Building a Tech Community: The Strategy Behind TechTactics Newsletter

by | Mar 31, 2024 | ChatGPT Mastery, TechTactics | 0 comments

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Community Feedback and Personal Balance

“Build it and they will come” is a pipe dream and one that had a rude awakening for me, back in 2009.

FYI – My most enduring lessons are the ones I’ve learned the hard way. 😉 In 2009 as I transitioned from print to web services, I missed a key opportunity when launching virtual tour services.

I failed to poll my audience.

Prior to launching TechTactics Newsletter, I polled my LinkedIn community for insights on preferred frequency. Here are the results:

While 53% of respondents preferred Weekly, I opted to march to a different drum – choosing a biweekly schedule. Here’s why:

Quality Over Quantity

Our newsletter isn’t just an update; it’s a carefully curated and structured lesson. Every edition is a stepping stone towards mastering ChatGPT to streamline your workflows. Each lesson provides actionable insights, and a biweekly schedule gives you the time you need to digest – and implement what you have learned.

Sustainable Engagement

A commitment to live support every other Sunday at 11:00 am ADT is not just a line in an email—it’s a promise. And a big one. Because I (really) want you to succeed, I’m offering free live support – in a way that is personally sustainable.

The Breath Between Notes

In music, the silence between notes is as important as the notes themselves. The same way a biweekly schedule provides space. Space for ideas to mature, for implementations to take root, and for questions to surface. And when we do meet on Slack – it’s with experience – that can only come from this breathing room.

Intentional Onboarding

One of the foundational pillars of TechTactics is not just the content but the integrity and safety of our community. Qualifying subscribers is not just about curating a list; it’s about the culture we’re cultivating together. Our strategies—from the Slack guidelines to the Notion goals ensure every member contributes to a positive and safe learning environment:

2. The Double Opt-In

Our double opt-in process is the first filter. It’s not just about confirming an email address; it’s about confirming a commitment to our community’s values. It’s the first step in a journey of mutual respect and continuous learning. Double opt-in helps filter out those who are less likely to engage with our content, reducing list churn over time. This means better open rates, higher click-through rates, and more meaningful interactions.

3. Polls as a Compass

After confirming their subscription, subscribers receive a “community insight” poll. Polls help us understand the professional demeanor and communication style of our subscribers. It’s a way to ensure that those who join us are in sync with our culture.

4. Segmentation Is the New Personalization

Targeted Automations: By qualifying subscribers, we’re creating a space where like-minded individuals can exchange ideas safely and respectfully. With the insights from our polls, we’re able to create automation sequences that speak directly to the subscriber’s interests.

5. Moderation

Words have weight and that’s why we’ve established guardrails to maintain the integrity of our space. With clear guidelines pinned in Slack so that expectations are transparent and upheld. Our Notion hub isn’t just as a repository of lessons but also the cornerstone of our community ethos. Here, we outline the goals and guidelines of TechTacticsa blueprint for engagement that aligns with our shared values of respect and support.

The Unique Value Proposition

It’s not just about filtering in the right people but also about guiding them once they are part of the community. It might seem like a few hoops to jump through, but the value we offer is unmatched:

Structured Learning

Each newsletter is more than just a collection of tips; it’s a lesson. The content is structured to build upon previous knowledge, guiding subscribers from foundational concepts to more advanced applications of ChatGPT.

Real-Time Support

Subscribers don’t just get information; they get a community and real-time support. The biweekly live sessions on Slack where subscribers can have their questions answered in real time, engage in discussions, and share their experiences, making learning interactive and collaborative.

Resource Hub

TechTactics provides subscribers with an exclusive Notion hub, which serves as a resource library. It’s command central with past lessons, guides, and additional materials that subscribers can refer to at any time.

The Reward System

Engagement that Pays Off: Acknowledging and incentivizing engagement, TechTactics’ reward system creates an atmosphere where subscribers are recognized for their contributions, either through sharing the newsletter or actively participating in the community.

Looking Forward

These principles lay the groundwork for the premium experience we envision, ensuring that as we grow in numbers, we also grow in strength and solidarity. Our commitment to a qualified subscriber base ensures those who choose to invest in us are rewarded with a space that’s not only enriching but also secure.

Join us today!

DIY Mastery Testimonials

Hank Barker

Turning up the temperature in here. This is fire, Nancy Bain!

Hank Barker

Kevin Rodriguez

Now I don’t have to imagine. Crazy value here by combining all these tools. Thanks, Nancy!

Kevin Rodriguez

Matteo Castiello

This is so extensive, thanks for putting in the effort here!

Matteo Castiello

Tianyu Xu

Amazing! This is what I need. Thanks for showing us the true power of GPTs, Nancy.

Tianyu Xu

Valeriya Pilkevich

Wow, amazing guide as always: from insights to execution Nancy Bain!

Valeriya Pilkevich

Chris Gallagher

Eye opening. As usual absolutely stellar content Nancy. You’re a legend.

Chris Gallagher

Martin Crowley

This is so well described and what a useful guide, Nancy. Hope anyone who is starting with GPT or even those people who have used it before read this.

Martin Crowley

Chetna Sharma

Awesome! It was a GOLD breakdown really. Keep rocking, Nancy!

Chetna Sharma

Jonathan Parsons

Brilliant guide, thanks Nancy!

Jonathan Parson

Shelly Thomas, PE

My favorite part, Nancy is you’re providing the concepts AND the application of them. So valuable!

Shelly Thomas, PE

Saikumar Vattikulla

Best guide on the internet! Thanks Nancy!

Saikumar Vattikulla

Rory Flynn

Alright this is the most useful GPT content I’ve seen in awhile. Killer stuff.

Rory Flynn

Sheza Yazadani

I think this is the need of the hour! Thanks Nancy!

Sheza Yazadani

Jared Williams

I love this 10,000 X over. HUGE thanks, Nancy. This is high value.

Jared Williams