Whether you’re looking to increase reach for a mission without monetization; rally support for a service you offer through donations; attract a very select crowd from the masses for high-end coaching services; or seek to sell product you’ve developed as part of your free offerings, there are some great providers doing it better than you.

In previous posts, I ranted a bit about being too loud to be heard while offering ideas on how you can be smarter. Then, I spotlighted four standout examples of free and easy-to-implement ideas you can quickly adapt. Today, I’ll dig a little deeper on takeaways from some of these fun and creative models.

Of course, it depends on what you’re trying to do. Currently, I’m supporting two very different blogs. One is revenue positive; another (this one) not so much. The strategies are very different for each. Appealing to a tight-niche, loyal audience has been lucrative. I’m looking to expand opportunities at that site/business while striving to get traction for this one, which is more general in appeal with many more competitors.

So, the ideas gleaned from the examples below come from two very different perspectives. Maybe some will work well for you.

Wonder of tech

Carolyn offers fabulous, consistent and relevant content. She’s secured a great website name and domain to attract her ideal audience. It’s a simple, easy to navigate site that’s on mission. She’s built a solid reputation and following with avid fans. With the reach and credibility she’s amassed, she’s poised to capitalize.

Interesting takeaways: Carolyn is equally adept at appealing to a novice and geek audience. That’s not easy. She loves tech and immerses herself in it but is still able to present material in a way so the most uninitiated reader can understand but an early adopter can appreciate. She consistently publishes and contributes columns to area print media. Her personality and opinion show through in every post. The website is a great example of professional simplicity.

Now I Know

Dan Lewis has been experimenting with ideas of late I find intriguing. His Patreon campaign is something worth watching. It’s been successful in a short time period. To support it, he’s offering to reduce ads on the e-mailings (curious strategy), mention on his appreciation wall for those at the $5 mark or above and offering deeper content to high level givers. This newsletter has been the fodder of two books, so he’s been doing it for a while. Most probably contribute as a thank you for great free reading over the years.

Speaking of books, Dan’s been clever in how he’s leveraged Amazon and ACX (the company distributing the audio version of his books) to increase income beyond royalties from book sales. Where did the books he’s now selling come from? Prior blog posts.

He’s also adopted a new feature recently with Sporcle quizzes. This is the first time I’ve seen this and intend to explore it for future engagement driving strategies.

In each post, Dan drives people back into his site/blog with a bonus fact and archive feature then adds an affiliate links to related products that naturally relate to the topic (mostly books). It compels the reader who wants to know more explore.

Itty Biz

The recent addition of “I don’t get it Wednesdays” to this newsletter/blog is brilliant. Naomi is able to demonstrate her ability as an industry expert while presenting herself as an understanding, likable mentor. Since her primary revenue steam is coaching, her compelling copy and humor coupled with intuitive content offers a great way for her to illustrate her talents.

Naomi’s today in history feature at the top of the newsletter is a fun way to draw the reader in. You can do this too. It’s easy to find relevant happenings with a number of free calendars – the wit she ads is a bit more challenging. Try day specific or monthly logs depending on your preference   – or simply do a google search.

Each newsletter ends with a quote. You can search the web as needed. I find short quote swipe files easier – filling about 20 pages worth a year culling from my e-mail subscriptions.

Marketing Minute

Marcia provides a simple, timeless and quick to load format. No pictures. The courier type is cute and effective at asserting old school. She’s also held on to an e-mail only subscription option (smart). Ensuring offers are relevant to core content helps drive product purchases. Her new, yet enduring, content comes out on Wednesdays, with no list mining messages during the rest of the week. Products created (including books drawn entirely from newsletter content) are relevant to the editorial content and niche audience. Enticements to buy after every post are a newsletter feature.

Genius ideas are often borrowed

Using creativity to succeed isn’t so much about invention as it is paying attention to what others have already done well. Sure, you need to customize the idea to work for your particular audience and needs, but can save yourself a ton a research time by paying attention to what’s working well for others. You’ll have a lot more fun with your small business marketing if you let others help spur your genius.

Do any of these ideas get you excited? Have great finds of your own you’d like to share? Please add a comment. If you liked this content, look left and click on the social media buttons. Thanks!