If you’re still focused on “growing your following,” let’s pause and get honest.
Because in 2025, followers don’t pay your bills (It can help with income, but you need more than that).
Community does.
The Creator Economy Is Evolving (Fast)
In the early days of Instagram and YouTube, having a big following meant influence. It meant visibility. But algorithms changed. Organic reach dropped. Monetization got harder.
Now, we’re in a new era of the creator economy — one that favors creators who know how to turn passive followers into active participants.
Growing a following is about attention.
Growing a community is about connection.
And if you’re trying to build a long-term creative business — not just go viral for 15 minutes — that distinction matters more than ever.
The Problem with “Followers”
Most people follow you for a quick dopamine hit — a quote, a reel, a mood. They scroll past your work like it’s wallpaper. You might get likes. You might even go viral.
But here’s the hard truth:
A large audience that never buys, shares, or cares is just digital clutter.
Social media apps are built to keep people on the platform — not to help them build relationships with you.
That’s why creators with 1,000 followers and a strong community often make more than people with 100,000 followers and no connection.
The Power of True Fans
When I was stuck under 100 patrons, I kept trying to get more followers — assuming that would mean more conversions.
But the game changed when I focused on finding my true fans instead.
What’s a true fan?
- They comment because they care — not just for visibility.
- They buy your books, wear your merch, and show up to your live calls.
- They don’t need a flashy sales pitch. They just need an invitation.
That’s what I built my Patreon on.
And that’s how I grew from 10 members to 700+ — without needing to “go viral.”
How to Grow a Community Instead
Growing a community isn’t about numbers — it’s about depth. Here’s what helped me:
1. Show up consistently
Not just with content, but with value. I post everyday, respond to DMs everyday, and treat every interaction like it matters — because it does.
2. Give before you ask
Most creators ask for support before offering anything meaningful. I flipped it. I give templates, books, coaching — and let people choose how to engage.
3. Talk to people one-on-one
I still send voice notes. Still ask what people are working on. Still remember names. Community is personal — and that’s exactly why it works.
Don’t Build a Platform. Build a Movement.
Followers can scroll past.
But community shows up.
And when you prioritize people over performance, you’ll never have to “sell” again — you’ll just keep serving the people who already believe in you.
Want to See Exactly How I Did It?
👉 Click here to read the post and learn how to move from “influencer” to income-generating community leader.
