57% More Followers in One Month: The Viral Growth Hack You Need to Know
The Compound Effect that transformed my slow growth into an audience explosion
Last month, I was standing at the edge of a vast ocean, where the waves caressed the shore with a predictable rhythm.
The tides would roll in and out, much like the steady growth of my followers on Medium — expected, inevitable, and lacking the thrill of a breathtaking wave.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, a treasure washed ashore: a story that would change everything.
It was the tale of a sailor who dared to navigate beyond the horizon, chasing the unknown and embracing the turbulent seas. His journey mirrored my own pursuit of a thriving audience.
So I decided to set sail.
Embracing Change: The Turning Tide
For months, I had paddled my creative vessel along the coast of linear growth, gaining 65 to 80 followers per month — a reliable but safe course. Yet, something deep within me longed for more. It was as if a powerful current tugged at my heart, urging me into uncharted waters.
And there, in the pages of an article by Jason Provencio, a.k.a The Professor of Medium, I found the compass that would guide me toward exponential growth.
Jason had a bold strategy: he followed 120 people every single day for over a year, and on average, about 10% of them followed him back — a daring leap into the unknown that had transformed his own journey.
It sounded crazy, but there was an allure to its simplicity.
I knew it was time to hoist the sails of change. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and incorporate this madness into my own growth plan.
How to Apply de Mad120 Formula
- The easiest way? Click here and go to the 1,506,561 Followers Medium has and randomly follow 120 people a day.
- The meaningful way? I built my personal League of Justice Writers or Tribe of Mentors — writers I am subscribed to and who have a considerable and loyal audience. I read, comment, and now follow every person that interacts with them*.
Because it goes as Nicolas Cole says:
“Think of it like you go to a party downtown in the city. There’s a pub. There’s people spilling out of the pub. You know, it’s an amazing time. And you walk up there, and you are whispering into every person’s ear, like:
Hey, I throw really good parties too. You should come back to my flat. Trust me, it’s amazing.
Every time you show up with a blog post, that’s what you are doing. You are like, “Hey, I throw really great parties, too”.
*There are two exceptions to the rule:
- People with no profile picture — shady
- People with single-digit followers — probably a 1-shot-read
Building on What Works: Engaging Authentically & Pitching Pubs
But I didn’t stop there. I knew I had to keep doing the things that were working for me.
I kept up with leaving thoughtful comments on other writers’ articles, engaging with my readers, and consistently posting around 25 articles per month.
After all, building a loyal readership is not just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections.
I also knew that I shouldn’t shy away from reaching out to bigger publications. Sure, rejection stings, but it’s those big wins that can skyrocket your audience.
So, I kept pitching my articles to those dream publications, and I celebrated every acceptance, big or small.
Constant Growth: Data-Driven Craft
However, none of this would matter if I didn’t continue honing my writing skills. Writing is an ever-evolving craft, and there’s always room to improve.
I made it a point to study the works of successful writers, learn from their styles, and apply those lessons to my own pieces.
The real gold mine, though, was in the data.
I had posted over 110 articles by this point, and each piece held valuable insights. I delved into the analytics to understand what resonated with my audience and what didn’t.
This data-driven approach allowed me to fine-tune my content and cater to what my readers craved.
Astonishing Results: Exponential Growth
The results were nothing short of astonishing.
In just one month, my follower count shot up by over 235 people. A jaw-dropping 57% growth that surpassed the collective increase of the past 3 months and a half.
The 120 follow-per-day strategy worked like a charm, just as Jason had predicted. But it wasn’t just blind following — it was about engaging with the right audience and forming genuine connections.
But there’s more beyond follower count:
- My articles received more reads — almost a 50% spike.
- And guess what? My monthly earnings quadrupled.
That’s right; when you put in the effort, the results follow.
The Greats Have My Back
Throughout this whirlwind journey, I ran into these quotes that backed up my plan:
Warren Buffett once said, “The stock market is designed to transfer money from the active to the patient.”
I realized that building an audience requires the same kind of patience. It’s about being consistent, making steady progress, and trusting the process. Eventually, the compound effect of your efforts will lead to remarkable growth.
Albert Einstein’s words also resonated: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
I had been stuck in that loop of slow growth, doing the same thing repeatedly, until I dared to break free and embrace a new approach.
Tim Ferriss remarked, “Focus on being productive instead of busy.”
That’s precisely what I did. I shifted my focus from merely staying busy to strategically working on actions that would yield tangible results. It was about channeling my energy into a plan that truly moved the needle.
Final Thoughts: The Navigator’s Logbook
And so, my fellow sailors, this is the story of how I set sail on a daring adventure, steering away from the safety of predictability. I took the leap that rewrote my story, and in just one month, my audience grew more than it had in the past three combined.
It hasn’t been an entirely smooth ride. There were days when I felt the temptation to revert to my old ways, fearing that this rapid growth was just a fluke. But I held my ground and kept pushing forward, confident that my dedication and authenticity would keep my audience engaged.
If there’s one message in a bottle I’d like to leave you with, it’s this:
Don’t be afraid to embrace change and take risks in your pursuit of a thriving audience. Follow the footsteps of those who have succeeded before you, but don’t forget to carve your path based on your unique strengths and passions.
I encourage you to forge ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. Let this be the month you step out of your comfort zone, engage relentlessly with your audience, and let your authentic voice shine. Remember, it’s not just about growing your numbers; it’s about forging meaningful connections with those who appreciate your craft.
The journey may seem daunting at times, but as you witness your audience grow more in a single month than in the past three, you’ll know that the effort was worth it.
And who knows?
Your story might inspire others to take their leap of faith too, just as I did when I read The Medium Professor’s post.