Are you making this common subscriber growth mistake?
November 5, 2023
It’s hard to get new subscribers.
You’ve followed what the experts say:
- Pick a niche
- Be consistent
- Share everything you know
But you’re lucky to get 4 subscribers a week…
I’ve been there.
So why aren’t your daily social posts and consistent weekly (or even daily) newsletters growing faster?
You’re trying to do this by yourself
I already know what you’re thinking:
“Obviously, Kyle, I can’t hire people right now. I need to do it all myself.”
Hiring would mean you’re producing more.
That’s not really what you need.
You need to increase the impact of what you’re already producing.
This is what my subscriber growth looked like in September 2023:
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64d7c85db928cf4cb9b7a8bb/654bfaeb0c13565e1d4e7259_b2aNfNsHBVthCYARt21b7F.jpeg)
Notice that increase?
Something similar happened in October 2023:
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64d7c85db928cf4cb9b7a8bb/654bfaeba350fa312c6cf469_4qA9NHVeHo2kSQj4P9CrhW.jpeg)
How did this happen?
Did I start sharing viral content?
Nope. I’ve been working on something much more profound.
Build a really kind network
In September, this X post got a lot of traction thanks to some familiar faces replying and sharing it.
Then, in October, Chenell Basilio shared Creator Glue in her amazing newsletter, Growth in Reverse.
Those two moments represent significant growth for me but they really had nothing to do with a specific piece of content I created.
Instead, some really kind people I’ve had conversations with and tried to help decided to share what I’m doing.
As much as I would like to say it’s because of a magic formula, it really is that simple.
All I’ve done is focus a good portion of my time toward:
- Sharing thoughtful and valuable replies and DMs
- Replying to emails that resonate with me
- Even hopping on calls with some people I meet
And I have held to one principle that will take you very far.
Don’t expect anything in return
Don’t expect to get a shout out.
Don’t share your links to show off your content.
Don’t ask for anything.
Be helpful where you can – no strings attached – and good things will come your way.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t do these things:
- Pick a niche
- Be consistent
- Share everything you know
Just that your time spent on others should outweigh your time spent on your own content.
Your next step
Start networking in a few simple ways:
- Reply with valuable insights on social media (No more “This is great!”)
- If you’re using ConvertKit, join the Creator Network and make agreements with other creators to recommend each other.
- Participate in communities (I’m in The Lab and love it)
Instead of burning yourself out creating more content, keep up the good work and help others do their best work.