Climbing the Pyramid of Fandom - Send Unexpected Messages

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Hello everyone!

For the previous chapters about Superfans, check the links at the end!

The title of this chapter is self-explanatory…It’s always nice to receive messages from someone, especially someone we are superfans of!

In the world of business, one of the most valuable assets you can have is a group of dedicated fans who are always eager to support you. These fans, known as "superfans," are the ones who will go out of their way to promote your brand, buy your products, and spread the word about your business to others. But how do you keep these fans engaged and excited about your brand? One way to do this is by sending unexpected messages.

(...) a small time investment can go a long way in brightening someone's day and interrupting the pattern of impersonalized media they're used to consuming throughout the day on social media, podcasts, YouTube, and elsewhere.

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Sending unexpected messages is a powerful way to keep your superfans engaged and excited about your brand. By taking the time to connect with your audience in a more personal way, you can build deeper relationships with your fans and create a community of dedicated supporters who will help your business grow and thrive. So don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to engaging with your superfans - they will appreciate the effort and will be more likely to stick around for the long haul.

Superfans are used to hearing from you in certain ways, whether it's through social media, email newsletters, or other channels. But when you send unexpected messages, it catches their attention and shows that you are thinking about them in a more personal way. Here are some ideas for unexpected messages you can send to your superfans:

Surprise Gift

Everyone loves receiving gifts, and your superfans are no exception. Send a surprise gift to a few random members of your audience to show your appreciation. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant - even a small token of your appreciation, such as a branded mug or t-shirt, can go a long way in building goodwill with your audience.

I believe I got a CTP Mug during a live show from Jon and Blain..good times :)

Handwritten Note or Letter

In today's digital age, receiving a handwritten note or letter is a rare and special experience. Take the time to write a personalized message to your superfans, thanking them for their support and letting them know how much they mean to you. This gesture will not only make them feel appreciated, but it will also show that you are willing to go above and beyond to connect with your audience.

As a big fan of CTP, receiving a hand-written mail from Jon was like a fangirl screaming moment!

Personalized Video Message

Record a short video message specifically for your superfans. Address them by name, thank them for their support, and let them know how much you appreciate them. This will make them feel valued and appreciated, and it's a great way to build a deeper connection with your audience.

Realize that this isn't anything innovative. Anyone can send anyone a video for any reason - but it's not a strategy a lot of people and brands are putting to good use yet, so the novelty factor is still high. Video still offers the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. (...) By sending a video message, you're making it personal and more likely a person is going to a) open that video, b) receive your passage, and c) feel the need to respond positively because you've done something unusually thoughtful for them. And that's the keyword: unusual.

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There are so many tools out there already, from sending quick reply videos through private messages on Instagram, to using Bonjoro a video messaging program that helps you embed small videos almost in certain email/messaging platforms. Screenpal can also be used to record small videos and embed them almost everywhere.

Individualized video messages are an awesome and easy way to personalize and humanize your interactions with your connected community and give them even more than they expect from you. Going above and beyond like this is a huge key to making people into superfans.

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