I have a really short answer to the title of this post. But first, let’s talk about why ‘getting more subscribers’ and ‘attracting more fans’ is paramount to business professionals. We want immediate results. We live in a culture bombarded with messages like: “Lose 10 lbs without diet and exercise!”, “Get your MBA in 2 weeks”, “Look 10 years younger without going under the knife”. We seem to be on a constant quest for silver bullets and magic pills. Most of us know these promises of immediate results and riches are equal to that of the snake oil salesman, yet many of us still get tempted.
A disturbing trend
In the past week I’ve come across a post on Twitter promising a Newsletter Subscriber Exchange and a LinkedIn post promoting a Facebook Fan Page Exchange.
Here’s the issue with both of these strategies to build followers. Quantity means absolutely nothing on its own. What matters is what you want people to do with the content you create and how many people took that action.
If you have 300 people on your newsletter list who care not about what you’re writing about, what is the value of your list? Nothing. If you have 300 followers on your Facebook Fan Page who do not actively engage with what you post, what is the value of your followers? Nothing.
The answer to the question?
How do you get more newsletter subscribers & facebook fans?
Work hard, invest time, add value, solve problems, listen, respond, build relationships…but whatever you do, don’t get tempted by the silver bullet.
[on READY2SPARK] How to get more newsletter subscribers & facebook fans – http://www.ready2spark.com/2010/09/how-t… #eventprofs
Very nice Post Lara. Well written and sage advice. I have often said that today the currency for growth is TIME and the preferred denomination is TRUST. It is no longer just about $$. The gal with the deepest pockets won’t necessarily win this time. There are no shortcuts to sustainable, value-anchored relationships. Thank you for a thoughtful Post.