Getting 1000 Fans Is Easier Than You Think

by Jeff Goins | 60 Comments | Twitter, Facebook, Google+

Here’s something I sent my newsletter list a few months ago. Many asked me to re-post it here so they could share:

I’ve recently become a fan of quitting.

Despite the age-old adage that says, “quitters never win,” I’ve found tremendous value in throwing in the towel. I’ve learned that sometimes, the best thing to do is not persevere, but give up. In so doing, I found my voice and my first 1000 fans.

Photo credit: Sreejith K (Creative Commons)

Quitting my blog and starting over was the best thing I could have done for my writing career. It wasn’t easy, but it was right.

Last December, I reluctantly dropped a blog to which I had been contributing for nearly five years. Late one night, I was frustrated and started all over.

This blog is the result of that one, frustrated decision.

How I grew to 1000 subscribers in 6 months

I was scared and unsure of myself. It had taken me years to build a small, but steady tribe of regular readers.

Part of me was excited to start something new, and part of me was not looking forward to all the work it was going to take.

But something weird happened. Six months later, my blog’s daily traffic quadrupled that of my old blog (which was about 250 visitors a day). Since then, it’s continued to grow.

How did it happen? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but…

It wasn’t an accident

From Day One, I was intentional about how I built my blog. Although the rapid growth has exceeded my expectations, I’m not altogether surprised.

In other words, it wasn’t magic. I did the work; I saw the results.

And, if you want, you can probably grow your blog in the same way.

But you will have to hustle.

It’s your turn

Earning your first thousand fans (or your next thousand) isn’t easy, but it doesn’t take a ton of time, either.

It just takes work.

For me, it took an hour or so a day. So I got up a little early, stayed up a little late. I focused, stayed the course, and saw the pay-off.

I also stopped worrying about being heard and paid more attention to the needs of others. In doing so, I learned a valuable lesson:

It’s not about waiting for your audience to care about what you have to say; it’s about earning the permission to say it.

Too many of us writers and creatives think we’re entitled to a fan base. We want people to read (or listen to or watch) our work for the sheer brilliance of it.

But it doesn’t work like that.

If “content is king,” he’s a fat, lazy despot in need of a PR campaign.

What matters is relationship. What matters is trust. You either have it, or you don’t. And once you do, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.

I’m nobody special

I’m humbled by how my blog has grown so quickly. But my story is nothing remarkable. There are plenty of bloggers who have gotten a lot bigger in a fraction of the time it took me.

And there are those who haven’t.

The difference, I believe, is work. (And maybe a little luck.)

What I’ve learned from this process is that if you do the work, you (eventually) see the results.

Some of us may have to work harder than others, but the principle is the same: Those who do the (right kind of) work, win. And those who don’t, don’t (unless your last name is Hilton or Trump).

So, I hope you do the work. I hope you grow faster than I did — because you worked harder.

And I hope struggle a little, so you stay humble.

Today, the choice is yours: Get to work, or wait.

And if you wait to be picked, well… good luck with that.

*Photo credit: Sreejith K (Creative Commons)

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About the Author

Jeff Goins

I help people tell better stories and make a difference in the world. I live in Tennessee with my wife and dog. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

My accountant told me that, due to the way the tax code is written, I could end up making a lot more money with a flop than with a hit. So I set out to build the most unsuccessful blog ever. Unfortunately, I messed up along the way and accidentally racked up almost ten—nine, to be precise—subscribers in less than three years. So I guess I’ll have to start over as well. Sigh.

http://www.riatarded.wordpress.com ria

haha i rather like your blog. Maybe you just have to reach out to more people?

Anonymous

*chuckle* I agree with Ria, CQ. Keep failing man. Undoubtedly, you’re worth, like, at least double that!

http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

Crowd control may become a problem. I don’t want to have to use virtual pepper spray on my readers.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

I deal with that all the time. It gets expensive.

http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

I already dropped the $29.95/month premium access charge. How much more “reaching out” can a person do?

