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:

  1. Declining organic reach across all platforms

  2. Increased competition from AI-generated content

  3. 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.

3. Direct Channel: Newsletter

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.