Summary

New writers often find it challenging to grow their audience due to a lack of initial visibility, intense competition, and personal discomfort with self-promotion.

Abstract

The journey to build an audience as a new writer is fraught with challenges. In the beginning, the silence from the audience can be disheartening, with even close family members not engaging with the content. The writer expresses feelings of isolation and insignificance in the vast sea of established authors, bloggers, and media personalities. The act of self-promotion is likened to a personal purgatory, where the desire for recognition clashes with the embarrassment of self-advocacy. Despite these hurdles, the writer acknowledges the importance of perseverance and cherishing early interactions with readers, holding onto the hope that their efforts will eventually lead to a larger, more engaged audience.

Opinions

The writer believes that their early work is not receiving the recognition it deserves, despite its perceived quality.
The lack of feedback or engagement in the initial stages of writing is equated to an "existential tailspin."
There is a sense of being overwhelmed by the competition from more prominent figures in the writing and media industry.
Self-promotion is seen as an uncomfortable necessity, causing internal conflict between the need for exposure and personal embarrassment.
The writer maintains a hopeful outlook, valuing the growth of their audience, even if it starts with just a few loyal readers.
There is a self-awareness and humor in the writer's approach to their struggle, suggesting a resilient attitude towards the challenges faced.

Why New Writers Struggle to Grow Audiences

Why is it So Hard to Build That Elusive Audience?

Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash

Man, telling you, trying to build an audience as a new writer feels like the ultimate struggle sometimes!

I ask myself, why oh why don’t my genius articles go viral?

Obviously everyone should see how witty and insightful I am, right?

But in all honesty, growing a following is a process.

Here are some of my theories on what makes it so darn difficult:

The Dark Days of Crickets and Crumbs

In the early days, you’re lucky if even your mom gives you a like.

The silence can be DEAFENING.

I ask myself — is anyone even out there?

Are we all just talking to ourselves?!

It’s enough to send a guy spiraling into an existential tailspin, I tell you.

Competition is FIERCE

Have you seen how many brilliant minds are competing for attention these days?

Between big blogs, bestselling authors, and podcast hosts — I’m just a tiny fish swimming with some seriously huge whales!

Can a nobody like me really make a splash?

I have my doubts…

Promoting is my Personal Purgatory

Sharing my genius feels like self-promotion torture.

I wanna scream “LOOK AT MEEEEEEE” but also crawl under a rock in embarrassment.

The struggle is REAL, people.

Get me outta here!

That’s why I say growing an audience is no joke.

But gotta keep that chin up — even if it’s just a few loyal readers at first, every little interaction means the world.

And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be big enough that people will PAY to hear my wisdom!

Until then, I’ll keep hustling in my own hilarious yet melodramatic way. Join me won’t you?

The more the merrier, even if we’re all just laughing at my terrible jokes together!

We’ve got this!

Maybe.

Hopefully.

My most valuable article:

Tips for New Writers Like Me

Discovering My Unique Voice, Perfecting My Craft, and Embracing the Writing Adventure

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