{"id":128843,"date":"2013-05-06T15:00:21","date_gmt":"2013-05-06T22:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/?p=128843"},"modified":"2024-02-14T06:10:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T14:10:10","slug":"10-ways-to-build-an-insanely-loyal-following","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heartifb.com\/10-ways-to-build-an-insanely-loyal-following\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Build an Insanely Loyal Following"},"content":{"rendered":"
\nThe internet is a fickle place. One minute you're hot, and the next minute… well, let's just say people move on quick. Building a loyal following can be difficult in a time where everything changes so quickly, yet, most all successful bloggers have a dedicated audience. A small, yet loyal following is worth a thousand times more than a large transient following. Whether it be for building your traffic, using your affiliate links, attending your events, loyal readers convert because you've built a relationship with them. Sure, big numbers sound great, but when it comes right down to it, they can be bought. How much is a large following worth if they don't actually follow your lead?\u00a0 Not much.<\/p>\n
So how do you build a loyal following?<\/p>\n
What are you values? Are they clearly communicated on your blog? While some people tend to think that there are no values in fashion, I beg to differ. Eco fashion, luxury, DIY (crafting), working with what you have, body image, modest fashion… they all have a sets of values which can be applied to their niche. You have your own unique set of values which comes out in your blog content whether you intend to or not, so knowing what you stand for helps your readers identify you values and gives them a chance to align with them.<\/p>\n
Do you create content that's meaningful to others? Do you give them something they can take away, or are you just asking for them to give you attention. Think about Oprah, no matter what, her content revolves around enriching the lives of her followers. “Meaningful” can manifest itself in your content in many ways, does it make people laugh, does it educate, does it inspire? By creating meaningful content, you continually give your readers a reason to come back.<\/p>\n
You know what you stand for, and\u00a0 you create meaningful content, great! You are well on the way to building your loyal following. But what's your plan?\u00a0 How are you going to grow? Developing a strategy helps you identify what works for your blog and what doesn't. Your plan might go off with out a hitch, but chances are, it will be in constant evolution. Knowing what you want to achieve, and mapping out a plan to make it happen will help you stay on track.<\/p>\n
One day you're talking about the joys of fast fashion, then the next you're criticizing it. One day you're working with a lot of brands, then you write a post about not wanting to work with brands anymore, then a week later you're working with a brand again. Yes, I've seen this a lot.\u00a0 It's hard to be 100% consistent 100% of the time. We all evolve, but there is a line. Stick to your values, your direction and show up on a regular basis. Readers love consistency so make sure you are there for them.<\/p>\n
I've not personally done this… do you all want me to give you a name? But I have seen this done, Lady Gaga has her “Little Monsters,” Leandra Medine has her “Repellers,” Clare Sulmers has her “Bombshells” and it's cute, it's catchy, it gives your readers base a sense of comradery and belonging to something larger than themselves.<\/p>\n
Always ask yourself what can you do for your followers. Whether it's making you followers feel smart, cool, or just plain good about themselves, do what you can to make your community feel special when they come to your website. This can be done with clever content, opportunities to do cool things, or win prizes, speak to them in a friendly tone. However most rings true to you.<\/p>\n
Some people advise to engage with everyone who comments on your site or tweets at you. I have tried this, and it works for a while, but there becomes a point where you have to decide if you want to spend your time engaging with everyone or spend your time creating quality content. Since a majority of your readers are silent (even the most loyal and engaged can be silent lurkers) do not sacrifice your content for engagement. However, you can engage with your most engaged, you most loyal followers, the ones that speak to you, or create meaningful interactions. You certainly want them to feel special!<\/p>\n