If you’re looking to make a living as a musician, you need just 1,000 dedicated fans, according to the 1,000 True Fans theory.
The theory says that to make your art your day job, you don’t need to be discovered on YouTube or win Songland.
You simply need to earn and keep solid fans.
Updated January 24, 2020
The 1,000 True Fans Theory
Here’s the basic idea of this theory:
The point of this strategy is to say that you don’t need a hit to survive…[the 1,000 True Fans theory] is an alternate destination for an artist to aim for.
A True Fan is “someone who will purchase anything and everything you produce” and “will drive 200 miles to see you sing.”
The basic concept is that each true fan will spend a certain amount of money on you on a consistent basis, which then gives you a steady income.
For example, a “true fan” may spend $100 per year to support you. If you have 1,000 of those fans, that comes out to a $100,000 salary for the year.
And 1,000 is not that big of a number. As the theory states:
If you added one fan a day, it would take only three years. True Fanship is doable. Pleasing a True Fan is pleasurable, and invigorating. It rewards the artist to remain true, to focus on the unique aspects of their work, the qualities that True Fans appreciate.
The Reinvention Of The Fan
With Facebook and Twitter, it’s easy for people to keep up with what you’re doing
Because of technology, people can watch you perform from the comfort of their homes.
Back in the day, fans had to travel in order to see bands play.
They had to go to a physical store to purchase a physical album. They had to read a physical magazine or newspaper to see what musicians were up to. They watched these musicians on the television, and if they missed it then they weren’t going to see it.
But now, they don’t have to leave their couch to love your music and to know everything about you.
This is the reinvention of the fan.
But casual fans are not detrimental to the music industry. They’re part of a change, a new type of music industry.
We musicians need to embrace the fact that most people who encounter our music will be casual listeners.
Technology can be a useful tool to reach and communicate with fans. It’s just a matter of finding creative ways to harness it for the good of your career.
How To Turn A Casual Fan Into A True Fan
It’s pretty simple actually. I’ve narrowed it down to three steps:
- Figure out who your current “true fans” or “super fans” are and invest in them. They are your career partners.
- Be creative and intentional about turning your casual fans into super fans.
- Continue to be good every day.
Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to getting 1,000 people pumped about your music career.
And pretty soon, you could be swapping your office chair for a stage or studio.
Do you have any creative ideas for turning casual fans into true fans? Share them in the comments so we can all benefit.