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Mark's newsletter helps readers manage their own investments

Blue Harbinger, Mark’s paid members-only newsletter, equips readers with the tips and strategies they need to manage their own investments.

20+

Years experience

2

Membership tiers

30k+

Readers

Mark’s website clearly explains what his membership includes. Selecting a membership options opens the signup form, which Mark customized to showcase his branding and have customers accept the membership terms.

Highlights

A few takeaways from Mark’s success:

  • Offering free, high-value content is an excellent strategy to demonstrate the value of your paid content, building trust and attracting potential customers.
  • "Niching down" is crucial for growth as it allows you to target and serve a specific audience effectively, leading to increased engagement and a more dedicated customer base.
  • Setting clear expectations and offering flexible membership options can help to improve retention by meeting individual customer needs, often increasing their satisfaction and commitment.

Meet the founder

Mark Hines is the founder of Blue Harbinger, a paid members-only newsletter that helps readers manage their own investments. He’s been in the investment management industry since 2004 and previously worked as a pension fund manager, mutual fund portfolio manager, and securities analyst for a private investment partnership.

Now, Mark shares investment ideas and strategies through his successful newsletter. He also offers one-on-one consulting services and manages investment accounts for select readers, helping them make informed financial decisions.

Interview

Mark shared his membership journey with us. Find out what he had to say in our Q&A.

Which digital product(s) do you sell?

Newsletter

What is the pain point you solve for your customers?

I share investment ideas and strategies to help readers manage their own investments.

What were you doing before your membership business?

I have been working in the investment management industry since 2004.

What challenges did you have in the early stages of your business? How did you solve those challenges?

Helping potential customers understand the unique value of my content was a challenge that I have solved by sharing lots of free content on my website and on other websites too.

Were there any keys to success, or big "a-ha!" moments that really elevated the growth of your business?

“Niching down” on specific investor types has helped elevate growth.

Did you have a social media following or large email list before you started your membership?

No.

How do you market your membership and find new members?

Giving away high-quality content for free, on other websites, has helped me build a following and an email list.

Do you spend any money on paid advertisements?

No.

Have you done anything to focus on retention and reduce canceled members?

The keys have been providing top-quality member content, as well as properly setting customer expectations and providing membership duration options to meet customer needs.

What are some of your favorite online tools for running your business?

MemberSpace. Stripe. Squarespace.

Do you have a team helping with your membership business?

Nope, just me!

What's your source of inspiration?

I enjoy what I do. Additional sources of inspiration include coffee, long walks, and a good night’s sleep.

If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?

High-quality free content drives business growth. The more the better.

What's next for your business?

I have expanded into one-on-one consulting services as well as managing investment accounts for some readers. Helping people make informed investment decisions is the future.