Section 00

Introduction

You promised yourself you'd land your first creator partner this month.

Instead, you've sent 47 DMs that all sound like this:

"Hey! I love your content. I help creators monetize their audience. Would you be open to a quick call?"

And you've gotten... nothing. Maybe a few "thanks" replies that went nowhere.

Here's the problem: You're asking for permission before you've proven anything.

Every creator with 50K+ followers gets 20 of these messages a day. To them, you look exactly like the last guy who wasted their time.

This kit fixes that.

What's Inside

Section	What You Get
01 - The Framework	Why "Spec Work" beats cold pitching every time
02 - The Templates	4 DMs you can copy today (with follow-ups)
03 - Boring Niches	15 niches where creators actually need you
04 - Trust Checklist	What to do before you hit send
05 - Bonus: The Prompt	How to build a course outline in 30 minutes

The One Rule

Stop asking. Start giving.

The creators who reply aren't impressed by your pitch. They're impressed that you already did the work.

Let's get into it.

Section 01

The Framework

Why Most Outreach Fails

Picture this from the creator's side.

They've spent 3 years building an audience. Their content is their identity. Their followers trust them.

Then you show up in their DMs. A stranger. No track record. Asking for a cut of their business.

Why would they say yes?

They don't know you. They don't trust you. And your message sounds exactly like the 19 other pitches they got today.

This is the Trust Gap. And you can't close it with words.

You close it with work.

The Spec Work Strategy

Here's the shift:

Old way: Ask for permission → Hope they say yes → Then do the work

New way: Do the work → Show them what you built → Let them decide

You don't ask if they want a course. You build the course outline. Then you send it.

You don't ask if they need help monetizing. You mock up the product. Then you show them.

The work IS the pitch.

Why This Works

Three reasons:

1. You skip the trust conversation.
When you show up with something real, you're not asking them to imagine what you could do. They can see it.

2. You stand out instantly.
Everyone else is asking. You're giving. That's memorable.

3. You prove competence without a portfolio.
Your spec work IS your portfolio. Built specifically for them.

The Math

Let's say you send 50 cold DMs the old way. Maybe 2-3 people reply. That's a 5% response rate on a good day.

Now let's say you spend 2 hours building spec work for 10 creators. You send 10 personalized messages with real assets attached.

You'll get 3-4 replies. That's a 30-40% response rate.

Same number of replies. But now you're talking to people who already saw your work. The conversations are different.

What "Spec Work" Actually Looks Like

It depends on the creator. Here are examples:

Creator Type	Spec Work You Build
YouTube educator	4-module course outline based on their videos
Instagram coach	Lead magnet PDF from their best posts
Podcast host	Membership community structure
TikTok creator	Digital product mockup (template, guide)

The key: It has to be specific to THEM. Not a generic template with their name swapped in.

The Trojan Horse Effect

Here's why I call this the Trojan Horse.

You're not pitching. You're gifting.

"Hey, I made this for you. Use it however you want. No strings."

They open it. They see the quality. They think: "Wait, this person actually gets my content."

Now THEY want to talk to YOU.

The dynamic flips completely.

One Caveat

Spec work takes time. You can't do this for 100 creators.

So you have to pick the right ones. That's where the Boring Niches list comes in (Section 03).

But first, let's look at the actual messages you'll send.

Section 02

The Templates

Copy these. Adapt them. Send them today.

Template 1: The Spec Work Pitch

This is your main weapon. Use it when you've already built something for them.

Hey [Name],

I was watching your video on [specific topic] and noticed a lot
of comments asking for more depth on [specific thing].

I put together a [course outline / product mockup / guide]
based on your last few videos. It's already done.

Mind if I send it over? No strings attached.

[Your name]

Why it works:

You're giving, not asking
It's specific to their content
Zero commitment required from them
"No strings attached" removes pressure

Response rate: 25-35%

Template 2: The Problem Spotter

Use this when you've found something they could fix or improve.

Hey [Name],

I noticed [specific observation about their content/business].

Most creators in [their niche] miss this, but there's a simple
fix that could [specific benefit].

I put together a quick breakdown. Want me to send it?

[Your name]

Example filled in:

Hey Sarah,

I noticed your audience keeps asking about hydration ratios in
the comments, but your videos focus more on technique.

Most baking creators miss this, but there's a simple product
(a printable feeding calendar) that could sell for $47 easily.

I mocked one up based on your sourdough series. Want me to send it?

Jake

Template 3: The Revenue Share Intro

Use this when you haven't built spec work yet, but want to test interest.

Hey [Name],

Quick question: Have you thought about turning your [topic]
knowledge into a digital product?

I work with creators on revenue share. You bring the expertise,
I handle everything else (building, tech, launch). Recent example:
helped a [similar creator type] add $[X]k/month passively.

