I'm Focusing 90% Of My Time On Creating Long Form Content [Building In Public #8]
I'm Focusing 90% Of My Time On Creating Long Form Content [Building In Public #8]
This is why short form video is a waste of time.
Good morning. Happy Monday.
This is the eighth edition of my weekly “Building In Public” series. Each Monday I share with you my wins, losses, and lessons from the previous week.
These lessons are what I’ve learned on my journey to grow my personal holdings company to $10,000,000 a year.
LFG. 🔥
This issue is free for everyone, but if want behind the scenes access on creating multiple income streams, I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid member by subscribing below.
Long Form Content Is How I Am Building My Enterprise
The smartest people in the world are all conspiring to get you to stop doing whatever it is you’re doing, and to spend time on social media instead.
Nowhere is this more evident, than short for content.
Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts … the short form video explosion is an absolute net negative to society. It’s stupid, it’s not useful, it’s addicting, and worst of all, it’s ineffective.
This weekend, I found myself in a short form rabbit hole. I started by watching a YouTube short about the Eagles, and the next thing I knew, I was mindlessly scrolling through videos that I didn’t even know I was watching.
And that point, is exactly the reason why short form video is so useless.
There is a new trend among marketers to “get views.” Short form is very easy to generate views from, but let me ask you something.
When is the last time you have ever made a purchasing decision from watching a short form video?
The answer is probably NEVER.
Now, contrast that with the information you absorb that sticks.
long form articles
long form sales pages
long form YouTube videos (my definition is 10 minutes or more)
books
When I stop and think of the people who I follow, appreciate, learn from and buy from, I realize that in every single case, the work they’ve done which turned me into a follower or fan was all from long form writing or video production.
For instance …
Seth Godin: I became a true fan after reading his book, Linchpin
Casey Neistat: All of his videos are at least 10 minutes or longer
Dan Carlin: Hardcore History is the greatest podcast ever created. He publishes series which are six episodes long and each episode if 4 - 5 hours.
Scott Galloway: I first discovered Galloway from his YouTube series called Winners and Losers back in 2014.
Peter Zeihan: I became addicted to his daily newsletter after reading his book called “The End Of The World Is Just The Beginning.”
Now, let’s contrast that with people who I have discovered and followed by watching a short form video.
I legitimately can not think of a single one.
So, to wrap this up, I’m not telling you not to create any type of hyper short form content. I truly believe that my daily short form posts on social media have added a lot of value to my business.
But I am fully encouraging you to understand where the true business growth will come from. At some point, you will need to convert people from being a short form follower to a long form fan. Long form writing and long form video creation might not get the viral views that will make you feel good, but they will absolutely build the emotional connection between you and your followers.
It is this connection that will ultimately get you paid.
It’s worked for me, and I know it will work for you.
What I Read …
One of my favorite writers, Noah Smith, wrote another amazing article about how Trump’s tariffs make no sense.
(Yes, I read political articles and I’ve decided to open up my newsletter to other commentary that will effect your life and finances).
Out of all the stupid things that Trump says, his view on mass tariffs is easily his most refutable.
What I Listened To …
Finally, Dan Carlin is doing a series about Alexander The Great.
I loved the first issue in the series, as the first issue focuses on Alexander’s parents, who in my opinion, are even cooler than Alexander.
Please listen to learn all about Phillip the Great and Olimpias.
In Closing
This is a big week for me.
My business coach and I have been spending a lot of time thinking about what the next 10 years of my life will look like.
This whole year has been a time of reflection and dreaming. After months of very difficult conversations and reflection, I am finally creating a vision for myself and my family.
Today is the day we start on the execution. I can’t wait to tell you about it.
Love you guys. Talk to you tomorrow.
Tim