Simplifying Online Business for Older Entrepreneurs
In today’s digital landscape, starting an online business almost always conjures the image of a flashy website, engaging graphics, and a vibrant online presence. However, Ryan Lee argues that for entrepreneurs aged 40 and above, this approach may not only be unnecessary but potentially detrimental to business growth.
Ryan kicks off by challenging conventional wisdom: “Please don’t build a website.” He emphasizes that people often invest extensive time and resources into developing complex websites when most of their audience is not even visiting the homepage. Even if they do visit, it’s likely they’re viewing it on mobile devices, which showcase only a fraction of the design and content compared to larger screens like laptops or desktops.
Instead, Ryan underlines that the real source of income in an online business lies not in the aesthetics of a website, but in the relationships entrepreneurs cultivate with their audience. He asserts that 90% of one’s income hinges on this relationship, and the primary conduit for nurturing it is email communication.
To pivot away from website-centric strategies, Ryan introduces his mantra: “Build your list”. He insists that entrepreneurs should prioritize list building above all else. With decades of experience under his belt involving various businesses, including supplement companies and fitness sites, he states that almost all his revenue has stemmed from his email list—not from elaborate websites.
To illustrate, Ryan shares that one of his most successful landing pages is extremely simple. The takeaway? Flashy, complex websites are not a necessity. For those interested in seeing this effective landing page, he invites viewers to comment with the word "brand" below the video.
Transitioning into actionable advice, Ryan offers a simple formula with three essential components for list building: S-T, where S stands for solving a problem and T stands for creating digestible content.
Solving One Problem
The challenge begins with identifying a single, pertinent problem faced by the target audience. Rather than bombarding potential subscribers with myriad solutions, creators should hone in on one specific issue. This could vary widely, from helping housewives lose weight to guiding first-time home flippers.
Ryan cautions against overwhelming audiences with excessive information or solutions. Instead, he encourages a focus on one immediate problem that can be addressed effectively.
After identifying a problem, the next step is packaging the solution into digestible content. Ryan emphasizes that this content should be consumable in 10 minutes or less. Lengthy eBooks or comprehensive video series might seem valuable, but prospective subscribers often abandon such content before fully engaging.
A concise presentation allows potential leads to quickly absorb valuable information and enhances the chances they will follow through with future content.
The final aspect focuses on making the sign-up process exceptionally straightforward. Ryan warns against asking for excessive personal information upfront. By only collecting an email address initially, businesses can avoid deterring interested individuals. Initially, names and extra details can complicate the process, resulting in lost potential sign-ups. Simplifying sign-up helps to capture the audience's interest without overwhelming them with requests.
Reassessing Website Priorities
Ryan provocatively notes that many entrepreneurs admit to his first question—“Do you have a website?”—by responding that it’s “not done yet” or “being redone.” This common refrain stresses a significant pitfall in online business: the illusion of perfectionism delaying action.
Instead of obsessing over an elaborate site, Ryan suggests focusing on creating a functional landing page that captures leads and prepares entrepreneurs to explore various income opportunities derived from their lists.
Conclusion: Transforming Personal Brands into Income
In a straightforward exhortation, Ryan Lee concludes that older entrepreneurs need to shift their focus from elaborate websites to effective list building. By strategically addressing customer pain points, providing digestible content, and facilitating an easy sign-up process, they stand to gain more in terms of engagement and profitability.
For those seeking further insights on transforming personal brands into sustainable income, Ryan also encourages viewers to engage with his upcoming videos and subscribe for additional resources. The road to online success, he argues, doesn’t have to begin with a sprawling website but can start with something small yet potent: a well-crafted email list.
Part 1/8:
Simplifying Online Business for Older Entrepreneurs
In today’s digital landscape, starting an online business almost always conjures the image of a flashy website, engaging graphics, and a vibrant online presence. However, Ryan Lee argues that for entrepreneurs aged 40 and above, this approach may not only be unnecessary but potentially detrimental to business growth.
The Flawed Focus on Website Creation
Part 2/8:
Ryan kicks off by challenging conventional wisdom: “Please don’t build a website.” He emphasizes that people often invest extensive time and resources into developing complex websites when most of their audience is not even visiting the homepage. Even if they do visit, it’s likely they’re viewing it on mobile devices, which showcase only a fraction of the design and content compared to larger screens like laptops or desktops.
Instead, Ryan underlines that the real source of income in an online business lies not in the aesthetics of a website, but in the relationships entrepreneurs cultivate with their audience. He asserts that 90% of one’s income hinges on this relationship, and the primary conduit for nurturing it is email communication.
Build Your List (BYL)
Part 3/8:
To pivot away from website-centric strategies, Ryan introduces his mantra: “Build your list”. He insists that entrepreneurs should prioritize list building above all else. With decades of experience under his belt involving various businesses, including supplement companies and fitness sites, he states that almost all his revenue has stemmed from his email list—not from elaborate websites.
To illustrate, Ryan shares that one of his most successful landing pages is extremely simple. The takeaway? Flashy, complex websites are not a necessity. For those interested in seeing this effective landing page, he invites viewers to comment with the word "brand" below the video.
Strategies for Effective List Building
Part 4/8:
Transitioning into actionable advice, Ryan offers a simple formula with three essential components for list building: S-T, where S stands for solving a problem and T stands for creating digestible content.
Solving One Problem
The challenge begins with identifying a single, pertinent problem faced by the target audience. Rather than bombarding potential subscribers with myriad solutions, creators should hone in on one specific issue. This could vary widely, from helping housewives lose weight to guiding first-time home flippers.
Ryan cautions against overwhelming audiences with excessive information or solutions. Instead, he encourages a focus on one immediate problem that can be addressed effectively.
Time Efficiency: 10 Minutes or Less
Part 5/8:
After identifying a problem, the next step is packaging the solution into digestible content. Ryan emphasizes that this content should be consumable in 10 minutes or less. Lengthy eBooks or comprehensive video series might seem valuable, but prospective subscribers often abandon such content before fully engaging.
A concise presentation allows potential leads to quickly absorb valuable information and enhances the chances they will follow through with future content.
Ease of Sign-Up
Part 6/8:
The final aspect focuses on making the sign-up process exceptionally straightforward. Ryan warns against asking for excessive personal information upfront. By only collecting an email address initially, businesses can avoid deterring interested individuals. Initially, names and extra details can complicate the process, resulting in lost potential sign-ups. Simplifying sign-up helps to capture the audience's interest without overwhelming them with requests.
Reassessing Website Priorities
Ryan provocatively notes that many entrepreneurs admit to his first question—“Do you have a website?”—by responding that it’s “not done yet” or “being redone.” This common refrain stresses a significant pitfall in online business: the illusion of perfectionism delaying action.
Part 7/8:
Instead of obsessing over an elaborate site, Ryan suggests focusing on creating a functional landing page that captures leads and prepares entrepreneurs to explore various income opportunities derived from their lists.
Conclusion: Transforming Personal Brands into Income
In a straightforward exhortation, Ryan Lee concludes that older entrepreneurs need to shift their focus from elaborate websites to effective list building. By strategically addressing customer pain points, providing digestible content, and facilitating an easy sign-up process, they stand to gain more in terms of engagement and profitability.
Part 8/8:
For those seeking further insights on transforming personal brands into sustainable income, Ryan also encourages viewers to engage with his upcoming videos and subscribe for additional resources. The road to online success, he argues, doesn’t have to begin with a sprawling website but can start with something small yet potent: a well-crafted email list.