I created a video for my YouTube channel that shares some tips for growing your Patrons. I grew mine by 3x and got out of a slump using these tips. Here’s the video: https://youtu.be/nplrrIQhnxs
Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to help.
Great video. I’ll use some of these for sure.
This is so great! Three cheers for experimentation and doing things that work for your patrons.
Thanks for the video @aaronrutten. Some great ideas and tips. I saw on your current page that you’ve discontinued the philanthropist reward for captioning videos - I was curious if there was any particular reason why you dropped that one?
Hi, Science Mom. There were several reasons why I stopped offering the captions reward. First, I was able to caption all of the videos that were worth captioning. I could have continued captioning videos, but it was diminishing returns after a certain point.
Second, I think there were only 2 or 3 Patrons who signed up and eventually all but one dropped off. It just didn’t feel like it was providing much value for Patrons.
Third, it was a money-in money-out reward which really didn’t make financial sense considering my other rewards do not involve cost and are more successful.
And lastly, I discovered that I still had to invest time in checking the captions for mistakes which took up a significant amount of time each month.
Overall, it was a good experiment and I feel the reward was successful in the short-term, but it would not have been sustainable in the long run.
You’re welcome, Mindy. Feel free to share if you like.
Thanks, Carla!
Makes sense. Thanks!
I just shared it out! I think it’s going to help a lot of creators, especially as it’s coming from you, a fellow creator. Thank you again for making this 
The comments on the YT video show how helpful it’s been to others, not just artists.
@aaronmiller have you had a chance to watch this?
Yes! Just doubling down on my cheers to you for experimentation. When we talk to creators about best practices, we say this in slightly different language: but think about the value you’re providing and how many people are willing to provide financial support for that value. It’s really important to create benefits for patrons that have as broad appeal as possible. I love how much you thought about this and how you dug in to figuring out the best path.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! As a digital artist firmly placed on a slump, this flow of new ideas is invaluable.
You’re welcome! Glad you found the video helpful.
Always glad to share. Thanks, Carla!