Cut out the (Meta) Middleman: Creator-Led Newsletter Growth with Dylan Redekop

No matter your relationship with social media and Big Tech… you can’t argue that it’s become more saturated, more based on the algorithm (bye bye followers, hello “for you” feed), and more “pay-to-play”. So, you decide to focus on your newsletter and stop building on rented land. But in order to grow, you’re told to give even more money to the platforms for ads, or spend time every day posting and engaging - ultimately paying with your attention.What if there was another way to grow your newsletter, without relying on social media or paying high rates for ads to Meta, Google, or Microsoft/LinkedIn? What if you could put that money into the hands of fellow creators - and end up with a more aligned audience?Dylan Redekop joins Aggressively Human to break down sustainable, ethical, and cost-effective ways to grow your newsletter—without handing money to Big Tech.Dylan, a newsletter strategist and creator of Growth Currency, shares how he grew his newsletter, landed sponsorship deals, and helps other newsletter operators grow (in concert with Chenell Basilio) without relying on social media. We dive into cross-promotions, creator sponsorships, paid recommendations, and other overlooked strategies that help you grow an engaged audience by directly connecting with and investing in other creators.If you’ve been struggling to expand your newsletter without relying on algorithms or expensive ads, today’s episode is a must-listen.* Why newsletters and email marketing are not the same thing (and why it matters for your strategy).* How to grow your newsletter without social media or Meta ads (including free and paid tactics).* The right way to collaborate with other creators through cross-promotions, guest features, and swaps.* The "hidden" world of creator sponsorships—how to sell and buy newsletter sponsorships the smart way.* What not to do when growing a newsletter (and why some cross-promos kill audience trust).* The truth about paid recommendations (how they work, who gets paid, and whether they’re worth it).* How to use AI and automation to enhance your newsletter without losing your voice.“This is the most meta thing. So you're having to do marketing to get your paid recommendation placed on other people's recommendations widget. Instead, this could be how it works: “Hey, I like you and I have the same audience. I will pay you if you put me as your paid widget.” - JessicaMissed our last episode about consent- and agency-based newsletter practices?Listen to our last episode about Email Automation with Heart with Bev Feldman:About our GuestDylan Redekop, LinkedInChenell Basilio’s Growth in Reverse NewsletterGrowth in Reverse YouTube, co-hosted by Chenell and DylanGrowth in Reverse Community (say hi, Jessica is there!)Post: How To Grow Your Newsletter without Social MediaResources MentionedJosh SpectorCraft and Commerce (Kit Conference, Boise ID)Jordan Gill - Systems Saved Me podcastJustin Moore - Sponsor Magnet bookConnect with UsListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meg and JessicaMeg CaseboltJessica Lackey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aggressivelyhuman.substack.com