I still picture the days when I was just getting started with writing.
I poured hours into crafting articles that I thought were insightful, valuable, and even entertaining.
But when I hit publish, it often felt like shouting into a void. The engagement was minimal, and the metrics barely moved.
I used to wonder, What am I doing wrong?
“Maybe people don’t care about what I have to say,” I thought to myself. It’s disheartening to invest so much effort and get little in return.
But here’s the thing: I learned that this phase is natural.
Every writer, every creator starts here. The audience won’t magically appear overnight.
It’s part of the process.
This phase taught me resilience, patience, and the value of consistently showing up.
I told myself, Keep writing, Mazlan. There’s something to learn in every step of the way.
The Mindset Shift
It wasn’t until much later that I realised something fundamental needed to change: my mindset.
I was so focused on being “impressive” that I forgot the most important thing — being real.
I remember one night staring at a blank screen, frustrated, thinking, Why am I trying so hard to sound perfect?
That’s when it hit me.
I needed to let go of this facade and write as the real Mazlan Abbas.
The next time I sat down to write, I approached it differently.
Instead of trying to impress or win approval, I decided to be honest. I shared the struggles I’d faced, the doubts I’d wrestled with, and the lessons I’d learned.
It felt vulnerable at first, but it also felt right.
“Just be yourself,” I told myself, “That’s what people connect with.”
And guess what? It worked.
The more authentic I was, the more people started to engage.
Authenticity Resonates
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that authenticity resonates.
People don’t want to hear about how great you are. They want to hear about your journey, your challenges, and your transformations.
When I started sharing my real-life experiences, I noticed something incredible happening.
Readers began commenting, sharing their own stories, and even thanking me for being open.
I realised that people relate to humanity, not perfection.
They connect with the messy, chaotic parts of life because that’s what we all experience.
When you write from a place of authenticity, you build trust.
And trust is the foundation of any loyal community.
Your Stories Are Their Stories
“Your stories are not just about you,” I remind myself every time I write.
They’re also about the reader.
When you share a personal struggle or a lesson learned, you’re giving the reader a mirror to see their own life.
For instance, when I wrote about my initial struggles with building FAVORIOT, people resonated.
They saw themselves in my position, facing their own challenges of starting something new.
It wasn’t about me being an expert; it was about me being relatable.
This is the power of storytelling.
It creates a bridge between you and your audience.
When readers see that you’ve faced similar challenges and come out stronger, they’re inspired. They feel connected.
And they want to be part of your journey.
Building Community Through Authenticity
There’s a myth that you need to be highly charismatic or entertaining to build a loyal audience.
I’m here to tell you that’s not true. What you really need is authenticity.
When I stopped trying to impress and started being honest, writing became therapeutic.
It stopped feeling like a chore and started feeling like a conversation. I began to look forward to it because it allowed me to express myself fully.
“Mazlan,” I often remind myself, “just write as if you’re talking to a friend.” And it’s amazing how much more engaging my writing became.
People can sense when you’re being real. It draws them in.
Growing Your Audience with Purpose
Once I found my authentic voice, the next step was to write with purpose.
I started asking myself, What value can I provide? How can I make this article helpful or inspiring for my readers?
Instead of aiming for perfection, I focused on consistency and connection.
Each piece of content became an opportunity to share a story, a lesson, or an insight.
And with each post, I could feel my audience growing — not just in numbers but in loyalty.
“It’s not about writing for everyone,” I reminded myself. “It’s about writing for the right people.”
That’s how you attract your ideal audience — by being clear about who you are and what you stand for.
Actionable Takeaways
So, what can you do to build a loyal subscriber base? Here are the key takeaways from my journey:
- Be Honest and Vulnerable: Share your real experiences, even the struggles. This builds trust and relatability.
- Focus on Connection, Not Perfection: People don’t want perfect; they want real. Show them your humanity.
- Tell Stories with Depth: Use your challenges and growth as the foundation for your stories.
- Write Consistently: It’s not about writing a masterpiece every time. It’s about showing up and sharing your voice regularly.
- Have a Clear Purpose: Always ask yourself how your content can serve your readers.
Final Thoughts
Building a loyal newsletter subscriber base isn’t about being the best writer or having the flashiest content.
It’s about being authentic, consistent, and purposeful.
When you write with honesty and vulnerability, you create a space where people feel seen, heard, and connected.
For me, this journey has been as much about personal growth as it has been about building a community.
And that’s what makes it so rewarding.
So, if you’re ready to start your own newsletter or blog, remember: your voice matters, and your stories can make a difference.
“Just be yourself,” I remind myself every day. “That’s all it takes.”
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 