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

that really should be sufficient.
http://www.riatarded.wordpress.com ria

hmmm in that case, perhaps you could revamp your blog and ask your friends to tweet about your blog.
If you like cooking then put it up on tastespotting.com. That usually does the trick. When people visit your blog via those sites, if they find it interesting they tend to click on other posts and who knows, they might even follow and comment
For starters, I have started following your blog

Good luck!

http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

I’m not into cooking, but I like trains.

You’re my tenth follower! Looks like I’ve hit the double digits! If the trend continues, some day I may be having trouble remembering all my subscribers individually.

Admittedly, I’m one of my own followers (to make sure my posts are being mailed out as scheduled). Also, another one of my followers never confirmed their email address.

So, excluding myself, you’re my eighth confirmed follower. Still, not bad.

http://www.nosuperheroes.com Chris Lautsbaugh

Slow and steady wins the race.
Or as the Bible says, “little by little”. God is a God of the supernatural, but often chooses to work with us in the journey.

Today my blog has been up one month. Thanks for the encouragement to plod along slow and steady, with a focus on people not merely growth

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Congrats on the one-month anniversary, Chris!

http://www.riatarded.wordpress.com ria

Patience and effort usually pays off!

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

yup — good caveat: “usually.”

http://evenonesparrow.blogspot.com even one sparrow

This is a great post. Thank you. I’m amazed that you can write every day about writing.

Question: how do you know when you should quit and start over? I feel like I’m putting in the right amount of work (without going crazy - you know, about 1-2 hours each day on average), and I have some steady traffic, and loyal readers. But the growth is S L O W. So when is the time to say, “Ok. We’re starting over,” and when is the time to just stick with what you’re currently doing?

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

In my opinion, you should RARELY quit. I’m a fan of perseverance. Most people quit blogging before they gain traction. Keep in mind that I was nursing a dying blog for four years before I moved on. It was just time. I had outgrown my first real blog. It’s not about growth; it’s about voice. Sometimes, you need a new place to express yourself. But the general rule is the first year or two of your blog is mostly a building phase. Don’t get discouraged by slow growth. Growth is growth.

http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

I struggle with the slowness of building a following on my blog. I’m only two months into my blog but it still feels like slow progress.

I know I have readers. I have a few email subscribers. I have some RSS subscribers. I get comments on almost every post.

I’d like to see my readership increase from 30 or so a day to the 1000′s. Guess I’ll continue on a 20 mile march and see what results it brings.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Joe, just keep plodding away. If you’re growing, you’re good. Look at what’s working and do more of that.

http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

Those who do the right kind of work win – I like that. That’s been the process for me. It’s not about the actual amount of effort or time involved – it’s just figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t. And how I even go about defining what “works.”

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

sounds like you’re on the right track, Loren.

Anonymous

“And I hope struggle a little, so you stay humble.”
Jeff, my humility is growing exponentially, negatively correlated to my subscriber list!

Do you have a previous post or comment regarding, “…paid more attention to the needs of others?” What did/does that look like for you in practical application?

http://lauramcclellan.com Laura McClellan

Agreed on the 2nd part…any further thoughts on that, Jeff?

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Yes. I did a few things:

1) I built a newsletter list where I test ideas and experiment with things before they hit the blog. (You can sign up here: http://goinswriter.com/subscribe/newsletter).

2) While I believe in writing for the love of writing, I stopped using my blog as my own personal soapbox. I just started writing about ways to help people and when I started seeing positive response, I kept going down that path. You will have to experiment. Then once, you build trust, you can just straight-up ask people what they want. Then give it to them.

3) I built an inner, casual circle of 5-10 people whom I trust. They keep me honest and humble. Whenever I doubt myself or my direction, I go to them (not the masses) to get a gut-check. They are always encouraging and affirming, but also honest. I think every communicator needs a close-knit group like that. For me, it’s just people I’ve met online and in real-life whom I trust.

Does that help?

http://lauramcclellan.com Laura McClellan

Interesting…especially #2. Good to know. Having a hard time figuring out how to narrow my overall blog topic without limiting the amount of content I can generate (still learning how to generate enough to post 2-3 times a week ), so that’s a helpful thought. thanks!

Anonymous

Likewise. Targeting/narrowing is a challenge, especially at the onset. Not sure of the voice and, yah, you have to experiment, and just do it to flesh that out.

