Podcast Summary: Coffee With Cole – "Social Media Ghostwriting Q&A"
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host: Nicolas Cole
Guest: [Unnamed Expert]
Episode Title: Social Media Ghostwriting Q&A
Description: In this episode, Nicolas Cole delves deep into the intricacies of social media ghostwriting, addressing common questions, sharing proven frameworks, and offering valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned ghostwriters.
Introduction to Social Media Ghostwriting
Nicolas Cole opens the episode by defining social media ghostwriting, emphasizing its significance in the digital landscape.
Notable Quote:
Guest [00:07]: "Social media ghostwriting is where you have conversations with business owners. You record those conversations."
[00:07]
Cole highlights that social ghostwriting is one of the "big three" ghostwriting services essential for writers aiming to earn substantial monthly income.
Notable Quote:
Host [00:17]: "Social ghostwriting is also one of the big three ghostwriting services that I encourage every writer to offer to start making ten grand per month."
[00:17]
The Big Three Ghostwriting Services
The discussion centers around the three primary ghostwriting services:
- Newsletter Ghostwriting
- Educational Email Course Ghostwriting
- Social Media Ghostwriting
Notable Quote:
Guest [00:30]: "Those are the big three. And you can easily make six figures per year offering one or two or even all three of these services."
[00:30]
Cole advises focusing on social ghostwriting for those particularly interested in this niche, setting the stage for answering common questions about starting out.
Framework for Conducting Content Calls
Darshan’s question about conducting content calls leads to the introduction of the "Social Ghostwriting Content Generator," a framework designed to ensure diverse and unique questions during client interviews.
Notable Quote:
Host [00:56]: "Here's a really easy framework that you can use when interviewing clients. I've been using this for years. I call it my social ghostwriting content generator."
[00:56]
The Three Content Buckets
- Futurism: Insights and predictions about the industry’s future.
- Founder Story: Personal experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Actionable Advice: Practical tips and how-to guides for the target audience.
Notable Quote:
Host [01:05]: "There are three content buckets that work for basically every ghostwriting client. Doesn't matter what industry they're in."
[01:05]
Additional Insight: While "News" can be a fourth bucket, it’s often discouraged due to the lag in content relevancy.
Generating Content Ideas
Cole introduces the "10 Magical Ways to Expand Anything" to pair with the content buckets, ensuring a steady flow of diverse content ideas.
The 10 Magical Ways:
- Tips
- Stats
- Steps
- Lessons
- Benefits
- Reasons
- Mistakes
- Examples
- Questions
- Personal Stories
Notable Quote:
Guest [02:01]: "You use what I like to call the 10 magical ways to expand anything."
[02:01]
By combining these methods with the content buckets, ghostwriters can maintain variety and depth in their content creation.
Building a Robust Content Library
Cole emphasizes the importance of accumulating a diverse library of client insights over time, allowing for richer and more interconnected content creation.
Notable Quote:
Host [03:34]: "You don't just have to use their answers from that week's content call to create that week's content. Every week, week after week, the library that you have to pull from gets bigger."
[03:34]
This ongoing collection of stories, insights, and examples makes the ghostwriting process more efficient and personalized.
Specializing as a Ghostwriter: The Power of Niching
When asked about specializing versus expanding services, Cole and his guest advocate for a focused approach.
Notable Quote:
Host [05:06]: "You are far better off saying I ghostwrite specifically for sales managers in enterprise B2B technology companies and I only ghostwrite weekly newsletters."
[05:06]
Key Points:
- Specialization enhances pricing power and reduces competition.
- Narrow Focus: Become the go-to expert in a specific niche rather than a generalist.
- Scaling: A specialized approach can lead to building a successful agency without diversifying services unnecessarily.
Expanding Services: Rules and Recommendations
While specialization is crucial, expansion is possible under certain conditions.
Notable Quote:
Host [07:44]: "The answer is yes. But here are some rules that I would set for yourself."
[07:44]
Rules for Expansion:
- Related Services Only: Offer services that complement your core offering.
- Example: If you specialize in educational email courses, consider upselling weekly newsletters or automated email sequences.
- Maintain Specialization: Avoid branching into unrelated areas to preserve efficiency and expertise.
- Example to Avoid: Transitioning from email courses to YouTube short scripts due to differing skill sets.
Notable Quote:
Guest [08:29]: "It's a completely different platform, It's a completely different form of writing, which means there is massive switching cost for you."
[08:29]
Cole shares his personal success story of building a multi-million dollar ghostwriting agency by adhering strictly to a specialized service.
Client Acquisition: Leveraging Referrals
Marti’s question about growing a clientele network leads to strategies centered around referrals.
Notable Quote:
Host [14:05]: "Happy clients want to help you. This is something people don't really understand about entrepreneurs."
[14:05]
Strategies:
- Ask for Referrals Regularly: Encourage satisfied clients to refer others.
- Effective Phrasing:
Host [15:07]: "Hey, I'm really focused on growing my ghostwriting business this year and I was wondering if you knew anyone who's looking for a ghostwriter. No worries if not. But if anyone comes to mind, I'd really appreciate an introduction."
[15:07] - Overcome Objections: Address common fears about asking for referrals by highlighting that entrepreneurs are generally willing to help peers.
Notable Quote:
Guest [14:22]: "Nothing wrong with that, right? Favor trading rules the world."
[14:22]
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Navjat’s question addresses frequent pitfalls for beginner ghostwriters on social media.
Notable Quote:
Host [15:44]: "I think the biggest mistake actually happens with the offer even before you start working with the client."
[15:44]
Major Mistake: Overpromising Results
- Example: Guarantees like "10 million impressions in the first 30 days" are unrealistic due to uncontrollable social media algorithms.
- Impact: Such promises can damage credibility and client trust.
Alternative Approach:
- Focus on consistency and the creation of thought leadership rather than specific metrics.
- Notable Quote:
Host [16:58]: "The measure for success for the client is literally, you aren't creating content consistently. We work together now. You are. And when you create content consistently, more good things happen in your life and in your business."
[16:58]
Conclusion and Final Advice
Cole wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of specialization, consistent content creation, and leveraging client relationships for growth.
Final Insights:
- Specialization Drives Success: Narrowing your focus can lead to greater expertise and higher earnings.
- Consistency Over Metrics: Ensuring regular content creation benefits clients more than chasing specific numbers.
- Utilize Referrals: Happy clients are invaluable for expanding your network and client base.
Call to Action: Cole encourages listeners interested in starting as social or email ghostwriters to reach out directly for further guidance.
Closing Remarks: The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the art and business of social media ghostwriting. By addressing foundational concepts, strategic frameworks, and common challenges, Nicolas Cole equips listeners with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in the digital ghostwriting arena.
For additional questions or to connect with Nicolas Cole about ghostwriting opportunities, listeners are encouraged to leave comments or send direct messages as mentioned in the episode.