hack for that? Email marketing.

Email marketing allows you to build funnels and automate your marketing based on the actions your subscribes take. Welcome new subscribers, share upcoming events or deals, and keep them engaged all while you focus on what matters most — running your business.

I’ll teach you how to build these funnels and set your marketing (and, sales!) on autopilot in my new course, The Email Advantage.

The course will be officially available for purchase in less than two weeks!

Join the waitlist now so you don’t miss out.

Here’s what you can expect in today’s newsletter:

• I Launched a New Podcast Called “How I Made My First Dollar”

• Email Marketing Stats Every Small Business Owner Should Know

• TikTok VP Says Stop Trying to Go Viral and Just Have Fun

Podcast
Introducing My New Podcast, “How I Made My First Dollar”

Ever wonder how successful businesses got their start? Did their founders have a million-dollar idea from day one, or did they stumble upon a unique opportunity?

At “How I Made My First Dollar,” I chat with inspiring small business owners about the hustle, creativity, and sheer grit that led to their first sale – the one that solidified their business idea was a real winner.

And — so that I’m giving you a bit more than inspiration — each guest shares the tactical steps and strategies they put in place to begin generating revenue.

In my first episode, we dive headfirst into how business owners can conquer overwhelm and increase productivity with lifestyle designer, Simone Little! 

Learn her "Four Ps" framework for success, discover practical tips to really get through your to-do lists, and unlock the power of celebrating micro-wins.

Listen to the episode here. New episodes release each Tuesday.

Marketing
Email Marketing Stats Every Small Business Owner Should Know in 2024

Standing out and reaching your target audience can feel almost impossible these days.

But what if there was a marketing strategy that not only fosters customer relationships, but also automates a significant chunk of your sales process, freeing up your time and boosting your revenue?

It’s time all of us small business owners had a serious talk about email marketing.

Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't social media the marketing queen these days?"

While social media platforms definitely have their place, the truth is email marketing still reigns supreme.

And, in my latest blog post, I share why.

BIG STRATEGIES, SMALL BUSINESS
Virality, Schmirality

In this section of my newsletter, I share some of the coolest marketing tactics from larger brands and give insights into how small business owners can do something similar.

In a recent Hubspot article, TikTok’s Global Head of Product Partnerships shared some pretty interesting insights into how to use TikTok to generate leads.

Here are some insights to keep in mind:

• Be a User First: Don't jump straight into creating content. Spend time watching videos, understanding trends, and seeing how competitors engage with the audience. This will help you create content that resonates with TikTok users, not just promote your brand.
  
  Example: Let's say you own a bakery. Instead of a generic "how-to bake cookies" video, you could participate in the "grandma hacks" trend by showcasing your grandma's secret ingredient or filming a funny skit about the struggles of decorating cookies with kids.
  

• Don’t Over-Produce: TikTok is all about fun and creativity. Ditch the overly polished commercials and embrace a more casual approach. Highlight your brand personality through humor, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or user-generated content challenges.

  
  Example: A local coffee shop could create a "daily latte art challenge" where each day they share new designs of how they’re topping their customer’s coffee.
  

• Build Relationships, Not Just Sales Funnels: Focus on fostering a community around your brand, not just pushing a sale. Respond to comments, participate in trends, and run interactive polls to spark conversations.

  
  Example: A clothing boutique could host a "style swap" challenge, where viewers film themselves putting together outfits from their closet based on prompts.

By prioritizing authenticity and understanding the platform's unique culture, small businesses can leverage TikTok to generate valuable leads.

Read the full article here.