How to grow an internet audience in 2025

01/07/25 • 48 min

2 Listeners

Join me as I chat with Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, and content strategy. We explore the balance between algorithmic success and authentic content creation, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling gradually.

Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Transitioning from Creative for Hire to Solopreneur
• 07:29 - AI as a Thinking Partner
• 09:03 - How to position yourself within your niche
• 14:22 - Crafting a Compelling Bio
• 26:28 - YouTube Growth Strategies
• 41:30 - AI Tools for Content Production

Key Points:
• Transitioning from being a creative-for-hire to building your own audience
• Framework for effective content creation and social media growth
• Importance of platform focus and consistency in content creation
• Strategy for building audience before community before product

Content Strategy Framework:

1. Pick a platform to focus on
2. Identify what you love doing
3. Study what algorithms favor
4. Find gaps in your niche
5. Commit to consistency

Platform-Specific Insights:
• YouTube Shorts: Good for subscriber growth, lower monetization
• Long-form content: Best for overall revenue and engagement
• Live streams: Excellent for community building, poor for new audience growth

Key Takeaways:
• Start fresh when pivoting content direction
• Focus on audience building before community development
• Test and iterate content strategy
• Be willing to experiment publicly
• Utilize AI tools like Descript for content production

1) The Creative-for-Hire Trap

• Good money but no equity upside
• Easy to get stuck helping others win
• Key is transitioning to building YOUR OWN assets
• Start small, think big

2) Framework for Content That Works:

• Pick ONE platform to focus on (seriously)
• Do what you genuinely love creating
• Study what algorithms reward
• Fill gaps in your niche
• Commit to consistency

3) The YouTube Revenue Reality:

• Shorts: 3M views = $418 (+12k subs)
• Long-form: 1.3M views = $13,580
• Livestreams: 100k views = $1,926

Strategy: Use shorts for growth, long-form for revenue

4) The ABC Growth Framework:

A) Build an Audience first
B) Convert to Community
C) Create Products/Services

Don't try all at once. Master each phase!

5) Social Bio Formula:

• Show Credibility
• Create Intrigue
• Clear Value Prop

Pro tip: Write for non-followers, not existing ones

6) Starting Fresh vs Legacy Account:

• 94 engaged followers is better than 31,000 dead ones
• Algorithm favors engagement %
• Don't let ego stop you from starting over
• Fresh start = clean slate

7) Content Market Fit Truth:

• Takes 6-24 months to find
• Must experiment publicly
• Embrace the uncomfortable
• Better to ship than perfect

Bonus: For creators starting out - just START. You figure it out by doing, not planning.

The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding you've launched.

Notable Quotes:
"The goal of every solopreneur should be to not be a solopreneur." - Greg
"The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding that you've launched." - Tyler Lemco

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL

Tyler’s Website: https://www.tlem.co/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/tlemco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tlemco

Content Strategy Framework:

1. Pick a platform to focus on
2. Identify what you love doing
3. Study what algorithms favor
4. Find gaps in your niche
5. Commit to consistency

1) The Creative-for-Hire Trap

• Good money but no equity upside
• Easy to get stuck helping others win
• Key is transitioning to building YOUR OWN assets
• Start small, think big

2) Framework for Content That Works:

• Pick ONE platform to focus on (seriously)
• Do what you genuinely love creating
• Study what algorithms reward
• Fill gaps in your niche
• Commit to consistency

3) The YouTube Revenue Reality:

• Shorts: 3M views = $418 (+12k subs)
• Long-form: 1.3M views = $13,580
• Livestreams: 100k views = $1,926

Strategy: Use shorts for growth, long-form for revenue

4) The ABC Growth Framework:

A) Build an Audience first
B) Convert to Community
C) Create Products/Services

Don't try all at once. Master each phase!

5) Social Bio Formula:

• Show Credibility
• Create Intrigue
• Clear Value Prop

Pro tip: Write for non-followers, not existing ones

6) Starting Fresh vs Legacy Account:

• 94 engaged followers is better than 31,000 dead ones
• Algorithm favors engagement %
• Don't let ego stop you from starting over
• Fresh start = clean slate

7) Content Market Fit Truth:

• Takes 6-24 months to find
• Must experiment publicly
• Embrace the uncomfortable
• Better to ship than perfect

Bonus: For creators starting out - just START. You figure it out by doing, not planning.

The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding you've launched.

Notable Quotes:
"The goal of every solopreneur should be to not be a solopreneur." - Greg
"The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding that you've launched." - Tyler Lemco

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL

Tyler’s Website: https://www.tlem.co/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/tlemco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tlemco

Previous Episode

10 Newsletter Business Ideas to start in 2025

1 Recommendations

In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams.

Timstamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Newsletter Idea 1: Marketing newsletter for global talent
• 08:03 - Newsletter Idea 2: Platform-based educational newsletters
• 11:24 - Newsletter Idea 3: Unofficial sports team coverage
• 13:03 - Newsletter Idea 4: Local real estate investor news
• 20:55 - Newsletter Idea 5: B2B decision maker
• 25:01 - Newsletter Idea 6: Niche ad examples for media buyers
• 26:37 - Newsletter Idea 7: Meme-based news coverage
• 29:23 - Newsletter Idea 8: Industry-specific AI tips
• 31:12 - Newsletter Idea 9: Leadership lessons and profiles
• 34:38 - Newsletter Idea 10: Local community newsletters
• 37:14 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Link Mentioned:

Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideas

Matt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarry

Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of 10 different newsletter business models with monetization strategies
• Focus on building profitable newsletters with low startup costs and high scalability
• Emphasis on combining paid acquisition (Facebook ads) with organic growth
• Strategy for turning newsletters into larger businesses (software, marketplaces, agencies)

1) Marketing Newsletter for Global Talent

• Target overseas marketers seeking US jobs
• Cost: $0.25-0.50 per sub via FB ads

• Structure:
1) Remote job listings
2) Digital marketing news
3) Marketing tutorials

Monetization path to $28k/mo:
• Job board ($18k/mo)
• Recruiting blasts ($10k/mo)

2) Platform-Based Newsletter

Pick ONE tool (Figma, Notion, Perplexity AI) and go deep.

The gold mine here:
• 20-50% recurring affiliate commissions
• Sell premium templates
• Potential acquisition by the platform
• Build & sell SaaS tools to your audience

3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter

The math:
• 5-10k subs
• $2 CPA
• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue
• $50k from seminars
• $50k from premium subs

Total: $190k/year with just 10k subscribers!

4) B2B Decision Maker Newsletter

The secret sauce:
• Need only 2k subs (if they're the right people)
• Target C-suite in specific industry
• Collect detailed subscriber data
• Charge premium for targeted access

5) Visual News & AI Newsletters

Two massive opportunities:

A) Meme-based news
• 2-4 stories/day
• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)
• Visual over Text in 2024

B) Industry-specific AI tips
• Target specific verticals
• Focus on time/money saving
• $200/year subscription model

6) Local Community Newsletter

The playbook:
• Focus on positive news
• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format
• $0.50 CPA possible
• Target high-LTV local sponsors

Real example: Naptown Scoop makes $400k/year in one city!

7) The bigger opportunity?

Don't just think "newsletter"
Think "audience building machine" that can spawn:
• Software products
• Marketplaces
• Agencies
• Communities

Start with newsletter, expand into empire.

Pro tip: for ANY of these:
• Use pre/post CTAs on social
• Build one social channel alongside
• Collect subscriber data beyond email
• Think paid first, organic second

Pick one and start this weekend!

Notable Quotes:

"Newsletter businesses are a cheat code... you can build a marketplace, you can build an agency, you can build so much on top of a newsletter."

"You don't need 100,000 subscribers to make $100,000 a year. With 5-10,000 subs, you can make $190,000 a year."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/<...

Next Episode

He built a startup using AI that prints money (full tutorial)

In this episode we dive deep into modern marketing strategies with Cody Schneider, focusing on the concept of "digital gravity" versus traditional marketing funnels. The discussion covers comprehensive tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, including detailed strategies for content creation, distribution, and monetization. Special emphasis is placed on leveraging AI tools, programmatic SEO, and multi-channel marketing approaches to build sustainable growth engines.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
01:23 - Digital gravity concept and content strategy
10:00 - B2B marketing tactics and implementation
38:45 - B2C marketing strategies and case studies

Key Points:
• Comprehensive breakdown of modern B2B and B2C marketing strategies
• Detailed explanation of "digital gravity" concept vs traditional marketing funnels
• Step-by-step guide for building media presence and content distribution
• Technical insights on email marketing, ad targeting, and influencer partnerships

1) The Digital Gravity Model

Forget marketing funnels. Think orbits.

People don't move linearly through funnels - they orbit your brand, coming closer until they convert.

More digital mass = more gravitational pull = more customers naturally drawn in.

**2) B2B Marketing Stack:**

• Scrape target emails ([Apollo.io](http://apollo.io/), $99/mo)
• Run AI avatar ads (Heygen + ElevenLabs)
• Cold email at scale (MailReef)
• Launch industry podcast
• Turn podcast → social content
• Monetize audience w/sponsorships

Cost per click? Often less than $0.01 vs $5+ on ads.

3) The Content Engine

Record customer convos → podcast episodes
↓
Turn into blog posts
↓
Create social clips
↓
Make whitepapers
↓
Email newsletter

One piece of content = 10x distribution points

4) B2C Growth Stack:

• Pick HUGE TAM
• Run FB/TikTok conversion ads
• Price at $70.99/week ($29/mo psychology)
• Use multiple creator accounts
• Clone best UGC with AI
• Add affiliate program

Key: $5 CPM or less = profitable

5) The SEO Playbook

• Wait for DA 40+
• Scrape top ranking content
• AI generate 10k articles
• Human edit winners
• CTA every scroll frame
• Pop-up at 25-50% depth

Focus on long-tail keywords nobody fights for.

6) Why This All Works:

Traditional marketing = campaigns (start/stop)
Modern marketing = always-on systems

You're not "doing marketing"
You're "marketing"

Big difference

Notable Quotes:
"Marketing isn't something you did, it's something you're doing. You're constantly doing marketing." - Cody Schneider

"The closer your ad is to content on the platform, the less you're going to have to pay for it." - Cody Schneider

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

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