How to Grow Your Online Audience from Scratch

Tabe of Contents

• How to Grow an Audience If You Have 0 Followers
• Building from Zero
• Shaan Puri’s Personal Experience
• Counterintuitive Advice
• The Art and Science of Audience Building
• Conclusion
• FAQ

How to Grow an Audience If You Have 0 Followers

Do you ever wonder how to kickstart your online presence from zero followers? Well, you're definitely not alone. In the world of content creation, building an audience from scratch can feel like trying to catch a wave in the desert. Inspired by Shaan Puri's insightful video, I've decided to turn his brilliant advice into a blog post for those who prefer reading over watching. Shaan's experience in amassing a large audience offers valuable lessons for anyone ready to take the plunge into the digital world.

Building from Zero

Beginning from scratch can be intimidating, especially in today's rapidly evolving digital environment. But as Shaan points out, it's not about the numbers—it's about the right audience. In his video, Shaan mentions an interesting thought experiment by Tim Ferris, emphasizing the importance of who follows you, not how many. This sets the stage for a more meaningful approach to audience building.

Shaan Puri’s Personal Experience

Shaan shares how he grew his audience to impressive numbers. His email following surpassed 500,000 subscribers, his Twitter has over 400,000 followers, and his YouTube channel has a similar count. He emphasizes that these accomplishments weren't the result of chasing numbers but instead focusing on attracting the right kind of followers.

Counterintuitive Advice

Instead of handing out generic tips like "be consistent," Shaan dives into nine counterintuitive strategies that prioritize quality over quantity. He encourages creators to focus on the audience's quality and how their content aligns with their personal brand. Here's a summary of the nine lessons:

1. Forget the Numbers: Focus on attracting the right people rather than pursuing vanity metrics.
2. Find Your Inner Nerd: Create content that genuinely reflects who you are. Sharing what makes you unique will set you apart.
3. Build a Magnet: Make your content a magnet for your ideal audience by being clear about who you're speaking to.
4. First, Last, Best, Worst, Weirdest: Highlight unique experiences or insights that only you can provide.
5. The Thing I Wish I Knew Earlier: Share lessons learned that your audience can relate to and benefit from.
6. No Such Thing as Too Long, Only Too Boring: Length isn't the enemy; lack of value is. Ensure every word counts.
7. A+ Content with C- Delivery: Don't stress about perfect delivery; focus on the value of your message.
8. Create a Binge Bank: Develop a library of content that keeps your audience returning for more.
9. People Don’t Want Information: They want stories, emotions, and connections—give them that.

The Art and Science of Audience Building

Shaan beautifully illustrates that building an audience involves art and science. While there are methods and strategies to follow, there's also a personal touch that each creator brings to the table. It's about finding what resonates with you and your audience.

Conclusion

In summary, growing an audience from zero is about attracting the right followers through authentic content. Focus on what makes your voice unique, and share it confidently.

Watch the full video by Shaan Puri here for a deeper understanding of these strategies.

FAQ

After I’ve build a new audience what do I do next?

If you believe you've got an audience, it could be a good idea to create a business plan around it. Here's an easy-to-follow guide on what to do once your business plan is ready.