No Patreon Subscribers Yet? When To Expect Your First Patrons

So, you've launched your Patreon – that's awesome! It's a fantastic platform for creators like you to connect with their fans and build a sustainable income. But, the first month can sometimes feel like you're throwing a party and nobody's shown up yet. You're putting out content, maybe even feeling a little vulnerable sharing your work and your vision, and you're wondering, "Is this thing even on?" You're asking yourself, "Do I just keep posting as if I have an audience? Is it too soon to get people?"

Is One Month Too Soon to Expect Patreon Sign-Ups?

Let's address the elephant in the room: one month is generally too soon to expect a flood of patrons. Building a Patreon community takes time, effort, and a strategic approach. Think of it like planting a garden. You've tilled the soil (set up your page), sown the seeds (created your first posts), and now you need to water, weed, and wait for things to grow. It's a marathon, not a sprint, guys! Don't get discouraged if you haven't seen immediate results. Most successful Patreons are built over months and even years of consistent effort.

Think about it from your potential patrons' perspective. They need to discover you, connect with your work, understand the value you offer on Patreon, and then make the decision to support you financially. That's a journey, not an instant click. People need time to see what you're all about, and consistent posting is vital. You are essentially building trust and demonstrating your commitment to providing value. This is especially important in the crowded online space where people are bombarded with content and requests for support. By consistently showing up and delivering on your promises, you build credibility and make potential patrons more likely to invest in your work.

Moreover, the algorithm plays a significant role. Platforms like Patreon prioritize content that is engaging and consistent. The more you post and interact with your audience, the more likely your page is to be seen by new people. It’s a compounding effect – the more you put in, the more you get out. It's also important to remember that everyone's journey is different. Some creators might see a quicker uptake, especially if they already have a large following on other platforms. Others might take longer to build momentum. Don't compare yourself to others; focus on your own path and your own goals.

The "Fake It 'Til You Make It" Approach: Post Like You Have an Audience

So, what do you do in the meantime? You nailed it – keep posting as if you already have a dedicated audience. This "fake it 'til you make it" approach is surprisingly effective. Here’s why:

• Consistency is Key: Regular posting signals to potential patrons that you're serious about your Patreon and that they can expect a steady stream of content. Imagine stumbling upon a Patreon page that hasn't been updated in months – would you be inclined to subscribe? Probably not. Consistency builds trust and demonstrates your commitment.
• Creates a Welcoming Atmosphere: When new visitors land on your page and see a vibrant community with recent posts, comments, and engagement, they're more likely to feel like they're joining something worthwhile. An empty page sends the opposite message. Think of it as hosting a party – you want to make sure there's music playing, the lights are on, and the atmosphere is inviting, even if only a few guests have arrived initially.
• Helps You Refine Your Content: Posting regularly gives you opportunities to experiment with different types of content, see what resonates with your (even small) audience, and refine your offerings. It's a learning process. You can track what posts get the most engagement, what rewards are most popular, and adjust your strategy accordingly. It's like a constant feedback loop that helps you improve and better serve your future patrons.
• Prepares You for Growth: When your audience does start to grow (and it will!), you'll already have a solid foundation of content in place. This means you won't be scrambling to create things on the fly, and you'll be able to maintain a consistent posting schedule even as your workload increases. It's about setting yourself up for success in the long run. This also includes setting the right tone and expectations. By posting regularly and engaging with your potential audience, you're essentially setting the stage for a thriving community. You're showing people what they can expect when they become a patron and building a sense of anticipation for future content.

Strategies to Attract Your First Patrons

Okay, so consistent posting is crucial, but what else can you do to kickstart your Patreon journey and attract those first patrons? Here are some actionable strategies:

1. Promote Your Patreon Everywhere!

This might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing. Don't assume people will magically find your Patreon page. You need to actively promote it on all your other platforms: your website, your social media channels, your email list, even in your videos or podcasts. Make it easy for people to find you and understand why they should support you.

