There's never been a better time to start your own business or become a solopreneur.
But in 2024, you're going to need to use social media if you really want to build something of your own. It's tough without an online presence.
But how do you even begin?
The good news is that I've spent the last 5 years figuring that out. Here's a very simple formula for getting started, broken down into six actionable steps.
Step 1: Skillset & Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
One of the biggest misconceptions people have is what they’re selling. You're not just selling a product or service — you're selling a unique solution to a very specific problem.
So, it’s important to identify your core skillset and turn it into a UVP (unique value proposition).
For instance, if you're a digital marketing expert who spent a few years buying websites, growing their blog traffic and revenue, and then selling them, your UVP could be "Turn your blog into a 6-figure sales channel”.
Use Twitter/X or LinkedIn (easiest) to ask questions to your network about what challenges they face in your niche.
This real-time feedback can help refine your UVP.
Step 2: In-depth Market Research
Skip the general Google search.
Dig deep into niche forums, subreddits, LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, and Twitter/X ecosystems where your target audience hangs out. Observe the language they use and the problems they talk about.
Make a list of recurring pain points and (especially) desires. What keeps them up at night? What challenges are they hoping to solve? What does your prospective customer’s dream future look like when you’ve solved their problem?
Hit social media and test out a few classic conversion copywriting techniques on LinkedIn (recommended) or Twitter.
For example, try PAS (Pain-Agitate-solution).
Talk about the pain you’ve heard your prospects talk about, agitate that pain by talking about what happens if their problem isn't addressed, and then let them know you have a solution.
What happens?
Step 3: Business Plan with a Twist
Forget some big, lengthy business plan.
Instead, create a "One-Page Action Plan" focused on a BHAG (Big, hairy, audacious goal). What big milestones do you need to hit and when? What are your critical daily actions?
Use project management tools like Trello or Notion to create a visual roadmap of your goals.
Share your business journey in a LinkedIn article series. Authentic journeys attract engagement and can likely land you your first client. This is a huge inflection point for your business and where you learn the most.
Step 4: Setting Up a Social Media Funnel
Your website and social media profiles must act as a seamless funnel.
Create a lead magnet based on the problems and solutions you’ve heard your customers talk about. Add testimonials and a call-to-action that align with your UVP. Get people to your new page with your social media content.
Use Twitter threads or share photos on LinkedIn to take your audience behind the scenes. Show them the making of your product or the "day in the life" of your service.
If you're using LinkedIn, I cover how to set this up inside of The LinkedIn Operating System.
Step 5: Dynamic Pricing Strategy
Pricing is difficult to get right. When I started, I felt like I was overcharging and then eventually felt like I was undercharging. So, make a habit out of experimenting.
Start with three tiers of pricing to cater to different segments of your audience.
Price anchor by using one very high price for premium services to make other, less premium services look cheaper in comparison.
Offer limited-time discounts exclusively to your social media followers to create a sense of community and urgency.
In the early days, you learn the most by simply getting “at bats” with your customers. Take on new work and start learning.
Step 6: Amplified Networking and Outreach
Building relationships online is the modern version of the old-school networking event. And everyone is invited. As you grow, this is probably the most important part of getting your business to the next level.
Collaborate with friends and peers in the space. Support each other’s content and leave testimonials. In the early days, this stuff matters so much!
If you’re going to do outreach, utilize DMs for deepening relationships. A personal video message or voice message (especially on LinkedIn) can be much more impactful than a text-based DM.
Lead with value or curiosity rather than an “ask”.
Summary
Starting a solopreneur journey, especially one that relies on social media, is really damn hard.
And there’s no “cookie cutter approach” to getting it right. And you won't learn every single thing you need from this article.
But, if you execute this roadmap and have a willingness to dive deep and learn, you’ll give yourself a great chance to succeed.
I hope to see you out there, thriving. You're not alone on this journey; you're part of a growing tribe of modern-day solopreneurs.
If you're just getting started on your journey, consider building your brand and business on LinkedIn with my Operating System. 22,500 and 50 LinkedIn Top Voices have already made it the #1 digital course globally on LinkedIn.
If you're a little further along, consider joining 4,000+ entrepreneurs getting an A to Z education in building lean, profitable internet businesses in my flagship course, The Creator MBA.
You'll learn 111 lessons over 14 chapters that will help you finally unlock the online business blueprint.
Or, if you're not quite ready, just start building and see what happens.
Either way, you'll learn when you get started.
Good luck.
