Analog Marketing Stands Out
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In a digital-first world, using analog/physical methods can create unique business opportunities and stand out from digital competition. Here's the framework discussed:
Key Examples of Analog Success
-
Liquid Death (Water Company)
- Took traditional product (water) and packaged it like beer
- Became hugely successful, preparing for IPO
- Shows how physical packaging innovation can disrupt digital-first markets
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Physical Newsletter Box Concept
- Monthly physical box with curated content
- Contains 3 key components:
- Printed swipe file of best ads/sales pages
- Written lesson/insight of the month
- Mystery item (intentionally undefined)
- Pricing suggested at $100-200 per month
Strategic Elements for Success
-
Intentional "Low-Fi" Presentation
- Use USPS packaging instead of custom boxes
- Include messy tape and imperfect packaging
- Make it feel personally assembled
- Avoid corporate/polished appearance
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Authentication Techniques
- Take photos of actually putting labels on boxes
- Include handwritten elements
- Make it feel like it came directly from creator
- Create feeling of personal connection
Marketing Psychology
-
Leverage Contrast Effect
- Stand out by being opposite of digital norm
- Example: "Instead of inbox, focus on mailbox"
- Create memorable experience through physical touch points
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Build Authenticity
- Avoid appearing too professional or corporate
- Embrace "mom and pop" aesthetic
- Keep operations feeling small and personal
- Focus on relationship building over scalability
Key Success Factors
- Must feel genuinely personal/handmade
- Pricing needs to reflect premium experience
- Content should be unique and valuable
- Physical experience should complement digital presence
- Maintain authentic, non-corporate feeling
Sam Parr
Host of MFM and fitness influencer
Sam Parr is a serial entrepreneur and business media pioneer.
In 2016, he founded The Hustle, a business news media company that started in his kitchen with just $12 and grew to eight figures in revenue.
Sam led the charge in making newsletters popular when few believed in their potential.
After four successful years, he sold The Hustle to HubSpot, a publicly traded company. Now operating as HubSpot Media, The Hustle reaches 3 million readers daily, employs a team of nearly 100, and has been the launchpad for dozens of its staff to found their own media companies and newsletters.
Sam remains the host of the popular business podcast, My First Million, and continues to start and sell companies. He also co-founded Hampton, a highly vetted community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, and teaches people to write better through his platform, Copy That.