Read time: 3 min

Jay’s Picks

• How I made my first $100k at 20 years old (Link)

• How 7-figure newsletters make money (Link)

• The Ultimate Guide to “Slippery Slide” Copy (Link)

• How to speak so that other people want to listen (Link)

• Alex Hormozi’s business model (Link)

• 4 ideas to make money as a creator (Link)

Last week, I hinted that I might teach you how to build your first digital product.

And initially, I was planning to. I had the whole thing outlined: Big mistakes, common objections, and 7 key steps.

But actually…

I want to talk about something more important. Something, I believe, you need to do BEFORE you sell your first digital product.

Sorry for misleading you 😅

So… are we cool?

Horrors! “How can this possibly be?!” you shout. Mental storm clouds roll in, lightning strikes, and your face wrinkles in disgust.

Okay, okay. Relax.

Trust me: You’re gonna enjoy this one.

Most people build digital products and do everything right. They validate the idea, test it with a few friends, collect testimonials, and build hype prior to their launch.

Cool.

Those are all solid tips.

But then their digital product flops and they’re stuck wondering why.

Do you know why?

It’s because they forget this one simple principle:

People buy from people they know, like, and trust.

Let me explain…

A few weeks ago, my friend Kieran sold $140k+ of his digital product in 4 days. FOUR DAYS!

In a later email, he explained that he built anticipation for 3 months prior to his launch by dropping hints and sharing sneak peeks. Genius.

But if I’m being honest… anticipation wasn’t the main reason people bought from Kieran (although it certainly helped).

The hidden reason?

For 10 months prior to his course launch: he posted 100+ threads, gave away 8 FREE courses, and sent over 1M emails to his list.

Are you starting to understand what I’m getting at?

Reputation compounds faster than revenue.

Gary Vaynerchuk calls this concept, “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook”.

Because the truth is…

Writing online isn’t about building an audience. It’s about building your reputation.

It’s about improving yourself, educating and inspiring others, and building a sustainable income while doing so.

If you’re writing online for quick cash… this probably isn’t the best business model for you.

So here are 7 ways you can build your reputation…

7) Reply to all comments

Dedicate 30 minutes every day to interact with your audience (and other creators).

(Although eventually, it gets to a point where it’s difficult to reply to everyone).

I heard a saying, “Tweet like a pro, engage like a bro”.

• Use names
• Be a human
• Send out good vibes :)

6) Send personalized videos

I’ll never forget when one of my favorite YouTubers, Evan Carmichael sent me a personalized video thanking me for interacting with one of his posts.

• It takes a minute tops
• You can do it on your walks
• It means A LOT to your fans

(I wish I could link the video, but I can’t embed videos 🥲…)

5) Give away free courses

For the past few weeks, I’ve given away 3 free courses.

Could I have turned each of those into paid products? Sure, I could.

But it’s 10x better to give them away for free.

Why?

• You can practice product-building without pressure
• You grow your audience and email list faster
• You build goodwill and reciprocity

I mean… just look at all the positive feedback I’ve received:

4) Shout out your favorite creators

Nuff said.

But do make sure to check Olly out.

3) Retweet a friend

It literally takes one click. (Wait, I lied… two clicks)

2) Stay an extra 15 minutes on a call

Starting your consulting business? Stay an extra 15 minutes to answer any last questions.

Going on a podcast? Stay an extra 15 minutes to talk strategy.

Chatting with a friend? Stay an extra 15 minutes and keep listening.

1) Create content

Had to add this at the end.

Many people view content as a vessel for attracting clients and making money.

But I view content the same way David Sentra does…

Every time you educate, entertain, or inspire someone… you’re building your reputation.

Every tweet… jab.

Every thread… jab.

Every newsletter… jab.

And then when it’s time…

You can knock ‘em outta the park. 🥊 🥊 🥊

That’s all for this week.

I’ll see you next Sunday,

Jay “Give, Give, Give, Get.” Yang

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