Whether you are a medium-size boutique firm, a multinational corporation, or a small business, you need to build a following. Without a tribe, you have no voice. But with an energized and loyal community dedicated to your brand and ideals, your business can have meaning and enjoy long-term success. So how do you go about it?
Here are 5 crucial steps to build a following:
1. Know Thyself
The old adage rings true for every entrepreneur or business person seeking to grow an audience. Why are you doing it? What is your purpose, mission, or vision? If you don’t know what you have to offer, you won’t find many people to offer it to. Get your message together, create your story, and know your value.
2. Find Your Platforms
These days, there are numerous venues for getting your message out to build a following. Don’t try to use them all or settle on only one. Find your tribe where they are. Are they really visual and hanging out on Instagram and Pinterest? Do they relate to following your journey via live video platforms like Facebook and YouTube? Are they into self-help blogs and ebooks? Once you know your message, get to know your medium.
3. Create Content Like Your Life Depends on It
Creating content is becoming cliché – everyone is talking about content. But that doesn’t mean it’s old hat or outmoded. In fact, content creation should be the foundation for everything you do. If you want to feed your fans and build a following, contribute valuable content to the ongoing discussion like it is the only reason you get out of bed every morning. Write blogs, create videos, publish ebooks, make quote graphics, etc. Open up and share your story. Get busy being creative.
4. Build a Stellar Website
This should go without saying. Your website is your virtual storefront. Make it as user-friendly, content-stocked, and visually stunning as possible. Some think websites are expensive, but not if you consider how pivotal they are in connecting your customers and bringing in revenue. Make your website a primary investment.
5. Be Community Focused
It’s easy to be a business or brand; but it’s powerful to be a movement. Possibly the most important thing to focus on when growing your following and establishing you or your business as a thought leader and valued industry expert is the underlying cause. Build a following by focusing your every decision on community cohesion and value. This network and values focus will transcend business marketing and position your brand as the leader of a vibrant and loyal following energized by your message and solutions.
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