Media Isn't the Moneymaker - It's the Megaphone

The Growth Insight 🌱

Media Isn't the Moneymaker - It's the Megaphone

Ever feel like you're on a never-ending treadmill, churning out content day after day, only to watch your ad revenue trickle in?

Trust me, I've been there. It's 2 AM, you're bleary-eyed, putting the final touches on tomorrow's newsletter or podcast episode. You hit 'send' or 'publish,' then collapse into bed, dreaming of those sweet, sweet ad dollars.

But let's be real for a second. How's that working out for you?

If you're like most media creators I know, you're probably stuck in an exhausting cycle. Outbounding for ads, juggling advertiser expectations, watching budgets get slashed overnight.

One minute you're on top of the world with a big campaign, the next you're scrambling to fill ad space. It's a rollercoaster, and not the fun kind.

I was chatting with a friend the other day who runs a pretty successful email newsletter. On paper, he's doing great. But when we dug deeper, the truth came out: selling ads is a grind. The juice, as they say, is barely worth the squeeze.

But here's the kicker - it doesn't have to be this way.

What if I told you the real money isn't in selling ad space, but in selling your own stuff?

Yep, you heard that right. The smartest players in the game are using their media platforms as a launchpad for their own products.

Look at Logan Paul. Sure, he could rake in ad revenue from his massive following. But why stop there? He launched Prime, his energy drink that's flying off the shelves. Or take Mr. Beast - he's not just making YouTube videos, he's selling chocolate bars like hotcakes.

And it's not just for the big names, either.

Look at DearMedia. They're creating consumer podcasts like "The Skinny Confidential" and then launching DTC brands to that same audience. Body shaping devices, anyone?

Your media isn't the end game - it's the vehicle. It's your personal billboard, your direct line to an audience that already knows, likes, and trusts you. Why sell that precious attention to someone else when you could be using it to boost your own brand?

Now, I'm not saying ditch ads completely. They can be a nice little side hustle. But if you want to hit the big leagues, start thinking about what you can sell beyond ad space.

Here's the secret sauce: In today's world, attention is currency. Don't just rent it out - invest it in your own empire.

Imagine waking up to sales notifications instead of chasing down ad payments. Picture launching a product to an audience that's already primed to buy. That's the power of owning both the media and the product.

Your audience is gold - why are you renting it out when you could be using it to build your own treasure chest?

Remember, folks: Media isn't the product. Media is the megaphone. Use it to shout about something you own, and watch your bank account thank you.

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