Year 1 review
It's been a year of writing this newsletter. Read on hasmukhkerai.com Read time: 5 mins Hi Reader, This is a bit of a special edition. It's been a year since I hit "send" on the first newsletter. I’ve been looking forward to writing this one so much, I delayed it by a week. Today, I'll share what I've learned from the past 12 months. It's been a "learning curve" (I know, sorry), and I’m excited to recap the milestones, share the metrics, and outline the strategy for the upcoming year. Whether you're a long-time subscriber or new here, the behind-the-scenes of this newsletter can help you on a project of your own. Many newsletters fail because they try to appeal to everyone and resonate with no one. They lack focus, consistency, and genuine engagement with readers. I know because that's what I did a year ago. At a glance:
Year 1 metrics and recap Before we dig in, I just want to say thank you, Reader. Your support through opens, clicks, replies, and in-person feedback has made all the difference. So, thank you! For those who are new around here, or don’t know me personally: It’s been a year since I started this newsletter. During a tough time, I focused on what I could control and decided to start this newsletter. Here’s why: Three levels of motivation
A year ago, my first newsletter was list of links to things I found interesting on the internet. Today, it's a bi-weekly newsletter, curating research-backed insights, exclusive surveys, and practical strategies to use technology and devices, not be used by them. Year 1 review Highlights from Year 1
Thoughts and learnings Those are some tangible metrics, but they don't capture the excitement of starting and staying committed to a project that's so different from the instant feedback and viral reach of social media. I chose to create a newsletter to escape the dopamine hits and vanity metrics associated with online platforms and build MY audience. Profiles on these platforms can change or be hacked, forcing you to start from scratch. I wanted to invest my energy in something more stable and meaningful. I'll discuss the value of patience learned through this journey a bit later.
Yes, you read that right. Social event! After the newsletter "Why shared meals matter", I asked readers if they'd be interested in getting to know fellow readers in the area over a meal. It gave me the chance to try out the simple but effective "waiting list strategy". If there's interest, I'll make it happen, if not, no. 30 readers registered their interest, and after finding a date that worked out, we ended up with 14 people in a private venue run by one reader, with a homecooked meal by another reader, for a night of communal food, no work talk, and no phones. It felt like the perfect end to the first year of this newsletter had to end with The Perfect Bite. Check out the recap video here :) or click on the photo above. Now what? 2nd-year strategy Calm Marketing Authentic, stress-free, and minimal social media. My focus will be on providing value through the newsletter. As our son grows, he requires and deserves my undivided attention. The time I do have is better invested in providing value within the newsletter, not playing the virality lottery on social media. Strategic Goals for Year 2
Year 1 biggest learnings If you are considering starting your own newsletter and my experience can be of service, here is a list of elements to consider incorporating. Just because they are on my list, it doesn't mean I've successfully incorporated them all of the time, and I'm still working on it. Essential Elements of a Successful Newsletter
Some additional quick lessons.
Which of the above points had you going "yeees 🤌"? Add to the conversation here. Conclusion: If you got this far, you're part of 75.95% of subscribers, so thank you Reader. Your support and feedback have been invaluable. As we move into Year 2, I’m looking at ways to provide value to you. I've already got my eye on a couple of future events too. You can expect two more emails from me before September as I take a bit of a summer break.
If this email was forwarded to you, please consider subscribing. (The landing page has probably changed since you signed up.) See you in two weeks. Peace, Has
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