If that sounds interesting, I'll put together a quick plan
for what could work for your audience. No cost to you.

Worth exploring?

[Your name]

Note: This one is weaker than spec work. Use it only when you can't invest the upfront time.

The Follow-Up Sequence

Most replies come after follow-ups. Don't give up after one message.

Follow-Up 1 (Day 3)

Keep it short. Assume they missed it.

Hey [Name],

Just checking if you saw my last message?

Happy to send over that [thing you offered] whenever works.

[Your name]

Follow-Up 2 (Day 7)

Add new value. Don't just "bump."

Hey [Name],

I was thinking more about your [content/niche] and had another idea.

[One specific insight or observation they'd find useful]

Still happy to share what I put together. Let me know.

[Your name]

Follow-Up 3 (Day 10)

Respectful close. Give them an easy out.

Hey [Name],

Last note from me on this.

If a digital product isn't on your radar right now, totally get it.
Just wanted to make sure the offer landed.

If things change, I'm around.

[Your name]

What NOT to Write

These kill your chances instantly.

Don't Say	Why It Fails
"I love your content!"	Empty. Everyone says this.
"I help creators monetize"	Vague. What does that mean?
"Would you be open to a quick call?"	Too much commitment upfront
"I noticed you don't have a course yet"	Implies they're missing something
"I can 10x your revenue"	Sounds like spam
"Hope this finds you well"	AI slop. Delete it.

Subject Lines (If Using Email)

Short. Specific. No clickbait.

Good:

Quick question about [their brand/channel name]
Idea for [specific topic they cover]
[One word]? (e.g., "Sourdough?" or "Templates?")

Bad:

"Partnership opportunity!!!"
"I can help you make more money"
"You're leaving money on the table"
RE: or FWD: (fake thread starters)

Platform Tips

Instagram DM:

Keep it under 100 words
No links in first message (gets filtered)
Engage with their content first (like, comment)

Email:

Plain text only (no images, no fancy signatures)
One link max (to your spec work)
Send Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11am their timezone

Twitter/X DM:

Even shorter. 2-3 sentences max.
Follow them first. Like a few posts.

The 48-Hour Rule

If they reply with interest, respond within 48 hours.

Seriously. Don't wait. Creators talk to a lot of people. If you go quiet, they'll assume you're not serious.

Speed signals professionalism.

Section 03

The Boring Niches

Where the real money is hiding.

Why "Boring" Wins

Everyone's chasing crypto influencers, fitness coaches, and business gurus.

Those creators get 50 pitches a day. They have managers. They know what they're worth. Unless you have a killer portfolio, they won't even reply.

But the pottery teacher with 80K followers? The Excel guy making tutorial shorts?

They have loyal audiences, terrible monetization, and zero idea how to build a digital product.

You're not one of fifty pitches. You're the only person offering to help.

The 15 Best Niches Right Now

Tier 1: Proven Winners

These niches have case studies. The model works.

1. Excel / Google Sheets Tutorials

Why it's gold: Miss Excel made $100K in a single day selling spreadsheet courses. Her audience? Office workers who want to stop being confused by VLOOKUP.
What to build: Template bundles, formula guides, industry-specific dashboards (real estate, HR, finance)
Price point: $47 - $297
Find them on: YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn

2. Sourdough / Bread Baking

Why it's gold: Teresa Greenway made $28K her first year teaching sourdough on Udemy. Filmed in her garage with bad lighting.
What to build: "Foolproof Fermentation Schedule" (printable calendar + troubleshooting guide)
Price point: $27 - $97
Find them on: YouTube, Instagram

3. Woodworking

Why it's gold: Large audiences, scattered monetization. Steve Ramsey built a whole course business from "beginner woodworking" content.
What to build: Project plan bundles by skill level, "Build Your First Workshop" setup guide
Price point: $35 - $197
Find them on: YouTube

4. Van Life / RV Living

Why it's gold: Van-dwellers doubled from 1.9M to 3.1M between 2020-2022. Most creators make $1-2K/month from random affiliates.
What to build: Complete van conversion course with parts lists, budget planner
Price point: $97 - $497
Find them on: YouTube, Instagram

Tier 2: High Engagement, Low Competition

These niches have hungry audiences and almost no products.

5. Pottery / Ceramics

Why it's gold: 30-40% higher engagement than standard tutorials. Most creators only monetize through $3-5K sponsorships.
What to build: Glazing technique course, downloadable shape templates
Price point: $47 - $197
Find them on: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

6. Urban / Balcony Gardening

Why it's gold: 340% year-over-year search growth. Only ~600 YouTube channels focus specifically on small-space gardening.
What to build: "Grow Food in 50 Square Feet" course, seasonal planting calendars
Price point: $17 - $149
Find them on: YouTube, TikTok

7. Aquarium / Fish Keeping

Why it's gold: Market growing 8.5% yearly. Creators report earning "10-15 cents an hour" from YouTube ads. They need help.
What to build: Species-specific care guides, "Build Your First Planted Tank" course
Price point: $15 - $97
Find them on: YouTube

8. Knitting / Crochet

Why it's gold: Patterns account for only 15-20% of creator income. YouTube gives them $4-5 per 1,000 views.
What to build: Pattern bundles, "Crochet Business Blueprint" for Etsy sellers
Price point: $25 - $147
Find them on: YouTube, Instagram, Ravelry

Tier 3: Strong Community, Weak Products

Big forums, active audiences, almost nothing to buy.

