How to Make 1,000 True Fans

Last month Wired magazine Editor-at-large, and former Executive Editor, Kevin Kelly wrote an article called “1,000 True Fans.” Kelly claims that for a musician to make a decent living they need 1,000 true fans. He defines a true fan as:

“A True Fan is defined as someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce. They will drive 200 miles to see you sing. They will buy the super deluxe re-issued hi-res box set of your stuff even though they have the low-res version. They have a Google Alert set for your name. They bookmark the eBay page where your out-of-print editions show up. They come to your openings. They have you sign their copies. They buy the t-shirt, and the mug, and the hat. They can't wait till you issue your next work.”

That’s a fairly easy goal for an artist with the power of a major label-marketing machine behind them, but what does this mean for the independent artist or band that’s just released their first album? It means that a musician needs to view their fans and their relationship with them very differently than they have in the past. A true fan feels they are supporting something they are personally invested in. They want the band to succeed so they will continue to create music the fan feels a connection with. So, how does an artist create a relationship with listeners that will turn them into these coveted true fans?

Social networks like Myspace, blogs, and contest sites like Ourstage all provide opportunities to connect with an audience. But to really capture a true fan, an artist will need to go a little deeper and work to create strong emotional bonds. Give the fans something to talk about, besides just the music. Start conversations and share ideas. Treat your fans like friends and you will soon find yourself with enough fans to keep you on the road indefinitely.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Start a Blog.

See article “Why Every Artist Needs a Blog”

2. Share your Art, Photos, Poetry, etc.

This is probably the most important thing an artist can do to create a deeper relationship with their fans. If someone likes your music and seeks you out online to learn more about you, you’ve got their attention. Providing them with tour dates and news is great, but beyond that – what are you going to do to engage their interest and get them to return to your site? Offer them something they didn’t expect - more of you.  More of your talents, your interests and your adventures. 

I recently had a conversation with Jonathan Case, of Los Angeles band Restaurant, that made me realize just how valuable this point is in fan relations.  He told me about From Brighton Beach to Santa Monica, a blog written by Clientele lead singer, Alasdair Maclean. It was as glowing a review as any fan could give. He raved about Alasdair’s poetry, writing style and photos of his paintings. Jonathan never misses a post and even bought one of Alasdair’s watercolors right off his blog. As soon as I got home I checked out the site and now I'm a fan Alasdair's!  I've been a listener of Clientele but never a fan, until now. 

3. Be a Resource

Offering your recommendations on music, film, art, or anything that you want to share will also provide your fans with more reasons to come back to your site over and over again. They will associate you with other things they like. “I heard about this cool book from xyz’s band blog.” Being a resource will create another bond with your fans. Not only do you make music they like, but you’ve also turned them on to new ideas and experiences. This will go a long way in creating those 1,000 fans.

4. Start a Conversation

Ask your fans for feedback, input, ideas or opinions – about anything. From your latest album to the current Presidential campaign - what interests the band, what interests the fans? Your fans will feel important to you if you ask for their input. They will also feel invested in the conversation and in the outcome if they have offered their opinion. You can also get them talking with each other. Your fans have something in common: YOU. Chances are they may have other things in common as well, start a conversation and see what comes of it.

I will continue to explore the many ways to build emotional connections with fans in future articles. If you have had success in building your true fans and would like to share those ideas with us, please send your story to me and I will be sure to share it here. For more information about starting a blog, please check out Blog 101, the Beginner’s Guide to Blogging and visit the tuneCORNER often!

Comments

[gerald walker]

Jim Tolley makes a great point I feel. Taking pictures is key also. They don't even have to be an artist photo shoot' image. But something fans can relate too. Partying, clubbing, catching lunch at the local Panera Bread...you choose.

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[jsean aka dappa-j]

new album out
title[Desperate streetz]
available from [tunecore.com]

[jsean aka dappa-j]

dappa-j
World reggae wit a new concept
reggaeton,latin,hip hop,rock,

[Donnie Christianson]

Excellent article. I have a dozen other creative hobbies besides my music, so maybe will look for ways to integrate my art & projects into my music sites where it makes sense.

Thanks for the tips,
--Donnie

[Cha~Cha]

Great info! I will have to use these ideas since my new single is droping

[doubleagame]

KK is the man. He's also a true film connoisseur!

[jim tolley]

Hello friends I have received several emails from you and i'm impressed with your offers but I think you are mistakenly thinking I am A musician well to clear things I'M an unpublished songwriter I have plays under my belt as well as poetry my song book contains over A hundered and growing and one day hopefully I will become A published songwriter but I'M also A working married man and like most I have lots of bills and very little to support my song writting, but I thank you for your efforts. best regards jim tolley

[Daniel Travolto]

you need to have a consistent image with which people can identify with and remain true to it at all times.
and then spread the world via social news and social networks.