How to Grow an Audience if You Have 0 Followers
Education
Introduction
In today's digital age, many people embark on creating podcasts and other content with the hope of achieving instant success. However, it’s essential to understand that growth takes time and effort. Based on my experience launching a podcast in 2017, it took six long years of dedication and consistent content creation before breaking into the top 10 entrepreneurship podcasts.
The Misconception of Overnight Success
Often, people feel discouraged when they compare their slow start to someone else's apparent overnight success. It’s important to realize that most successful individuals have put in years of hard work and commitment before achieving recognition. When planning your content journey, think long-term rather than expecting quick results.
For example, during my first 150 episodes, I focused solely on how to run a gym better. As time progressed, I began exploring topics such as marketing, sales, and broader business concepts. This evolution in subject matter correlates with my growth as a communicator, allowing me to attract a wider audience along the way.
Embrace Consistency Over Outcome
Real change comes from committing to consistent actions. Rather than fixating solely on the results, focus on the process. Making posts, reaching out to potential audience members, and creating value should be your main goals. Over time, you will find your voice, improve your delivery, and eventually build a larger audience.
I’ve witnessed this firsthand through a friend who started his content journey with me. He posted consistently for six months, and eventually, one of his videos took off, leading to substantial monthly income. The pivotal realization for him was that maintaining consistent output, regardless of immediate financial results, is what ultimately leads to success.
The Importance of Actions and Long-Term Mindset
Most people fail because they focus solely on the goal rather than the activities required to reach it. The goal isn’t what sets you apart; it’s the diligence and consistency of your actions. For example, while many high school seniors aspire to be millionaires by the age of 25, only a small portion will succeed. This is because they often neglect the practical steps necessary to build wealth.
Your focus should remain on the actions that lead to success rather than the outcome. This shift in thinking not only builds self-esteem, as you focus on what you can control, but also leads to sustainable growth over time.
Commitment to the Process
When I signed with a YouTube vendor recently, I made it clear that I wanted to commit for 5 to 10 years. This viewpoint astonished the vendor, who was accustomed to clients demanding quick results. However, the truth is that gradual, consistent progress is more valuable than momentary spikes in performance.
With every episode I produce—now over 400—my audience grows. And with this growth, I remain mentally stable because I know my worth comes from the efforts I put in, not just the results I achieve.
To succeed in building an audience, think in decades instead of days. Focus on the actions, not just the outcomes, and remember that the time will pass anyway.
Keywords
- Consistency
- Audience growth
- Overnight success
- Commitment
- Content creation
- Long-term perspective
- Process over outcome
FAQ
Q: How can I grow an audience if I start with no followers?
A: Start creating valuable content consistently, focusing on the process of content creation rather than immediate results.
Q: How long does it take to see results from podcasting?
A: It can take years to build a following. Focus on producing quality content regularly rather than expecting rapid growth.
Q: What should I do if I feel discouraged by my lack of followers?
A: Remember that growth takes time. Stay dedicated to your content creation, and focus on improving your skills and delivering value.
Q: Is it essential to have a niche when starting a podcast?
A: While having a niche can help, it's crucial to start with a topic you are passionate about and allow your subject matter to evolve over time.
Q: How can I stay motivated while growing my audience?
A: Set goals based on actions rather than outcomes, and celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and excitement.
