I have been thinking about this for a while but as a coaching business I always got stuck on what to create, although I do have a workbook that is crying out to be put into an actually book format! Those that have create journals I would be interested to know the process they used for printing eg do they hold stock (big upfront cost) or print on demand?
I will be sharing my process after the holidays in my newsletter. Feel free to DM me in the meantime. I am on Amazon KDP mainly. I will be happy to help, creating publishing assets are magnet in many ways.
I also created the workbook for a best-selling author and it confirmed to me the brand's potential
In my previous business we created multiple rounds of merch - jumpers, shirts, caps, stubby holders, stickers and bags. Designing a physical product and seeing it come to life was really fun! While the merch made a bit of money it wasn't a huge revenue driver (it probably lost money if I count the hours involved in product development) but it was great marketing and we got a small amount of press off the back of it. I'm in the process of creating a physical product that builds off my Substack, and my goal isn't to make money but a) have a bit of fun, b) make a bit of noise and c) see what happens 🥰
Love all these inspirational ideas… my creative juices are starting to flow. Was also so tickled to see my own book marks in your examples. Thank you for sharing with others! I made mine on CANVA, was so easy!
Hello 👋 thank you for the ideas and the mention. Our yellow beanies have become a real member favourite - and a bonus of creating merch is that our people love to snap themselves wearing/carrying/using it and share the love, so they’re also advertising the brand (works pretty well for Nike 😝). Happy Sunday 💛💛
I love stationery and love the idea of creating products like this. I’d been thinking about getting some stickers made for a while but this has spurred me on some more (and to explore some of the other options). Thanks for the inspiration ✨
These are good ideas. I am a romance author and my readers get bookmarks designed to fit the book covers , free books, character sheets, flash fiction and other bonuses depending on my work in progress. https://ninapotterauthor.substack.com
Yes, I was thinking about taking some products off and adding some new services, I really want to create a book club membership, but I'm still new to all this, so It's really not as easy as I thought
Sometimes less can be more - for me, I have definitely found it is easier to sell when I am only focusing on pushing one core product but having other things that come off of that, if that makes sense?
I loved this post and resonated with it. I never thought about some of these ideas, thanks for sharing!
I started thinking of digital products and print assets when I switched my studios' vision and more than ever I realize these products can elevate brand building.
I designed many journals both printed and digital, but never thought of a custom one used for my newsletters. It's a great idea!
As a service provider, I didn’t really create a product to be a lead magnet. I wrote and self published my book to celebrate 10 years of being self employed. I had 50 copies printed thinking I wouldn’t sell many, and they all sold out within about 6-8 months. That book, along with going to an event where I met Lucy, led to the idea of creating a short ebook about presentation design. It was used as a thanks for signing up to my newsletter.
That is a great catalyst for writing a book! I am using a similar approach for my book.
I see better now; the book launched a new book idea in an organic way. Nice!
I didn't start creating products with a lead magnet mindset. I just loved creating digital products. There have been two times when I tried a new product, and it took time to connect and find its audience, so I removed it. Time passed, and I realized it was a timing problem and how relevant it was within my collection of products.
Thanks for this article and the ideas. Love Bhavini's work! I'm toying with the journal idea for my burnout coaching business so going to look into that further. Thanks both!
Ah! I am so pleased to inspire - I think a journal to accompany burnout seems a perfect brand-building match. Could just be something you gift or even a new business lead for maybe corporates you might want to connect with. Good luck!
Ahh how fab to see Bhavini & her expertise pop up in this article!!
We don’t have any products to support our service based biz at the mo, but now, after reading this, I want to create some!! Thanks for the inspiration Lucy & Bhavini!!
Because I used to run a stationery business I can’t help myself designing stationery to go with my coaching and book! I have two postcards and a bookmark that go with every order of my book, The 1% Wellness Experiment (I took a pic to show you but don’t see how to add it here). I got bespoke pencils to send out with review copies too. I also have designed other postcards and notebooks to go with my online courses.
