5 Easy Steps to Grow Your Audience For Content Marketers

Are you tired of pouring your heart and soul into content that seems to vanish into the void, unnoticed and unappreciated? You’re not alone. Many content marketers face this challenge, but the good news is that there’s a path to success. In this blog post, we’re going to outline five easy steps to help you grow your audience and make your content stand out.

1. Become Laser Focus on One (Max Two) Channels

When it comes to content marketing, spreading yourself too thin across multiple platforms can be counterproductive. Instead, focus your energy on one or, at most, two channels. Why? Because growing an audience requires intentionality. It’s not something you can put on autopilot.

  • Engage More: Put your full attention into engaging with your audience on your chosen channel(s). Respond to comments, ask questions, and genuinely connect with your followers.
  • Learn More: Dive deep into the nuances of your selected platform(s). Understand its algorithms, best practices, and the type of content that performs well.
  • Test More: Experiment with different content formats, posting times, and messaging strategies. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what resonates with your audience.

2. Eliminate, Automate, or Minimize Everything Else

To free up your time and resources for your chosen channel(s), it’s essential to eliminate, automate, or minimize your efforts on other platforms.

  • Stop Posting to Other Channels: If you’ve been posting to various platforms with little to no engagement, it’s time to stop. Your audience won’t notice, and your energy is better spent elsewhere.
  • Automate When Possible: Utilize tools that allow you to auto-post content from your primary channel to others. While it may not be optimized, it keeps a presence on those platforms.
  • Minimize Effort: If you must maintain a minimal presence on other channels, consider using AI-driven tools like ChatGPT to create and schedule posts. This frees you up for more meaningful engagement on your primary channel.

3. Study Intensely What The Top Creators Are Doing

Success leaves clues, and on every platform, there are creators who are excelling. Study them closely:

  • Identify Fast Growers: Find creators who are rapidly growing their audience on your chosen platform. What are they doing differently?
  • Analyze Formats: Take note of the content formats they’re using. Are there specific video styles, article structures, or storytelling techniques that work well?
  • Craft Effective Hooks: Pay attention to how these top creators craft hooks that capture attention and stop people from scrolling. What elements make their content irresistible?
  • Emulate and Test: While you shouldn’t copy others outright, you can certainly adapt successful strategies to your content. Test similar formats and approaches with your unique topics.

4. Create a Clear Path To Deeper Channels

Growing an audience isn’t just about engagement; it’s about guiding your audience towards deeper connections with your brand. Consider:

  • Define the Path: As people engage with your content, what do you want them to do next? Don’t jump straight to selling; instead, offer a meaningful half-step.
  • Valuable Resources: Offer consistent and valuable resources on your website. This could be in the form of guides, eBooks, or webinars that align with your audience’s needs.
  • Mention Often: Promote these resources regularly in your content, guiding your audience towards these deeper channels where they can learn more and engage further.

5. Failing Forward Is The Fastest Path To Success

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey filled with small failures and lessons learned.

  • Expect Failure: Nobody hits a home run with their first post. Expect setbacks and learn from them.
  • Continuous Learning: Post frequently, and use each post as an opportunity to learn and improve.
  • Time Investment: Growing an audience takes time and effort, which is why focusing on one or two channels is crucial.
  • Failure Is a Stepping Stone: Failure isn’t a sign of defeat; it’s a common stepping stone towards success. Embrace it as part of the process.

Bonus: Get the Full Checklist with 35 Actionable Steps

If you’re eager to take action and dive deeper into audience growth, we’ve got a bonus for you! Check out my Audience Growth Checklist, packed with 35 actionable steps to help you understand why your content isn’t getting the visibility it deserves. Download the checklist now »

Dan Sanchez, MBA

Dan Sanchez is a marketing director, host of the AI-Driven Marketer podcast, and blogger on a mission to help marketers leverage AI to move faster, do better, and think smarter. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing Management from Western Governors University. Learn more about Dan »

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