🧱Audience building (10 tips + the pitfalls)

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Today, Inbox Hackers, the Main Thing gives you 10 ways to build an audience. One of the hardest things for a brand to do. After the 10 tactics, be sure to note the many pitfalls that derail these tactics.

Then, I’ve got Monday Marketing News dialed up after you digest the Main Thing.

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The Main Thing

10 Tips for Audience Building 

Audience building ain’t easy. Experts say it’s harder than pimpin’. IDK.

So, we’ll run through 10 tips that help you build an audience. Then, I’ll drop in a few pitfalls that can derail a few of the tactics.

1. Pick Your Person & Stick With Them

Trying to please everyone means you end up pleasing nobody. Instead of casting the widest net possible, focus on one specific type of person and really understand them. What problems get on their nerves? What would genuinely help them? Nail this and people start sharing your stuff naturally.

2. Give First, Ask Later

Nobody likes being sold to right off the bat. Always ask yourself: "What's in this for them?" Build the relationship, worry about business later.

3. Show Up Consistently

Consistency beats perfection like a rented mule (don’t abuse mules). People need to know when and where to find you. If you say you'll post videos every Tuesday, post on Tuesdays. If you promise a weekly newsletter, make it weekly. Be reliable. People trust creators they can count on. Trust turns into loyalty.

4. Talk to  with Your Audience

Ask questions that get people thinking. Share what's happening behind the scenes. When someone takes time to engage with your content, acknowledge them. This turns casual viewers into people who care about your success.

5. Create Free Stuff That's Worth Something

Make lead magnets that solve real problems. If you're a YouTuber, maybe it's a gear checklist. If you write about business, maybe it's a template that saves people hours of work. The goal is to make something so good people would pay for it, but you're giving it away to start building that relationship.

6. Write Seductive Headlines, Not Snoozers

Your headline is your only chance to reel people in. Whether it's a YouTube title, email subject line, or blog post. Study what works in your space. But don't copycat other people. Use numbers, ask questions, promise specific results. "5 Fresh Ways to Fix Your Sleep & Unfry Your Brain" works better than "Some Thoughts on Sleep." 

7. Get More Mileage Out of Everything You Create

One piece of content can work across multiple platforms. A blog post can become a YouTube video, email content, and several social media posts. This isn't lazy – it's smart. Ok, it’s lazy, but smart. Different audience members prefer different formats. You're meeting them where they already are. Plus, multiplying your output - without burning out.

8. Team Up With Other Creators

Guest post for other bloggers. Or printed newsletters - they still exist. Appear on podcasts, collaborate on videos, or co-host events. When you share audiences, everyone benefits. Look for creators whose audience overlaps with yours but isn't exactly the same. 

9. Build Your Email List Like Your Business Depends on It

Social platforms come and go. Email lists are your “private property.” Collect email addresses everywhere you can – your website, social media, events, even print materials with QR codes. Email subscribers are way more engaged than flakey social media followers. They've specifically said "yeah, I want to hear from you."

10. Start Small & Be Proud of It

Every successful creator started with zero followers. Celebrate your first 10 subscribers like they're your first 10,000. Small audiences are often more engaged. Because the connection feels personal. A few people who really love what you do will spread the word better than thousands of people who barely notice you. Quality > quantity.

Watch out, though. There are pitfalls to some of the most vital tips above.

3 Things That Kill Consistency

• Juggling work, life, and content creation. When something has to give, consistency goes first. Time management (saying no) separates creators who grow from those who don't.

• Overthinking. "Is this good enough? Will anyone care?" Next thing you know, you've talked yourself out of sharing anything. The inner critic murders content before it has a chance.

• Without a plan or calendar, every post is a “decision.” What to share? When? What did I post last week? You're always winging it — exhausting!

3 Overdone Lead Magnets to Avoid

• Basic checklists are everywhere. If someone can Google the same info in 30 seconds, go deeper with your checklists.

• Boring Listicles. "7 Strategies for Success" and "10 Workouts to Try" are just repackaged blog content. They're too generic and offer nothing people can't already find for free on YouTube.

• Long e-books. 20-page PDFs? Better have hot model photos included. Most people download them and forget they exist. 

3 Fresh Ways to Repurpose Content in 2025

• Turn Text Into AI Videos. Tools like Synthesia and Pictory can turn your blog posts or podcast episodes into videos with custom avatars and visuals. 

• Grab real customer questions from support chats or Q&As. Turn them into quick problem-solving videos or carousel posts. 

• Use AI analytics to see which parts of your content perform. Turn those winning pieces into platform-specific content like polls, animated graphics, or email snippets. 

Finally, two more channels like email that you own…

2 Additional Platforms Where You Own Your Audience

• Your Own Website. No algorithm changes, no sudden bans, no rule changes overnight. You control everything — content, design, and how people find you (gotta promote your site beyond just SEO, though).

• Branded Mobile App. Lets you send push notifications and deliver content directly to people's phones. 

Want tips for building an email audience specifically? Check out this deep-dive report.

Monday Marketing News is below…

Please share Inbox Hacking with a fellow marketing go-getter or business owner. Many thanks…

Shane McLendon - Copy Kingpin

"The best marketing doesn't feel like marketing." - Tom Fishburne