As someone who has also had their partner join their biz to add a creative arm, I think we are missing a trick with a few things here! We've created a skincare brand, Faace and most recently, a cap brand - Best Policy. But we also have a comms business, so going to get my thinking cap on now! I'd love to know how you market these aspects to drive the revenue if you have a chance to cover that in future :)
Practical, original and easily applicable ideas, thank you! I liked two ideas in particular: 1) the first is that of the card deck, I'm not sure how it could be applied to my newsletter on the emotional, social and relational sides of AI (if you have ideas I'm ready to listen!) but it has always fascinated me; 2) the second is the one relating to the journal, also very interesting because it could be used for more structured processes that people can follow gradually in the creation or drafting of something.
Love all these ideas, esp the journal book idea. Given me some thoughts there for something I’m going to do next thanks Lucy and Bhavini. I got some incredible cookies made to identically match my book cover
Noted!
I have been thinking about this for a while but as a coaching business I always got stuck on what to create, although I do have a workbook that is crying out to be put into an actually book format! Those that have create journals I would be interested to know the process they used for printing eg do they hold stock (big upfront cost) or print on demand?
Yes funnily enough I’ve had a request for a follow up piece on how to actually make the things so I might need to put that together!
Please do!
Yes that'd be amazing <3
I will be sharing my process after the holidays in my newsletter. Feel free to DM me in the meantime. I am on Amazon KDP mainly. I will be happy to help, creating publishing assets are magnet in many ways.
I also created the workbook for a best-selling author and it confirmed to me the brand's potential
You can check it out here: https://open.substack.com/pub/yourcreativeletter/p/how-do-you-manage-two-substacks?r=anzvh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
In my previous business we created multiple rounds of merch - jumpers, shirts, caps, stubby holders, stickers and bags. Designing a physical product and seeing it come to life was really fun! While the merch made a bit of money it wasn't a huge revenue driver (it probably lost money if I count the hours involved in product development) but it was great marketing and we got a small amount of press off the back of it. I'm in the process of creating a physical product that builds off my Substack, and my goal isn't to make money but a) have a bit of fun, b) make a bit of noise and c) see what happens 🥰
When I wrote my book, that was exactly my thinking too. I wanted to have fun and do something different!
Creating just for the fun of it is underrated and easily forgotten
So true! Thats why I love going for a walk with my camera…its a great way to unwind and create things without any pressure
Such a brilliant habit to have
True!
All of those reasons sound brilliant to me. I love the experience of it too.
Love all these inspirational ideas… my creative juices are starting to flow. Was also so tickled to see my own book marks in your examples. Thank you for sharing with others! I made mine on CANVA, was so easy!
How cool! ✨💕
Thank you for taking the time to comment and in turn inspiring others!
I loved all the ideas and examples! Thank you so much for this informative roundup!
Always a joy to see you @musings by mika - so pleased you enjoyed this one.
Hello 👋 thank you for the ideas and the mention. Our yellow beanies have become a real member favourite - and a bonus of creating merch is that our people love to snap themselves wearing/carrying/using it and share the love, so they’re also advertising the brand (works pretty well for Nike 😝). Happy Sunday 💛💛
Your yellow beanies look great!
I love stationery and love the idea of creating products like this. I’d been thinking about getting some stickers made for a while but this has spurred me on some more (and to explore some of the other options). Thanks for the inspiration ✨
Happy to help! Feel free to ask any questions at all 😊
More than welcome! Any questions drop me or Bhavini a tag
These are good ideas. I am a romance author and my readers get bookmarks designed to fit the book covers , free books, character sheets, flash fiction and other bonuses depending on my work in progress. https://ninapotterauthor.substack.com
Love that you have bookmarks to tie in with the book cover!
Thank you. It's something my readers just love. And I have a blast creating them 😊🧡
Everything about this is great!
I LOVE this
Thanks for sharing your ideas, very inspiring.
Yes, I was thinking about taking some products off and adding some new services, I really want to create a book club membership, but I'm still new to all this, so It's really not as easy as I thought
Sometimes less can be more - for me, I have definitely found it is easier to sell when I am only focusing on pushing one core product but having other things that come off of that, if that makes sense?
@Lucy Werner Actually, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you for the advice, I think to focus more on one product it will be less overwhelming.
I loved this post and resonated with it. I never thought about some of these ideas, thanks for sharing!
