Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, filled with excitement, daydreaming about a world where your voice reaches thousands, even millions of people.
You’re eager to have a big online following, envisioning the impact you could make, the connections you could forge, and the community you could build.
The idea of having a large, engaged audience excites you, promising opportunities for growth, collaboration, and even turning your passions into a successful career. It’s a dream that fuels your ambition and inspires your creativity.
The only question now is, how in the heck do you do it?
In this week’s newsletter, we will explore practical strategies and insights to help you build an online following of raving fans!
Why? Because if you want to monetize your side hustle, you’re going to need people to sell to!
Get ready to discover the secrets of building a powerful online following. Let’s dig in!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Trends – What are the most popular types of content? Which platforms get the most engagement? We bring you all the data!
- Strategies – This week we break down the essential steps you’ll need to take to build a large online following.
- Tool of the Week – This week we introduce you to a tool that will help you get your content organised and published consistently!
Trends
It’s no secret that if you want to build an online following these days, you’re going to need to be publishing content regularly!
So this week, we bring you the data on the most successful content types, the platforms that get the most engagement, and more. Enjoy!
Most successful content types
As we just mentioned, if you want to grow a following you’ll need to publish content online. According to the data we’ve found, video and blog posts are still the most successful forms of content working today.
So if you hate the thought of being on camera, perhaps blogging is the route for you. On the other hand, if you’re not into writing, posting video content may be the way to go.
Popularity of Influencers by type
Would you like to score brand deals as part of your side hustle? If so, you’ll want to aim to build an audience of between 100 and 500 thousand!
Influencer engagement rate
According to this data, when it comes to engaging your audience, TikTok dominates other platforms. That could be because it favours short form video content, which is arguably the most popular form of content today.
Strategies
Alrighty side hustlers, let’s talk about building an online following for your side hustle brand. Before we dig in to the practicalities, let’s start by talking about why you should even bother building a following.
Why build an online following?
Having a big online following can be really helpful for a few different reasons. Let’s unpack a few.
Reach and Influence: Whether you’re sharing your creativity, promoting your business, or spreading important messages, having a big following allows you to reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact.
Building Your Brand: When you have lots of followers, it shows that people trust and value what you have to offer. It helps you establish yourself as someone worth paying attention to and can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Connecting and Collaborating: Having a large following makes it easier to connect and collaborate with other like-minded individuals, influencers, or even businesses. When people see that you have a big following, they’re more likely to want to work with you.
Turning Your Passion into Profit: If you’re using online platforms for income, having a big following is often crucial. It opens up various avenues for making money, such as sponsored content, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products or services. With more followers, you have a larger pool of potential customers or clients, which means more opportunities to generate revenue.
Engaging with Your Community: Building a genuine connection with your audience helps you improve what you offer, build loyalty, and foster a friendly and supportive community around your brand.
Choosing a platform
Now that we know why it’s a good idea to build an online following, how do you get started? Well, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a platform!
When it comes to choosing a platform to build your online following, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some key points to consider:
- Define Your Audience: Start by understanding your target audience. Determine who they are, what platforms they prefer, and where they actively engage. For example, if you’re targeting a younger demographic, platforms like TikTok or Instagram might be more suitable, while professionals may gravitate towards LinkedIn.
- Assess Platform Features: Each platform has unique features and functionalities. Consider which features align with your content and goals. For instance, if you plan to share long-form articles or videos, platforms like YouTube or Medium may be more suitable, while visual content creators may find Instagram or Pinterest appealing.
- Analyze Competition and Niche Relevance: Research your competitors and assess their presence on various platforms. Identify where they have a strong following and evaluate if those platforms align with your niche. It’s crucial to choose a platform where you can stand out and provide unique value to your audience.
- Consider Longevity and Trends: Look at the long-term viability and trends of different platforms. While it’s important to choose a platform with an active user base, it’s equally vital to consider its potential for growth and sustainability in the future.
- Test and Iterate: Once you’ve identified potential platforms, consider testing them out. Create accounts, experiment with different types of content, and analyze the response. Based on your findings, refine your strategy and focus on the platforms that yield the best results.
Remember, it’s not necessary to limit yourself to a single platform. You can leverage multiple platforms to diversify your reach and engage with a broader audience.
Regularly evaluate your progress, adapt to changing trends, and stay connected with your audience to cultivate a thriving online following.
