Writing Engaging Content for Community Outreach

I just deleted 147 cold emails without reading them. Here’s what they all got wrong: Every morning, my inbox looks the same. A flood of pitches from people trying to sell me something. Most days, I just mass delete them. But this morning, I decided to actually read through them first. Within 5 minutes, I spotted a pattern. Everyone was making the exact same mistake. They were all trying to close the deal. ALL IN THE FIRST MESSAGE 🥵 Let me show you what I mean (with two small examples): APPROACH A: "The Wall of Text" Send 100 cold emails with full pitch, calendar link, and case studies. • 3 people open • 0 responses • 0 intros This looks exactly like the 147 emails I just deleted "Hi [Name], I noticed your company is scaling fast! We help companies like yours optimize their marketing stack through our proprietary AI technology. Our clients see 300% ROI within 90 days. Here's my Calendly link to book a 15-min chat: [LINK]. Looking forward to connecting! Best, [Name]" BORING!!! APPROACH B: "Micro Conversations" Same 100 prospects, broken down into micro-convo's. Email 1: "Do you know [mutual connection]?" • Send 100 • ~40 open • ~20 respond Email 2: "They mentioned you're scaling your marketing team. I'd love to connect about [specific thing]." • Send to 20 who responded • ~15 continue engaging Email 3: "Would you mind if they made an intro?" • Ask 15 engaged prospects • ~10 intros Final score: • Approach A: No intros • Approach B: 10 intros How to Apply These Lessons (Tactical Summary): 1. Focus on Micro-Conversations: Break your cold outreach into smaller, manageable steps. Build rapport before making any asks. 2. Personalize Everything: Reference mutual connections, specific company milestones, or shared interests in every message. 3. Play the Long Game: Aim for replies in the first message.. not conversions. If you’ve been struggling with cold outreach, you might just need a new approach. Give this one a try and lmk how it goes.

I used to send >250 custom outbound emails every week. Yesterday, I was introduced to someone who remembered one of those emails from literally 10 years ago. Here's my outbound strategy for anyone that wants to master cold outreach: 1️⃣ do not sell yourself at the open >> seriously, stop talking about yourself. no one cares about you << Instead: just say who you are, and move on to talk about them. 2️⃣ tell people why they are great - I liked to make a list of at least 5 points - I would write custom points for each recipient - I wrote simply and directly - Inspired by Dale Carnegie - people like to be liked 3️⃣ sell the CONVERSATION, not the opportunity - I never pushed people into existential consideration - I only asked them for 15 minutes, they could spare it - I NEVER sold the role or company, I'd only give them 1 sentence about it 4️⃣ be very direct - I always told people "I think you could be a fit for a job here" - But... I never said the specific job, or qualified it further - People need to know what you want, but they don't need all the details 5️⃣ use humor - I've meme'd since the dawn of my professional time - It seemed to work, lots of people just wanted to respond - Them responding = opening to get them on a call 6️⃣ be fast + use tools - you need to move fast to get 50 good messages out per day - I used a template to populate my open + add bullet points (but not content) - I used TextExpander to insert saved "custom" points. If I'd already written to a musician and explained why I thought their background in music made them an interesting prospect for an engineering role, I'd save that exact verbiage and re-insert it with TextExpander in future messages. - I use all the gmail hotkeys, it helps give you little bits of advantage on a process you will repeat tens or hundreds of thousands of times - it's worth getting gud -------------------------------------- That's it. Remember that people like being liked. Remember that no one cares about you. Remember not to force people to think too far ahead. Oh... and remember that 90% of the time, it won't be the right time, and that's just the process of finding the 10% who are ready to talk.

Posting and praying? Let’s fix that. If your engagement feels like a gamble, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Engagement isn’t about luck, it’s about intention. Here’s the Engagement Equation to ensure your posts get noticed and spark interaction: 1. Ask to Engage: -Want comments? Ask a thoughtful question. -Want shares? Share something relatable or highly valuable. -Make it easy for people to respond by giving clear prompts. 2. Use Features That Work: -Polls: People love to share opinions. Use polls to ask simple, engaging questions. -Tagging: Mention people or brands you admire—but only when relevant. -Media: A strong visual (photo, video, or infographic) can double your engagement. 3. Post When They’re Active: -The best content won’t matter if no one sees it. Analyze your audience’s activity and post during peak hours. Mornings on weekdays often work, but test what’s best for you. 4. Spark a Conversation: -Don’t just post and disappear. Respond to comments quickly and keep the conversation going. Engagement isn’t magic, it’s a formula. 💡 Valuable content + thoughtful timing + clear calls to action = results. Find this post helpful? Connect with me Maher Khan for more such posts.

