HeyCreator by Matt Ragland
The best corner on the internet for content creators. Join events, community challenges, workshops, and more! Start with our free newsletter and 5 day course.
The Content Confidence Loop: How Creating More Builds Your Belief
Hey Reader, Ever catch yourself thinking "I'll start posting when I feel more confident"? I hear this all the time from creators, and I used to think the same way. But here's what I've learned after years of creating content and working with thousands of creators: The secret to confidence isn't waiting—it's doing the work. Here's what I mean... Many creators wait until they feel confident before they start publishing regularly. But here's the secret: Confidence isn't a prerequisite—it's a...
What does your content say about your future?
Hey Reader, Have you ever felt that the content you create isn't fully aligned with who you want to become? I know I have. That's why I started looking at content strategy as more than just a way to reach an audience—it's a powerful tool for personal transformation. The Identity-Content Connection James Clear says that every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become. I've found this especially true with content creation. Each post, video, or newsletter isn't just...
What If Creators Had Post-Game Press Conferences?
Hey Reader, I recently saw a post on X that made me laugh, but then it got me thinking seriously about how we approach our work as creators. What if you had to give a press conference after every major project or launch? What if you were subjected to earnings calls? 😅 Imagine standing at the podium: "Yeah, fell short of my subscriber goals this quarter and that's disappointing. Only myself to blame. Got too distracted watching Netflix during a critical stretch and didn't do enough audience...
Why Tiny Experiments Can Unlock Your Creative Breakthroughs
Hey Reader, quick note that going forward the newsletter will go out on Wednesdays mornings. TODAY I'm hosting my friend Terry Rice for a webinar about how to sell your courses to companies. There will be a replay sent if you signup. We go live at 1:00pm ET, 10:00am PT.Register here! Quick Question: Do you ever find yourself stuck because you’ve made a task too complicated? This week on the HeyCreator Show I talked with Anne-Laure Le Cunff about her new book Tiny Experiments and how we can...
The Only Content Strategy You Need (It's Simpler Than You Think)
Hey Reader, I had 14 different tabs open the other day while trying to plan my content calendar. YouTube analytics, Twitter scheduling, newsletter metrics... the works. Sound familiar? Maybe you can relate? Ambitious January content goals might be looking a bit overwhelming right now. Trust me, I've been there with the endless whiteboard brainstorm sessions and "perfect" planning that never quite happens. Let me share something that changed everything for me: The best content strategy isn't...
The secret formula top YouTubers use to keep viewers watching
Hey Reader, When I sat down with YouTube expert Aprilynne Alter on The HeyCreator Show, she dropped some serious knowledge about making videos that actually keep people watching. Let me break down the most important parts for you. Those crucial first 5 seconds Here’s something wild: you only have 5 seconds to deliver on what your title and thumbnail promised. That’s it! The simple hack? Repeat your title in your opening line. If your video is “How I Made $10K From My Newsletter,” start with...
A 30 Day Challenge Changed My Life - Can It Change Yours?
Hey Reader, Eight years ago, I hit “record” on my first YouTube video, not knowing what I was getting into. I decided to challenge myself: 30 videos in 30 days. I didn’t have fancy equipment, a great plan, or even an audience. What I did have was a desire to start creating, even if it wasn’t perfect. Those 30 videos weren’t polished, but they taught me how to show up, find my voice, and push through self-doubt. That challenge changed everything. Today, as I look back after reaching 100,000...
The YouTube strategy that's exploding my email list (and how you can copy it)
Hey Reader, Quick question: When was the last time you thought about YouTube as an email list building tool? If you're like most creators, probably never. But I've discovered something interesting – I've gained more email subscribers in the past 3 weeks from YouTube than I did in the previous 3 months from all other channels combined. Today, I'm going to break down exactly how I'm doing it, and how you can implement this strategy even if you're just starting out. The Simple Strategy That's...
From Screenshots to Sales: The Power of Sharing Your Work
Hey Reader, sorry for the late send today, but I set my initial plan aside to write a new email because of this crazy launch I'm watching. Let me tell you about it... One of my oldest internet friends, Nat Eliason, is in the middle of a $200,000 (and counting) course launch — all because he started sharing screenshots and videos of how he’s using AI to build custom apps. What’s even more remarkable? This success unfolded over just a few weeks, and it’s a masterclass in the power of building...
So you’re starting your newsletter…
Hey Reader, Most creators know the importance of a newsletter, but they struggle to figure out what to say. Typically, we start with imitation — how do we write a newsletter like our favorite creators? But quickly, we realize that newsletters are personal. You have an audience expecting to hear from you each week. How do you make sure you’re actually providing value to them? Tim and I came up with a framework for the different newsletter formats you can use to make a real impact on your...
The best corner on the internet for content creators. Join events, community challenges, workshops, and more! Start with our free newsletter and 5 day course.