Can I Move My Patreon Subscribers To My Own Site?
You have the itch to
You fear this. Understandably so.
But yes, you can and here is how.
Your Subscribers Follow You, Not Patreon
This is the thing. People subscribed because of You. Because they want your content , they want to have a connection with you specifically.
Give them a space that feels like you and they come with you.
That said, there will always be a percentage of users who look like they will follow you anywhere, but in reality, they are tied familiar with how your current platform looks and works and fear everything else, fear learning a different thing. It’s minority.
How The Move Actually Works
Slowly, not all at once .
You point your audience to the new home and give them a reason to make the jump - better experience, better content, a space that's actually yours. Some will come if you tell them it supports you better. Or even give them reason to hate Patreon (be careful here, this can divide your audience).
You keep running both for some time. For months. Or you can do it forever - those who want to stay will stay and you have less money from them, from the platform, but you won’t loose anyone. This is a business math problem unique to you.
If you plan to leave the previous platform, give your followers notice way ahead. Months, even a year before your previous account shuts down or stops being the main platform for you. There will still be surprised people even after a year. That is normal, it’s few.
You will see a few big bumps in how people move:
- First wave comes right at the announcements.
- Some will decide it’s not for them and leave after a first month - they will give reasons like technical issues, the content is worse etc.
- Newcomers will be there after each reminder - a newsletter, you content piece.
- Next bump will be a little before or right at the shutdown of your original platform. In this bump, most of those who left in point 2 will return for good.
In between, it will be a typical raising curve on newcomers graph.
Make The New Space Worth Moving To
The switch is easiest when the new home is clearly better. Custom design, monetization the old platform wouldn't allow , content that's safe from AI and the public web . Give them an upgrade, not just a new address.
You have to think about this carefully. You know why you are leaving and they are your reasons. You want more control, more monetization options, more automation options, more money. None of it convinces your audience.
Start giving your own app / website bigger attention - more content (slowly, do not ramp up to 150% right from the start, your Patreon followers will feel cheated and never come to you).
There are many ways to show that this is a better place. We can give many examples, but because you are the creative person, you figure out the ones that work for you. After-all, you are the one with the deepest connection with your followers.
The Content Creator Keeps The Relationship This Time
On your own site there's no platform in the middle. No policy change, no algorithm, no “deplatforming” between you and the people who pay you. The connection is finally direct .
The subscribers were always yours . Moving them is really just giving them a better place to keep supporting you.
Roman got refered to
We partnered on
Check out Timeless - that's how we make top quality custom apps and websites with constant support and partnership with the goal of your success.