9. Leather Crafting

Why it's gold: 721K+ posts on Leatherworker.net. The community is massive but digital products are scattered.
What to build: Beginner pattern bundles, "Etsy Leather Business" blueprint
Price point: $35 - $197
Find them on: YouTube, forums

10. Quilting / Sewing

Why it's gold: $5.59 billion industry. Creators mostly sell low-priced patterns and YouTube ads.
What to build: Design software tutorials, "Quilt Along" subscription programs
Price point: $15 - $197
Find them on: YouTube, Pinterest

11. Homebrewing (Beer/Wine)

Why it's gold: Products are consumable and upgradeable. Creators use basic affiliate links but no courses.
What to build: "First All-Grain Brew" course, recipe formulation guide
Price point: $35 - $197
Find them on: YouTube, Reddit

12. Calligraphy / Hand Lettering

Why it's gold: Creators sell custom work (time for money). No one's teaching them to sell scalable products.
What to build: "Convert Hand Lettering to Fonts" course, Procreate brush packs
Price point: $15 - $297
Find them on: Instagram, YouTube

Tier 4: Emerging

Fewer case studies, but the opportunity is clear.

13. Home Organization / Decluttering

Why it's gold: Transformation content goes viral. Clutterbug has 865K subscribers.
What to build: "30-Day Declutter Challenge" course, room-by-room templates
Price point: $25 - $97
Find them on: YouTube, TikTok

14. Candle / Soap Making

Why it's gold: Low startup cost ($500-2K) attracts hobbyists. Few courses exist for going from hobby to business.
What to build: "Launch Your Candle Business" course, scent formulation guide
Price point: $27 - $247
Find them on: YouTube, Etsy

15. Senior Tech Tutorials

Why it's gold: 19x growth potential. $6.17 RPM (way above average). Only ~10K channels targeting this audience.
What to build: "Technology for Seniors" step-by-step courses, video calling guides
Price point: $35 - $97
Find them on: YouTube

How to Find Creators in These Niches

YouTube: Search "[niche] tutorial" → Filter by channel size (10K-500K sweet spot)
Instagram: Search niche hashtags → Look for 20K-200K followers
TikTok: Same approach. Look for creators with high engagement but no link in bio product.

Green flags:

Comments asking "Do you have a course?"
No digital products in their link in bio
Content is educational (not just entertainment)

Red flags:

Already selling courses
Has a manager or team
Too big (500K+) or too small (<10K)

The Play

Pick 5 creators from this list. Spend 30 minutes watching their content. Note the questions in their comments.

Then build one piece of spec work.

That's it. That's the whole strategy.

Section 04

The Trust Checklist

Run through this before you hit send.

Before You Reach Out

Do this first:

Watch at least 3 of their videos (or read 10+ posts)
Note specific things they talk about (topics, phrases, problems)
Read their comments. What are people asking for?
Check their link in bio. What are they selling now? (Nothing = good)
Build your spec work based on what you learned
Like or comment on 2-3 posts (don't be weird about it)

Skip this step and your DM will feel hollow.

Your First Message

Must have:

Their name (spelled correctly)
One specific reference to their content
What you built for them (or what you're offering)
A low-commitment CTA ("Want me to send it over?")
Under 100 words for DMs, under 150 for email

Must NOT have:

Links (especially in DMs)
"I love your content" with no specifics
"Quick call?" as the first ask
Your life story or credentials
Multiple questions
"Hope this finds you well" or similar filler

Words That Kill Responses

Spam filters and humans both hate these.

Remove from your vocabulary:

Word/Phrase	Why It Fails
Free	Spam trigger
Guaranteed	Spam trigger
Limited time	Spam trigger
Act now	Spam trigger
Monetize	Vague, overused
Scale	Vague, overused
10x	Sounds like a bro marketer
Partner/Partnership	Overused, means nothing
I help creators...	Every scammer says this
Would love to...	Weak, passive
Just checking in	Adds no value
Touching base	Corporate garbage
Synergy	Kill it with fire

Follow-Up Rules

Do:

Wait 3 days before first follow-up
Add new value in each follow-up (don't just "bump")
Keep follow-ups shorter than the original
Stop after 3-4 attempts. Move on.