I started thinking of digital products and print assets when I switched my studios' vision and more than ever I realize these products can elevate brand building.
I designed many journals both printed and digital, but never thought of a custom one used for my newsletters. It's a great idea!
Products are a great way of building brand recognition :)
True! It does help.
It takes time to nail that first magnet product.
For you, how did you find that initial product that opened up a way for a league of others?
Additionally, when do you quit a product that does not find resonance yet? Or should it be given an extra chance...
As a service provider, I didn’t really create a product to be a lead magnet. I wrote and self published my book to celebrate 10 years of being self employed. I had 50 copies printed thinking I wouldn’t sell many, and they all sold out within about 6-8 months. That book, along with going to an event where I met Lucy, led to the idea of creating a short ebook about presentation design. It was used as a thanks for signing up to my newsletter.
That is a great catalyst for writing a book! I am using a similar approach for my book.
I see better now; the book launched a new book idea in an organic way. Nice!
I didn't start creating products with a lead magnet mindset. I just loved creating digital products. There have been two times when I tried a new product, and it took time to connect and find its audience, so I removed it. Time passed, and I realized it was a timing problem and how relevant it was within my collection of products.
Timing can definitely be a thing. I think sometimes as well you just never know when it might be discovered.
I will keep that in mind and let it find its people 🌱
Awww happy to have been of inspiration and look forward to what comes next.
Me too! Thank you again.
Thanks for this article and the ideas. Love Bhavini's work! I'm toying with the journal idea for my burnout coaching business so going to look into that further. Thanks both!
Thanks Sabrina, I think a journal would work so well for your business!!
Thanks Bhavini! I'll have to dip back into Wise Words for inspiration 🧡
❤️❤️❤️
Ah! I am so pleased to inspire - I think a journal to accompany burnout seems a perfect brand-building match. Could just be something you gift or even a new business lead for maybe corporates you might want to connect with. Good luck!
Thanks Lucy!
Ahh how fab to see Bhavini & her expertise pop up in this article!!
We don’t have any products to support our service based biz at the mo, but now, after reading this, I want to create some!! Thanks for the inspiration Lucy & Bhavini!!
Always happy to have a chat and brainstorm some ideas Dominique!
would looove that Bhavini! When we’ve survived the summer hols I’ll message you for a date ☺️
Because I used to run a stationery business I can’t help myself designing stationery to go with my coaching and book! I have two postcards and a bookmark that go with every order of my book, The 1% Wellness Experiment (I took a pic to show you but don’t see how to add it here). I got bespoke pencils to send out with review copies too. I also have designed other postcards and notebooks to go with my online courses.
Notebooks to go along with your courses is a great idea!
Who doesn’t love a new notebook, right?! 😄
Im going tobhold my hand up and say Im a new notebook addict…
All the best people are, Bhavini 😉
So true! I have a drawer of them
This sounds so good Gabrielle. Also! Former stationery business sounds like a great story.
That’s the second career, I was in children’s publishing for 15 years before that 😄
As someone who has also had their partner join their biz to add a creative arm, I think we are missing a trick with a few things here! We've created a skincare brand, Faace and most recently, a cap brand - Best Policy. But we also have a comms business, so going to get my thinking cap on now! I'd love to know how you market these aspects to drive the revenue if you have a chance to cover that in future :)
We don’t work together any more but it was a great experience at the time. Will definitely be doing a follow up piece.
Practical, original and easily applicable ideas, thank you! I liked two ideas in particular: 1) the first is that of the card deck, I'm not sure how it could be applied to my newsletter on the emotional, social and relational sides of AI (if you have ideas I'm ready to listen!) but it has always fascinated me; 2) the second is the one relating to the journal, also very interesting because it could be used for more structured processes that people can follow gradually in the creation or drafting of something.
The card deck I think could work so well for you. I wonder if it’s a prompt or checklist type content again?
Maybe it’s inbetween a journal and a book?
something inbetween a journal and a book could work really well!
Thank you!!
Love all these ideas, esp the journal book idea. Given me some thoughts there for something I’m going to do next thanks Lucy and Bhavini. I got some incredible cookies made to identically match my book cover
Cookies! Sounds brilliant! And now I wanted branded cookies...
I want cookies 😂