
Over the last 12 years, I've collected about 120,000 followers on Instagram.
Guess how many views I get on my average story post?
1,500 views, if I'm lucky…
On a post? A few hundred likes, maybe.
Straight up: that sucks.
Creators have been screwed over by the platforms that they have helped build.
Is it time to ditch the platforms?
Not entirely, but it is time to be much smarter about it all.
One of the smartest moves you can make is to build your own website and email list.
Why? Because these are the two places where you control the narrative.
There’s no algorithm deciding who gets to see your content—you can reach your audience directly.
Having your own website and newsletter gives you freedom from the whims of other platforms.
Unlike Instagram or YouTube, where organic reach is limited, your website and email list are assets that you own.
This means that when you want to promote something, engage with your audience, or sell a product, you can reach them directly in their inbox.
Or through your newsletter or website/blog post (like the one you're reading right now).
Step 1: Build a website
I've created websites on many platforms over the last 15 years.
Thanks to that experience I can confidently recommend Squarespace.
From the ease of building to the new e-commerce and marketing features, it's almost entirely a one-stop shop.
Almost! It lacks some feature to engage with your audience directly, in their email inbox.
Which is where the next step comes in.
Step 2: Start a newsletter
The other crucial platform to get started is the recently rebranded Kit.
It's what I'm using right now to send this automated message.
It has a free plan to get started and is super user-friendly, unlike some of the others out there…
Now, if you haven't done so yet, I highly recommend you read the Matjoez Ultimate Creator Toolkit that I've launched today.
Click here or on the cover below to download it for free.
It will provide you with five simple tools and bonus tips to escape the social media algorithms and reconnect with your audience.