Don't:

Follow up the next day (desperate)
Send the same message again
Get passive aggressive ("Guess you're too busy...")
Keep going after they've ignored 4 messages

If They Reply

Within 24 hours:

Respond. Seriously. Don't wait.
Answer any questions directly
Deliver what you promised (the spec work, the call, whatever)
Keep it conversational. Match their tone.

If they say no:

Thank them
Don't argue or try to convince
Leave the door open ("No problem. If things change, I'm around.")
Move on. There are thousands of creators.

The Vibe Check

Read your message out loud. Ask yourself:

Would I reply to this if I were them?
Does it sound like a human wrote it?
Am I giving something or asking for something?
Is there anything here that could be copy-pasted to 100 people?

If #4 is yes, rewrite it.

Red Flags You're Being Ignored

If you're getting zero replies after 20+ outreach attempts:

Your spec work isn't good enough (or doesn't exist)
You're targeting creators who are too big
Your message sounds like everyone else's
You're in an oversaturated niche (crypto, fitness, business)

Go back to the Boring Niches list. Start smaller.

One Last Thing

Rejection is data, not failure.

If they don't reply, it means one of three things:

They're not interested right now
Your approach needs work
They're the wrong fit

None of those are personal. Adjust and keep going.

Section 05

Bonus: The Spec Work Prompt

How to build a course outline in 30 minutes using AI.

The Process

Watch 3-5 of the creator's best videos
Copy the transcripts (YouTube has auto-generated ones)
Paste them into Claude or ChatGPT with the prompt below
Clean up the output
Turn it into a PDF

That's your spec work. Done in under an hour.

The Prompt

Copy this entire block and paste it into Claude (3.5 Sonnet or better):

You are a course designer helping me create a course outline for a content creator.

I'm going to paste transcripts from their videos. Based on this content, create:

1. A course title (catchy but clear)
2. A course description (2-3 sentences)
3. A 4-6 module outline where each module has:
   - Module title
   - Learning outcome (what they'll be able to do after)
   - 3-5 lesson titles
4. A "Quick Win" lesson (something short and actionable they could release as a lead magnet)
5. 3 potential bonus ideas

Rules:
- Use the creator's language and terminology (don't corporate it up)
- Focus on transformation: what will students DO after this?
- Keep module titles benefit-focused, not topic-focused
- The outline should feel like a natural extension of their existing content

Here are the transcripts:

[PASTE TRANSCRIPTS HERE]

Example Output

For a sourdough baker, the output might look like:

Course Title: "Sourdough Simplified: From Starter to Perfect Loaf in 14 Days"

Description: Stop guessing with your sourdough. This step-by-step system teaches you how to create and maintain a healthy starter, nail your hydration ratios, and bake consistent loaves every time.

Module 1: Your First Starter (Days 1-7)

Outcome: You'll have a healthy, active starter ready for baking
Lessons:
- The only 3 ingredients you need
- Feeding schedule that actually works
- How to tell when it's ready (the float test)
- Troubleshooting weird smells and textures

Module 2: Understanding Hydration

Outcome: You'll know exactly how wet or dry your dough should be
Lessons:
- What hydration % actually means
- Finding your ideal ratio (it depends on your flour)
- The poke test for perfect proofing

[...continues...]

Quick Win Lesson: "The 3-Minute Starter Health Check" — A printable checklist to diagnose common starter problems

Bonus Ideas:

"Troubleshooting Guide" PDF (why is my bread flat?)
Private community for bakers
Monthly live Q&A calls

Turn It Into a PDF

Don't send raw text. Make it look professional.

Option 1: Notion → Export

Paste the outline into Notion
Add a cover image (Unsplash has free ones)
Export as PDF

Option 2: Gamma.app

Paste your outline
Let Gamma turn it into slides
Export as PDF

Option 3: Canva

Use a simple document template
Add their brand colors if you can find them
Export as PDF

Bonus Prompt: The One-Pager

If you don't have time for a full course outline, use this for a quick product concept:

Based on this creator's content, suggest ONE digital product that:
1. Solves a specific problem their audience has
2. Can be created in under 24 hours
3. Could sell for $27-$97

Give me:
- Product name
- What's included (keep it simple)
- The main problem it solves
- A one-sentence pitch I could DM them

[PASTE TRANSCRIPT OR CONTENT SUMMARY]

The Meta Move

Once you've built spec work for 2-3 creators and gotten replies, you have:

A repeatable process
Examples to show future creators
Confidence that this works

That's when you can reach out to bigger creators. You're not pitching anymore. You're showing proof.

Final Note

The prompt is the easy part.

The hard part is doing the research. Watching their content. Understanding their audience.

AI can't do that for you. But once you've done that work, AI makes the build 10x faster.

Put in the research. Let AI do the assembly. Send the thing.

That's the whole system.

End of Kit

The Trojan Horse Outreach Kit