Don't build your castle in other people's kingdoms (2021)
8 hours ago
- #digital independence
- #content creation
- #social media strategy
- Social media platforms frequently change terms or introduce paid plans, often catching creators off guard, as seen with Twitch's Boost program and OnlyFans' near-porn ban.
- Creators should avoid over-reliance on external platforms; instead, focus on building their own 'kingdom'—such as a personal website, blog, mailing list, or IP—to maintain control and avoid losing access to followers.
- Use social media platforms strategically to attract followers but always direct them back to your owned platforms via clear calls to action, treating these external sites as temporary, low-investment tools.
- Operate with the assumption that any external platform could shut down or change policies suddenly, and diversify your presence to mitigate risks, never funneling traffic solely between other platforms.
- Be cautious of new platforms offering easy visibility, as they often use free traffic to gain market share and may later monetize aggressively, as highlighted with TikTok and Discord.
- Continuously and persistently encourage followers to join your owned platforms through incentives like lead magnets, contests, beta sign-ups, and exclusive content, building a genuine, long-term following.