The Scene: Why Most People Struggle to Grow an Audience
You have something powerful to share.
- Maybe it’s your expertise.
- Maybe it’s your creative work.
- Maybe it’s a vision for a brand, business, or movement.
But when it comes to putting yourself out there, it feels…
Sales-y.
Forced.
Like you’re constantly trying to “convince” people to care.
The good news?
You don’t need to “sell” yourself to grow an audience.
The best brands, thought leaders, and creators?
They don’t chase attention.
They attract it—by making people feel like they’ve found a home instead of a sales pitch.
Here’s how to do the same.
The Shift: Build a Brand That Feels Like a Place, Not Just a Promotion
Most people struggle with audience growth because they think of it as self-promotion.
But the most magnetic brands don’t feel like promotions. They feel like places people want to belong to.
Think about why people follow Disney, Nike, or even niche communities like Dark Academia brands.
They’re not just engaging with content—they’re stepping into a world.
The Fix: Ask Yourself—What Does It Feel Like to Step Into My Brand?
- Does it feel like a conversation or a broadcast?
- Does it feel personal or corporate?
- Does it give people a reason to stay—not just a reason to follow?
Once your brand feels like a place, audience growth stops feeling like a struggle—because people want to be part of it.
The Experiment: 3 Ways to Grow an Audience Without Feeling Like You’re Selling
1. Lead with Story, Not Just Expertise
Most people think audience growth means constantly proving how much they know.
But facts don’t build relationships.
Stories do.
People don’t just follow you for your knowledge—they follow you because they see themselves in your journey.
The Fix: Tell More Stories That Invite People In
- Share your “before” moments. (The struggles, the shifts, the discoveries—people relate to transformation, not just success.)
- Use storytelling to illustrate your expertise. (Instead of saying “I teach branding,” say “I once rebranded a company in 24 hours—here’s what I learned.”)
- Let your audience feel like they’re part of your world. (The best brands don’t just talk at people—they create a shared experience.)
When people connect with your story, they trust your expertise—without needing to be convinced.
2. Build Community, Not Just Content
Most people try to grow an audience by posting content and hoping people show up.
But the fastest way to grow is to create a space where people want to engage.
Think about why certain brands or influencers feel like “a group” rather than just a person talking.
It’s because they give their audience a shared experience.
The Fix: Make Engagement a Two-Way Street
- Ask more questions than you answer. (People love to contribute—invite them in.)
- Create inside language & shared rituals. (Think about how communities have “in-jokes,” special traditions, or recognizable phrases.)
- Make your audience feel seen. (Respond to comments, highlight community members, turn followers into participants.)
People don’t just follow brands—they follow movements, cultures, and identities they connect with.
3. Show Up with Value Before You Ask for Anything
The biggest mistake people make when growing an audience?
They focus on what they want from the audience—before giving the audience a reason to stay.
The best brands give before they ask.
They make people feel like they’re getting value from day one.
The Fix: The 80/20 Rule of Giving vs. Asking
- 80% of your content should be pure value. (Inspiration, education, entertainment—something that benefits the audience directly.)
- 20% can be promotional. (Calls to action, offers, business-related posts—but only after trust is built.)
When people feel like they’re already getting value, they’re far more likely to engage deeper.
The Final Lesson: People Don’t Follow for Information—They Follow for Connection
If you want to grow an audience without feeling like you’re “selling” all the time…
- Focus on building a space, not just broadcasting a message.
- Give people a story to step into.
- Create a community they want to belong to.
Show up with value first—before asking for anything in return.
Because at the end of the day?
People don’t just want to consume content—they want to feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
– Lauren Janeen
Your brand can be that space.
Your Challenge This Week
- Look at your current content & brand presence.
- Does it feel like a place—or just a series of posts?
- What’s one small shift you can make to invite more connection & engagement?