Also, re #3, it’s the feeling of the solo thing that so easily increases doubt. The inner circle, master mind group, whatever you call it is invaluable, I’d imagine. I need to get one.

Sounds like I’m referring to a pet….

Thanks again Jeff!

Anonymous

I received (what I think is) good advice from a successful, published author who said that if I don’t want to blog about just one thing, that I should make my blog personality driven (about me…me vs. niche). Once my audience gets to know *me* they will be more likely to want more of what I write (future ebooks), regardless of topic. That’s what I’ve been trying to do, but I’ve yet to hit double-digits with subscribers (and I’m pretty sure I know them all).

Love your blog. Thanks for your ideas to stimulate my thinking, strategy and writing.

Jasondbyerly

Jeff – I would love to hear about the biggest differences between your old blog and new one. Did you totally change the focus of the content? Love the current blog but wantno know how you reinvented yourself.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Hey Jason. Yep. Last one was more of a personal blog about life and well, everything. This one is mostly about writing and little bit about other stuff. It’s been one big experiment, but I’ve become a fan of niche blogs.

http://twitter.com/JosephPutnam Joseph Putnam

Hi Jeff,

I love the work angle your talking about in this post. From what I’ve seen, you’re definitely putting the hours in that it takes to create posts worth reading.

As far as a different angle, what other things are different this time around that you would attribute for this blog being more successful than the last? Does anything stand out to you? Any key differences?

And last but not least, this post reminds me of something I wrote for ProBlogger: http://www.problogger.net/archives/2011/06/28/is-it-time-to-hit-the-reset-button-on-your-blog

Let me know what you think of the post.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Thanks, Joseph.

See my answer below. Bottom line was I focused on one central topic and put more time in. If you do that, you usually win. I’ll check out that post.

http://thehandwritten.com MichaelDPerkins

Here’s to humbly picking ourselves.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

amen and hallelujah!

Samantha Krieger

Great post Jeff. I too have found that addressing the felt needs of my readers/demographic has really helped grow my audience. God has taught me a lot about serving others rather than just seeing my blog as a place for self-focused things or even self-focused writing.

It only took me reading a few of your posts to tell that you care about others and I think that is what has helped you stand out above the rest.

Blessings and thank you.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Samantha!

http://dr1665.com Brian Driggs

Seems appropriate to quote Ghandi (again):
“First they ignore you, then they mock you, then they fight you, then you win.”

It’s important to recognize these shifts in the reception to our digital publishing efforts and to re-frame them appropriately. Initially, each presents increasing reasons to hang it up, but viewed correctly, they can be exciting reminders of just how close we are to success.

+ Believe in yourself and what you’re doing – even when nobody sees it.
+ “Never, ever, ever, ever give up” – even when they make fun of your beliefs.
+ Stick to your guns & press on regardless – even when they try to take you out.

7Bn people on this planet. You’re 1-in-a-million. That means there are at least 6,999 other people in the world who believe in what you’re trying to do too. And you can find them.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

excellent, Brian. truly excellent. This is a blog post in itself. thanks for sharing.

http://dr1665.com Brian Driggs

Thanks, Jeff. I tend to spend more time on other people’s blogs than my own. Feels right to me.

Paul Jun

I swear it really is about work.

There was a time where I spent too much time doing pointless and unrewarding activities. I broke it down to just reading more and writing more, and the results are slowly trickling in.

I went through a couple changes on my blog, but I finally landed on something that I believe will last. I also love doing it, so it makes perfect sense.

Great post Jeff, as always.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Paul. Reading and writing more — that’ll do it.

http://colebradburn.com Cole Bradburn

I really liked this post Jeff. I read it in the newsletter, and then again this afternoon on here…and as someone who is re-starting out, it was of particular interest to me. I am going in a completely new direction with my blog, and have redesigned it to be congruent with that. However, I have archived all my old posts, and retained the domain (which is my name)…do you see more credence to starting from scratch?

