Drew Perkins is a marketing entrepreneur and the owner and founder of Andrew Perkins Media, a socially conscious marketing agency in Goshen, Indiana. He started his company in 2014 and has worked with hundreds of businesses and start-ups over the years. He grew up in Chicago, did a brief stint in the total wilderness of Idaho, then moved on to Goshen, Indiana and started his company.
Andrew Perkins, along with his diverse team, specializes in website development, SEO, marketing, social media, branding, lead generation, tech support, and various other services. As a marketing entrepreneur, he manages a portfolio of online niche sites that generate a monthly income of over $40,000. These sites employ effective SEO techniques and other strategies to enhance content ranking and drive online traffic.
Drew Perkins primarily focuses on leveraging affiliate marketing to monetize his sites. He actively shares his insights and discoveries through his website, market.com, and his affiliate marketing newsletter. These resources include detailed income reports, which analyze revenue streams, as well as the latest frameworks and strategies that affiliate marketers and online entrepreneurs can adopt to improve their own websites.
Perkins has also pioneered widely embraced frameworks and strategies in the niche site and affiliate marketing industries, such as the SPEAR framework, Dynamic Spec Relativity, and the Movie Casting approach for selecting affiliate products. Drew Perkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, who is an architect. They have two wonderful children. As a family, they enjoy spending quality time together and exploring the beautiful outdoors of Indiana. Drew Perkins is passionate about photography and often captures precious moments of his family’s adventures.
In his leisure time, he loves reading books on personal development and entrepreneurship, as well as staying updated with the latest marketing trends and strategies. Drew Perkins also enjoys playing the guitar and occasionally indulges in cooking elaborate meals for his loved ones.
How do you structure your typical day and ensure productivity?
Previously, I was more hands-on with my websites, but now I focus on managing the overall operations. My responsibilities primarily involve reviewing the work completed by my team, providing feedback, and refining our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance communication and optimize workflows.
To maintain productivity, I prioritize tasks each day, placing emphasis on the most important ones. It can be tempting to tackle easier, less significant tasks for the satisfaction of completion, but I recognize the importance of addressing the more challenging and critical tasks that may induce stress.
As a business, we strive for productivity by maintaining meticulous tracking systems. For content improvements, we utilize Google Sheets, categorizing them into different sections of each article, such as introductions, FAQs, and featured snippets. We utilize Airtable to segment the site into clusters for effective internal linking. Additionally, we rely on Trello as our content management tool to assign articles to our writers, ensuring a streamlined workflow.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing appropriate tools, we maximize productivity both on an individual level and as a cohesive team.
How do you bring your ideas to life?
When it comes to our websites, there are two key aspects we focus on bringing to life: new articles and fresh site designs that showcase those articles.
For articles, it’s all about careful planning, thorough research, and creating a detailed brief that guides our talented writers in crafting remarkable content. We want to make their job easier so they can deliver amazing articles that captivate our readers.
When it comes to site design, we constantly brainstorm new ways to delight our audience and ensure that accessing the information they need is effortless. We strive to create a user-friendly experience that not only looks visually appealing but also enhances their overall engagement.
In the case of our product, Lasso, many of our ideas revolve around improving features for our valued customers. We take into account what we can realistically deliver and ensure that we deliver it in a fantastic way. Thankfully, our customers play a vital role in guiding us. They often share their specific needs and preferences, allowing us to build features that truly address their requirements.
Let me give you an example. For a long time, Lasso had beautifully designed single product affiliate displays. However, our customers expressed a desire for Wirecutter-style tables that can compare three products in a single row. By closely listening to their feedback and understanding exactly what they wanted—such as pros and cons, pricing, and star ratings—we were able to develop the feature from there.
Bringing ideas to life is an exciting journey for us, and we are constantly driven by the goal of improving and innovating to meet the needs of our audience and customers.
What’s a trend that both excites and terrifies you?
Oh, one trend that really gets me feeling a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness is AI. Seriously, it’s all the buzz these days, and for good reason!
