The HeyCreator Newsletter by Matt Ragland

Hey Reader, a fun programming announcement... starting next week, I'm adding TWO newsletters for you! If you signed up for my productivity tips and tools, then on Monday you will receive Analog Action. Each newsletter will help you be more intentional and focused with simple, pen-and-paper, "analog" practices. If you signed up for newsletter and creator tips and strategies, then on Wednesday you will receive HeyCreator. Each newsletter will help you create better content, sell more products,...

Hey Reader, I've been thinking a lot about momentum this week. We're about 8 weeks into 2025 - how are those New Year's resolutions holding up? Whether you're crushing your creative goals or feeling a bit stuck, here's what I've learned: the key to sustainable progress isn't big proclamations or dramatic changes. It's small habits. You know that feeling when your creative work is flowing and everything seems to click? It's amazing. But getting there? That's the tricky part. Especially when...

Hey Reader, a quick heads up that I'm hosting my friends at Kit on Tuesday, February 18th for a free webinar about how to grow your email list. Click to learn more and sign up! Email is the most reliable way to engage your audience and generate revenue. But without a simple, effective system, it's easy to get discouraged or overwhelmed. That’s why I’m hosting a free webinar with Kit to show you how to grow, automate, and monetize your list with ease. Click here to sign up — it's 100% free and...

Hey Reader, I hope your February is off to a great start! This week I've been thinking a lot about how AI is changing the ways we work. I gave ChatGPT’s new "Deep Research" feature an assignment that I used to pay someone $300 for. This assignment took the person a couple hours and Deep Research did it in four minutes. It's both exciting and a bit overwhelming, but I think there's a huge opportunity for those who can see the bigger picture. 💡 One Big Idea: The Generalist's Golden Age We're...

Hey Reader, I’m running a 30 day creator challenge starting on Monday, called Create30. Learn more here or keep reading. Now you may be thinking “I’m not a content creator”. But content creation isn’t just for YouTubers, influencers, and podcasters—it’s for anyone who wants to stand out and build a personal brand. Picture this: you’re a realtor aiming to be the go-to expert in your city or a physical therapist sharing stretching tips on Instagram to attract new clients. By creating and...

Hey Reader, ever wonder what NFL players do between plays during a playoff game? Most pace the sidelines, review plays on tablets, or huddle with coaches. But Philadelphia Eagles receiver AJ Brown? He reads. Not just any book—he was caught on camera with Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, a relatively unknown book that sat at #552,709 on Amazon's bestseller list. Within days of Brown being spotted with it, it shot up to #6. This week, we're exploring how unexpected moments can change everything,...

Hey Reader, how was your first full week of 2025? It was nice to get back in a routine with the kids, although even that was short lived with the big snow we got yesterday! As we kick off 2025, I've been thinking a lot about the "why" behind what we do. This is something that many people overlook when setting goals or building new habits. 💡 One Big Idea: Your Why Drives Your What We often jump straight into setting goals or creating new habits without first understanding why we want to...