How to Gain Your First 50 Subscribers with Under 5,000 Followers
Launching your fitness app is exciting, but it can also be daunting—especially if you’re starting with a smaller social media following. While 5,000 or fewer followers might seem limiting, it’s more than possible to secure your first 50 subscribers by leveraging the strength of your engaged community and smart marketing strategies. Let’s walk you through how to make that happen.
Make Every Follower Count
Having fewer than 5,000 followers doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage. In fact, smaller audiences are often more engaged and loyal. Focus on building strong, personal relationships with your followers—respond to comments, engage in conversations, and create content that reflects your personality and brand values.
Action tip: Use polls and Q&A sessions in Instagram Stories to interact directly with your audience, showing that their opinion matters and you’re there for them. Personal touches like this make followers more likely to convert into subscribers.
Create a Clear and Enticing Offer
For your first 50 subscribers, the goal is to offer something that feels exclusive and valuable. Whether it’s a special 7-day challenge, a limited-time discount, or early access to a new feature, make the offer irresistible.
Action tip: Create urgency around the offer by limiting the number of spots (e.g., "Join the first 50 members and get a free one-on-one coaching session!"). This creates scarcity, making your followers act quickly.
Leverage Direct Messaging and Personal Outreach
When you’re working with a smaller audience, you can afford to make your approach more personal. Don’t be afraid to directly reach out to followers you know would benefit from your app. Craft a thoughtful, genuine message explaining what you’re launching and why it will help them achieve their fitness goals.
Action tip: Use voice notes or personalised video messages to make your DMs stand out. It’s a unique way to build rapport and excitement around your app.
Run a Referral Program
Tap into your existing audience’s network by offering a referral program. Your first 50 subscribers could very well come from the friends, family, and followers of your current audience. Offering a reward for every new subscriber brought in can turn your loyal followers into active promoters.
Action tip: Design a simple referral system that’s easy to understand. Create shareable referral links or special discount codes to make the process seamless for your audience.
Feature User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage your followers to share their fitness journey or experience with your brand by creating content that features them. When people see real-life transformations or reviews from others, especially from within a smaller community, they’re more likely to be intrigued and check out your app.
Action tip: Offer to repost their stories or posts on your own social media channels. It makes them feel valued and shows others in your audience that real people are loving what you offer.
Use Early Testimonials and Social Proof
If you’ve already had a few testers or clients using your app, ask them for feedback and share their testimonials. Social proof is a powerful motivator, and when potential subscribers see that others are already enjoying the benefits of your app, they’re more likely to jump on board.
Action tip: Showcase testimonials on your social media, website, and email marketing to drive home the trust factor. A short video testimonial or a screenshot of a happy client’s message can do wonders.
Promote Your Offer Through Email
While social media is key, don’t forget about email marketing. Even with a small list, a well-crafted email can have a huge impact. Build a pre-launch email list and give your subscribers a head start on joining your app before it’s officially available.
Action tip: Use Flodesk or another email service to create a simple sign-up page, and tease exclusive content that’s only available through email. Keep the email message personal and action-oriented.
Run Micro-Ads with a Targeted Audience
If you’re willing to invest a small amount, running highly targeted ads on Instagram or Facebook can help expand your reach and bring in potential subscribers outside your direct following. Focus your ads on a specific niche, such as people who are interested in fitness apps or wellness programs in your geographic area.
Action tip: Start with a small budget and run A/B tests to see which ad copy or visuals resonate most with your audience. Keep your messaging simple and clear, focusing on the value your app provides.
Host a Live Event or Webinar
Live events, such as an Instagram Live workout or a webinar on fitness topics, can give potential subscribers a real-time glimpse into what you’re offering. Use the event to showcase the features of your app, share a workout, and drive interest.
Action tip: During the live session, drop hints about your exclusive offer for the first 50 subscribers. Create excitement and encourage viewers to join your app in real-time.
Consistently Show Up and Deliver Value
The most important thing when you’re working with a smaller following is consistency. Keep showing up, providing value, and engaging with your audience, even when growth feels slow. Trust builds over time, and if you’re consistently giving your audience what they need, they will eventually take that leap and become subscribers.
Action tip: Create a content calendar for your launch, planning regular social media posts, Stories, and emails to maintain momentum and engagement throughout the sign-up period.
Building your first 50 subscribers with fewer than 5,000 followers is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. By focusing on your existing community, crafting personal and valuable offers, and making strategic use of social proof and engagement, you can grow your subscriber base from scratch and set the foundation for future success.