Building Your Fan Community: A 6-Step Guide for Artists on Shopify

Whether you're a garage band, global icon, or somewhere in between, Single has all the tools to engage, reward, and monetize your fanbase.

But what exactly does that mean? It's about creating a space where your most dedicated fans can connect with you directly, get exclusive content, and feel like they're part of something special.

Here's a playbook for building an active, engaged community around you –– straight from Shopify: 

 

Step 1: Set Up Single Account

First things first, let's get you set up on Single. This is the platform you'll use to create and manage your fan community.

Already have a Shopify store? Great! Head to the Shopify App Store and install the Single app. New to Shopify? No worries –– setting up a store is quick and easy.

Once you've installed Single, you'll need to choose a plan. Not sure which one's right for you? Start with the free plan. It's a great way to test the waters without any financial commitment.

 

Step 2: Build Your Membership

Now that you're set up, let's give your community a shape. This is where you'll create the basic structure of your fan club:

1. Upload a profile picture or community logo –– you can always change it later.
2. Give your community a name. It could be as simple as "[Your Name] Fan Club" or something more creative like "[Your Brand] Insiders". We've got some killer naming tips if you need inspiration.
3. Write a brief, engaging description. Tell your fans what they can expect from your community.

Remember, this is the first thing your fans will see when they join, so make it count!

 

Step 3: Design Your Membership Tiers

With the basics in place, it's time to think about how you want to structure your community. This is where you decide what different levels of membership you want to offer:

• Are you starting from scratch or importing existing fan data?
• Going for a paid membership right off the bat, or starting with a free community?

There's no wrong answer –– it's all about what works best for you and your community –– at every level of fandom. If you're not sure where to start, here's a solid structure:

1. Free Tier: The welcome mat for curious fans
2. Mid-Tier: For fans who want a bit more
3. VIP Tier: For your biggest supporters

Ultimately, each tier should feel like a clear step up. Give fans a reason to climb that ladder over time –– but don't feel pressured to have it all figured out immediately. Start with what you can manage consistently, and you can always add more tiers as your community grows.

 

Step 4: Decide What Perks to Offer

Now that you have your tiers set up, it's time to fill them with content. Perks are king in the world of fan communities. Here's how to get started:

1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas. This could be behind-the-scenes videos, early releases of new songs, or even virtual hangs. We have a whole list of perk ideas if you need inspiration.
2. Schedule your first piece of exclusive content. Give your fans something to look forward to right away.
3. Set up a content calendar for the next 90 days. Consistency is key in keeping your fans engaged.

Remember, quality trumps quantity. It's better to post less frequently but maintain high quality than to burn out trying to post daily. That's why we're big fans of the strategy of releasing stuff early to fans – instead of always creating extra content (or work) for those in your community.

 

Step 5: Launch Your Community

You've put in the work to set everything up –– now it's time to open the doors and welcome your fans:

1. Hit up all your social media platforms with a mix of regular posts, stories, live sessions, and even direct messages to your most engaged followers.
2. Don't forget about your existing fans. If you've got a list of previous customers or contacts, invite them personally. They're already interested in what you do, so they're prime candidates for your new community.
3. Add a "Join My Community" button to your shop and social media bios. Make it easy for new fans to find you.
4. Create buzz with a special launch event or limited-time offer for early joiners.

The goal is to make joining both enticing and easy for fans. Check out this 4-week plan for your membership launch if you want a head start.

 

Step 6: Keeping the Momentum Going

Launching your community is just the beginning. Now comes the exciting part—keeping your fans engaged and coming back for more.

1. Refer to your 90-day content calendar. Start with a welcome video, follow up with a Q&A session, share behind-the-scenes clips from your latest project, or host a virtual hangout.
2. Got a new music video coming out? Give your community members an exclusive first look.
3. Heading out on tour? Share daily updates or even stream a soundcheck.

The key is to keep things fresh and exciting after the initial launch. Plus, as your community grows, take advantage of all the features Single offers to manage and nurture your community for the long haul.

For instance, turn on email notifications to directly alert members whenever there's a new post, or analyze fan metrics to see what resonates with your fans. Which posts get the most engagement? What content do they love? Remember, a thriving community is all about happy, engaged fans. Keep an eye on those metrics, listen to your fans, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach as you go!

 

Your Next Move

You've got the playbook. Now it's just a matter of planning your content, choosing your perks, and pressing launch. Remember, you're not just building an audience—you're creating lasting, direct connections with your community. We're cheering for you!