Value first, fans second, money third.

If you solely create content with an income in mind, you’re doing it wrong. The first thing you should think about is how your product or service will either help people or entertain them. Establish something that people want to be fans of — something they envision as a part of their lives.

This is called brand loyalty. But you have to earn that loyalty. Understanding your audience and consistently providing value builds trust. Then, and only then, should you figure out ways to monetize your efforts further.

There’s a massive contrast between fans wanting to pay you and you merely trying to sell them stuff. Nobody likes to feel they’re being sold something. If they like you and your hard work provides them with things they want/need, then you’ll share the healthiest relationship as you advance.