Creating captivating, ‘shareable’ content
Now that you’ve picked your platform it’s time to start publishing some content!
Developing a content strategy that aligns with your brand and audience interests is key to sustaining engagement.
Start by creating a roadmap that outlines the topics, themes, and formats you will focus on. Consider your side hustle’s mission and values, as well as the interests and needs of your audience.
By striking a balance between what you want to convey and what your audience wants to see, you can create content that is both authentic and valuable.
Leveraging storytelling techniques is a powerful way to create emotional connections with your audience. Craft compelling narratives that evoke emotions, relate to their experiences, and resonate with their aspirations.
Share personal anecdotes, success stories, or user-generated content to foster a sense of relatability and authenticity. Through storytelling, you can forge a deeper bond with your audience, making them more likely to engage, share, and most importantly, follow you!
Incorporating visual and multimedia elements is essential for enhancing engagement. Visuals can capture attention and convey information more effectively than text alone.
Utilize eye-catching images, graphics, and videos to complement your content and make it more visually appealing. Consider incorporating interactive elements, such as polls, quizzes, or live videos, to encourage active participation and create a sense of interactivity.
By diversifying your content with multimedia elements, you can cater to different preferences and create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience.
Nurturing engagement and fostering community
Nurturing engagement and fostering a strong sense of community are vital aspects of building and maintaining a loyal online following.
Once you’ve started publishing content consistently on your chosen platform, you’ll want to start building a sense of community as you start to attract followers.
Engage with your followers by actively participating in conversations, responding to comments, and addressing their queries. This fosters a sense of connection and encourages ongoing engagement.
You might like to organize live Q&A sessions or interactive events where your followers can directly engage with you. This creates a dynamic and personal experience, allowing your audience to feel involved and valued.
You could also partner with influencers or thought leaders in your field to help you expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences. Collaborative projects, guest appearances, or joint content creation can spark excitement among both your followers and theirs, while fostering a sense of community across platforms.
You can also foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere by creating opportunities for your followers to connect with one another.
Encourage discussions, facilitate introductions, and create designated spaces for your community to interact. This cultivates a sense of belonging, where your followers feel like they are part of a larger, like-minded community.
By actively nurturing engagement and fostering a genuine sense of community, you can cultivate a loyal following that feels connected, valued, and motivated to support and engage with your content on an ongoing basis.
Increasing online visibility and maximising your chances of being discovered
To maximize your chances of getting discovered and increasing your online visibility, consider implementing the following strategies:
Optimizing your profiles and utilizing key features
Optimize your social media profiles, website, and any other online platforms you use. Use relevant keywords in your bio, include a professional profile picture, and provide clear and concise descriptions of your content or services. Take advantage of key features offered by each platform, such as Instagram’s highlights or LinkedIn’s featured section, to showcase your best work and capture audience attention.
Implementing effective hashtag strategies for discoverability
Research and utilize popular and relevant hashtags that align with your content or target audience. Hashtags can help your posts appear in search results and increase your discoverability. Experiment with a mix of broad and niche-specific hashtags to reach a wider range of users interested in your content.
Leveraging the potential of paid advertising and influencer collaborations
Consider investing in paid advertising on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads to expand your reach and target specific demographics. Additionally, collaborate with influencers or thought leaders in your niche to tap into their existing audience and gain exposure to new followers who may be interested in your content or offerings.
Keyword research for content optimization
Research relevant keywords related to your niche and incorporate them strategically into your content. This helps improve your search engine rankings and increases the likelihood of your content appearing in relevant search results.
Implementing on-page SEO techniques
Optimize your website or blog for search engines by implementing on-page SEO techniques. This includes optimizing meta tags, headings, URLs, and incorporating internal and external links. By following SEO best practices, you enhance your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Creating compelling meta descriptions and titles
Craft attention-grabbing meta descriptions and titles for your web pages or blog posts. These concise snippets provide a glimpse of your content in search results, enticing users to click and explore further.
Guest posting and collaborating with other websites
Contribute guest posts to reputable websites or collaborate with other content creators in your industry. This expands your reach to new audiences and increases your visibility within your niche.
By implementing these strategies, you enhance your chances of getting discovered by a wider audience, increasing your visibility, and ultimately growing your online following.
