15 Ways to Boost Your Patreon Supporter Count

Dive deep into this ultimate guide on how to grow your Patreon following. Explore 15 actionable strategies, from focusing on patron benefits to leveraging Facebook ads, and see your supporter count hit the roof.

Introduction

Are you wondering how to ramp up your Patreon game? Well, consider this your lucky day. This guide is a comprehensive toolbox filled to the brim with tactics on how to skyrocket your Patreon page’s popularity. No more waiting, let’s embark on this exciting journey.

1. What’s in It for Them? Highlighting Patron Benefits

When navigating the vast sea of content on the internet, potential patrons need a lighthouse, a beacon showing them where their support would be most valued. As a creator, your job is to be that beacon. But how?

Start by delineating the benefits for your supporters. In today’s digital age, a simple “thank you” might not cut the mustard. Offer them tangible returns. Think about it: if you were in their shoes, what would entice you to part with your hard-earned money?

Exclusive content: Go beyond the standard fare available on your public channels. Could you offer an in-depth tutorial, a downloadable e-book, or a personalized piece of art? The possibilities are endless.

For instance, if you’re a photographer, how about exclusive access to raw files or behind-the-scenes footage of your shoots? Or if you’re a writer, maybe share the early drafts of your work, complete with scribbles and edits, showcasing your process.

Special privileges: These could range from early access to new content, to discounts on merchandise, or even a monthly video call. Perhaps you could run a monthly raffle where a lucky patron gets to decide the topic of your next piece or gets a cameo in your comic strip.

2. The More the Merrier: Adding Reward Tiers on Patreon

When it comes to rewards, one size certainly doesn’t fit all.

Budget-friendly options: Not everyone can shell out big bucks. Offering tiers that cost just a dollar or two, but still pack value, can attract a large audience.
For the elite: While most will opt for cheaper tiers, there’s always a niche audience willing to pay a premium for exclusive, high-value rewards.

3. Onwards and Upwards: How Multiple Funding Goals Can Generate Buzz

Setting small, achievable goals not only makes the target seem attainable but also gives patrons a sense of achievement once it’s reached. It’s like climbing a mountain step by step, celebrating each milestone.

4. Keepin’ It Real: The Need for Consistent Content and Communication

Consistency is the bedrock of trust. Remember the feeling when your favorite TV show aired a new episode each week? Your patrons feel the same way about your content. They’ve signed up for a subscription, and just like any other subscription service, they expect regular deliveries.

This doesn’t mean you have to churn out content at a breakneck pace. Quality always trumps quantity. But what’s essential is setting expectations. If you post weekly, stick to that. Bi-monthly? Great, but ensure you don’t suddenly drop off the face of the earth.

Also, life happens. There might be times when you’re unable to post as promised. In such scenarios, communication is paramount. A simple update, explaining the situation and giving a heads-up about the delay, goes a long way in cementing your bond with your patrons. They’ll appreciate the transparency.

5. Showtime: Live Sessions on Patreon

We live in an age where the internet serves us everything on demand. But, oddly enough, there’s an inherent charm in the ephemeral nature of live sessions. It’s raw, unedited, and brimming with authenticity.

Hosting a live session on Patreon is akin to hosting a private gig for your most loyal fans. It could be a Q&A, where patrons get to ask you anything under the sun—maybe they’re curious about the quirks of your creative process or what you had for breakfast. It could also be a workshop, a deep dive into your craft. If you’re a musician, perhaps a session breaking down the chords and lyrics of your latest song?

The beauty of live sessions is their ability to foster community. It’s an environment where your patrons not only engage with you but also with each other, building camaraderie and often, lasting friendships.

6. Selling Like Hotcakes: The Appeal of Limited Quantity Reward Tiers

We’re all familiar with the mad rush of Black Friday sales or the clamor to get concert tickets to a favorite band. Why? Scarcity. When something is limited, it inherently gains value in our eyes. You can leverage this psychology on Patreon.

By offering reward tiers that have a cap on availability, you ignite a sense of urgency among potential patrons. These could be anything from personalized sketches for the first 10 patrons of a particular tier to an annual dinner meetup for the top 5 supporters.

Not only does this strategy help in attracting patrons swiftly, but it also gives those who snag these rewards a feeling of being part of an exclusive club, deepening their bond with you.

7. The Trusty Old Standby: Crafting an Email List

In an era of fluctuating algorithms, where organic reach is often stifled, emails stand as a bastion of direct communication. Building an email list is like having a golden ticket to your patron’s world—a ticket that’s not controlled by the whims of social media platforms.

