EMAIL VS SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ARTISTS.

Do you have a love or hate relationship with social media? Choosing the right platform? Battling algorithms? Always having to be active staring at a screen to keep up the small bit of engagement you might have? Or, do you have a huge following and can’t get enough of social media? Either way, building Email Newsletter Subscribers might still be a game-changer for artists and creators in 2023.

I started an Email Newsletter in the very early stages of Creative Nowhere Land. But, I’ll be honest, I didn’t realise the potential advantages of really trying to get people to sign up. Until now! So, I’ve been going a little deeper into this topic, about the power of building your email newsletter subscribers versus relying solely on social media platforms. And, I’m learning how it can, potentially, make a huge difference in your artistic journey.

1000 TRUE FANS!

Now, you might be wondering, "But isn't social media the best way to reach my audience?" While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and now TikTok have their merits. Especially if you already have a large following or simply love everything social media. But they aren’t for everyone. So, I’ve been learning about a powerful concept called the "1,000 True Fans" that might transform how you look at your creative career.

The idea of “1000 True Fans” was coined by Kevin Kelly, the founding editor of Wired magazine. He proposed that as an artist or creator, all you really need to make a living is a dedicated base of 1000 true fans. These fans are individuals who are genuinely passionate about your work, who are willing to support you financially, and who will help you spread the word about your art. Check out the short video below from ‘The Tim Ferriss Show’ to hear it from the man himself in way more detail…

BENEFITS OF AN EMAIL NEWSLETTER.

Now, you might be thinking, "Why email newsletters? Aren't they outdated?" Well, think again! In the age of social media algorithms, ever-changing platforms, increasing inauthenticity, and a time where anyone can buy a, once coveted, ‘Blue Tick’ as a status symbol, your message can easily get lost in the sea of posts and updates, fake influencers and ever-increasing ads. Email newsletters, on the other hand, provide a direct line of communication to your true fans. Here's why they're so important:

  1. Personal Connection: An email newsletter allows you to establish a personal connection with your subscribers. You can share stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process, and exclusive content that's not available elsewhere. This builds trust and loyalty among your fans.

  2. Ownership and Control: Unlike social media platforms, where the algorithms control who sees your content and when, with an email newsletter, you own the list and have full control over your distribution. You won't be at the mercy of changing algorithms or platform policies.

  3. Higher Engagement: Email newsletters have higher engagement rates compared to social media. Subscribers willingly signed up for your newsletter because they are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. Your message is more likely to be seen and acted upon.

  4. Direct Sales and Monetization: Your true fans are more likely to support you financially. By nurturing your email list, you can directly promote your artwork, products, or services to those who are most interested. This can lead to increased sales and sustainable income.

  5. Audience Segmentation: With an email newsletter, you can segment your subscribers based on their interests and preferences. This allows you to deliver tailored content and offers, ensuring that your messages resonate with your audience on a deeper level.

TIME TO UP THE NEWSLETTER GAME!

It’s clear that social media still plays a vital role in promoting our work, but don't overlook the power of building an email newsletter. It's a strategic move that may help empower you to cultivate a devoted fan base, maintain creative independence, and monetize your art effectively. When you read that again, it seems like a no-brainer right? I’m definitely going to focus on the Creative Nowhere Land Newsletter much more moving forward, with “1000 True Fans” in mind! I better start researching the best ways to encourage people to sign up!

Remember, the goal isn't to amass thousands of followers who may or may not truly engage with your work. It's about finding your tribe of true fans, those who will support you wholeheartedly and cheer you on every step of the way. If you haven’t already I would urge you to consider embracing the “1000 True Fans” concept and start building your email newsletter today. I think your artistic journey will thank you for it!

Thanks for reading, and always supporting my Creative Nowhere Land journey. With all this talk of the benefits of Newsletter Subscribers, if you haven’t already then please consider signing up for the newsletter. It’s the first place to stay up to date on all things Creative Nowhere Land. And, it can really help show that you’re a “True Fan”! Thanks again, and until next time…

EXPLORE. INSPIRE. CREATE.

EXPLORE, INSPIREMatt Wilson