Why Marketing Can’t Save Mediocrity

In partnership with

In today’s email (1,152 Words | 4 Min 43 Sec read):

Today’s Read

Overview

Ryan Holiday’s Perennial Seller is a guide for creators who aim to make something that lasts—a book, product, or piece of art that remains relevant for years, even decades.

It’s not just about making something good; it’s about making something exceptional and ensuring it finds its audience. Let’s break this down. Get the book here.

Start With the Product: No Marketing Can Save Mediocrity

Holiday’s first lesson is harsh but true: if the product is bad, no amount of promotion will help.

• Example: If you launch a forgettable novel, all the Facebook ads in the world won’t turn it into Harry Potter.

• Core Idea: Focus on excellence from the beginning. This means spending time perfecting the craft, getting feedback, and improving.

Ask yourself:

• Who is this for?

• Why will they care?

Holiday says, "Great work finds its audience because it’s inherently great." Make your work so good that it demands attention.