✨the SPARK 220 ~ Start With Your Smallest Frustrations
In Praise of Simple Solutions
I've been thinking a lot about simplicity lately.
Maybe it's the promise of spring in the air (even though winter is trying to hang on… the few days of clear blue skies are a bit of a tease), or perhaps it's because my Visual Guide to Substack has been selling steadily with zero fanfare (proof that solving one specific problem well trumps complicated solutions every time).
Here's what fascinates me about this...
The guide wasn't some grand vision or elaborate plan. It was born from a simple frustration: trying to figure out where everything was in Substack's settings and what it all meant.
I kept thinking, "This should not be this convoluted."
And then it hit me – if I'm wishing for this, others probably are too.
This is where we often get stuck, isn't it?
We look for complex solutions when the answer is usually right in front of us, wrapped in the simple package of our own experience.
Think about it...
When was the last time you bought something because it promised to solve ALL your problems?
How'd that work out? 😉
(side note: I definitely see a trend with digital products that solve one thing simply as opposed to a huge course with massive amounts of content).
Now, think about the last time you bought something that solved ONE specific problem really well.
You probably jumped right in and implemented the solution.
Big difference, right?
Here's why this matters for you (especially if you're creating products or services):
The Power of the Small Solution
I'm going to share something that might feel counterintuitive: The smaller and more specific your solution, the more valuable it often becomes.
Example: When I first started as "The WordPress Chick," I didn't create a comprehensive "Everything You Need to Know About WordPress" course.
Instead, I created a simple workshop about setting up Google Analytics for WordPress.
Price point? $24.95.
Was it going to make me a millionaire? Nope.
But it did something more valuable – it showed me that people would pay for a solution to one specific problem.
The Real Magic of Simple Solutions
Here's where it gets interesting (and why this matters to you):
They're easier to create
When you focus on solving one problem well, you don't get lost in the weeds of trying to cover everything. You can dive deep into that one solution and make it exceptional.They're easier to sell
People know exactly what they're getting. There's no confusion about the outcome.They build trust faster
When someone gets a quick win from your simple solution, they're more likely to come back for more.
The Simple Solution Framework
Want to create your own simple solution? Here's the framework I use:
Start with Friction
What makes you sigh with frustration?
What do you wish was easier?
What do you find yourself explaining often?
Document Your Process
How did you solve it for yourself?
What steps did you take?
What shortcuts did you discover?
Package Your Solution
What's the shortest path from problem to solution?
What format makes the most sense? (Guide, template, checklist, video?)
How can you make it immediately actionable?
The Implementation Challenge
Here's where the rubber meets the road. I want you to try something this week:
Take 15 minutes to list out your daily friction points. These are the minor annoyances or challenges you face regularly in your work or life.
Pick ONE that you've solved for yourself. It doesn't matter how simple the solution seems to you. If it solved your problem, it can probably help someone else.
Outline your solution. Not the fancy, perfect version. Just the actual, practical steps you took.
Share it. It could be a social post, a blog entry, or even a quick email to your list. The format doesn't matter—what matters is getting it out there.
Remember: The goal isn't to create the next big thing. It's to solve one problem really well.
I'm taking this challenge, too. Next week, I'm starting work on another Visual Guide (I'll announce which one in the following newsletter 😊).
Why?
The success of the Substack guide taught me something important: Sometimes, the best business moves aren't the flashiest or most complex; they're just the ones that solve a real problem clearly and simply.
Your Turn
What's one problem you've solved for yourself that you could package into a simple solution for others? Hit reply and let me know – I'd love to hear your thoughts.
SPARK Spotlight 🔥
I found this in a recent Ben’s Bite newsletter. They shared that they were conducting training for their members of this AI app. Turn your words into sites, tools, apps, and products - built with code. Add GPT-4o and 40+ integrations in an instant.
I had a minimum viable app within 10 minutes (at most)! 🤯 It’s a money/journaling/tracking app (don’t judge; I threw something in there pretty quickly, haha). AND…If I want people to be able to connect it to their financial accounts, it created the process and code to connect/integrate with Plaid.
A Little Brainpower 🧠
Still thinking about Substack? This might inspire you. “A year of being a Substack Bestseller,” from a non-marketing newsletter.
If you struggle with promoting yourself, this might get you moving. “Unleashing the Power of Self-Promotion.”
A behind-the-scenes look. “Coaching a $1M creator on paid newsletter growth (the right way)” with Katelyn Bourgoin.
Tool Time 🛠
Project planning: This was launched last fall, and they now have a monthly plan. It’s an AI project planning tool with templates. Check out Proper Plan here.
Automation: Automate tasks like meeting invites, emails, to-do lists, reminders, and note-taking with AI. Try Stella free here.
Organization: Use AI to create a unique folder system and organize every new file (and all your old ones) into the right place. Download Sparkle for Mac free here.
Newsletters: Need some help curating or finding topics for your newsletter? This might give you a leg up. Try letterpal free here.
Always a good place to be 😉🐶
Lastly, here’s a quick update on the tool I tested last week for a digital cart - easy.tools:
The setup was super easy
It’s a clean UI and pretty self-explanatory
All of the built-in features look good (countdown timer, testimonials, offer page, etc - they have a bunch)
Issue: the one issue (question?) I need to send them is about the tax options. I set it to no sales tax, and it’s still showing a *23%* sales tax? 🤔 I had some other questions to send, so I will give you another update next week.
*There are four tax rate options, or you can use Stripe's default. You can also set which countries you allow purchases from.
All in all, I think it’s going to be a great option.
Have a fantastic day,
Kim