Send out regular newsletters. These could encompass updates, snippets of upcoming content, or even personal anecdotes. It’s like writing a letter to a friend, giving your audience a glimpse into your world.

Moreover, an email list serves as a fantastic safety net. If, for some unforeseen reason, you decide to move platforms or launch a new project elsewhere, you have a ready audience waiting to be tapped.

8. Tapping the Facebook Reservoir: Mastering Ad Campaigns

Facebook isn’t just for sharing cat videos or stalking your ex. It’s a goldmine for targeted advertising. With the platform’s vast data, you can ensure your ads reach those who’d genuinely be interested in your content.

It’s not about splashing cash without rhyme or reason. Start small. A/B test different ads to see what resonates. Track your ROI meticulously. Remember, it’s not just about gaining patrons, but about retaining them. An ad might bring them to your Patreon page, but it’s your content and engagement that will make them stay.

9. Talk of the Town: Flaunting Testimonials and Reviews

Ever been swayed by a product because it had rave reviews? Your Patreon page isn’t any different. By showcasing glowing testimonials from your existing patrons, you offer concrete proof of the value you provide.

Encourage your loyal patrons to leave reviews. Maybe even spotlight a “Patron of the Month” on your page, where they share their experiences and favorite aspects of your content.

Such endorsements are invaluable. They not only bolster your credibility but also give potential patrons a peek into the close-knit community they stand to join.

10. Never Drop the Ball: The Art of Continuous Promotion

It’s easy to assume that once your Patreon page is up and running, patrons will flood in. Think of it like planting a garden. You wouldn’t just plant the seeds and expect the flowers to bloom without water or sunlight, right? Your Patreon needs nurturing and continuous promotion.

While it’s essential to not come across as overly pushy, a gentle nudge here and there can work wonders:

Share snippets of exclusive content on your public platforms, sparking curiosity.
Collaborate with fellow creators. Cross-promotions can open up your content to a whole new demographic.
Celebrate milestones. Did you hit 100 patrons? Throw an online party and invite your followers. It gives potential patrons a taste of the fun they’re missing out on.

11. The Power of Mystery: Teasing Your Inner Sanctuary

Curiosity killed the cat, but it also got the cat to sign up as a patron. Offering everyone a glimpse of what lies behind the Patreon veil without giving everything away can be tantalizing.

Use trailers. If you’re releasing a video, a short teaser can set the stage.
Share testimonials where patrons gush about a piece of content only accessible to them.
Run occasional public polls asking what exclusive content people would love next. It serves a dual purpose: content ideas and a reminder of the treasure trove inside.

12. Making Commitment a Cakewalk: Easy and Non-binding Sign-ups”

The last thing you want is for a potential patron to be lost in the labyrinth of a complicated sign-up process. The more hoops they have to jump through, the likelier they are to bail.

Ensure your Patreon page is mobile-friendly. With the world increasingly browsing on the go, this is paramount.
Offer a low-tier subscription model for the fence-sitters, giving them a taste of the exclusive content without overwhelming commitment.
Periodically reassess your sign-up process. Seek feedback. Is there a step that’s stumping many?

13. Two Heads are Better than One: Collaborate with Coaches and Experts

Whether you’re a fledgling creator or a seasoned veteran, there’s always room for growth. Collaborating with coaches or experts in your niche can provide invaluable insights.

Host joint live sessions. It brings in variety and exposes your patrons to different perspectives.
Seek feedback on your content. A fresh set of expert eyes might catch something you missed.
Organize workshops or masterclasses for your patrons. It not only ups the value of their subscription but also helps in honing your craft.

14. Embrace Feedback: The Constructive Critic’s Club

Engage your patrons in periodic feedback sessions. Create a safe space where they can voice their opinions, suggestions, or even criticisms. Such interactive platforms can:

Unveil areas of improvement you hadn’t considered.
Make patrons feel valued and heard, fortifying their loyalty.
Lead to innovative content ideas, directly catering to your audience’s wants.

15. Going Beyond the Digital Realm: Organize Real-life Meetups

While digital is the rage, the charm of face-to-face interactions remains unmatched. Depending on your patron base’s size and geographic distribution, consider organizing real-life meetups or workshops.

Such events solidify the community feeling, making patrons feel like they’re part of a special club.
It allows for richer interactions, brainstorming sessions, and feedback.
Can be tied with limited reward tiers, where higher-tier patrons get exclusive access to such events.