You Built an Audience. Now Build the Plan They Deserve.

Building an audience feels like a huge win — and it is.But what matters even more is what you do once people are paying attention.

If you don't have a plan for that moment, you're missing the opportunity you worked so hard to create.

The Problem: Most People Grow Audiences Without a Next Step

Here’s the general logic: A large audience means that I have access to a lot of people who can pay me for my services or donate to my cause.

Consider this:

You set a goal to grow your audience on some social media platform. You post consistently, share your story, and start seeing traction. Followers go up. Comments trickle in. People are starting to notice.

It’s exciting — but what’s next?

Here’s the big question: What’s your plan once the audience grows?

When I ask this question, most people pause. They don’t really have an answer.

The goal was audience growth.But audience growth isn't a destination.It’s just the beginning.

Without a plan for what comes next, all that effort risks going nowhere.

The Shift: Start With the Outcome in Mind

If you're building an audience — or even thinking about building one — you have to start by asking bigger questions:

• What do I actually want to happen once people find me?

• How will I serve them once they’re here?

• How will I build enough trust to ask for action later?

It’s not enough to measure how many people are paying attention.You need to know where you want to take them — and why they should want to go there with you.

If you have 10,000 followers because you make silly dance videos*, how many of those followers are going to actually buy your product, hire you for your services, or volunteer or donate to your organization?

At the end of the day, audience size alone doesn’t build impact, or loyalty, or results.

Trust does. Strategy does.

*There’s nothing wrong with silly dance videos, and they can even be part of a strong plan, but they aren’t a great plan on their own.

The Three Stages of Audience Growth — and How to Plan for Each

Wherever you are — just starting out, growing, or ready to ask for action — your content should match your stage.

This is part of a system I’ve designed that I call “Content Blocks.” You can read a blog series with more detail here. You can download the FREE guide: “21 Types of Content The Build Trust, Connection, and Results”

Here is a brief overview of the three stages:

1. Building an Audience: Focus on Trust First (Foundational Content)

The common mistake:

• Chasing numbers, trying to “go viral,” and pushing out surface-level content without a plan.

The better strategy:

• Figure out where you want to go, and focus on Foundational Blocks (blogs, videos, lead magnets, resources) that teach, position you as a credible voice, and build long-term visibility.

• Foundational content answers real questions, solves real problems, and creates real value — before you ever ask for anything.

If you're early in your journey, 80% of your energy should go here.Build the foundation before you try to build the house.

2. Engaging an Audience: Focus on Relationship (Connection Content)

The common mistake:

• Going silent or posting inconsistently once the audience grows.

• Losing momentum because there’s no real relationship being built.

The better strategy:

• Develop a plan based on Connection Blocks — newsletters, vlogs, podcasts, regular social posts that show up consistently, share stories, and build familiarity over time.

• This is where you deepen trust — where followers become a community.

If you already have people following you, Connection Content is the bridge between awareness and action.

3. Mobilizing an Audience: Focus on Earning Action (Campaign Content)

The common mistake:

• Asking for too much, too soon — donations, sales, sign-ups — without enough trust built first.

The better strategy:

• Create a detailed plan based on Campaign Blocks — strategic, time-sensitive content like launches, promotions, or calls to action that are clear, focused, and built on a foundation of trust.

• Campaign content should feel like the natural next step — not a surprise, not a hard sell.

If you’re ready to invite action, make sure you’ve earned it — then design focused campaigns that inspire momentum.

Practical Pointers: How to Start Building Your Plan

Depending on where you are right now:

• If you're building an audience: → Prioritize Foundational Content. Create resources that teach, guide, and help people trust you.

• If you’re engaging an audience: → Layer in Connection Content. Show up consistently. Stay human and present.

• If you're mobilizing an audience: → Launch Campaign Content carefully. Focus the ask. Tie it back to the trust you’ve already earned.

Every piece of content you create should either build trust or honor the trust you've built.

Conclusion: Trust First, Always

Audience growth is exciting — but it’s just the beginning.

What matters most is what you build after people start listening.What you create after they show up.How you show them that they were right to pay attention in the first place.

Trust is the currency that turns attention into impact.And every smart content plan starts — and stays — with trust at the center.

If you’re ready to shift from just building an audience to building real momentum, let’s connect. I'd love to help you build a plan that earns attention — and deserves it.