Starting an online journey can be daunting, especially when staring at zero followers, zero likes, and zero comments. But what if we told you that you don't need an existing following to make a significant impact online? Meet Phil Agnew, a creator who started from scratch with the most difficult format possible – a podcast called Nudge – and has since built an engaged community around his content. Building an online presence like Phill’s with a format like Nudge’s does not have the makings of an overnight success story. "It's a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and patience have been my allies. It took time, but the community I've built is engaged and genuinely interested in what I have to offer," he shares. In this article, we dive into Phill's tips and strategies that can help you grow an engaged audience from scratch.

How Phill uses his understanding of consumer behavior to create compelling content

When it comes to creating content that attracts and engages, Beinsure Media Phill has a unique approach that sets him apart – curiosity about why we do what we do, also known as buyer psychology. His interest in the field sparked his journey as a creator, so he understands how to apply psychological principles to content creation. "You have to get into the consumer's head, understand their pain points, and then offer a solution that they didn't even know they needed," Phill says.

Phill believes that creating an emotional connection with the audience is crucial. "People don't just buy products – they buy feelings. If you can make someone feel seen or understood, you've won half the battle," he explains. This emotional resonance is what turns casual viewers into loyal followers. One principle that he uses to boost this connection with his audience is the “labor illusion” principle – giving a behind-the-scenes look at how much work went into what you’ve created to add authenticity and increase the work’s perceived value.

How Phill uses his understanding of consumer behavior to create compelling content When it comes to creating content that attracts and engages, Phill has a unique approach that sets him apart – curiosity about why we do what we do, also known as buyer psychology. His interest in the field sparked his journey as a creator, so he understands how to apply psychological principles to content creation. "You have to get into the consumer's head, understand their pain points, and then offer a solution that they didn't even know they needed," Phill says. Phill believes that creating an emotional connection with the audience is crucial. "People don't just buy products – they buy feelings. If you can make someone feel seen or understood, you've won half the battle," he explains. This emotional resonance is what turns casual viewers into loyal followers. One principle that he uses to boost this connection with his audience is the “labor illusion” principle – giving a behind-the-scenes look at how much work went into what you’ve created to add authenticity and increase the work’s perceived value.

Using his day job as fuel for creative endeavors

Developing content strategies to stay consistent and keep his audience engaged

The most effective strategy Phill mentioned is cross-promotion within the podcasting community. It makes sense; if someone is already a podcast listener, they're more likely to check out another podcast recommended by a host they trust. This is a classic example of "going where your audience is" rather than trying to pull them into a new space.

To keep up a consistent schedule, Phill keeps the adage, "Failing to plan is planning to fail," at the forefront of all his work. He elaborates, "I always have a content calendar that's planned out at least a month in advance. It takes the stress out of last-minute scrambles and ensures I'm always ahead of the game."

Another one of Phill's most effective strategies is batch content creation. "I dedicate specific days to content creation. On those days, I'll shoot multiple videos, write several articles, or record a bunch of podcasts. This way, I have a content reservoir to pull from," he explains. He emphasizes providing value upfront, sharing that it works wonders. Whether it's a useful tip, an interesting fact, or a solution to a common problem, giving something valuable right at the beginning can hook the audience.