how to attract high intent buyers

Today, we’re breaking down @douggrindstaff

Doug buys and sells businesses, and his content does three things very well:

• Speaks directly to people who already have capital and are actively evaluating buying a business

• Positions himself as an expert through clear, nuanced insights backed by real deal experience ($200M+ in M&A transactions)

• Uses repeatable formats that make the content sustainable

These three pillars are why it works, but let’s dive into the details 👇

1. What’s the story?

Doug operates as a business broker and M&A advisor, and over the last 45+ days he’s used short-form video as a top-of-funnel for people actively evaluating business acquisitions.

In 33 reels, he’s grown to ~24k followers by focusing on one core problem:

People with money struggle to identify which businesses are actually worth buying.

His content simplifies that decision.

Instead of abstract advice about entrepreneurship, he compares real options, real numbers, and real tradeoffs.

Each video helps viewers pressure-test an idea they’re already considering.

That’s why the audience sticks. The content is immediately useful.

2. How does his brand narrative feed this?

Doug’s POV is practical and grounded.

Buying a business is a financial decision first, an emotional one second.

His videos assume the viewer already has capital and is choosing between real options, not imagining a hypothetical future. That assumption changes the tone of everything.

When he speaks, it sounds like someone who has seen deals go right and wrong and knows where people usually get confused.

His grounded, specific insights make buying a business feel more approachable.

3. What are the content pillars?

⬛️ Business Broker Ranks

Talking to camera, Doug ranks:

• Businesses

• Franchises

• Ways to buy a business

Each video compresses years of deal experience into a simple hierarchy.

Viewers come away knowing where something sits relative to other options, which is exactly what first-time buyers want. The ranking format acts as a decision shortcut and positions him as a guide for people trying to narrow choices.

🟥 Let’s Do the Math

Green-screen breakdowns comparing two paths:

• You have X to invest

• Should you buy business A or business B?

• What do the returns actually look like?

This pillar removes emotion from the decision and replaces it with numbers. It reframes buying a business as an investment problem rather than a personality test.

He plays with different hook variations (you inherited X, your parlay hit, you have X to invest), but every version includes numbers and filters for viewers with capital and intent.

4. What are the formats?

Doug runs two repeatable formats:

⬛️ Talking-to-camera rankings
🟥 Green-screen math breakdowns

The repetition is the point. He found what works and doesn’t overcomplicate it. Viewers know exactly what they’re about to get, which lowers friction and increases retention.

The consistency turns each video into a familiar decision tool rather than just another piece of content.

Other things to call out

Strong visual identity
Crinkled paper background, black, white, and yellow palette, consistent pacing. You can recognize his videos almost instantly. That familiarity builds trust over time.

Smart niche choice
M&A strategy is high-value but underrepresented on short-form video. Explaining it simply helps him stand out.

Clear funnel
Content pulls in qualified viewers. DM automation routes them toward brokerage services. He makes it simple to work with him.

5. What You Can Steal

Speak to an audience of one.
Doug’s hooks assume the viewer has capital and intent. That assumption filters the audience for him.

Build repeatable formats.
Two formats. Clear expectations. Consistent delivery.

Build authority through experience-based insight.
The clarity in his content comes from years of seeing the good, bad, and ugly of different businesses. That lived context allows him to present facts with confidence.

Hope this helps,
—Dodds

P.S The next cohort of Story30 will kickoff on January 6th. If you want to work with me to build a strategy that helps you grow your audience and business, reply to this with VIP and you’ll be the first to know.