What 95% of Writers Don’t Understand About Building an Audience

In today’s digital world, building an audience as a writer is both more accessible and more challenging than ever. Platforms like Medium, Substack, and social media have leveled the playing field, allowing anyone with an internet connection to share their words.

But despite the ease of access, many writers find themselves shouting into the void. Why? Because they misunderstand the key principles of audience-building.

Let’s delve into the mistakes most writers make and uncover strategies to build an engaged and loyal readership.

➡️Writing Without a Target Audience in Mind

One of the most common mistakes writers make is creating content without considering who they’re writing for. Too often, writers fall into the trap of writing solely for themselves. While personal expression is important, if your goal is to build an audience, you need to know who that audience is.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Define Your Ideal Reader: Consider factors like age, profession, interests, and pain points. Are you writing for aspiring entrepreneurs, sci-fi enthusiasts, or young parents? The more specific you are, the better.
• Solve Problems or Entertain: Your writing should either provide value by solving a problem or entertain your audience. If it doesn’t resonate with their needs, it’s unlikely to keep them coming back.

➡️Ignoring the Importance of Consistency

Many writers underestimate the power of consistency. Publishing sporadically makes it difficult for readers to develop a habit of engaging with your work. Think about your favorite TV show — would you remain a fan if new episodes came out unpredictably?

What You Should Do Instead:

• Create a Publishing Schedule: Whether it’s once a week or three times a month, stick to a schedule. Consistency builds trust and anticipation.
• Batch Your Content: To avoid burnout, consider creating multiple pieces of content in advance. This ensures you always have something ready to publish, even during busy weeks.

➡️Overlooking the Power of Community

Writers often think audience-building is a one-way street: they write, and the audience reads. However, building a loyal audience requires interaction. People are more likely to support you if they feel connected to you.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Engage with Your Readers: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and show genuine interest in your audience’s opinions.
• Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent tools for connecting with readers. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your writing process and interact with followers regularly.
• Collaborate with Other Writers: Partnering with writers who share a similar audience can expose you to new readers and strengthen your community.

➡️ Focusing Solely on Quantity Over Quality

Some writers believe that pumping out as much content as possible will help them grow. While regular output is essential, sacrificing quality for quantity can damage your credibility.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Prioritize Value: Every piece of content you publish should serve a purpose. Aim to educate, inspire, or entertain.
• Edit Ruthlessly: Take the time to polish your work. Grammatical errors, typos, and weak arguments can turn readers away.

➡️ Not Understanding the Role of SEO and Marketing

Writing great content is only half the battle. If no one sees it, it won’t matter how brilliant your work is. Many writers shy away from learning SEO or marketing, assuming it’s “not their thing.” This mindset is a mistake.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Learn Basic SEO: Understand how to use keywords, meta descriptions, and headlines to make your work discoverable.
• Promote Your Work: Share your articles on social media, email newsletters, and forums where your target audience hangs out.
• Use Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics or platform-specific insights can help you understand what content resonates most with your audience.

➡️ Forgetting About Email Newsletters

While social media is a powerful tool, algorithms can change at any time, limiting your reach. An email list, on the other hand, is a direct line to your audience.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Start Building Your Email List Early: Use platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to create sign-up forms.
• Offer a Lead Magnet: Give readers an incentive to join your list, such as a free eBook, checklist, or exclusive content.
• Nurture Your Subscribers: Send regular emails that provide value, not just self-promotion.

➡️Expecting Instant Results

Building an audience takes time. Many writers give up too soon because they expect overnight success. Patience and perseverance are key.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Set Realistic Goals: Understand that audience-building is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s your first 100 subscribers or a heartfelt comment from a reader, acknowledge and appreciate progress.

➡️ Not Showcasing Your Personality

Readers connect with writers who feel authentic and relatable. If your content lacks personality, it’s harder for readers to form an emotional connection.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Be Vulnerable: Share your struggles, lessons, and triumphs. Authenticity fosters trust.
• Develop Your Voice: Your writing style should reflect your unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to let your quirks and opinions shine through.

➡️ Ignoring Feedback

Some writers avoid feedback because it feels uncomfortable. But constructive criticism is invaluable for growth and audience satisfaction.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Ask for Feedback: Encourage readers to share their thoughts and suggestions.
• Iterate Based on Feedback: Use constructive criticism to refine your approach and better serve your audience.

➡️Not Investing in Long-Term Relationships

Audience-building isn’t about accumulating followers — it’s about cultivating relationships. Treat your readers like people, not numbers.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Show Gratitude: Thank your readers for their time and support. Small gestures, like a personalized reply, can make a big difference.
• Create Exclusive Opportunities: Offer perks like Q&A sessions, early access to content, or shout-outs to loyal readers.

Conclusion

Building an audience as a writer is both an art and a science. By avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on authentic connections, consistency, and value, you can create a loyal and engaged readership. Remember, audience-building takes time, but with persistence and strategy, the results are well worth the effort.

The next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: Who am I serving, and how can I make their lives better? Answering this question consistently is the first step toward building the audience you deserve.