The Side Hustle Show: Episode 688 Summary Title: 10 Ways to Shrink the Internet and Find Your Ideal Customers
Host: Nick Loper, Side Hustle Nation | YAP Media
Release Date: July 29, 2025

In Episode 688 of The Side Hustle Show, host Nick Loper delves into effective strategies for entrepreneurs to narrow down the vast expanse of the internet to connect with their ideal customers. Drawing parallels between navigating a large university and the online landscape, Nick presents 10 actionable methods to make businesses more discoverable and appealing to their target audience.

1. Think Local

Nick begins by emphasizing the power of local search. Even for virtual services, many customers prefer dealing with local providers.

Example:
Chris Mistryk shares his experience:

"I put my home address on my website... I wrote blog posts like the 10 best web design firms in Gilbert, Arizona... Google connects people that are close to each other."
[01:37]

Insight: Focusing on local SEO can lead to more targeted traffic and meaningful client relationships.

2. Target Existing Listicles

Leveraging already ranking listicles can drive traffic without starting from scratch.

Strategy:

• Identify existing "best of" lists in your niche.
• Reach out to website owners to include your service as a recommended option.

Example: If you offer a self-publishing course, contact sites listing top self-publishing resources and propose your inclusion.

3. Engage on Reddit and Forums

Participating in relevant discussions can position you as an authority without overt self-promotion.

Example:
Hannah Morgan discusses addressing the mental load of parenting to introduce her virtual house management service.
[02:39]

Tip: Provide valuable input and mention your services subtly when relevant.

4. Utilize Google Search Console

Optimize existing content to capture more clicks from already ranking pages.

Strategy:

• Analyze your search analytics for high impressions but low clicks.
• Enhance content to improve its ranking and attract more traffic.

Nick's Advice:

"It's like getting free traffic... really get a good bang for your buck out of the search console strategy."
[04:15]

5. Podcast and YouTube Guesting

Appearing as a guest on established podcasts or YouTube channels can tap into their existing audience.

Tips:

• Personalize your pitch with a clear hook or transformation.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the host’s content.

Example: Nick advises having a clear value proposition when reaching out to potential hosts.
[06:30]

6. Create "How-To" Content on YouTube

Producing tutorial videos targeting specific, long-tail keywords can attract high-intent viewers.

Example:
Christy Da Silva discusses how her specific ClickUp dashboard tutorials have driven significant engagement.

"Our first YouTube video that ever took off... 'Five ClickUp Dashboards That Will Change Your Business.'"
[09:59]

Insight: Focus on solving precise problems to attract viewers who are ready to convert.

7. Leverage Facebook Groups

Joining and engaging in Facebook groups related to your niche can generate leads and build community.

Example:
Abby Ashley uses her large virtual assistant Facebook group to offer webinars and lead magnets.
[12:00]

Strategy: Ensure your group appears in relevant searches and actively participate to draw in members.

8. Internal Group Search on Facebook

Within groups, searching for specific needs can uncover potential clients.

Example:
Jane Havens mentions finding individuals seeking sleep consultants in parenting groups.
[14:25]

Tip: Look for longstanding threads as they can continue to generate interest over time.

9. Optimize LinkedIn Profiles

Using targeted keywords in your LinkedIn headline and bio can improve visibility to potential clients.

Strategy:

• Incorporate specific service-related keywords.
• Create content that establishes you as an expert in those areas.

Nick's Insight:

"LinkedIn is a powerful search engine... connect with your ideal customers."
[16:50]

10. Self-Publish on Amazon

Publishing a book on Amazon serves as a powerful credibility tool and a long-term lead generator.

Examples:

• Nick mentions his own book continues to drive awareness and sales years after publication.
• An author uses a book on real estate investing to funnel readers into a paid mentorship program.
  [18:30]

Tips:

• Repurpose existing content to create your book.
• Use it as a lead magnet with low entry points like free downloads or affordable pricing.

Conclusion

Nick Loper wraps up the episode by encouraging entrepreneurs to implement these strategies to effectively "shrink the internet," making it easier to connect with and convert their ideal customers. He invites listeners to share their own strategies and thanks the episode's sponsor, Intuit, for supporting the content.

Notable Quote:

"It's not as big and crowded as it seems from the outside. Find ways to shrink it."
— Nick Loper
[00:00]

By applying these ten strategies, side hustlers and entrepreneurs can streamline their online presence, enhance visibility, and foster meaningful connections with their target audience.