How LaShonda Brown Scaled a $50/mo Subscription into a Six-Figure Business

In this week's episode of the Niche Pursuits podcast, LaShonda Brown, founder of Bootstrap Biz Advice, and I discussed her entrepreneurial journey and how she's built a successful business with a relatively small but engaged audience. 

From creating a YouTube channel to launching a membership program, LaShonda shares practical strategies that have helped her thrive in a bootstrapped environment.

Watch the Full Episode

Growing a YouTube Channel Without a Massive Following

LaShonda's journey began with video production and marketing consulting, but she transitioned into creating educational content for small business owners. One of the key drivers behind her YouTube success was finding strategic brand partnerships early on.

• LaShonda partnered with platforms like Canva and Flowdesk, becoming a verified expert on both.
• These partnerships provided validation and new clients while allowing her to create content focused on tools that she loved and used.
• Her affiliate marketing efforts played a crucial role in growing her audience, as she drove traffic to tools her followers found useful.

Despite not having millions of subscribers, LaShonda is generating six figures from a relatively small community. She emphasizes that building a business with an engaged audience, rather than a large one, is possible with the right approach.

The Power of Brand Partnerships

One of LaShonda's most valuable lessons was the importance of forming brand partnerships. She highlights how these partnerships can elevate your credibility and bring in additional revenue streams.

• LaShonda used affiliate marketing not only to promote products but also to validate her position as an expert.
• By helping companies like Canva and Flowdesk with content, she gained exposure and more business opportunities.
• For those just starting out, she advises focusing on tools that genuinely work for you and creating content that showcases them.

These partnerships didn’t just increase LaShonda’s income — they also helped her grow her platform. By collaborating with brands, she was able to build a steady stream of revenue from the start.

How LaShonda Grew Her Business and Membership Program

As her YouTube channel gained momentum, LaShonda decided to expand into memberships to provide further value to her community. This move was driven by a desire to connect more deeply with her audience and create a space for ongoing learning.

• LaShonda’s membership program has two tiers: a $10 monthly tier for the workshop library and a $50 tier for coaching and deeper support.
• She has found success in keeping the membership structure simple, with options for monthly, quarterly, or annual payments.
• About 70% of members are in the higher $50 tier, with the rest at the $10 tier, which allows for easy upgrades as their needs grow.

This approach has created a sustainable revenue model for LaShonda's business. By focusing on the needs of her community, she provides real value while ensuring that members can scale their involvement with her over time.

Tips for Content Creation and Repurposing Across Platforms

Creating content consistently can be overwhelming, but LaShonda has found systems to streamline her process. With nearly 400 YouTube videos under her belt, she has developed a strong content creation strategy.

• She focuses on SEO-driven content to attract new viewers.
• LaShonda also engages with her audience through live streaming, which not only helps her improve her public speaking but also builds a stronger connection with her community.
• She repurposes content across multiple platforms, turning YouTube videos into Instagram carousels, LinkedIn posts, and even email newsletters.

Repurposing content has allowed her to reach new audiences without constantly creating new material. This strategy saves time while ensuring that the content she produces gets the attention it deserves.

Building a Membership from Scratch

If you're thinking about starting a membership program, LaShonda shares some important insights from her own experience. She advises entrepreneurs to start small and test the waters before committing to a large-scale launch.

• She began her membership program on a low-cost platform, using it as a proof of concept before migrating to a paid platform.
• LaShonda emphasizes the importance of building a community that genuinely wants the content and support you're offering.

She suggests that you shouldn’t overcomplicate things. Keep the process simple and focus on delivering value. If your audience sees the benefit, they’ll continue to support your business in the long term.

Final Thoughts

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of building relationships, both with brands and within your community. LaShonda advocates for a mix of online and offline efforts to strengthen connections. Whether it's sending thank-you gifts or hosting live events, these tangible actions help create lasting relationships that contribute to sustainable growth.

For those just starting out, LaShonda stresses the importance of research. Understanding your market and finding your unique voice is critical to standing out and building a business that resonates with your audience.

In conclusion, LaShonda’s approach to bootstrapping a business proves that you don’t need a huge following or massive capital to succeed. With the right strategies, including forming brand partnerships, creating valuable content, and building a membership community, entrepreneurs can thrive, even with limited resources.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about LaShonda Brown

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