The Right Kinds Of Followers

Everyone wants followers. Everyone, also at the same time, complains how so many followers do not translate into real time engagement - at least to the extent they expect. But the alternative- to have very little or no followers - is totally undesirable. So yes, everyone wants followers but of a certain kind. This essay is about the right kinds of followers.

Why followers are important

Before we talk about the right kinds of followers, we must first understand why having followers is essential to folks on Steemit. I can think of three reasons right now; perhaps you can add the rest.

It Shows That You Exist

Imagine you visit a profile and see just about ten or twenty followers. You then look at the date the account was created and realise the profile had been online for a long time. Most likely, you’ll think the account is inactive. So yes, having followers shows that you’re alive and active. The more followers you add, the more progressive you seem to others.

It Proves Your Growing Influence

Imagine that after a week of daily posting, you do not get a single follower, not even from a spam bot. You begin to wonder if anyone reads your posts. Of course, you really want the money - that’s why you’re here. But if you can’t get the money, at least get the attention. How best can you measure if your influence is growing on Steemit if not through your daily payouts and increase in followers.

It Boosts Your Self-Confidence

Let’s admit it. When we sense a steady increase in followers, our self-esteem gets a boost. To what degree is subject to each person’s perspective. The overall effect remains the same: we believe we are growing; we believe someone out there is interested in what we have to say. So, to some degree, it gives us the motivation to move on.

What Are The Right Kinds Of Followers?

There are certain qualities most people look forward to in a follower. I’ll talk about those qualities in a bit. But first, let me point out that sometimes we attract the kinds of followers we are. So if you read about a certain quality and desire it, it is best to also develop that quality within you. (It might not always work that way though).

Consistency

Everyone wants consistent followers. No body wants a follower that comes today and you never hear from again. That’s why people don’t necessarily note their followers until they have shown consistency. Think of your followers. Now, list out twenty of them. I’m sure that half of them are those who regularly interact with you. The other half are those who are either whales or you have great respect for.

Generous

Everyone wants generous followers. The kind that comes to your blog and leave large upvotes behind. Even if they don’t have large steempower, you kind of want them to show support for your every post. Most people take it personal when you come to their blog, comment and upvote your comment without upvoting the post or upvoting your comment more than you upvote the post. I mean, most people expect an increase in followers to translate to an increase in payouts.

Empathetic

Everyone wants followers that care, that show genuine interest. Steemit is like a marketplace, you can almost find a piece of anything you can think of. Sometimes, people write stuff that’s either hard to understand or appreciate or both. At other times, the post might be riddled with grammatical errors, typos, poor formatting and all. Pointing out the mistakes is good but people want more than that. They want people who first of all try to understand what is being said; people who see things their own way.

Friendly

I think this encapsulate all. When you’re friendly, you try to reach out to understand and appreciate as much as you can. You will be warm in your response and sensitive in your criticism. You’ll find it easy to show your support by upvoting and resteeming. In short, you’ll be a virtual friend in need and in deed.

That’s about my thoughts on the right kinds of followers. I have a deep feeling that the list is inadequate. Do add yours below.

This is my entry for the 100th day on steemit, 1000 followers giveaway! by @yasminep .

Thanks for reading

Blessings

[Image source: Pixabay]