A Covenant with Our Community: Evolving with Your Needs One of the most important things in content creation, I've learned, is a covenant with your community. This goes beyond respecting and including everyone - it's about genuinely listening and responding to what you need. Our resources, Discord community, and site were built from the ground up based on your feedback. But it's also about the tone and presentation of our content. Recently, I've noticed a shift in what our community values. As layoffs slow but the number of affected individuals remains high, the need for immediate, supportive reaction content has lessened. Instead, tangible ongoing support for those struggling to find work has become more crucial. I'm focusing on three key pillars for our community: 1. Concrete Support and Resources: Continuously updating and providing effective resources, even though the success rate remains challenging. Our goal is to improve your chances and provide tangible help. 2. Enriching and Fun Content: Posting analytical, interesting, or purely fun content about games that offer a break from job-related stress and foster engaging discussions. 3. Innovative Support Strategies: Introducing new formats and events that can offer fresh support for those still looking for work. For instance, we've adjusted game work support posts to allow repeat entries for organizations still dealing with layoffs. I understand that some support posts can feel patronizing, especially after months of struggling. My commitment is to focus on concrete, helpful content while ensuring no one feels invisible. If you see others offering support that feels insincere, ineffective, or both,, consider that they may genuinely be trying their best and provide constructive feedback. We're all in this together, and my goal is to evolve with your needs, providing quality content and unwavering support. Let's continue to build a community where every gamer feels seen, heard, and valued.

What’s the secret to creating LinkedIn content that not only gets seen but actually starts conversations? Here’s a hint: it’s not about going viral—it’s about creating value. Content that resonates with your audience doesn’t happen by accident. It’s carefully crafted with strategy and heart. Here’s how you can create posts that grab attention, spark engagement, and build relationships on LinkedIn: 1. Start with a question or thought-provoking statement For example, instead of saying, “Networking is important,” try, “What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received when you started building your professional network?” This not only hooks the reader but also invites authentic responses. 2. Share insights that solve a pain point Think about your audience. Are they looking for ways to grow their business, boost their career, or connect with the right people? Share advice that’s specific and practical, like “3 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Work for You” or “How to Use Storytelling to Win Over Prospects.” 3. Bring in a personal story Storytelling isn’t just for novels; it’s the glue that makes your message stick. Share a moment when a simple LinkedIn post led to a major opportunity or how a conversation in the comments turned into a professional collaboration. 4. Make it easy to read Keep your paragraphs short and visually appealing. A post that’s easy to skim is more likely to be read. Think of your user scrolling during their coffee break—you have seconds to pull them in. 5. Be consistent and visual Add a little spice with visuals or formatting tricks (bold key points 📝, include bullets, or link a resource). And don’t forget, consistency builds trust. Show up regularly, and your audience will come to rely on your insights. Engagement isn’t just about likes and comments; it’s about building trust. By giving your audience content that educates, inspires, or entertains, you’re positioning yourself as someone worth following. ⚡ Pro tip: Always end with an invitation for conversation. Whether it’s asking them to share their approach, their experiences, or their biggest challenges, involving your audience in the discussion is the key step to stronger connections. 👉 What’s one post idea you’ve been sitting on but haven’t shared yet? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to brainstorm with you. 🚀 Want more strategies to level up your LinkedIn game? Connect with me here on LinkedIn and set up a Discovery Call with me at SpeakWithTerry.com... I'd be happy to help! #BuzzPro #ContentStrategy #Engagement

