In the world of digital media, email newsletters have emerged as a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. The recent sale of Morning Brew to Insider Inc. for a reported $75 million has put a spotlight on this growing market. But what does it take to launch and grow a successful newsletter business? We turn to Dru Riley, founder of Trends.vc, for insight into his journey and tips for success in the newsletter space.
A former software engineer, Riley left his comfortable job in 2017 to take a chance on himself. With $250,000 saved, he embarked on a journey to explore new ideas and start his own business. However, after two and a half years, Riley found himself running low on funds. That’s when he began working on a business idea that would eventually become Trends.vc.
Launched in 2020, Trends.vc quickly gained traction among entrepreneurs looking for insights on new markets and ideas. Today, the newsletter boasts over 50,000 subscribers and over 1,000 paid members. But Riley’s journey was not without challenges. In the beginning, he struggled with monetizing his business, despite its growing popularity. Eventually, he found success by offering free reports and charging for deeper insights.
Product Hunt also played a crucial role in Trends.vc’s growth. By leveraging the platform, Riley was able to increase his subscriber count from 6,000 to 25,000. However, he cautions that success on Product Hunt requires careful planning and a strategic approach.
So what’s the secret to building a successful newsletter business? For Riley, it’s all about highlighting others and putting them in the spotlight. By doing so, you can boost your brand and create meaningful relationships with your subscribers. With a combination of hard work, strategic thinking, and a little bit of luck, anyone can launch and grow a successful newsletter business, just like Riley did with Trends.vc.