Fans, Followers & The Drip, Drip, Drop
09. Nov, 2008 
24 Comments
Let’s face it, we all get a little frustrated and disappointed when people don’t notice or embrace what we’ve written, created, or talked about. Whether it be your own blog, product, or presentation, people may not care and trust may not have been built yet.
I’ve talked about wanting attention before and how it can be a slippery slope, but on the other hand we also need others to notice and interact with what we’ve done, before they become fans or followers.
So, how do we build trust? Do we bombard them with information and overwhelm them with enthusiasm? Trick them? Deceive them? No. It’s all about the Drip, Drip, Drop – that steady stream of value, accumulated overtime, until finally, unexpectedly they become a fan. A true follower, once a skeptic now a believer. Which drip was responsible for convincing them to cross over? No one knows. But each drip, as small and as minuscule as it may seem was part of the flood that they now trust and respect.
The Drip, Drip, Drop requires patience, perseverance, and dedication. You can’t just expect people to latch on and become die hard fans over night. It takes time, commitment and most people give up just before it starts paying off. Seth Godin talks about “Drip, drip, drip goes the Twit” and how it can help you build a strong foundation for something you want to launch in the future. I think it’s a great idea, and that’s partially why I joined Twitter.
One thing we have to remember though is the Drip has to be something great. Nobody wants to read a mediocre blog post, use a worthless product, or listen to a boring presentation. Every single drip must be excellent. After all, a potential fan may just see one drip. That’s it.
Nice post. And it is nice to meet you on Twitter :) Thanks for following.
Very good points. I wish more people understood this. I subscribe to very few blogs because I find many just regurgitate what has already been said elsewhere.
That said, don’t look to my blog as an example to emulate what you say here. I haven’t found my message yet and therefore don’t expect an audience.
Thanks for your post.
David,
There are two ways that work hand-in-hand for individuals (it’s different when working for an organization): some become connected because they find you and some become connected because you find them.
The term, followers, is kind of misdefined, especially on service like Twitter. We don’t always know why people follow so it’s not really a measure; it’s the engagement after they follow that makes the difference.
Best,
Rich
@Paulina1 – Thanks!
@Eldevlin – I do too. I think it’s sad how so many people give up before anything gains traction. As for your blog – don’t give up. You may not feel like you have a firm foundation…but these things take time. Believe me, I know. :/ Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@Richard Becker – When I use the term “Followers” I’m not really relating to a follower on Twitter, rather I’m referring to more of a “True Follower”. Not just someone that happens to come along…but someone that’s excited about what you have to say and wants to be an insider. Sorry, I should have clarified this a bit more. Hopefully that helps. :)
Cool post, and thanks for the follow on twitter. I look forward to seeing your tweets. If you want to see my take on twitter, you can read Be A Model Twitizen: A Twitter How-To here: http://tinyurl.com/4jokke
peace, and have an ecstatic day!
-LaSara
@Lasara – Thanks for sharing your thoughts and thanks for the compliment!
Great post – and love the DRIP symbol; it’s so true. You never know when someone will give you some attention…have to make every instance count, :-)
This past election season coupled with my recent involvement in @BarCampPhilly have gotten my writing juices boiling. I hope to start actually composing some posts that do more than just interest/amuse me on my blog. Drip, Drip… Percolate! Thanks for the great article.
Hey David,
Good post. And you’re right, it’s all about giving people a taste and getting them to come back for more. It’s what the guys who wrote Creating Customer Evangelists call Napsterizing your product/blog/whatever – giving something for free, links to posts to get them to read what should be well thought out and original. If that’s the case they start coming back for more, then they add you to their RSS feed and your away.
Re Twitter, it’s giving me access to all sorts of blogs (as well as the microblogging that actually happens on Twitter), many of which I won’t necessarily go back to, but blogs that I would almost certainly not have found otherwise, like yours. When I see others recommending blogs I check them out. And I learn a little something from all of them even if I don’t become a regular reader.
I guess what I’m saying is that you’re right on all the above and that if you have good content, you’ll create evangelists who bring you more traffic by recommending you on twitter et al which in turn will help you attract more influencers and widen your reach.