Just think about it. AI has the power to supercharge everyone’s creative abilities. With a simple prompt, you can now generate videos, images, text, tables, and soon enough, even 3D models! It’s like the learning curves for tools like image and video editing, as well as 2D and 3D CAD modeling, are just going to vanish into thin air.
The amazing part is that this kind of technology democratizes so much. You can practically take on the roles of ten different people, all from the comfort of your own bedroom. How cool is that?
But let’s face it, it’s also a little bit terrifying. As the barriers to entry crumble, even established players are feeling the pressure. People are starting to realize that things like content creation, which used to be seen as challenging and unique, can now be easily replicated. So, the big question becomes, “What sets you apart? What’s your unique advantage in this rapidly evolving landscape?’’
It’s a thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking time, but hey, that’s what keeps us on our toes, right?
What’s one habit that helps you stay productive?
Oh, I’ve got a nifty little trick up my sleeve! I use a trusty timer that I set for an hour, and during that time, I dive headfirst into my task. I like to call it my “deep work” hour. Some folks prefer the 25-minute Pomodoro technique, but I’ve got bigger goals in mind. I want to stretch my focus and attention span to the max, so I aim for four intense 60-minute sprints every day. It’s like a mental workout!
Now, outside of those four dedicated hours of deep work, the rest of my work time is more on the general side. You know, attending to emails, handling administrative stuff, and all the other bits and bobs that don’t quite fit into my power sprints. But hey, those focused hours really make a difference in boosting my productivity and getting things done!
So, if you’re ever feeling like you need a little boost, give it a try and see how it works for you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become a productivity powerhouse too!
If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Ah, great question! If I had the chance to chat with my younger self, I’d definitely encourage him to embrace experimentation. You know, when I look back, I realize that for a long time, I was focused on learning and improving in areas like content, writing, CRO, and editing. I got really good at those things and enjoyed the comfort of sitting at my laptop, in control of the results—the words on the page.
But here’s the thing—I didn’t push myself out of that cozy comfort zone often enough. I didn’t run as many experiments as I should have or engage in proactive outreach to build brands. As a result, we became strong in content, but other areas didn’t get the attention they deserved. If only I had taken more risks and explored link-building and other strategies, who knows how much stronger we could have been in those areas?
So, my advice to my younger self would be: “Hey buddy, don’t shy away from trying new things. Step out of your comfort zone and run experiments like there’s no tomorrow. Take calculated risks and do more outreach to build those brands. It might feel a bit daunting, but trust me, it’s worth it. You’ll learn faster, grow stronger, and achieve even greater success!”
Can you share an opinion that you hold, even though it seems to be in disagreement with the majority?
You know, something I strongly believe in, even if it may not be a popular viewpoint, is that we might be living in a time where entrepreneurship, social mobility, and innovation could be facing some real challenges. Let me explain why.
I worry that with the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) reaching a point where machines can perform tasks as well as humans, it will become incredibly difficult for individuals who come from less privileged backgrounds to uplift themselves. How can you pull yourself up from the bottom rung of society’s wealth ladder when AI can do everything you do?
My concern stems from the idea that AI could reinforce existing inequalities, making it even more challenging for people to improve their social standing. Innovation, which is often a catalyst for progress and mobility, might become the exclusive domain of those who create the next AI models.
We can already observe this trend in its early stages. Many of the rapidly growing startups that receive significant venture capital funding are essentially built upon existing innovations from OpenAI. Take, for example, the numerous startups relying on APIs without introducing substantial innovation themselves. It begs the question: What genuine innovations did these companies bring to the table, aside from impressive UI design?
If this trajectory continues, true innovation may become prohibitively expensive, accessible only to multinational corporations, leaving little opportunity for individuals or small teams to contribute and compete. We might witness a decline in those plucky inventors like Drew Perkins Dyson who tinker away and come up with groundbreaking ideas in their sheds. Once AI surpasses our levels of creativity, I fear that the chance for individuals or small teams to make meaningful contributions and stand out might diminish significantly.
What is one habit you consistently practice and suggest for others?
One thing I highly recommend is avoiding social media. I used to be hooked on scrolling through Reddit, but I made the decision to delete the app. You know, they say you become like the people you spend the most time with, and I realized I was adopting some Reddit-like traits that didn’t align with who I wanted to be.
