Speaker
Arik Hanson
Session
From Trolls to True Fans: The Art of Building a Loyal Audience
Growing your community isn’t just about numbers—it’s about attracting the right people to the right places. In this session, long-time blogger, podcaster and now Substacker, Arik Hanson, will dig into smart audience cultivation strategies that go beyond vanity metrics. You’ll learn how to build a loyal, engaged community by choosing the best channels for your content and making meaningful connections through interaction—whether that’s as your brand or as you.
We’ll also get real about engagement management:
- How to spark authentic conversations
- What to do when no one’s commenting
- And yes—how to handle trolls, spam, and the occasional internet chaos
Whether you’re blogging solo or building a brand, you’ll walk away with practical tips to grow with purpose and create stronger, more sustainable relationships with your audience.
About Arik
Arik Hanson is an independent social media marketing consultant with 15+ years of social media experience and 28-plus years of marketing/communications experience. During that time, he’s worked with more than 80 companies across the U.S., including DQ, Sleep Number, 3M, and Walmart. He’s also an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas where he’s been teaching a class on social media and content for the last five years.