Chapter 6:
Building Your Audience from Scratch
Start Where You Are, With Who You Know
You don’t need 10,000 followers to begin. You don’t even need 1,000. You need 10 people who trust you. Every big audience started small—with real humans, one by one. It’s not about going viral; it’s about creating connection.
Your early audience is made up of friends, family, coworkers, community members, and online well-wishers. These people become your first believers, and they will often give you your first sale, share, or testimonial.
What Is an Audience, Really?
Your audience is simply a group of people who:
- Like your work
- Trust your voice
- Find value in what you share
- Want to hear more
It’s not just about numbers. It’s about building trust, clarity, and consistency.
Voice Note Coaching
One woman who loved motivational speaking started sending weekly voice notes via WhatsApp to 12 friends. Those 12 people shared it with others. She now has a paid WhatsApp group, where she runs 21-day voice-based coaching challenges.
She didn’t start with reels or ads. She started with people she already knew.
Growing from Farm Visitors
At Vaksana Farms, our early “audience” wasn’t online. It was the guests who came to visit. We listened to their feedback, captured photos of their joy, and slowly started sharing those stories online. Our Instagram page grew organically—not with ads, but with real moments.
Today, those visitors are not just our audience—they’re our brand ambassadors.
Handmade Jewelry & College Friends
A college student who made clay earrings shared photos in her college group chat. Friends asked if they could buy. She created an Instagram page, tagged her friends, and posted weekly designs. From her hostel room, she built a ₹10,000/month side hustle.
Her audience? First 50 people who knew her personally.
Tips to Build Your First Real Audience
Start Posting – Choose 1-2 platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Share Your Story – Tell people why you do what you do.
Show Your Process – Behind-the-scenes is more engaging than the finished product.
Ask for Feedback – People love to be part of the journey.
Engage Back – Reply to comments, messages, and thank people.
Use WhatsApp Status – It’s underrated but powerful.
Give Free Value – Tips, samples, demos, or insights.
Don’t Overthink Design – Start with what you have.
Your First 3 Platforms: Choose Wisely
| Platform | Best For |
| WhatsApp Status/Groups | Personal connections, direct reach |
| Visual content, storytelling | |
| Thought leadership, professional network | |
| Older audiences, family/community reach | |
| YouTube Shorts | Demonstrations, quick value |
| Telegram | Private community building |
| Long-term, loyal audience |
Choose 1–2 that feel natural to you. Don’t try to be everywhere at once.
Workbook Exercise: Map Your First 100 People
Who are 10 people who know your passion?
Who are 10 people who would benefit from your work?
What platform are they most active on?
What story can you share this week?
What post can you write that teaches something useful?
What photo or video can you share from behind the scenes?
How will you thank people who engage with your post?
Can you start a free WhatsApp/Telegram group for your niche?
Who can help you reach more people?
What’s the name of your audience/community? (optional but fun)
Final Words
You don’t need to “go viral” to succeed. You need to be valuable to a small group first. Focus on creating trust. Share from your heart. Listen more than you sell. And remember: it’s not about how many people follow you—it’s about how many people believe in you.