Why Owning the Connection Matters
We recently spoke with Anderson B, founder of Kayatick Styles media productions, about the importance of owning your creative content and building direct relationships with fans.
Anderson leverages tools like Shopify and Single to stay independent and directly engage with his supporters. Rather than relying solely on third-party platforms, he's built his own ecosystem to distribute exclusive content, identify superfans, and involve his audience in the creative process.
Read on for Anderson's top 3 tips or watch our full discussion here.
1. Avoid Giving Away Your Content and Data to Third Parties
A big mistake artists make is handing over all their content and data to sites like YouTube or Instagram. While these platforms can help gain exposure, you lose control when relying on them fully.
Anderson's advice? Don't put your entire catalog on third-party sites. Share some content there, but not everything. Strategically encourage fans back to your owned channels by offering premium or exclusive content. This gives fans incentive to come back.
Of course, find the right balance. Get exposure on big sites, but drive superfans back to your owned ecosystem. That's how you maintain control over content, data, and build lasting fan relationships.
2. Make a Direct Line to Your Fans
When picking a platform, choose one that can handle all your content, merch, emerging formats like NFTs, and more as you grow.
After doing some heavy-research, Anderson went with Shopify to build his ecosystem. This move let him keep full control over his videos and how he includes his fan base in everything he's creating. He can give out special content, sell unique merch, and really get to know his biggest fans.
"Shopify enabled me to centralize all my content and products in one place and directly reach fans." - Anderson B.
3. Invite Fans In Your Creative Process
With his Shopify site, Anderson can do things he couldn't on third-party platforms. He sees who's really engaged so he can give those core fans more.
Tools like Single even segment users based on activity, identifying his biggest supporters. Anderson rewards them by bringing them deeper into his process:
- Sharing behind-the-scenes access through exclusive NFTs
- Live streaming rehearsals just for them
- Getting their input on designs, scripts, merch ideas, and more
- Premiering new content first before distributing it widely
- Offering limited edition physical and digital merchandise bundles
This approach excites superfans who want a more personal involvement with artists they love. As Anderson said, “I can identify my true fans and reward them with access and content you can’t get anywhere else.”
Key Takeaway
The big takeaway from Anderson? Own your platform, gather data on fans, and involve your audience in creating. Doing this lets you build real, loyal relationships.
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.
