Building an Audience from Scratch in 2024

Key Principles

1. Focus on quality over quantity

   • Attract the right followers, not just more followers
   • Example: Ferrari vs. General Motors business model

2. Find your "inner nerd"

   • Create content about your unique interests and obsessions
   • The internet allows you to find your tribe

3. Build a magnet, not an audience

   • Attract like-minded people into your orbit
   • Creates opportunities for deals, friendships, and learning

4. Create a "binge bank"

   • Build a collection of content that new followers can consume
   • Aim for 1-2 hours of high-quality content

5. Sell a feeling, not just information

   • Identify the emotional value you provide (e.g., inspiration, motivation)
   • Consistently deliver that feeling to create lifelong fans

Practical Advice

1. Use the "First, Last, Best, Worst, Weirdest" exercise

   • Apply to various topics (jobs, relationships, projects)
   • Generates personal stories and content ideas

2. Implement the "5 Ds" to be known well

   • Done: Share your track record
   • Deliver: Explain what you offer followers
   • Do: Describe your work and hobbies
   • Dreams: Share your goals
   • Dork out: Reveal your passions and interests

3. Prioritize content quality over production value

   • Aim for A+ content with C- delivery to start
   • Improve production quality later

4. Follow Mr. Beast's "100 videos" approach

   • Make 100 pieces of content
   • Improve one thing with each iteration

5. Don't blame the algorithm

   • Focus on creating content people want to watch
   • View algorithm feedback as audience feedback

Mindset Shifts

1. Success is guaranteed when you focus on your interests

   • Talking about what you love is a daily win

2. There's no such thing as "too long," only "too boring"

   • Focus on creating engaging, insightful content

3. Ignore initial low view counts

   • Focus on building your "binge bank" instead

4. Be patient and persistent

   • Commit to consistent improvement over time

5. Be so good they can't ignore you

   • Continuously refine your craft