If I had to build my 60,000+ subscriber newsletter again from scratch today Here’s the 6 things I’d do ⬇️ Story time: starting my newsletter I went against a lot of best practices and yet I grew to 60,000 subscribers and over $180k in sponsor revenue in year 2. Sharing my tips below… ➡️ 1. The 50 Subject Line test Most newsletters fail because they pick a topic they *should* talk about and not something they are passionate about talking about. If you can’t write the newsletter for a year, you won’t see significant money. Sit down and write 50 subject lines about all the things you’d want to write about. Then categorize them and figure out who would benefit from those. ➡️ 2. Th 10 person survey I’d next find 10 people who fit that description and ask if you could send the first few newsletters to them for feedback. This gets you into the rhythm of producing while ensuring your format resonates. ➡️ 3. The 6 month test Once you’ve received feedback, I’d commit to a 6 month test of one format. Most newsletters fail because they simply can’t stay consistent. Sponsors and subscribers are looking for stability. Build the muscle of showing up. ➡️ 4. The 90/10 sales rule Most of you are starting a newsletter as a sales vehicle to your products…. And that’s OK but I’m starting to see newsletters that don’t add any value. They just sell. Focus on 90% value. 10% sales. This increases your referrals because no one refers commercials but they do refer documentaries. ➡️ 5. Network effects There are two network effects I’d focus on right from the beginning: - who do I know that reaches my audience on social? - who do I know that reaches my audience via email? Find 5 people in both cohorts who is just a few steps ahead of you and ask for a shoutout in exchange for a dedicated promotion of their product when you hit 10,000 subscribers. Here’s a sample script to steal: Hey ______! I love your content about X helping Y achieve Z. 6 months ago I started a newsletter helping those same people solve the following pain points: - pain point - pain point - pain point I’m now confident in the format, value and feedback I’ve received and looking to partner with a few people to help cross promote each other’s content. I know I’m a few steps behind you so I’d do a promo now and then again when I hit 10k as part of my 10k celebration! Here’s the copy for the promotion so you can see what (newsletter) is all about: Insert Promo copy Let me know what you think! Appreciate you, Name ➡️ 6. Inject yourself Many newsletters miss the opportunity to build emotional connection with their audience. Ways to build connection: - images - life updates - stories Those are the 6 things I’d do if I was starting my newsletter again today from scratch before I ever touched paid marketing. Let me know what you think!

Blessed are those who personalize their outreach—for they shall be rewarded. Email outreach has a reputation problem, and honestly? It’s earned it. We've all been on the receiving end of those generic, templated, and frankly, soulless emails that clog up our inboxes. No wonder people are skeptical when they hear the term "cold email." But when done right, email outreach can be a powerful tool for growing your network, making valuable connections, and even landing dream projects. Follow these simple commandments, and you're well on your way to more clicks and replies: 1. Reach out to others as you would have others reach out to you. Approach every email with empathy. Would you respond to your own message? If the answer is no, go back and rewrite. 2. For the love of all things holy, use people’s first names. It’s the easiest way to make a connection and show that you’re speaking to them, not a faceless group. 3. Don’t forget to personalize—always! Mention something specific about their work, their company, or a recent project they shared. It’s all about making the email feel unique to them. 4. Link to relevant case studies and portfolio pieces instead of your entire website. Show them exactly what’s relevant. No one has time to sift through a massive website—be concise. 5. Don’t diagnose—it’s gross! Avoid implying there’s something “wrong” with the way they’re doing things. Instead, frame your expertise as a potential value add. 6. Lead with a service that is an ongoing need—not branding! Focus on how you can genuinely help in a way that is practical and impactful. Start with the pain point they are likely dealing with. Branding is a hard sell through a cold email. 7. End with a strong call to action, such as a request for a meeting. Make it easy for them to say “yes.” Give them a simple next step—like a quick chat or a 10-minute meeting just to get to know them. Which leads us to... 8. Remember that this is about relationship building and not just a quick lead. Play the long game. Think of every email as the start of a relationship, not a transaction. 9. Always follow up. A polite, well-timed follow-up can make all the difference. People are busy—sometimes a second email is all it takes to get a response. 10. And above all else—remember that you’re emailing a person. Keep it human. Keep it genuine. If your email doesn’t sound like something you’d say in person, rewrite it. These principles have not only helped TheFutur Accelerator members (the program I run with Ben Burns) grow their networks, but many have booked dream projects by sticking to these commandments. Real connections, real conversations, and real opportunities start when you approach outreach the right way. Curious about how you can improve your email outreach? Drop your questions in the comments—I’d love to help you level up your networking game!

