Are You Burn & Churn… or Brand Builder?
Before we dive into fixing anything, ask yourself one question:
“Am I trying to make fast cash or build a real business?”
Because how you answer will shape everything — your offers, your solo ad funnel, your emails, even your expectations.
In the solo ad world, there are two core strategies:
- Burn & Churn: Fast traffic, aggressive promos, minimal rapport. You’re extracting ROI fast — and replacing leads just as fast.
- Brand Builder: Slower start, deeper connection, long-term revenue. You’re building trust, follow-up equity, and repeat buyers.
Both work — but you can’t mix them.
If you’re sending brand-style emails to a burn-style list (or vice versa), things will break.
👉 Not sure which path fits you? This post explains the difference.
Now let’s dig into what’s likely holding you back — no matter which strategy you’re running.
1. You’re Not Testing Affiliate Offers (The Right Way)
A common trap: picking one offer, running it with one vendor, getting zero results — and deciding solo ads are broken.
Big mistake.
Here’s the truth: One offer can work great with Vendor A and flop with Vendor B.
Your job isn’t to “pick the winner.” It’s to test systematically.
Picking the right offer is the core of any solo ad funnel. Whether you’re buying traffic from new vendors or the best solo ad providers, your affiliate income hinges on what happens after that click.
Test 2–3 affiliate offers with a simple funnel. Use a bridge page if needed.
Rotate offers in your email sequence. And track who clicks what.
👉 Need help picking what to promote? Start here.
Quick Notes:
- If you’re promoting CPA offers, you’ll need to test nonstop. Traffic, angles, pages — everything counts — and they tend to burn fast.
- If you’re testing W+ (WarriorPlus) offers, you don’t have to be as aggressive with testing — many are solo-ad friendly out of the gate.
- Bonus tip: Testing offers is the most time-consuming task in this business — especially with CPA. If you’re just starting out and working toward your first 5,000 subscribers, I recommend sticking with revshare offers.
- And don’t forget to include at least one high-ticket (HT) offer in the mix. You’ll need real profit potential if you want to scale — even if it’s not your primary offer. Rotate them into your broadcast sequence. Two great examples:
👉 OLSP System
👉 Escape Plan IS - Also — don’t rely only on front-end sales or OTOs to recoup your ad spend. The real profits come from your email broadcasts, not just the initial clicks. That’s why tracking your entire funnel — from opt-in to broadcast engagement — is non-negotiable.
👉 That’s exactly why I recommend OptinDojo — it helps you track every step, including openers, clickers, and buyers from your broadcast emails.
2. Your Deliverability Is Weak (And You Don’t Know It)
If your leads don’t see your emails, it doesn’t matter how good they are.
That’s why email deliverability is a silent killer — especially for solo ad buyers doing affiliate list building.
Here’s what to do:
- Use Google Postmaster Tools to check the health of your domain.
- Set up warm-up sequences for new leads.
- Ask for replies early — it boosts trust and inboxing.
- Track who opens, clicks, and engages.
- Segment based on openers and clickers right away.
You don’t need a massive list — you need a responsive one.
👉 Think your list is “dead”? It might just need engagement. Read this.
👉 Want better inboxing? Learn from social media algorithms.
3. Your Funnel Looks Like Everyone Else’s
If your opt-in page says “confirmation required” and your bridge page is just a logo and a button… you’re blending into the noise.
In the solo ad world, your funnel must stand out fast.
Here’s what to test:
- Add a lead magnet or curiosity angle to your opt-in page
- Personalize your thank-you or bridge page — shoot a short video, tell your story
- Avoid generic confirmation-only pages — they kill conversions
- Try a tripwire offer for buyers
- Track which pages convert, not just clicks
👉 Think it’s the traffic? It might be your funnel. Read this first.
4. Your Emails Have Zero Personality
Let’s be real — if you’re copying and pasting follow-up emails from a free swipe file… your list knows.
That’s why so many marketers burn their leads before the third email.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Create a tone or character for your list — curious, bold, sarcastic, honest… pick one
- Share your own stories (they don’t need to be dramatic)
- Use GIFs, ask oddball questions, use slang or humor
- Write like you’re talking to a friend — not writing a brochure
- Be consistent with your approach:
- If you’re using the Burn & Churn model, keep things fast, promo-heavy, and direct
- If you’re building a brand, use your real name, photo, and voice — show your face on the bridge page, speak authentically in your emails, and let them know who’s behind the list
People buy from people. Let them meet you in your emails.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Rely on Just One Traffic Source
Yes, solo ads can grow your list fast.
But if you’re only using paid traffic — you’re missing the long game.
Pick one free traffic method and commit. We suggest:
- Instagram Reels + DMs
- Facebook content + outreach
Use it to build your brand, create relationships, and convert from warm traffic while your solo ads do the heavy lifting.
Final Word: Fix the Strategy, Not Just the Traffic
If solo ads haven’t worked for you yet, you don’t need to start over.
You just need to plug the holes in your strategy.
- Test better offers
- Warm up your leads
- Create a funnel that stands out
- Build a list that actually knows who you are
The fix isn’t more clicks.
It’s better strategy.
Whether you’re doing email list building, affiliate funnels, or just want to buy solo ads that convert — you now know what to look for.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Let me know your take—comment below and join the conversation.
👉 Dive into last week’s topic: Email List building with Solo Ads
👉 Get clicks delivered to you: Buy my Solo Ads Here
Keep building, keep emailing!