• Create compelling calls to action: Don't just say "Support me on Patreon." Explain what patrons will get, how their support will help you, and why it matters. Be specific and enthusiastic! For example, instead of a generic link, try something like, "Join my Patreon community for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, early access to my work, and a chance to directly influence my future projects! Your support will help me dedicate more time to creating the content you love."
• Link directly to your Patreon page: Make it as easy as possible for people to subscribe. Use direct links in your bios, descriptions, and posts. Consider using a link-in-bio tool like Linktree to consolidate all your links in one place.
• Mention Patreon in your content: Talk about your Patreon in your videos, podcasts, blog posts, and social media updates. Share your goals, your creative process, and how Patreon helps you achieve them. This humanizes the platform and makes it more relatable to your audience.

2. Offer Compelling Rewards

Think carefully about what you can offer your patrons that will be valuable and enticing. It's not just about asking for money; it's about creating a mutually beneficial relationship. What exclusive content, experiences, or benefits can you provide in exchange for their support?

• Tiered rewards: Offer different levels of support with escalating rewards. This allows patrons to choose a level that fits their budget and their level of engagement. For example, you might have a basic tier with access to exclusive blog posts, a mid-tier with early access to videos, and a top-tier with personalized feedback or one-on-one calls.
• Exclusive content: Offer content that isn't available anywhere else. This could include behind-the-scenes footage, works-in-progress, bonus materials, tutorials, or early access to your finished work. The key is to make it feel special and worth the investment.
• Community features: Foster a sense of community among your patrons. This could include a private Discord server, a forum, or live Q&A sessions. People are often willing to support creators they feel connected to and part of something bigger.
• Personalized rewards: Consider offering personalized rewards, such as shout-outs, custom artwork, or the opportunity to collaborate on a project. These types of rewards can be particularly appealing to your most dedicated fans.

3. Engage With Your Potential Patrons

Don't just post content and disappear. Interact with your audience. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create a conversation. Show people that you value their input and that you're genuinely interested in building a relationship with them.

• Respond to every comment and message: Make people feel heard and appreciated. Even a simple "thank you" can go a long way.
• Ask questions and solicit feedback: Encourage your audience to share their thoughts and ideas. This will not only help you create better content but also make them feel invested in your work.
• Run polls and surveys: Use polls and surveys to get a better understanding of your audience's preferences and interests. This can help you tailor your content and rewards to their needs.
• Host live streams or Q&A sessions: Live interactions are a great way to connect with your audience in real-time and build a stronger relationship.

4. Collaborate with Other Creators

Collaborating with other creators in your niche can be a powerful way to reach a new audience and introduce them to your Patreon. When you partner with someone who shares a similar audience, you're essentially tapping into a pre-existing pool of potential patrons who are already interested in your type of content.

• Cross-promotion: Promote each other's Patreon pages on your respective platforms. This can be as simple as a shout-out in a video or a social media post.
• Guest appearances: Collaborate on content together, such as a guest post on your blog or a joint live stream. This allows you to showcase your work to each other's audiences.
• Joint projects: Work together on a larger project, such as a video series or an e-book. This can create a buzz and attract new followers to both of your pages.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Building a successful Patreon takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep creating great content, keep promoting your page, and keep engaging with your audience. The key is to be patient and persistent, and eventually, you'll start to see your community grow.

• Set realistic goals: Don't expect to become a millionaire overnight. Set small, achievable goals for yourself, such as gaining a certain number of patrons each month. This will help you stay motivated and track your progress.
• Celebrate your successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your milestones, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you stay positive and build momentum.
• Don't give up: There will be times when you feel discouraged or frustrated. But it's important to remember why you started your Patreon in the first place and to keep pushing forward. Your passion and dedication will eventually shine through and attract the right patrons to your community.

The Takeaway: Building a Patreon Community is a Journey

So, to recap, if you've had your Patreon for a month and haven't seen a flood of patrons, don't panic! It's perfectly normal. Keep posting amazing content, promote your page like crazy, engage with your audience, and be patient. Building a Patreon community is a journey, and every journey starts with a single step. You've already taken that step by launching your page – now it's time to keep moving forward and watch your community grow!