This week I want to give a huge shout out to Malinda Kathleen Reese, who (like many creators before her) decided to restructure her Patreon setup and rewards. She did an amazing job with the announcement, and I highly recommend some key tips if you’re ever in the same boat:
- Explain clearly the need for the switch – posting more/less often, switching to monthly and vice versa. Malinda took an uncomfortable situation of deciding to post more paid creations, and explained in a very simple and open way that she puts expenses into all of her videos, even the “smaller” ones, and feels that they deserve as much credit as the “bigger” ones.
- Tell patrons about pledge caps AND don’t make them feel guilty about it! Malinda was so friendly and understanding in letting people know how to cap their pledge so they’re not paying more than before if they don’t want to, and that it’s 100% ok with her if you do that.
- Explain new rewards and how/why they’re changing. Focus on the good! Be excited about the things you’re offering! If you’re removing rewards or moving them to a higher level, explain why the shift was necessary. Your patrons love you and don’t want you to overexert yourself.
- Include both a video and written update, if possible, going over the changes. Some people respond better to different avenues and putting a face/voice to the update really helps!
- Welcome their comments/questions. Let them know to comment below or send you a message if they have any questions, and that it’s important to you.
- Be super grateful! Thank them for all their support so far, and maybe even give a hint of things to come up so they’ll be eager to stick around.