I subscribe to your newsletter because it’s not only well written, but packed with a high level of insight into its topical focus. I’ve watched with interest your evolving position on newsletter building. And I am driven to make one of my own about an error I think you’re making: As I see it, the greater monetary success you are experiencing with your latest approach to monetization is *not* due to your switch in business model, but rather a direct result of refocusing in on the most profitable niche in eCommerce — the MMOF (Make Money Online Fast) market. Nothing else motivates buyers to pay as much as promises of fast, easy money. It’s the reincarnation of the gold rush mentality. Not criticizing you, only recommending that you not delude yourself. Cheers!
I have to say, this article hit me hard. It’s rare to find something that cuts through all the noise and gets straight to the heart of why so many of us struggle to turn our work into real income.
As for your question,
Honestly, I’d create a “Get Out of Your Own Way” process toolkit.
Because I’ve wasted so much time overthinking systems, feeling like a fraud for not having it all together.
I know what it’s like to stare at a blank workflow doc and feel paralyzed. I’d want to give people what I wish I’d had: a way to turn messy thoughts into simple steps, so they can finally breathe-and build a business that aligns with their lifestyle.
If people want to know how well this system works, look to me. I started reading thinking I'll do this next month when my budget looks better. This month we had a lot of early, expensive things happen and literally we're squeaking by until the end of the month. But here I am, $47 lighter and devouring the Masterclass. Urgency, and promises of a strong delivery do wonders for convincing even the most hesitant (or economically challenged) buyers.
Wes, this is such a generous breakdown, seriously eye-opening. It’s encouraging (and slightly relieving) to know that clarity, not complexity, is what moves the needle. Thanks for laying it all out without the fluff. Just what the rest of us needed.
I always like reading your content. You break it down into manageable steps. Not sure if I could create a digital product since I am trying to create a workbook around money and limiting beliefs.
Typically the things you’re sharing are hidden behind a paywall or a trashy lead sales line. Instead, you bring value, insight, encouragement right away. I don’t know about any digital products. I’m just a writer/carpenter trying to create.
This was a great value read! I wish that some of the examples weren’t all related to substack growth. Like for example, how would you sell a product when your substack is related to mental health?
identify the most common pains / challenges that your readers have and create digital products that solve those challenges (value = outcome / time delay * effort); where outcome = pain solved
I am working on a product or a workbook that would help creatives challenge their fears and manifest their true selves so they can write or create better. But I wanted to ask, what is your opinion on offering freebies, like a teaser before the paid product?
I appreciate that you offer this much information without sticking it behind a paywall, and that you allow commentary as well.
I'm not sure if any of this will apply to what I do, without compromising my integrity by creating a 'digital product' for healing, something I see as a sham (not all digital products, just the ones around emotional healing..and there are a lot!).
The customer journey is interesting. As a writer though, the journey begins and ends with my book. Beyond that, it's coming along for the ride, sharing experiences, and awaiting more books. That's my offer and my promise. It's how I provide relief for the pain (also hard to convey in an urgent way because most people are in pain but don't see it as an immediate problem nor do they believe it can bbe fixed).
All this is say, do you think it's hopeless for me, trying to understand this stuff? Is it inherently different for someone selling an actual book as a solution rather than a packaged 'product' (which is often some for of a book anyways)?
I subscribe to your newsletter because it’s not only well written, but packed with a high level of insight into its topical focus. I’ve watched with interest your evolving position on newsletter building. And I am driven to make one of my own about an error I think you’re making: As I see it, the greater monetary success you are experiencing with your latest approach to monetization is *not* due to your switch in business model, but rather a direct result of refocusing in on the most profitable niche in eCommerce — the MMOF (Make Money Online Fast) market. Nothing else motivates buyers to pay as much as promises of fast, easy money. It’s the reincarnation of the gold rush mentality. Not criticizing you, only recommending that you not delude yourself. Cheers!
➡️ https://friedmanphil.substack.com/p/social-philosophy-and-the-art-of
This was such a good read.
I have to say, this article hit me hard. It’s rare to find something that cuts through all the noise and gets straight to the heart of why so many of us struggle to turn our work into real income.
As for your question,
Honestly, I’d create a “Get Out of Your Own Way” process toolkit.
Because I’ve wasted so much time overthinking systems, feeling like a fraud for not having it all together.
I know what it’s like to stare at a blank workflow doc and feel paralyzed. I’d want to give people what I wish I’d had: a way to turn messy thoughts into simple steps, so they can finally breathe-and build a business that aligns with their lifestyle.
If people want to know how well this system works, look to me. I started reading thinking I'll do this next month when my budget looks better. This month we had a lot of early, expensive things happen and literally we're squeaking by until the end of the month. But here I am, $47 lighter and devouring the Masterclass. Urgency, and promises of a strong delivery do wonders for convincing even the most hesitant (or economically challenged) buyers.
Wes, this is such a generous breakdown, seriously eye-opening. It’s encouraging (and slightly relieving) to know that clarity, not complexity, is what moves the needle. Thanks for laying it all out without the fluff. Just what the rest of us needed.
What about someone who has a poetry page
As usual you provide value right from the get-go! Thant why I bought the Notes course. Thanks again!
I always like reading your content. You break it down into manageable steps. Not sure if I could create a digital product since I am trying to create a workbook around money and limiting beliefs.
Typically the things you’re sharing are hidden behind a paywall or a trashy lead sales line. Instead, you bring value, insight, encouragement right away. I don’t know about any digital products. I’m just a writer/carpenter trying to create.
This was a great value read! I wish that some of the examples weren’t all related to substack growth. Like for example, how would you sell a product when your substack is related to mental health?
people buy because of 2 reasons: pain or desire
identify the most common pains / challenges that your readers have and create digital products that solve those challenges (value = outcome / time delay * effort); where outcome = pain solved
I am working on a product or a workbook that would help creatives challenge their fears and manifest their true selves so they can write or create better. But I wanted to ask, what is your opinion on offering freebies, like a teaser before the paid product?
I appreciate that you offer this much information without sticking it behind a paywall, and that you allow commentary as well.
I'm not sure if any of this will apply to what I do, without compromising my integrity by creating a 'digital product' for healing, something I see as a sham (not all digital products, just the ones around emotional healing..and there are a lot!).
The customer journey is interesting. As a writer though, the journey begins and ends with my book. Beyond that, it's coming along for the ride, sharing experiences, and awaiting more books. That's my offer and my promise. It's how I provide relief for the pain (also hard to convey in an urgent way because most people are in pain but don't see it as an immediate problem nor do they believe it can bbe fixed).
All this is say, do you think it's hopeless for me, trying to understand this stuff? Is it inherently different for someone selling an actual book as a solution rather than a packaged 'product' (which is often some for of a book anyways)?
What are your thoughts on all that?
Thanks! 🙏