Creators Take Control: Owning their Relationship with Their Audience

Tired of Being at the Mercy of Platforms

It’s not uncommon for online creators to feel like they’re at the mercy of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. After all, these platforms control everything from the reach of their content to how and when they get paid. But now, some creators are taking matters into their own hands.

Owning their Relationship with Their Audience

Instead of relying solely on platforms, creators are increasingly working to build more direct relationships with their audiences. This can take many forms, from launching their own newsletters and podcasts to building their own websites and even custom mobile apps.

The Benefits of Owning the Relationship

So why are so many creators interested in taking ownership of their audience relationships? For one thing, it frees them from the whims of platforms that can change their algorithms or policies at any time. It also allows for a more direct line of communication with fans, which can be invaluable when trying to build a community of supporters.

Some Challenges to Consider

Of course, there are also challenges to building your own audience relationship. For starters, it takes time and effort to build a subscriber list or grow an engaged community. There’s also the need to invest in platforms and tools that can handle everything from email automation to payment processing.

Summary

All in all, owning your relationship with your audience as a creator can bring a lot of benefits, including more control and a better connection with your fans. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and be willing to invest in the effort required to make it work.

Original Article: https://www.wired.com/story/the-end-of-influencers-on-instagram/