Here’s what I’ve discovered over the years:
​The most powerful words in marketing aren’t adjectives — they’re numbers.

“But I’m not a numbers person,” I often hear solopreneurs say, usually followed by an uncomfortable laugh.

Maybe you’ve said it yourself. (Early on, I know I did.)

What most don’t realize is that numbers are one of the fastest ways to build authority and stand out in your field.

Today’s exploration is about using numbers strategically to boost your credibility — without getting lost in spreadsheets or calculations that make your head hurt.

Use Numbers to Command Attention

Think of numbers as precision tools for building authority.

While others rely on adjectives and buzzwords, you’ll stand out with clear, measurable proof points.
Here's how:

1️⃣ Specific beats vague every time.​
Compare these two statements:
“I help businesses grow their email” (yawn)
“I helped an interior designer grow their email list by 327% in 90 days” (now that’s attention-grabbing)

2️⃣ Round numbers raise eyebrows.​
Which sounds more credible?
“I have about 5,000 subscribers” (sounds estimated)
“I have 4,847 newsletter subscribers” (feels measured and real)

3️⃣ Context creates meaning.​
Which statement builds more trust?
“I have 15 years of experience” (time served, but what did you achieve?)
“I've helped 273 clients transform their presentation skills from nervous to natural” (now that's impact)

Your authority-building challenge

Your challenge this week: Take 10 minutes to review one piece of your marketing (your website bio, social profile, or latest email). Find a vague statement and transform it into a specific, number-backed achievement.

In the end, numbers aren’t just data points. They’re proof points that build your authority and help you stand out in your field.

Next week: Engaging ways to present these numbers visually.

❤️ Fresh finds for creative minds

Here are this week’s gems from around the Web for all types of visual thinkers and solopreneurs:

❄️ More Light! A Winter Solstice Zine​
Austin Kleon’s tiny DIY mini booklet celebrating the solstice is a fun, creative project with reflective questions perfect for year-end inspiration. Make one to spark your creativity — and consider what mini zines you might create and share!

✍️ Blank Sheet Method to 10x Your Understanding​
Shane Parrish spent years developing this visual system to multiply his understanding of what he reads. It requires nothing but a blank sheet of paper and pens in different colors. “It primes your brain for what you’re about to read and shows you what you’re learning,” he explains. A simple, powerful way to 10x your ROI on what you read.

🎙️ Seth Godin in Conversation with Debbie Millman
​Tune in as these two design icons sit down for a rare interview to discuss Seth’s new book. Their wide-ranging conversation covers strategy, creativity, long-term goals, and Seth’s experience facing 800(!) rejection letters early in his career. Watch now on YouTube or catch it soon on the Design Matters podcast.

⌛️ Did you miss these?

Catch up on some recent popular issues of SOLO you may have missed.

✅ Want results? Choose the right visual framework!
​✅ Is Your Uniqueness Hiding in Plain Sight?
​✅ Break Free from Flat Thinking in Design and Business
​✅ This Framework Decodes Your Marketing Problems
​✅ Meet the Solo Business Canvas!​

Want to check out other past issues? Visit the SOLO Newsletter archive.

Know someone who wants to know more about using numbers to stand out? Share this newsletter with another solopreneur!

And if you received this issue from a friend, I invite you to subscribe.

Thanks again for being a SOLO reader and coming along on this adventure.

When you’re ready...

🔵 Check out Kit for your email sending. It’s what I use for SOLO, and it now offers an expanded free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers.

🔵 Women solopreneurs worldwide have been joining my free weekly coworking sessions held each Tuesday. Details here.

🔵 If you want to grow your solo business or design your own visual frameworks and want some 1:1 coaching, let’s connect.​

Until next week,