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

It depends on the content. If it’s similar, then keep it in the archives. If not, you may confuse readers. One of the strong suits of this blog is its focus. People look thru the archives for writing posts and aren’t disappointed. If your archives don’t reflect the focus of your blog, they’re working against you (even if they bring in traffic from search engines). Just my thought, but I’d need to know more to say for sure. Feel free to email me: jeff@goinswriter.com

F. Glenn Bowen

I’ve read only the first paragraph – and want to say – You Now Have 1001.( :

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Glenn!

http://twitter.com/KellyCombs Kelly Combs

Did you rename your blog, complete with new URL? Or did you just refab your current situation?

I am a new follower, coming over from your guest post at Michael Hyatt’s last week.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Thanks, Kelly! New blog. New URL. New design. New content. Started from scratch.

Anonymous

Love this … thank you. I like the focus of intention here … I just started blogging and am choosing to be intentional about it as well as to just jump in and do it, learning as I go … otherwise, I’ll be hanging out at the edge of the pool forever. Funny … serious stuff doesn’t have to be all that serious and heavy. It can be light and impactful all at the same time.
Thanks for your inspiration, Jeff.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

that’s right, Deborah. Great observation.

Anonymous

Whew. Convicting. ouch. Mkay. Thanks Jeff.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

you are doing great, friend. keep up the fantastic work.

http://BriPoster.com Bri Poster

This is encouraging, and right along the lines of what I was thinking. If we don’t have relationship, there is no value in what we are saying.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

well, there still might be value in what you’re saying. just don’t expect people to listen.

Chris

The interesting thing I’m finding with my new blog is I have over a thousand views in just a few weeks, but absolutely no followers. It’s a bit frustrating because for a while I was working hard a posting daily, but now I cut down the days I am writing on it (some of the reason is my full-time job taking up a lot of my time).

My theory about this is I’m using tags that are easily (and probably often) used in search engines, but my content is not engaging enough to encourage a following.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Interesting, Chris. Time to focus on content, not visitors. The fans will come and go; the followers will stay for the quality of engagement. Thanks for sharing.

http://www.thedailywalk.net Adam

Inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Joni Brown

Jeff,

I’ve recently had to
trim my lists of sites I belong to, how much info reading I do and generally
organize my life, especially my writing life. Due to several disabilities, I do
not write as I once did but I cannot cut it out of my life completely. At this
point, my goal is to read quality writing from honest people that add knowledge
to my journey.

I re-examined your blog
and saw that you are successful, have many members and wouldn’t miss a
middle-aged woman hanging out, especially since I do not reply much at all. I
had decided to unsubscribe to your blog since my membership would not be missed
(I thought). I have new posts emailed to me and I opened this one up tonight
and smiled as I read it. I suppose 1 person could make a difference, especially
if it is the difference between 999 and 1000.

It was at that moment
that the Spirit revealed why I will be staying on with you. I need the
wisdom of Jeff Goins, the writer, idea guy and difference maker! My
spiritual gift is “bs detector”, emotion reader; a thoroughly exhausting,
albeit necessary part of the Body. Your writing rings out loud and clear, “TRUTH”.

Sincerely,

Joni

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Thanks, Joni. Glad I passed the detector. And just so you know, I REALLY value your being here. Thanks for sticking around.

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http://www.endgamebusiness.com Steve Borek

I’ve been writing the last several months and subscribers are trickling in. Wish I knew a way to fast forward the process.

I’m committed to improving my writing. I subscribe to blogs like Jeff Goins, purchased a few books on the subject, and hired an editor.

We shall see. I’ll enjoy the writing experience more when the subscribers finally find my voice.

I thoroughly enjoy your writing Jeff. Thanks.

http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

Sounds like you’re on the right track, Steve.
http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

thanks, Steve!

Grayson

Jeff,

Great stuff. This has really inspired me to bring the focus to my blog I know it needs. I’ve started getting up early to get more frequent posts out there. I think I wrote my best overall quality post today (in terms of formatting, content, etc.)

This is the post: http://aparchedsoul.com/?p=601

Feedback and/or suggestions always appreciated (email: aparchedsoul@gmail.com). Keep up the good work.

God Bless,
Grayson

Getting 1000 Fans Is Easier Than You Think