Anyway this is what I hope to do when I start my blog next month and I’ll definitely be coming back to check out future posts – keep posting and I’ll make sure to recommend them.
Thanks for the follow david and anyone else feel free to follow me on @siburgess79 for general thoughts on social media, media, music, films and a bit of everything else.
@Shon – Thanks :)
@Jeremy Mandle – Sweet, sounds like you have some good ideas. Don’t give up! :)
@Simon Burgess – Absolutely! I just started using Twitter, but have already seen some awesome stuff roll through my Twitter feed.
I really like how you used the term “Evangelists”. That’s right on!
Let me know when you start your blog, I’ll be looking forward to your articles. :)
good stuff,man…that ur Icon? its sweet dizzle!
I love this post. It’s so true. I feel like you also are getting at the perseverance of life too. Really, you can apply this to all aspects of life. Great post. You have a really nice writing style.
Very nice article. And yes, you speak the truth. I’m a little bit tired of people repeatedly bombarding me with their marketing templates in my direction. I’m a subscriber to your Drip, Drip, Drop system, most definitely. :)
@Alamo – Thanks! I’m not sure where the original photo came from…but I found it here: http://tinyurl.com/5udg7c
@Meredith – Thank you! You’re absolutely right. The principle can apply to just about anything in life. Similar to Seth Godin’s “Dip” concept: http://tinyurl.com/34anl5
@Sandeep – Thank you! Wow, I can totally relate – like we all need one more cookie cutter marketing ploy! :/
I follow you…..wait, was that a Twitter pun? Hm. Great article!
Great post, David. A very worthy viewpoint.
I think when I first got serious about my website last year, I was expecting far too much, far too soon. I wasn’t regularly blogging, and really, I wasn’t very active at all in the design community.
Now though, I’m chatting to other designers every day through Twitter, my blog is getting regular additions, and I’m reading and commenting more on design work around the web. It’s working for me. Nothing massive just yet, but I’m noticing the steady increase as I keep on making contributions.
David, So true. One thing that I have been learning is that I have to be alert enough to see the great things. If I saturate my readers, clients, …the world, with mediocrity then the dripping will just drive them away. If I am able to find the great things and then in turn offer them, then the drips will make a difference and people will trust me, follow me, listen to me. Good post!
John
Very Valuable post here. I agree with the fact that content must be awesome throughout one’s blog and should show no variance in quality. Reputation takes time to build, but once you have established yourself as a reputable person, the word will spread automatically.
By the way, Thanks for the follow on twitter :)
@Rob – Thanks! I can totally relate with you. I felt as though I had good content…but just wasn’t getting any readers. The social networking definitely gives you a boost, but for those loyal readers you have to provide that slow steady stream of amazing content. Not easy, but absolutely crucial.
I’ve looked at your latest posts and really enjoy what you have to say. I’ve already told you this in an email….but I’m subscribed to your feed and look forward to your future posts!
@John – Excellent point John. Each drip can actually hurt your following if it’s full of mediocre content. I can’t emphasis enough the important of quality, relevant drips. Well said!
@Blabweb – Thank you! Yes, I totally agree. It seems as though it takes FOREVER to get to that point, but you’re absolutely right. Well worth it in my opinion!
I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s follow-up comments to this post. Very salient subject, especially useful for people starting out in social media. But also a useful reminder for those who’ve been at it a while. Thanks!
Great article. I think this is the exact thing that is one many bloggers minds. The idea behind the Drip, Drip, Drop is spot on. Thank you for sharing with us.
@Melany – I agree! I’ve also really enjoyed reading the comments. Everyone has added so much to the conversation. Thank you!
@Brokendoll – Thanks, and you’re welcome! :)
David,
Thanks for finding me on twitter, which led me to your excellent blog. A comment on the “greatness” of each post: what an “impossible hill to climb,” as you wrote in a later post. Yes, each of us tries to publish a great morsel every post, but that is a lot of pressure. I try to consider firstly: who is my audience, secondly: why do they read my blog, and thirdly: how can I help them? I find that to be less pressure and then I know I’m writing for a purpose. Eventually, I hope, they will become fans if my approach is consistent. Look forward to reading more!
Entirely Agreed! I was just discussing this same concept with a fellow blogger, but not in such a nice concise post. Great stuff.