You've screened your ideas, but here's the truth: your assumptions about audience problems and tastes are probably wrong. Even the smartest creators guess incorrectly about what their audience actually wants to watch or experience.
Audience discovery solves this by engaging directly with potential followers before creating a bunch of content—whether it's a YouTube series, a comedy podcast, a personality-driven newsletter, or a TikTok account.
Engagement Message
When was the last time a comment from a viewer overturned one of your assumptions?
Most people do audience research wrong. They create polls asking "Would you watch X?", pitch their channel idea ("I'm starting a funny movie review channel, you should sub!"), or talk more than they listen. This confirms their biases instead of revealing truth.
Great audience discovery feels like being a helpful member of a community where your potential audience does 80% of the talking.
Engagement Message
What percentage of talking should you aim for in online community discussions?
Start by identifying 5-10 online places where people who share the interest you're exploring hang out. This could be a Subreddit, a Facebook Group, a Discord server, or the comments section of a larger creator.
You're not looking for your future subscribers, just people who are passionate about this topic.
Engagement Message
Name one online community where you could find people who experience your chosen audience problem.
Your engagement strategy needs three parts: lurking and listening, asking open-ended questions, and being helpful. Spend most of your time listening to how people describe their frustrations, what makes them laugh, and what they wish existed.
Keep it conversational, not like you're a market researcher. Participate genuinely.
Engagement Message
Which part should get the most time: lurking, asking questions, or being helpful?