Creating an authentic brand voice
Building an authentic brand voice and persona is essential for connecting with your audience on a deeper level and establishing a meaningful relationship. Here are some key strategies to achieve this:
Define your brand voice by identifying its tone, language, and values. Strive for consistency across all your content and communication channels to create a cohesive and recognizable brand. Tailor your voice to resonate with your target audience, using language and messaging that they find relatable and engaging.
Open up and share personal stories and experiences that align with your brand’s message and values. This vulnerability helps humanize your brand and allows your audience to relate to you on a personal level. Authentic storytelling fosters empathy, builds trust, and creates a stronger bond between you and your followers.
Be genuine and transparent in your interactions. Share your successes and failures, challenges, and lessons learned. By demonstrating vulnerability, you show your audience that you’re relatable, approachable, and real. This authenticity builds trust and loyalty, as people appreciate honesty and authenticity in brands they follow.
Find a balance between personal and professional content that aligns with your brand’s identity and audience’s interests. While it’s important to showcase your expertise and provide valuable information, don’t be afraid to infuse personal touches and share glimpses of your life. This creates a well-rounded brand persona that feels authentic and relatable.
Remember, building an authentic brand voice takes time and consistency. Stay true to your values, actively engage with your audience, and listen to their feedback. By nurturing an authentic brand persona, you create a strong connection with your audience, fostering loyalty, and building a thriving online following.
Overcoming challenges and dealing with haters
Overcoming challenges and building resilience is crucial when building and maintaining an online following.
Unfortunately, negativity and online trolls are a part of the online world. You’ll need to develop a thick skin and avoid engaging in unnecessary arguments. Focus on constructive feedback and learn to ignore or block toxic individuals. Surround yourself with a supportive community that uplifts and encourages you.
Consistently creating high-quality content can also be challenging. Plan and organize your content in advance, create a content calendar, and set realistic goals. Delegate tasks when possible and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Remember, quality is more important than quantity, so don’t sacrifice your content’s value for the sake of meeting arbitrary deadlines.
Building an online following can be demanding, so it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Take breaks when needed, establish boundaries, and set aside time for activities that rejuvenate you. Seek support from friends, family, or mentors who understand the challenges you face.
Develop coping mechanisms such as meditation, exercise, or journaling to manage stress. Consider outsourcing or automating tasks that consume excessive time and energy. Remember, you are your greatest asset, and taking care of your well-being is essential for long-term success.
By addressing negativity with resilience, managing content creation pressures effectively, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you’ll be better equipped to overcome challenges and build the resilience necessary to thrive in the online world.
Final thoughts
Building an online following requires dedication, strategy, and a commitment to authenticity.
While we’ve explored various strategies, from choosing the right platform to nurturing engagement and overcoming challenges, remember, the value lies in creating authentic connections and fostering meaningful engagement with your audience.
Engage, listen, and provide value to your followers. As you embark on your own journey of building an online following, stay true to yourself, embrace your unique voice, and share your passion with the world.
The possibilities are boundless, so go ahead and make your mark!
Tool of the Week
Trello is an awesome tool that can really help you out when you’re building your online following. It’s super easy to use and has a bunch of features that make organizing and managing your tasks a breeze.
First off, Trello lets you plan and organize your content in a fun and visual way. You can create boards for different parts of your online presence, like content planning or social media strategy. Then, within each board, you can make lists for different stages, like brainstorming, creating, and publishing. It’s like having a virtual bulletin board for all your ideas and tasks!
If you’re working with a team or collaborating with others, Trello is a lifesaver. You can assign tasks, leave comments, and tag your teammates to keep everyone on the same page. It’s perfect for coordinating projects, managing content calendars, or working with guest contributors.
Trello also helps you stay on top of your deadlines and track your progress. You can easily see where each task stands by moving cards across the lists. It’s like having a visual snapshot of your workflow, which keeps you organized and motivated.
And let’s not forget about the inspiration factor! Trello is a great place to store your ideas and gather inspiration. You can create a special board just for brainstorming, where you can save links, resources, and anything else that sparks your creativity.
In a nutshell, Trello is a fantastic tool that brings structure, simplicity, and a touch of fun to building your online following. It’s like having a virtual assistant that keeps you organized and helps you stay on track. So give it a try, and enjoy the journey of growing your online presence with Trello by your side!