Why Skipping Social and Going Direct to Fans Made All the Difference
On the night before Halloween, Sumo Cyco shook things up. Instead of hosting their “CycoWeen” livestream on Instagram or YouTube, they took fans straight to their Shopify store. It wasn’t just a Halloween hangout; it was the launch of their brand-new fan club, ONLY CYCOS.
Here’s what happened, why it was genius, and how it all went down.
Small Shift, Big Difference
Moving the stream from social media to Shopify might seem small, but it flipped the experience for fans. No algorithms, no scrolling feeds—just direct engagement between Sumo Cyco and their biggest fans.
Here’s how hosting the event on their store changed everything:
- Fans showed up and stayed. Without social media distractions, fans came ready to connect—and they stayed on the page, fully tuned in.
- Fan club launch was front and center. Fans weren’t just watching the stream; they were introduced to ONLY CYCOS, a fan club they could join right then and there.
- One-click sign-ups. Forget “link in bio.” Joining the fan club was as easy as clicking right on the event page.
- Merch within reach. Because the stream was on Shopify, fans could check out exclusive merch while watching, creating a seamless experience from streaming to shopping.
- Zero algorithm interference. No hoping the right fans would see it. Every viewer was fully present, with no social media filters to get in the way.
Social Media vs. Shopify: Why It Matters
On social media, artists are at the mercy of algorithms. Even if you get a decent reach, there are always limits:
- Limited visibility: You’re competing with other content and hoping fans actually see your post.
- Split attention: Fans are one scroll away from other distractions, ads, and notifications.
- Low conversion: Even if they see the post, converting fans into members or merch buyers can be a challenge.
But by hosting their livestream on Shopify, Sumo Cyco could guide fans through the experience directly—no distractions, just a straight path to joining ONLY CYCOS.
Fans Started Building the Community in Real-Time
One of the best parts? Fans didn’t just join the fan club—they started helping shape it. Right in the chat, fans were suggesting ideas, like adding Q&A sessions and sticker designs, and making the experience their own.
This wasn’t just about adding members; it was about creating a community. Fans were part of the ONLY CYCOS foundation, bringing ideas and energy that made it clear they weren’t just “signing up”—they were actively contributing.
Want to Build a Fan Club Like ONLY CYCOS?
Sumo Cyco’s success with ONLY CYCOS on Shopify is proof that sometimes, skipping social is the best choice. Here’s a quick breakdown for artists who want to try it:
- Host on your own platform. Bring fans to your store or site, where you’re in control of every moment.
- Make it worth their time. Give fans something they can’t get on social, like exclusive content or special access.
- Build a direct connection. Every sign-up is a real, unfiltered connection—not a follower count controlled by an algorithm.
Feeling Inspired?
- Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips for going direct to fan.
- Install Single in your Shopify store to get started on your own.
- Get in touch and let’s talk for help brainstorming ideas, website builds, and more.
