How to Build an Audience (I’ll Let You Know When I Figure It Out)
Three days, three subscribers, zero strategy
I have three subscribers.
Three days in. Three posts published. Three people who hit that subscribe button.
And I’m treating each one like Christmas morning.
Here’s what the experts say:
“Post consistently on social media.”
“Engage with your niche community.”
“Create lead magnets.”
“Leverage LinkedIn’s algorithm.”
“Guest post on established publications.”
All probably true.
All also exhausting to think about when you’re just trying to write a decent newsletter.
I started this three days ago.
Not because I have a content strategy.
Because I’ve been a UI/UX designer for 25+ years and suddenly nothing feels certain anymore, and I thought maybe writing about it would help.
Maybe someone else feels this way too.
That was the whole strategy.
What I’m learning:
Getting a subscriber feels better than I expected.
Not in a “look at my numbers” way.
In a “holy shit, someone actually wants to read this” way.
Three people I don’t know decided what I’m writing is worth their inbox space.
That’s not nothing.
The advice everyone gives:
“Find your niche.” Okay. I’m writing about design, AI, career uncertainty. Is that a niche or just what I think about?
“Be consistent.” Sure. I’m going daily. We’re three days in, so talk to me in six months.
“Provide value.” This one messes with my head. What’s value? Tips? Inspiration? Just being honest?
What I actually want:
Not an audience. A tribe.
People who feel like I do. People navigating the same uncertainty. People tired of pretending everything’s fine.
Maybe that’s fifty people. Maybe it’s five hundred.
I don’t care about the number.
What I’m NOT doing:
Gaming algorithms.
Writing what I think will “perform.”
Following a content calendar designed to maximize engagement.
I’m just showing up and being honest.
Maybe that’s terrible strategy.
Maybe that’s why I have three subscribers instead of three hundred.
But it’s the only way I know how to do this without feeling like a fraud.
What I’m actually doing:
Writing what’s true. Even when uncomfortable. Even when I don’t have answers.
Refining my voice. Each post feels a little more like me.
Posting on LinkedIn and Medium. Sometimes. When I remember.
Hoping people find it. Not a strategy. But it’s honest.
The part nobody tells you:
Building an audience is vulnerable as hell.
You’re writing into what feels like a void and wondering if anyone’s listening.
Every time you hit publish: “what if this is stupid?”
And then you publish anyway.
My audience-building strategy:
Show up consistently. Write honestly. Trust the right people will find it.
That’s it.
No growth hacks. No viral tricks.
Just good writing and real conversation.
Will it work? I have no idea.
Check back in six months and I’ll let you know.
If you’re also trying to build an audience:
I don’t have advice yet. I have three subscribers and three days of experience.
But here’s what I’m betting on: Authenticity compounds.
Not as fast as growth hacks. Not as predictably as algorithms.
But over time, showing up as yourself attracts people who care about the real you.
So I’m going to keep writing.
Keep being honest about not having it figured out.
Keep treating every single subscriber like Christmas morning.
That’s all I’ve got.
And maybe that’s enough.
You’re reading this, so you’re part of the tribe.
If you want more: Subscribe to Edge Cases
Jon - “three subscribers and counting” - Wiggens
P.S. - If you have audience-building advice that doesn’t feel slimy, I’m listening. Hit reply or drop a comment.
I'd like to be one of your Christmas mornings
I can so relate to this!! Thank you.