How to build an audience in 2025: https://www.startupempire.co/build-an-audienceI’m joined by Jonathan Courtney to jam on how to build an audience in 2025. We explore various tactics including finding your unique format, implementing consistent systems, and measuring progress against clear goals.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:58 - The ACP Framework04:06 - Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For10:05 - Step 2: Find Your Format19:43 - Step 3: Build Systems That Stick24:52 - Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal28:08 - Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy31:08 - WHY Building an Audience MattersKey Points:• ACP framework for building an audience in 2025: Audience (people passionate about your niche), Community (hardcore followers), and Product (what you sell)• The four-step playbook includes identifying your audience, finding your format, creating systems, and setting goals• Starting as a "reply guy" on platforms like X (Twitter) is recommended as a low-pressure way to begin building an audience• Building an audience serves as an "insurance policy" that provides options for future business opportunities1) The ACP Framework: Your FoundationA = Audience (people passionate about your topic)C = Community (your hardcore followers)P = Product (what you sell to them)The KEY insight: Start with audience FIRST, then community, then product.Why? Because audience-first gives you OPTIONS and CONFIDENCE when you launch.2) Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating ForDon't just create random content. Be strategic!• Focus on people interested in YOUR specific niche• Understand what they're NOT getting from others• Find your unique "sauce" (Greg gives away ALL his startup ideas)• If not getting engagement, start one level broader than your nicheExample: Jonathan's company wanted to be known for design sprints, but started with broader UX content to build audience first.3) Step 2: Find Your FormatYour format is HOW you deliver your content. This is CRUCIAL but often overlooked!• Test one format each business day• Look for formats OUTSIDE your niche (don't copy what's saturated)• Consider what's working platform-wide (short-form video in 2025)• Focus on what feels NATURAL (or you'll quit)• Test for 90 days and let data guide youRemember: Formats have lifecycles! What works today might not work in 6 months.4) Step 3: Build Systems That StickThe difference between creators who quit and those who succeed? SYSTEMS.System breakdown:• Build a "creative faucet" routine (what gets your ideas flowing?)• Create an ideas capture system (Greg uses Apple Notes)• Schedule weekly time to turn ideas into content• Be strategic with timing (post when your audience is active)5) Step 4: Pick ONE Primary GoalDon't try to do everything at once!• Choose ONE metric (100K followers? 25K email list? $1M in sales?)• Measure your formats against this goal every 90 days• Optimize for your goal, not vanity metrics• Remember: attention is SCARCE - build it as an assetThe BEST advice: Just start! Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.6) Where to Begin? The Reply Guy StrategyFeeling overwhelmed? Start as a "reply guy" on X:• Less pressure than posting on your own profile• Lets you experiment with formats• Builds connections with established creators• Gives you confidence before going solo7) WHY Building an Audience MattersAn audience is your INSURANCE POLICY:• Gives you clarity into your niche• Creates a pool of potential customers/users• Provides job opportunities during recessions• Allows you to monetize when neededNotable Quotes:"The audience first approach gives you so many options, also gives you so much confidence when you release something and people actually use it." - JC"I think the number one reason why anyone should create an audience is to have something to fall back on, period. It's like an insurance policy." - GregWant more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideasLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

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