You can read the full piece on FanCircles site blog. #brands #marketing #fandom #loyalty

I have written a piece that breaks this down clearly. What fandom really is. How it works for brands. And why direct-to-fan thinking is essential for anyone who wants loyalty rather than surface attention.

You only see that when you own the connection.

It is about having a group of people who stay with you because they believe in what you stand for.

It means they are invested. It means they are choosing you, not just glancing at you. This is what often gets missed. Fandom is not about being seen by everyone.

It means they care enough to take a step.

When someone gives you their email or joins your community it tells you something no follower count ever will.

Creators. Music artists. Anyone who needs an audience that actually cares. Direct-to-fan is not a trend. It is simply the clearest way to understand who supports you.

They communicated clearly. They built loyalty. That same approach applies to everyone now: Brands.

The real signals come from something far more human and far more reliable:
👉 Who takes action
👉 Who signs up
👉 Who stays close
👉 Who wants a direct relationship
👉 Who makes space for your brand in their daily life

This is why the most successful brands focus on direct connection.

None of it proves loyalty.

The problem is that most of the vanity numbers people look at today simply do not tell that story. Views disappear quickly. Follower counts look big but rarely do anything. Socials can look impressive but don't show commitment.

Not surface engagement. Real loyalty. The kind that comes from people who choose you because they feel a connection to what you do.

Not hype.

Remember the difference.
🔴 Streaming platforms are bad for new artists.
🟢 Streaming as a medium is good.

As as for discovery? Spotify for discovery as made up - to make you fall for the fear of missing out, unless you’re a major label who has the strange superpower to place their music along side other major artists. Funny that!

Why give streaming platforms first dibs on new music in the first place? It’s the same as a movie being released on Netflix before cinema right?

The bigger question I put is, should new music be released on streaming platforms on release day in the first place?

- Why not hold it back, make it scarce.
- Why not release physical before release to streaming networks?
- Why not sell the album/EP/song on Amazon and bandcamp first?