Promoting a new newsletter, especially when you have a niche topic (like a programming language that's NOT JavaScript/TypeScript 😅) and a limited follower base, requires a strategic approach. Here are some effective ways to promote your newsletter and engage with people on LinkedIn and X:
💡Notes
From now on I may call X -> Twitter.
For the sake of this article, let's say that my newsletter is about Rust.
What to Do on LinkedIn
Optimize Your Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card. Make sure it highlights your expertise in Rust. Include a link to your newsletter in your bio and featured section. This ensures that anyone visiting your profile can easily find and subscribe to your newsletter.
Join and Participate in Relevant Groups
LinkedIn groups are a goldmine for networking. Join groups related to Rust, programming, and software development. Actively participate in discussions and share valuable insights. This not only establishes your authority but also drives traffic to your profile and, subsequently, your newsletter.
I'm personally part of the "Rust Programming Language" and from time to time I share my Rust articles, or hang out with people to read their news and learn from them. People in the comments are very active and like to share.
You can find groups simply by searching on the LinkedIn search bar.
Create Engaging Posts
Share snippets of your newsletter content, such as interesting tips, excerpts from your articles, or the latest news about Rust. Use relevant hashtags (#RustLang, #Programming, #SoftwareDevelopment) to increase visibility, but don't overdo it, no one likes that... Ask questions or create polls to encourage interaction. Engaging posts can significantly boost your reach and engagement.
Notice the image below, the creator asked a question and used the relevant hashtags, he got 4 answers which is pretty good for a LinkedIn group. You could create something similar for your newsletter.
Publish Articles
This one is a bit time-consuming as it requires writing LinkedIn articles, but hear me out: You could write a beginner-friendly article about Rust, and then in your newsletter provide an in-depth analysis or a tutorial. At the end of each article, include a call-to-action (CTA) inviting readers to subscribe to your newsletter. This not only showcases your expertise but also serves as a direct funnel to gain subscribers.
Engage with Influencers
Follow and engage with thought leaders in the Rust and programming community. Comment on their posts with meaningful contributions, and subtly mention your newsletter if relevant. Building relationships with influencers can amplify your reach and credibility.
Don't fake connections, try to authentically connect with people. If you're passionate about your newsletter and the things you're writing in it this shouldn't be too difficult.
Personalized Outreach
After getting used to doing all the above, as a final step I'd suggest sending personalized connection requests to fellow developers, mentioning your interest in Rust. Once connected, you can share your newsletter with them in a non-spammy , personal message. Personalized outreach can create a more engaged and loyal subscriber base.
The hard truth: Don't expect everyone to respond to your DMs, and even those who do might not be interested in the newsletter. That's okay! You want genuine connections with people who share your interests.
What to Do on X/Twitter
Optimize Your Profile
Ensure your Twitter bio clearly states your focus on Rust and includes a link to your newsletter. A well-optimized profile can convert casual visitors into subscribers.
For example, Francesco Ciulla has an amazing bio that clearly shows who he is and what are his interests.
Use Relevant Hashtags
When tweeting about Rust, use popular and relevant hashtags like #RustLang, #RustTips, #Rust. Hashtags increase the discoverability of your tweets but as I mentioned on LinkedIn don't overdo it!
Here's a nice example (link): AstraKernel has a new video, with an image, a link and a few relevant tags.
Tweet Regularly
Share valuable content regularly, such as Rust tips, news, code snippets, and interesting insights from your newsletter. Pin a tweet promoting your newsletter to the top of your profile. Consistent tweeting keeps your audience engaged and informed.
Tip: This is something that obviously takes time but you could also schedule your posts and create content just right after you finish writing the newsletter that way everything is fresh in your memory and you can do it faster! Don't afraid to promote your newsletter but also don't be spammy!
Engage with the Community
Follow and engage with other Rust enthusiasts, developers, and influencers. Retweet and comment on their posts to build relationships and increase your visibility. Community engagement fosters a sense of belonging and can drive more subscribers.
A good way to find like-minded people is through lists and communities!
Share Visual Content
Use images, GIFs, and infographics to make your tweets more engaging. Share screenshots of your newsletter content to give a sneak peek. Visual content is more likely to be shared and can attract more attention. Can you create short videos? That's even better as recently Twitter started promoting these even more.
Participate in Twitter Spaces
Join or host Twitter spaces related to programming and Rust. Use these opportunities to share your expertise and mention your newsletter. Twitter chats can significantly boost your visibility and engagement.
Share Subscriber Testimonials
Final step: As your newsletter and your followers start to grow, if you have positive feedback from your newsletter subscribers, share their testimonials in tweets (with images) to build credibility. Testimonials can serve as social proof and encourage more people to subscribe. This is a tactic many companies follow too.
General Tips - Things to Do
🔑 Consistency is Key: Regularly share content and engage with your audience to build a steady presence. Consistency helps in maintaining and growing your follower base.
🙌 Provide Value: Ensure every piece of content you share is valuable and relevant to your audience, whether its a tip, news, or an article excerpt. Valuable content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
👯 Engage Actively: Respond to comments, engage in conversations, and build relationships within the community. Active engagement fosters a loyal and interactive audience.
📊 Leverage Analytics: Use LinkedIn and Twitter analytics to track the performance of your posts and understand what type of content resonates most with your audience. Analytics can provide insights to refine your strategy and improve engagement.
💫 Leverage Other Social Media Platforms: While LinkedIn and Twitter are powerful platforms, don't overlook other social media channels like TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram. Each platform has its own unique audience and can provide additional reach.
📩 Email Signature: Add a link to your newsletter in your email signature. This is a subtle yet effective way to promote your newsletter to everyone you communicate with via email.
📧 Collaborate with Other Newsletters: Partner with other newsletter creators in the Rust or programming community. You can cross-promote each other's newsletters, which can help you reach a broader audience.
💻 Create a Landing Page: Create a dedicated landing page for your newsletter. This page should highlight the benefits of subscribing and include testimonials, sample content, and a clear call-to-action.
💰 Utilize Paid Advertising: Consider using paid advertising on LinkedIn and Twitter to promote your newsletter. Targeted ads can help you reach a specific audience interested in Rust programming.
📚 Offer Exclusive Content: Provide exclusive content or perks to your newsletter subscribers. This could be in the form of eBooks, early access to articles, or special discounts on courses or products.
Conclusion
By following these strategies, I honestly believe you can effectively promote your newsletter. Remember, building a loyal subscriber base takes time and consistent effort, but the results are well worth it. Stay committed, provide valuable content, and actively engage with your community. With patience and persistence, you'll see your newsletter grow and thrive. Happy promoting!
👋 Hello, I'm Eleftheria, Community Manager, developer, public speaker, and content creator.
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