I and many others have stated that its not the number of Facebook likes or Twitter followers you have that matters, it is the relationship you have with your followers and the ability to engage with them and get them to convert on a action. 1000 very active fans is better than 100,000 inactive fans.
Here is a nice example of that concept in real life. One of my clients is Curb Records recording artist Andy Gibson. I have been working close with Andy for months on building up his social media world. A couple weeks ago a country radio station ran a promotion on their website, WYRK Draft Day Poll. It was really just a basic poll, vote for your favorite artist. Andy was up against Scotty McCreery, season ten winner of American Idol, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer and Kip Moore who’s debut album recently entered the Billboard charts at #6.
The poll was open for 24 hours and the results according to the website were, with 25,037 votes in, Scotty McCreery is the winner of the new artist draft poll getting 10,883 votes edging out Andy Gibson who received 9,357 votes. Hunter Hayes was third with 3,895, Jana Kramer with 688 and Kip Moore getting 214 over all votes.
But here is where it gets interesting.
Andy Gibson had 8200 fans on Twitter and 14,000 on Facebook, but Scotty McCreery had 508,000 on Twitter and 1 million on Facebook. With all those fans Scotty only had 1,500 more votes. Andy’s fans were a powerhouse in supporting him! He has spent the last six months building a great relationship with his fans. A million and a half fans were nearly beaten by 22,000 fans. Andy actually had the smallest combined fan base on Facebook and Twitter of all the acts. But his relationship with his fans allowed him to easily beat the three other acts.
Stop thinking it is all about a bigger number. It is about the relationship with the fans you have.
Andy has such a great relationship with his fans. He is an absolute joy to support!! Can’t wait to see him at CMA-Fest!
Yes, indeed he sure does. It was a pleasure to vote for Andy, and vote we did. He stays connected and you know exactly where he is going to be so you can attend or tune in for live radio events, etc. I have no desire to follow artists that I have to hunt and search for music & or tour information on constantly. Been there and done that.
Andy Gibson is the best,thanks for this article on Andys fans. We love our Andy very much. He does a lot for his fans.He takes us crazy but fun females in stride. Andy is just all around great guy,talks on twitter a lot with his fans.also one talented singer and song writer.
Andy is also one down to earth guy. His fans love that about him.
Hands down…Andy is a much better singer and I haven’t met Scotty, but Andy is just an all around sweetheart to all of his fans..new and old!!
Thanks for the insight on this. I am I’m that category of trying to really engage fans and gain followership and support, rather than spectators. You reinforce all that I have been hearing from musicprenueriship experts . Thanks
I have to say Andy Gibson has the best fans/friends because he is one of the pleasant people you can ever meet. Andy is so humble and down to earth. That’s why we rally so hard for our Andy. We are very proud of him. Great article by the way.
Thanks Melissa. Andy is a real talent.