Currently, I still have the Twitter app on my phone since I use it for my personal brand, but honestly, I’m considering deleting that too. It’s all about finding balance and prioritizing our time and mental well-being.
Q8: What do you do when you feel overwhelmed or unfocused?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I dive right into the task that’s causing overwhelm. I believe there’s no better time than now to tackle it head-on. Procrastination is a luxury I can’t afford, and understanding this motivates me to push forward. This realization is actually comforting, as it empowers me to stay committed to my goals.
What’s one strategy that has contributed to your business growth or career advancement?
Consistently chipping away at my goals every day has been instrumental. Rather than solely focusing on the big picture, I break down my long-term goals into manageable tasks for each day, week, and month. By making progress on a daily basis, I’ve achieved far more than I initially anticipated. I may not possess exceptional talents or brilliance, but my commitment to steady progress has had a significant impact.
Can you share a failure you experienced in your career and how you overcame it?
Absolutely! When I was 17, I launched my first business—an exciting streetwear line—back in 2014. It seemed like an instant hit, as we quickly gained 16,000 Instagram followers within a few weeks. We even had stunning model shots showcasing our products, and I genuinely believed we were about to take off and achieve enormous success.
However, despite the impressive following, we faced a major setback: we didn’t make any sales. Looking back, I realize that I made some rookie mistakes. I was naive and ordered excessive amounts of stock in various product types, sizes, and colors, mainly because I wanted to feel like a “real” entrepreneur. In hindsight, a smarter approach would have been to create a pre-order system, print the items on demand, and ship them accordingly.
Ultimately, I ended up losing money and investing nearly half of my savings into the project. It was a tough lesson to learn, but I had to accept it and move on.
The experience taught me the importance of strategic planning, market research, and efficient inventory management. I now understand the value of validating ideas before making significant investments, focusing on demand-driven production, and minimizing unnecessary financial risks. It was a valuable learning experience that has shaped my approach to business ever since.
Do you have a business idea that you’d like to share with our readers?
Absolutely! One area that I believe holds immense potential for disruption is design software leveraging AI and LLMs (Large Language Models). While Canva is already making strides in image editing, there are countless opportunities for more specialized design tools. Think about 2D modeling or 3D CAD software for niche industries, specialized software for manufacturing, or even unique file types like SVGs or emojis. The possibilities are vast!
What’s a software tool that boosts your productivity and how do you leverage it?
Slack is my go-to productivity booster. It’s not just a messaging platform for my team; we’ve integrated cool features like GeekBot. It helps us standardize daily reports from each team member, promoting accountability and keeping everyone in the loop about ongoing tasks. If anyone faces challenges, it also facilitates collaboration and support. Slack truly goes beyond messaging to enhance our productivity.
What’s the best purchase you’ve made recently with $100?
Oh, slightly over $100, but I finally treated myself to a new pair of AirPods. My old ones broke a while ago, and I can’t believe I waited so long to replace them! Now I can enjoy listening to podcasts during my train rides and travels. Trust me, the value you get from a good podcast can make up for the cost in just an hour. It’s totally worth it!
Have you come across any book or podcast that has been particularly valuable to you?
Oh yes! I find great value in listening to the Niche Pursuits podcast, among a few others. However, if I had to choose a favorite book, it would undoubtedly be Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Despite being written thousands of years ago, it remains incredibly relevant and offers invaluable insights for navigating the complexities of modern life.
Additionally, I highly recommend reading When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, especially when you’re young. It’s a thought-provoking book that leaves a lasting impact.
Have you come across any interesting movies or series lately?
Absolutely! I recently watched “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,” and it was a delightful experience. The movie showcased remarkable creativity, effectively delivering deep and emotional content in a way that was enjoyable for everyone. It struck a perfect balance!
I also surprisingly found myself engrossed in the Netflix golf documentary called “Full Swing.” Now, I’ve never been much of a golf enthusiast, as it seemed a bit dull to me, but this series managed to infuse drama and fast-paced action into the sport, making it surprisingly captivating.