- Omara Khaddaj
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- The Minimum Viable Brand
The Minimum Viable Brand
How to Grow Without the Constant Content Grind
There's a dangerous myth in the creator economy that you either need to be everywhere to succeed or laser focus on one platform.
The reality? Most founders and creators burn out trying to maintain a presence across multiple platforms, usually with mediocre results.
But the other extreme that's equally problematic: the "just focus on one platform" advice. While this worked great in 2021, it's increasingly risky in 2025.
Why? Three key factors:
Declining organic reach across all platforms
Increased competition from AI-generated content
Platform saturation in nearly every niche
Today, I'm sharing a different approach: the Minimum Viable Brand strategy. It’s a strategic approach that drives results without the constant content grind.
Let's dive in.
The Minimum Viable Brand
Most founders believe building a brand means posting constantly across every social platform. They're wrong.
What you actually need is a strategic content ecosystem that builds trust and demonstrates your expertise over time. Here's what this looks like:
One platform for daily engagement (LinkedIn)
One channel for deep trust-building (YouTube/Articles)
One direct connection with your audience (Newsletter)
This works because each piece serves a specific purpose:
LinkedIn drives daily visibility and network building.
Long-form content creates deep trust through expertise.
Email nurtures relationships that convert to business.
Think of it like a musician. LinkedIn is your live shows where you perform daily, long-form content is your studio albums that showcase your depth, and email is your backstage pass where real connections happen.
Most importantly, you're building assets that compound over time instead of chasing temporary wins and having to do it again the next morning.
Core Components
Here’s a multi-channel strategy to build your Minimum Viable Brand efficiently:
1. Your Growth Platform: LinkedIn
LinkedIn is your primary platform for connecting with decision-makers and showcasing your expertise.
Here's exactly how to approach it:
Posting Strategy
3-5 posts per week (quality over quantity)
Focus on insights your audience can implement
Mix of frameworks, case studies, and personal stories
Content Structure
Sharp hooks that grab attention
Clear, actionable insights
Strong examples that prove your points
Simple call-to-action when relevant
The key is maintaining consistent quality without burning out.
This means:
Writing posts in batches (2 hours every week)
Building a content bank for busy weeks
Engaging strategically (1 hour per day)
Focusing on connections that matter
Pro tip: Don't chase viral posts. Build genuine relationships with 50-100 active creators in your niche. This creates sustainable growth and real business opportunities.
2. Discovery Platform: Long-form Content
You need a few pieces of high-quality content that build deep trust when people look you up online. This is where YouTube comes in.
Here's what you actually need:
3-5 core videos including:
Topic deep-dives in your expertise
Common pain points your prospects face
Your unique frameworks and approach
Client case studies and results
Think of it this way: When you reach out to someone on LinkedIn, they'll Google you, and if they find a video where you break down a relevant topic, they're significantly more likely to respond.
Two simple ways to create this:
Video Podcast
Record a 60-minute video podcast where a colleague or a friend interviews you about your expertise and your story.
Here’s what you can cover:
Your unique approach and methodology
Common challenges you solve
Your professional journey
Client success stories
Guest Appearances
Get featured on 1-3 relevant podcasts in your space.
Even smaller shows work great if:
The host is a good interviewer
The production quality is solid
The conversation flows naturally
Pro tip: Extract 2-3 one-minute clips from these conversations and share them on LinkedIn. These work great as "trailers" that drive traffic to the full episodes.
Your goal is to build strategic content assets that boost your credibility when prospects check you out. Your LinkedIn activity drives traffic there, and YouTube's algorithm recommends you to others interested in similar topics.
A newsletter gives you direct access to your audience without relying on social media algorithms.
Most founders never start one, and those who do rarely maintain it. This means even a monthly newsletter puts you ahead of the majority of your competitors.
Here's your minimum viable approach:
Monthly Newsletter Strategy
One in-depth article (800-1000 words)
Personal stories that reinforce your expertise
Clear next steps for readers who want more
Specific and actionable insights
The key benefits:
Builds deeper relationships
Showcases your thinking fully
Creates content you can repurpose
Positions you as an authority
Pro tip: Your newsletters can double as blog posts on your website. This improves SEO and makes your content more discoverable with minimal extra effort.
Getting More From Your Content
You don't need complex systems to repurpose content effectively.
Here's what actually works:
Video Content → LinkedIn Posts
Extract key insights from your videos
Turn them into standalone LinkedIn posts
Share 2-3 minute clips with written takeaways
Use strong hooks from your actual conversations
Newsletter → Multiple Assets
Pull out your strongest insights
Create focused LinkedIn posts
Add it to your website as a blog
Share snippets in conversations
The key is keeping it simple:
Start with your core message
Focus on quality over quantity
Maintain context in every format
Let LinkedIn drive traffic naturally
Pro tip: Create content with repurposing in mind. When recording videos or writing newsletters, think about which segments will make strong standalone pieces.
Your Next Steps
Here's exactly what to do this week:
Start With LinkedIn
Update your profile headline and about section
Write your first three thought-leadership posts
Connect with 20-30 people in your niche
Plan Your Long-form Content
Choose between solo videos or podcast format
Outline your first core topic in detail
Schedule your recording date
Set Up Your Newsletter
Create a simple landing page
Write your welcome email
Plan your first edition
Most founders fail by trying to perfect everything, jumping on too many platforms, or chasing vanity metrics. Keep it simple and focus on one thing at a time.
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend.
Until next time, keep creating!
Omara
P.S. Want help implementing this strategy? Reply to this email with your questions and I'll give you additional tips that are specific to your situation.