7 Lessons Learned from Mistakes in Growing An Audience
Navigating the complex landscape of audience growth is fraught with pitfalls that many fall into. This article distills hard-earned wisdom from seasoned experts to help steer clear of common mistakes. It offers actionable strategies rooted in real-world experience to elevate one's approach to building a loyal following.
- Chasing Quantity Over Quality
- Focus on Ideal Customer
- Recognize Gaps in Engagement
- Iterate Based on Feedback
- Diversify Content Platforms
- Embrace Authenticity in Content
- Consistently Deliver Value
Chasing Quantity Over Quality
The biggest mistake I made while trying to grow an audience was chasing quantity over quality. Early on, I was fixated on the numbers (followers, subscribers, likes, etc.) and I thought that casting a wide net would bring faster growth. So, I created content that tried to appeal to everyone, often diluting the message or watering down the personality behind it. The result? I attracted a mix of people who weren't really aligned with what I stood for, and the engagement felt shallow. The numbers grew, but the connection didn't.
What I learned from this experience is that an audience is more than just a collection of people - it's a community. And communities thrive when they feel understood, valued, and connected to something meaningful. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, I started focusing on the specific people I truly wanted to serve. I honed in on their needs, their struggles, their language, and created content that spoke directly to them. It wasn't about going viral; it was about building trust.
If I could go back, I'd prioritize clarity over volume from day one. I'd lean into authenticity and focus on building relationships instead of chasing metrics. Now, I see growth as a byproduct of providing value to the right people, not just attracting more of the wrong ones. And the best part? When you build with intention, the audience that grows with you is one that sticks around and genuinely supports what you do.
Focus on Ideal Customer
My mistake was to chase everyone in my category. I serve older athletes in the sport of rowing. But they are not identical, and I couldn't understand why some subscribed and unsubscribed quickly.
The solution was to be more focused on MY ideal customer. They're mid-life, have at least 2 years in the sport of rowing; they want to improve their skills.
I overlaid this with a map of my competitors. I figured out who was positioned to serve our ideal customer BEFORE they were ready to buy from us and who was serving those AFTER they'd bought from us.
For example, people who are beginners are not good customers for our products. And people who are already highly experienced (because they were student athletes earlier in their lives) are not suitable. The people who want lots of individual attention and regular check-ins are also not suitable for us.
By finding which businesses were before and after us in the buyer's journey, I was able to set up brand collaborations to enable them to "hand off" customers to us when they'd outgrown and were ready to step onto the next stage.
Recognize Gaps in Engagement
Mistakes made while trying to grow an audience often highlight gaps in audience engagement. Recognizing these gaps is the first step towards better communication with your audience. It's important to reflect on past errors to understand where improvements are needed.
Bridging these gaps can lead to more meaningful interactions and stronger connections. Learn from these mistakes and focus on creating content that truly resonates with your audience. Start analyzing your engagement metrics and take action now.
Iterate Based on Feedback
Iterating content based on audience feedback is crucial for growth. Audience feedback provides invaluable insights into what works and what doesn't. By paying close attention to these insights, one can fine-tune the content strategy to better align with audience preferences.
This iterative process involves making adjustments and trying new ideas to see what resonates most. Over time, this leads to a more engaged and loyal audience. Begin gathering feedback and adjust your content accordingly.
Diversify Content Platforms
Overestimating the power of one platform can be a significant mistake. Relying heavily on a single platform can limit audience reach and growth potential. Diversifying content across multiple platforms helps reach a wider audience and reduces dependence on any one source.
This approach ensures that changes in one platform's algorithms or policies do not negatively impact overall audience engagement. Explore other platforms and start spreading your content more widely today.
Embrace Authenticity in Content
Authenticity in content creation resonates more with audiences than striving for perfection. Audiences appreciate content that feels real and relatable, rather than overly polished. Being authentic builds trust and fosters deeper connections with the audience.
Mistakes and imperfections make the content more human and approachable. By focusing on authenticity, content creators can cultivate a loyal and engaged community. Embrace authenticity in your content and connect more genuinely with your audience.
Consistently Deliver Value
Consistently delivering value to your audience is key to sustained growth. Audiences stay engaged with content that provides them with useful information, entertainment, or inspiration. Consistency in delivering high-quality content builds trust and keeps the audience coming back for more.
It is important to understand what your audience values and ensure that each piece of content meets those expectations. Strive to deliver valuable content regularly and watch your audience grow. Commit to delivering value and make it a priority.