Genevieve Roch-Decter urges writers to “just start”
Genevieve Roch-Decter is building a media empire beginning with her flagship publication, Grit Capital. Across all of her publications, which also include, Grit Crypto and Grit ALTS, Genevieve has amassed an audience of more than 87,000 subscribers.
In this conversation, Genevieve offers sharp insights on getting started with paid subscriptions and building a funnel from social media. Be sure to listen to the end for her sharp formula to clear and concise finance and investing writing.
On getting started
“I started the publication just under two years ago and I would have never known what could have happened if I hadn't started. I want to encourage everybody out there to just start. The journey could be so amazing and you just have no idea.”
“It can be quite confusing deciding what you want to start your newsletter about. You can overthink it and that can prevent you from starting. What I would advise, and this is exactly what I did, it sounds selfish but it really isn't, write for yourself first. Spend a lot of time thinking, ‘What would I actually read? What would I actually find entertaining and insightful?’ Bet on yourself that there are other people like you out there.”
On going paid right away
“I waited about five months before I launched the paid version because I was completely afraid that it would be a failed endeavor. When I turned it on, I realized this community really wants to know more. […] Now if I look back, I should have started from day one. The reason I say that is because you're really growing an audience and to grow that audience you need to build trust with them. You need to be consistent and you need to add value to them in a whole bunch of different ways.”
On sharing her portfolio and facing fear
“If you’re going to open up your portfolio to the rest of the world, you’re opening yourself up to a huge scrutiny. But a lot of the fears I had, none of them came true. [...] People realize you’re on a journey to learn just as much as they are. And they want to see how you are learning, how you are adapting to the macro environment or a theme changing. It’s kind of like watching your favorite hockey player or baseball player. They’re not always going to be on top of their game but doesn’t mean you fall out of love with them. I think everybody wants to be on the journey. Share the journey with that journey and build in the open.”
On creating a funnel from social media
“Your strategy on social media is your top of funnel. The name of the game is to convert followers to free subscribers and then convert them to a paid subscriber. At every level, you’re adding a bit more value.”
On writing that resonates
“It’s not the word count that matters but rather the time you spend editing and making the message clear and concise. The magic formula is insight, entertainment, and actionable takeaways.”
This conversation first took place as part of Investing Happy Hour. Join our next one this coming Wednesday with Brian Lund of Lund Loop.