How to turn followers into a fandom [your guide is here✨]
In 2025, attention is cheap, but loyalty is priceless.
quick summary ⚡️
How to turn community into a growth engine
Cultural gems: Going back to a 90s model of work, why experienced creative workers are struggling, and more
Tips for adjusting your digital strategy
the real goal is community, not virality
At this point, we've all heard that "community" is the magic word for 2025 [and 2024?]. But let's be real, building one is easier said than done. Likes and followers? Those are simple enough. But turning casual scrollers into lifelong superfans who obsess over your every move [and product drop]? That takes strategy, care, and some serious know-how.
And right now, fandoms aren’t just growing, they’re completely reshaping culture and commerce. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour turned movie theaters into fan meetups, Beyoncé's Hive transformed concert drops into box office gold, and Selena Gomez sparked genuine obsession with her “12 Days of Really Rare Stuff” campaign [like gifting fans diamond rings for $12, talk about community ROI].
In short, fandoms aren’t fluffy. They’re powerful growth engines, quietly [but actively] shaping entire markets and trends. Google noted in their annual report that 74% of Gen Z fans agree they like seeing brands engage with things they’re a fan of.
Lucky for you, we've been busy unpacking exactly what it takes.
This week, we're dropping our brand-new MTD Strategy Guide: Fandom & Community, the latest addition to our subscriber-only suite (joining our LinkedIn, Instagram, Substack, and Executive Social Guides, ICYMI 👀).
This guide dives deep into:
How top creators and brands turn communities into growth engines
Where fandoms are actually forming [Discord isn't just for gamers anymore…]
Why cultivating rituals and rewards matters more than chasing reach
Plus, the metrics you need to measure community love [spoiler: likes aren't it]
If you're serious about building something fans can't live without, this is your playbook. And if you're already a premium subscriber, you've got instant access [you smart cookie 😉].
Not upgraded yet? Now's the perfect time. Your fans [and future fandom] will thank you later.
💎cultural gems💎
The moments and news catching our attention this week:
THE GEN X CAREER MELTDOWN, ny times
“The particular plight of Gen X is to have grown up in one world only to hit middle age in a strange new land. It’s as if they were making candlesticks when electricity came in. The market value of their skills plummeted.”
MY GROUP CHAT IS RUINING MY LIFE, the cut
“It used to be a great way for us to stay in touch, and now it seems almost as if it’s working against its own purposes, like reminding us all why we shouldn’t be friends anymore.”
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK LIKE IT’S THE ‘90s, the atlantic
“Smartphones have created a culture in which Americans are constantly at work in one form or another, even when they’re at home. And it is stressing people out.”
THE 2025 STATE OF MARKETING REPORT, hubspot
“On the brink of a major shift in marketing, it’s time to go all in on AI.”
💎 Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter where we’ll be pulling out our team’s favorite takeaways from the report and everything you need to know going into Q2.
how to audit your digital strategy
Investing in your digital strategy but just getting crickets? You’re not alone.
Even the biggest brands and creators adjust and refine their strategy constantly.
If you’re in this boat, we’re sharing step-by-step instructions on how to adjust what you’re doing. And if you’re looking for more in-depth guidance, head here for more.