The inbox is a battlefield. Your email’s enemy? The ‘Delete’ button. Between promotions, spam, and auto-blasted sales pitches, your email has seconds—seconds—to stand out and survive. So how do you write an email that doesn’t get sent to the trash right away? You make it personal and valuable. Here are 5 battle-tested tips to craft personalized, high-converting outreach emails: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀. Ditch the “Hi, my name is…” opener. Show them you’ve done your homework. → “I saw your recent post about [specific topic]—your perspective on [insight] really stood out.” Lead with them, and they’ll be more inclined to care about you. 𝗕𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲. Generic promises like “We’ll save you time and money” won’t cut it. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: → “I noticed [pain point]. We helped [similar company] achieve [specific result]. Here’s how we can help you too.” 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. Your email isn’t a novel. Busy people don’t have time to read paragraphs. → Use short sentences. → Break up text. → End with a clear ask (no more than one action). 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻—𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲. If it reads like a template, it is a template. Write how you speak. 𝗕𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: → “Hope this finds you well—saw your team’s new project, and I’m seriously impressed.” Make the ask easy to say “yes” to. Don’t overwhelm them with a big ask. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: → “Do you have 15 minutes next week to explore this? I’ll make it worth your time.” Remember this: A great email isn’t about selling—it’s about starting a conversation. Show you understand their world, add value, and respect their time. --- Follow Michael Cleary 🏳️🌈 for more tips like this. ♻️ Share with someone who needs help with their emails #sales #emails #marketing

PR folks: Invest in a local media strategy. Here’s why: - Most Americans trust local news more than national. Take a “grassroots" approach to building your reputation. - Local pubs often have smaller budgets/fewer journalists. They’re hungry for content. Serve it up. - National stories don’t always translate locally. Make your content “sweat harder” by baking in local story angles. 5 ways I’ve done it: 1. Conduct a survey or leverage proprietary data. Make sure the sample size satisfies national survey requirements *and* is large enough for target markets. 2. Arrange a satellite media/radio tour. Leverage relevant news/announcements with tailored pitching. One spokesperson can power through back-to-back interviews. 3. Enlist your partners. Identify trusted suppliers, customers and employees in local markets. Train as spokespeople. Find compelling story angles. 4. Create your own news.  Design local, but scalable community programs. CSR/giveback programs are excellent human interest stories for local media/broadcast. (PS: Dogs and kids get coverage.) 5. Involve elected and community leaders.  Allow them to share in your success. Provide a photo or secure quotes to strengthen coverage and relationships.  A local media strategy adds richness and depth to your media program. Do fewer things better. Work smarter, not harder. #PublicRelations #MediaStrategy #CorporateCommunications

👍 If I were the Public Information Officer or Communications Director for a city—even just for one day—here’s exactly what I’d do to deliver measurable impact. 🎯 First, I’d ensure existing residents feel informed, valued, and included. That starts with clear messaging across social media, email newsletters, and neighborhood groups. I'd prioritize timely updates, upcoming events, and city initiatives that actually affect their daily lives—because consistency builds trust. 🎯 Second, I’d establish a new resident onboarding strategy. When someone moves into the city, they should automatically be welcomed with a digital or print “Welcome Packet” that introduces key services, contact info, event calendars, trash and recycling schedules, and how to stay connected with city updates. This builds immediate engagement and prevents confusion. 🎯 Third, I’d create a direct line of communication with existing businesses—not just when permits are due, but throughout the year. That could include a monthly “Business Brief” email with updates on city projects, economic initiatives, grant opportunities, or upcoming public works that may impact foot traffic or operations. When businesses feel supported, they stay longer and reinvest in the community. 🎯 Fourth, for new business license recipients, I’d trigger an automated outreach campaign—perhaps an email or personal welcome letter from the mayor’s office—thanking them for choosing the city. I’d link them to business support services, networking groups, ribbon cutting opportunities, and a city contact they can actually call. ✔️ The common thread? Proactive communication that’s tailored, timely, and genuinely helpful. Too often, cities are reactive. But if you plan ahead, you can build systems that engage the public year-round, not just when there’s a road closure or an emergency. ✔️ Smart communication isn’t loud—it’s strategic. And if I were running a city’s communications for a day, that strategy would reach the right people with the right message at the right time. #PublicRelations #CommunityEngagement: #CityCommunications #ResidentOutreach #NewResidentWelcome #SupportLocalBusiness #TargetRiver #TheTargetMarketer