NO new subscribers to my newsletter in 2 weeks :(
Over the past two weeks, I've dedicated my time to promoting my newsletter called Health Dojo (https://healthdojo.substack.com/about) and my longevity studies database found at Longer Living (https://www.longer-living.com/). During this period, I've managed to attract 180 views on my newsletter website, from both subscribers and non-subscribers. It has become apparent to me that my newsletter is in direct competition with the Huberman Lab newsletter, as we essentially offer the same content.
I've been running this newsletter since March and initially acquired subscribers through platforms like Reddit and IndieHackers. However, I haven't found a consistent method for attracting new subscribers since then. The same challenge applies to my webpage, as it takes time to rank on Google, especially for the keyword "longer living." I'm starting to reach the conclusion that neither of my products has achieved product-market fit, and it seems that either there isn't enough demand for them or my competitors are too strong for me to compete against. I'm faced with the decision of whether or not to bring an end to my newsletter.
I have built a newsletter to 25K subs. It certainly takes time. But in this case, not to disappoint you but I think topics like these are best suited for SEO channel unless you are able to find a specific FB group that supports you. Health related newsletter is a kind of tough game to find a proper acquisition channel.
If you are looking for some other ideas, niches, you can find some SaaS Ideas here.
Another option could be trying to cross promote with other new newsletters in your space. Did you try that?
yeah, I made the mistake of not thinking about the competition when starting this newsletter + not finding a consistent way of growing my subscriber list
It's part of the learning process for everyone. Hope you will do better. So, what are you planning to do next?
I can tell you how I started and got 150+ fast.
Anyway, it's a long game. You should try this for a year, until you decide to continue or not.
I decide to stop the newsletter because of the lack of reward that would come if I continue it. I would not be able to compete with Huberman Lab or Bryan Jhonson,etc. I did not investigate about the competition before starting it and I still have not found a consistent way of getting subscribers
Here is the thing. Would you still do it if you had to do it for free ?
I mean, I got some side projects beyond my 9to5 that I would still do it even if I wouldnt get a dollar for it, just because is fun.
If you are in a position to do this because you enjoy it, there is no need to stop what you are doing right now.
And you could still use this project to as a school to learn new stuff and real world skills needed to continue a project / solo company.
I see that you are using some jargon like "product market fit". With that my question to you is, why are you doing it? Is it still clear in your mind why did you started the project? What have changed?
If Mr. Beast started a "living longer" newsletter at substack, would you drop the niche as well?
My point here is, those people you mentioned might be working with your niche as well, but they still not you. Aren't you passionate enough about this topic to continue writing your side of the story on this subject?
yeah, you are on the right path, I would not do it for a long period of time if I did not saw any monetization of the newsletter
I get the sense newsletters take a lot of up front work to get going
yeah, the main issue is not the product ( the newsletter ), it is finding a consistent way of getting subscribers specially if you do not have an upfront audience
is it a lot of work to manage this newsletter?