How To Get Blogging Leads in Twitter DM

And why bloggers need to take it way more seriously than we do

Dec 16, 2022

Startup founders face many challenges. And they're willing to pay for a solution.

In fact, they're currently looking for a good technical writer to build that pending backlog integration, blog post and documentation.

The issue isn't that you don't have a solution or you can’t contribute.

You can help them in creating the next great blog post.

The problem is that you don't know each other.

They don't have time, the founders are busy people with full calendars of meetings, and you're never sure whether to send a cold email or a cold DM.

Ankur💻🎧💪 @TheAnkurTyagi

Cold DM/Email is your chance to standout in Job applications. CEO,CTOs are busy people, You get instant feedback if you sent a well directed email/DM. I have sent many cold outreach and success rate is above 50%. If you don’t ask, answer is always NO.

Austen Allred @Austen

Sadly this is incorrect at most companies (I Think we have one of the biggest data sets in the world on this.) Submit an application? Sure. But going direct to hiring manager with relevant demo-able work artifacts produces a ~10x higher interview rate vs cold application. https://t.co/G9IG78H2rH

Let me explain what happens to me:

I saw this scene in the last 2 years

After October 2021, I received 5-10 technical blogging leads per month.

Before October 2021, I signed 5 blogging contracts throughout the year.

The difference?

In 2021 I talks about tech and writing on Twitter but never send a cold DM till October 2021.
In 2022 I talks about tech and writing on Twitter but send at least 15-20 cold DMs every month.

Ankur💻🎧💪 @TheAnkurTyagi

You’re not the sum of your writing. You’re not the sum of your content. You’re not the sum of your code. Joined @supertokensio as a quarter time Developer Advocate. I check in every day, but most work is async. Let’s bring change in OSS & authentication space. 🙌

Tip: when a company has a jobs page and you can apply there, do it there but don’t be afraid to send a cold email/DM.

It means you’re passionate about their product.
It means you want to work with them.

By doing things like applying via Twitter DM you're reaching directly to the highest authority.

It might work or might not work but if you don’t send “Answer is always NO“

Recent Success example:

Outcome: I didn’t get the job but I get 1 blog contract of 500$ to work with them.

Recent Failure example:

I was nervous before sending this cold DM to one of the best founders I know in tech, as we all are when we need to talk to a very notable person in a cold way, but he surprised me with his response the very next day I sent this DM.

Outcome: I didn’t get the quarter-time job but what I learn.

Make sure your message is relevant and personalised to each founder.
Be concise and to the point – don't waste their time with a long message.
Offer value – explain why your blog would be useful or interesting to them.
Be respectful and polite – don't try to pressure or bully them into responding.

Here are a few tips for sending cold DMs in a professional and respectful way:

Research the person you are reaching out to and tailor your message to their interests and expertise.
Keep your message brief and to the point, and clearly, explain the value you can offer them.
Show genuine interest in what they do and how you can collaborate.
Respect their time and do not follow up excessively if they do not respond.

Thanks for reading:)

Ankur Tyagi.

P.S. My last few emails have all been excerpts from my new book and 15 days cold DM course. you can pre-order here.