In this week’s episode of the Niche Pursuits podcast, Taylin John Simmonds and I discuss how to build a successful ghostwriting business and attract new clients through content marketing. Taylin shares his journey from being a broke college student to growing a $40K/month ghostwriting business.
He dives into the tactics and strategies that helped him grow his business, such as posting consistently on X and LinkedIn. Taylin also shares insights into how he landed his first clients and scaled his business to generate consistent revenue. Whether you’re a writer looking for new opportunities or a business owner wanting to grow through content, this episode offers actionable advice to help you succeed.
Watch the Full Episode
The Power of Posting Consistently
Taylin credits much of his success to consistently posting on X (formerly Twitter), a tactic he learned after meeting a fellow entrepreneur who was earning significant revenue through daily tweets. Although he didn’t initially know how it would work, posting daily became a habit that led to substantial growth in his business.
Over time, Taylin shifted from random content to more strategic, intentional posts designed to attract clients. He stresses that while the first phase was about learning what worked, the real breakthrough came when he focused on how to deliver value consistently.
- Start Posting Regularly: In the early stages, it’s all about building the habit of posting every day, no matter the content.
- Shift to Strategy: Once the habit is in place, refine your approach by studying successful content creators and tweaking your posts to appeal to your target audience.
Landing Your First Clients
Landing clients can be the hardest part of starting a service-based business, but Taylin shares his approach to overcoming this challenge. He started by using his social media to showcase his ability to grow audiences, taking screenshots of viral posts and sharing them as proof of his expertise.
He also worked for free to build his portfolio, knowing that results from others would add credibility to his skill set. By networking with agency owners, Taylin was able to land his first clients, who then referred him to others.
- Proof of Capability: Showcase your results to build trust with potential clients. If you don’t have client testimonials, use your own social media growth as proof.
- Work for Free to Build Social Proof: Offering free work initially can help you gain the trust of clients and prove your ability to deliver results.
Growth Strategies for Ghostwriters and Entrepreneurs
When it comes to growing your business, Taylin recommends focusing on building a strong presence and leveraging the community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your niche and creating content that resonates with that audience. Taylin shares two strategies for effective lead generation:
- Case Study Profiles: Post testimonials and case studies on your social media profiles to combat skepticism and build trust.
- Stealth Selling: Create viral content that educates, and then subtly incorporate your case studies to build authority and convert leads without coming across as overly salesy.
- Value-Based Content: Content should not just promote your services but also share your personal values, creating a deeper connection with your audience.
- Repurposed Content: Take a successful piece of content and transform it into multiple formats, such as infographics, carousels, or videos, to reach a wider audience without reinventing the wheel.
LinkedIn vs. X for Lead Generation
As social media platforms evolve, Taylin has adapted his approach. While X was once the go-to platform for viral growth, Taylin now focuses more on LinkedIn, which he sees as an untapped resource for B2B lead generation.
He explains that LinkedIn’s simpler content requirements make it easier to grow organically, and its professional audience offers a valuable opportunity for businesses to increase brand awareness and attract high-quality leads.
- Choose the Right Platform: LinkedIn is an ideal platform for B2B companies looking to attract professional leads, while X is better suited for thought leadership and viral content.
Growth Ghost: Helping Others Succeed
Through his community, Growth Ghost, Taylin now helps others replicate his success in ghostwriting. The community offers training on how to become a successful ghostwriter, providing the tools and resources to scale a business.
By hiring and mentoring students, Taylin has created a system that not only helps them gain social proof but also allows them to build their own businesses with his guidance.
- Mentorship and Training: For aspiring ghostwriters, the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals can be a game-changer.
- Revenue Share Model: Taylin uses a revenue share model to ensure fair compensation for his team, providing writers with a percentage of the revenue generated from the content they produce.
What’s Next for Ghostlii and Growth Ghost?
Looking ahead, Taylin has set ambitious goals for both Ghostlii and Growth Ghost. He plans to scale both businesses to seven figures annually while continuing to help his clients grow their businesses through high-leverage content marketing.
Additionally, Taylin is considering an exit strategy for Ghostlii, aiming to build it in a way that would make it an attractive acquisition target in the future.
- Scaling for Impact: The goal is to focus on fewer clients but generate outsized results, ensuring that each client is receiving immense value from their investment.
- Helping More People: Growth Ghost will continue to mentor aspiring ghostwriters, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a freelancer looking to add another revenue stream or a business owner seeking new ways to generate leads, ghostwriting offers a powerful opportunity. By leveraging content creation, building strong client relationships, and using platforms like LinkedIn and X strategically, you can create a consistent pipeline of leads and grow your business.
As Taylin’s story shows, consistency, strategy, and the willingness to learn and adapt are key to building a successful ghostwriting business that can scale and create real impact.
- Consistency is Key: Posting regularly on platforms like X or LinkedIn helps build momentum and visibility.
- Leverage Content for Leads: Create value-based content that educates, engages, and subtly promotes your services.
- Build Strong Client Relationships: Offer proof of your skills through case studies and testimonials to build trust.
- Adapt to Platform Changes: Stay flexible and adjust your approach as platforms evolve to ensure continued success.
- Scale with Strategy: Focus on fewer clients with higher value, delivering outsized results to maximize growth.
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