Category: Newsletter

You ever have one of those moments when you think something really cool is about to happen and you’re really excited, but then you find out it’s not what you expected? That’s what’s happening to me right now, but it’s mostly my own fault and I can totally accept that.

So, in my last post, I talked about my scheme to develop a Patreon page (which I still plan to do) instead of a newsletter. I had it all planned out but I didn’t have all the right information. Plus, I made some pretty broad assumptions along the way.

Patreon isn’t new to me. I participated in one a few years ago as part of a group effort. Needless to say, the platform has changed a lot since then and I didn’t take that into consideration. Then, I cited an article, that while very informative, was a bit misleading in its use of the idea “pay what you want.” Also, I came across a Patreon creator letting potential patrons know they could simply follow them for now if they weren’t ready to become a paid patron. It was totally my assumption that came with some form of benefit to the potential patron.

Basically, a feature that used to exist no longer exists and it throws my whole plan off. You can no longer offer content for free on the platform. And giving people the chance to follow a patron just means that person will see that creator’s profile whenever they happen to visit their own profile page.

So much for avoiding a newsletter. Time to come up with a Plan B that helps me develop my Patreon community ’cause I’m still moving on with that.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter

Everyone, all the experts, and even the newbies keep telling me that an email list and or newsletter is the key to creator success and marketing. I’ve had newsletters before, and they were a headache and a complete disaster. I honestly didn’t know what to do with a newsletter or how to build an audience with it, but I’ve learned a lot over the years and think I get it now.

Now, here’s the problem I’m faced with. What service to use and how to make the process part of my creativity and not just another task to do? How do I make this process accessible to all with minimal cost? And how to address the potential for growth? So, what I write next may sound a bit crazy, but hear me out.

I’ve decided to set up a Patreon instead of a newsletter, and here’s why.

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-Readers and fans can follow a Patreon easier than they can sign up for most email lists and it’s FREE. People who follow will have access to anything I post publicly.

-It keeps me from having to manage an email list. Pretty sure Patreon takes care of all that.

-It’s a platform build on the intent to create. If someone decides to upgrade from follower to supporter, they will do so with the clear expectation of the various kinds of content they will see. I don’t have to worry about whether I’m sharing something that some of my contacts want to see but not others.

-It’s a platform built for financial and community growth.

Well, if you haven’t said it out lout yet, go ahead. Yes, this is an odd little experiment.

Worst case scenario, I gather a bunch of followers who never upgrade to financial supporters and I have access to a community who’s rooting me on. That doesn’t sound so bad.

Best case scenario, some of my followers become financial supporters and tell some of their friends and family about what I’m offering. Sounds like a win-win to me.

I’ll be blogging more about this process in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords #blacklivesmatter