Day 60 of The 100 Day Project: 1000 True Fans by Jongo Longhurst

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Learn how 1000 True Fans by Jongo Longhurst helps creators earn a living by focusing on loyal fans instead of chasing mass appeal.

How to Earn a Living Doing What You Love by Serving Just 1000 True Fans

If you’re an independent creator, entrepreneur, or educator, 1000 True Fans by Jongo Longhurst offers a shift in perspective. Instead of chasing viral success or massive audiences, what if you focused on just 1000 true fans? These are people who love what you do, are deeply aligned with your message, and will support your work directly?

This book is inspired by Kevin Kelly’s iconic essay, but Longhurst expands it into a practical roadmap with real-life examples and a five-stage system to help creators turn attention into income.

At AOLLA, we believe in learning that leads to doing. This book perfectly illustrates that mindset.


What Makes a True Fan?

A true fan doesn’t just “like” your work, they love it. They buy your products, attend your webinars, read your newsletters, and tell others about you. Longhurst outlines four rules to help you decide if the 1000 True Fans model fits your business:

  • Labor-intensive or niche product? Focus on true fans.

  • Recurring purchase model? True fans are your core audience.

  • Is your audience obsessed (not just interested)? Target them.

  • Do current customers buy more easily than new ones? That’s a sign to build your true fan base.

For AOLLA members building learning-based businesses, this mindset is gold. Your best clients aren’t always the loudest. They’re the most loyal.


The 5 Steps to Build Your Fanbase

Jongo Longhurst outlines a practical five-part path to go from unknown to sustainable:

  1. Create Attention-Grabbing Free Stuff: Start by offering value for free, things that reflect your unique voice and niche.

  2. Get Exposure: Leverage articles, podcasts, speaking gigs, social media, and guest appearances to build visibility. Longhurst suggests finding what works best for you, be it Medium articles, LinkedIn posts, or strategic answers on platforms like Quora.

  3. Gain Followers: Once you have attention, capture it. Use opt-ins, email lists, and community-building tools. This is about moving people from passive visitors to active subscribers. Build a relationship.

  4. Convert Followers into Fans: Engagement is key here. Ask questions. Reply to comments. Host live events. Share behind-the-scenes updates. Let your community know they matter. Many creators struggle with this step. But it’s the turning point between audience and tribe.

  5. Sell to Fans: Finally, offer something of value — courses, memberships, books, coaching, or events. Longhurst shares several strategies: memberships, monthly donations, paywalls, and direct product sales. At AOLLA, our tiered membership reflects this model, offering increasing levels of value for our truest fans.


Implementing the Model at AOLLA

What I appreciate about 1000 True Fans is how easy it is to connect the dots with what we’re building at AOLLA. Our members are purpose-driven readers who don’t just want to absorb knowledge. They want to apply it. Many of you are also creators, educators, and leaders in your own right.

This book reminded me to double down on what’s already working:

  • Offering high-value free resources

  • Writing consistently for platforms like LinkedIn and Medium

  • Actively building community through our newsletters and social spaces

  • Prioritizing depth of relationship over vanity metrics


Final Thoughts

1000 True Fans by Jongo Longhurst offers a simple but profound reminder: you don’t need everyone. You just need the right people. It’s not about scale, it’s about resonance.

Whether you're building a business, launching a book, or growing a personal brand, this model helps you build something sustainable and aligned. Day 60 of The 100 Day Project shows that with intention, trust, and value, a small audience can create a big impact.

📚 Want to build your learning leadership and grow your own fanbase?
👉 Join the Art of Learning Leadership Academy: AOLLA.info

If you want access to my Bookish Notes, please consider joining my membership site, the Art of Learning.

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Categories: : Strategic Reading, Creative Business, Personal Branding

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