2000 Things to Generate 20,000 Fans Challenge

2000 Things to Generate 20000 FansAuthor David Meerman Scott made a honest and realistic quote, “if you want 20,000 fans you must do 2000 different things that each generate 10 fans.” This was my favorite quote from 2010 and I am going to take this on as a challenge for 2011 for an ambitious project to give you 2000 different things you can do to generate 20,000 fans.

I am defining generating fans in a few different ways:

  1. A brand new fan who has never followed you before.
  2. Engaging with existing fans to get them to participate.
  3. Engaging with existing fans to get them to convert on an action.

Some of these items will apply better for larger acts, some items will work for any act. Some may work for you, some may not… not yet. Some these can be done with little effort, some will take some web development, some might even require some significant development. Some of these have successfully worked for me over the years. The point is to create a list of items that would cover a wide range of acts and abilities.

Of course the most important part of the project is your involvement! If you have questions about an item leave a comment or send me an email. Even better, if you have a suggestion for something to try please leave a comment or send me an email. I want to hear what has worked for you.

The end result of all this will hopefully be more Facebook likes, Twitter followers, email list subscriptions, more sales and more traffic to your website… more fans!

Be sure to visit this page weekly as new ideas are added.

2000 Things to Generate 20,000 Fans Challenge

  1. Reply to every Tweet that mentions you.
  2. Let your fans lead you – What did you get for KISSmas.
  3. Ask your fans to submit photos of their tattoos.
  4. Select a fan of the week.
  5. Share what is on your iPod.
  6. Share the stories behind your songs.
  7. Get your crew involved.
  8. Do a Twitter interview.
  9. Submit show ads.
  10. Submit ticket stubs.
  11. Submit radio ads.
  12. Wish Your Fans a Happy Birthday
  13. Create Regional Fan Discussion Groups
  14. Write or blog about your experience in the music business.
  15. Press Some Flesh.
  16. Inside the Studio
  17. Get a Looxcie and Become a Reality Star
  18. Create a eTour Book
  19. Real time show updates
  20. Twitter After Show Party
  21. The Girls of KISS, Find a New Segment of Your Fans
  22. Promote Yourself at a Twitter Hashtag Event
  23. Create a Daily Paper.li Paper of Your Twitter Followers
  24. Submit Your Experience Getting the New Album
  25. Give a Musical History Tour
  26. Create a Monthly Fan Meetup
  27. Ask Fans to Share Download Codes
  28. Rock Band/Guitar Hero Contest
  29. Design a Shirt Contest
  30. Offer Branded Email Address
  31. Question of Da Day
  32. Post on Radio Station Walls
  33. Fan Signs
  34. Volunteer at Your Rock School
  35. Giveaway Google+ Invites
  36. Create a List of Fan Websites
  37. Take Your Cues from Daily Life
  38. Fan Club Cards
  39. Add Social Networks to Your Email Signup
  40. Create Flyer Notepads for Clubs
  41. Pickup the Phone and Call Your Fans
  42. Use Your Email Signature
  43. Hold a Fan Expo
  44. Ask Fans for Show Reviews
  45. Search for Your Song on Twitter and Facebook
  46. Create a Fan Loyalty Program with Square
  47. In Studio VIP Package
  48. Eat and Greet with Your Fans
  49. Radio Station Twitter Followers
  50. Create & Share a Spotify Playlist
  51. Create Facebook Timeline Covers
  52. Follow Friday Fan Love
  53. Ask This or That Questions
  54. Create a Show Flyer Board on Pinterest
  55. Create a Venues Board on Pinterest
  56. Create a Gear Board on Pinterest
  57. Create a Lyrics Board on Pinterest
  58. Create a Board of Bands You Like on Pinterest
  59. Create a Collaborative Spotify Playlist Game
  60. Create a Fan Video Board on Pinterest
  61. Where Am I Photos
  62. Let a Fan Tweet the Debut of a New Song