The idea that if you make "great" art, you'll magically grow an audience is garbage.
Don't listen to that. Not only is it untrue because of algorithms and social media, but there's also a negative connotation that if you're not popular, your work isn't "great."
Don't listen to that. Not only is it untrue because of algorithms and social media, but there's also a negative connotation that if you're not popular, your work isn't "great."
If you hear this sort of non-advice advice, it's usually from the same people that are already popular and have been for years.
Don't listen to it. It's an old idea. You need to make your best work, of course, but the idea that your work will magically popularize you is dumb.
Don't listen to it. It's an old idea. You need to make your best work, of course, but the idea that your work will magically popularize you is dumb.
The real answer?
WORK YOUR BUTT OFF.
Post that junk everywhere. It's the wild west out there and you're going to have to struggle.
You'll have to deal with people telling you your work sucks. Take what you can from the criticism (if it's somehow helpful).
WORK YOUR BUTT OFF.
Post that junk everywhere. It's the wild west out there and you're going to have to struggle.
You'll have to deal with people telling you your work sucks. Take what you can from the criticism (if it's somehow helpful).
The secondary answer?
If you can find some things that work for you? DO IT.
Hashtags work on Instagram. Try different ones. See what your peers are using. Copy them to death.
When that stops working? Try a new thing.
If you can find some things that work for you? DO IT.
Hashtags work on Instagram. Try different ones. See what your peers are using. Copy them to death.
When that stops working? Try a new thing.
Back in the days of Google Reader, I used to follow people on there just so they would SEE my RSS feeds... and it worked for a long time to get new followers.
Guerilla tactics are alive and well. Companies big and old are still using them.
Guerilla tactics are alive and well. Companies big and old are still using them.
Reach out to other creators. Do guest posts (or whatever the equivalent for your medium is). Form relationships (don't just ask for stuff).
IT IS HARD. DO NOT BELIEVE ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU IT IS ONLY ABOUT YOUR WORK.
IT ISN'T.
IT IS HARD. DO NOT BELIEVE ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU IT IS ONLY ABOUT YOUR WORK.
IT ISN'T.
Great work is still a great goal! But there's a reason that people are stealing content on Facebook or slapping emojis on videos, or making text posts into videos...
BECAUSE ALGORITHMS FAVOR CHEATING. SO DO IT TOO.
Break the system with your work.
BECAUSE ALGORITHMS FAVOR CHEATING. SO DO IT TOO.
Break the system with your work.
Do research into trends, timing your posts, etc.
Try to find the most current data. Become a tech person or find someone that can do it for you.
The internet is wildly different than it was even 5 years ago.
Try to find the most current data. Become a tech person or find someone that can do it for you.
The internet is wildly different than it was even 5 years ago.
Find a hack. Get in front of people and build an audience by the skin of your teeth.
OR
Use your anonymity to hone your skills and find your voice... THEN BREAK DOWN THE WALLS.
OR
Use your anonymity to hone your skills and find your voice... THEN BREAK DOWN THE WALLS.
One last thing. Don't give your money to people dishing out old ideas.
Save it for Facebook ads. It's got a better payoff. 👍
Save it for Facebook ads. It's got a better payoff. 👍
