How to Deal with Sadness When Subscribers Cancel on Patreon

Losing subscribers on Patreon can be a tough pill to swallow. For many creators, Patreon isn’t just a revenue stream; it’s a place where genuine connections are built with fans who value and support your work. When someone cancels, it’s easy to feel a blend of sadness, self-doubt, and even frustration. But there’s good news: you can channel this experience into a positive force for growth and resilience. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of lost subscribers on Patreon.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings and Be Kind to Yourself

It’s natural to feel sadness or frustration when a subscriber leaves, especially if you’ve put time and effort into building your community. Allow yourself to process these feelings. Give yourself the space to feel disappointed without judging yourself for it. Acknowledging your emotions can often be the first step toward understanding and overcoming them.

• Self-reflection: Recognize that this reaction is a normal response. You’re not just losing income, but a bit of affirmation that your work resonates with others.
• Avoid blaming yourself: Remind yourself that people have a variety of reasons for canceling, and not all are a reflection of your content or effort.

2. Reach Out to Understand Why (if Appropriate)

Sometimes, understanding why someone unsubscribed can provide helpful feedback. If you feel comfortable, you could send a respectful and brief message to ask why they decided to leave. Be careful with this, as not everyone may be open to sharing their reasons. You might also consider setting up an exit survey through Patreon to gather anonymous insights.

• Feedback mindset: Position yourself to learn rather than take it personally. Constructive criticism can sometimes shine a light on areas where you can make improvements.
• Avoid pressuring subscribers: Keep your message polite and optional, so they don’t feel pressured to respond. A simple “Thank you for supporting me, and I’d love to know if there’s anything I could have done better” works well.

3. Reframe the Cancellation as an Opportunity for Growth

Rather than seeing subscriber loss as a setback, try to view it as an opportunity to refine and improve your content. Take a moment to evaluate the direction of your content and think about how it aligns with your goals and values. A few key reflections can help:

• Content audit: Ask yourself if there are areas you could change or improve. This could mean adding new perks, trying different forms of content, or even experimenting with different themes to keep your audience engaged.
• Community engagement: Maybe it’s time to lean more into interaction with your current subscribers. By fostering a stronger bond with your existing audience, you might attract new subscribers who value that personal connection.

4. Recognize the Value of Your Existing Supporters

It’s easy to focus on who left, but remember the people who are still there. These are the people who find your work meaningful and continue to invest in your creative journey. Take time to appreciate and engage with them more intentionally. By fostering this core group of supporters, you can build a community that’s not only sustainable but also deeply fulfilling.

• Show appreciation: Send them a thank-you note, give them a shout-out, or offer them exclusive content. Let them know that you see them and are grateful for their continued support.
• Build a sense of exclusivity: Cultivate an environment where subscribers feel like they’re part of something special. The more valued they feel, the more likely they’ll stay engaged.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Rejections, cancellations, and criticisms are common struggles for anyone in a creative field. Take proactive steps to care for your mental health when facing the ups and downs of subscriber numbers. Remember, your well-being is vital to the sustainability of your creative work.

• Set boundaries: Limit how often you check subscriber numbers if they have a significant impact on your mood.
• Find supportive networks: Connect with other creators to share experiences and strategies. Sometimes, talking to people who have gone through the same thing can offer comfort and perspective.
• Practice self-care: Take breaks, pursue hobbies, and invest time in non-Patreon activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Balancing your personal life with your creative work can help keep the emotional impact of cancellations in perspective.

6. Remember Your Why and Stay Focused on Your Mission

Revisiting why you started your Patreon can help ground you during challenging times. Think about the passion, purpose, and vision that motivated you to start in the first place. Let your mission, rather than your subscriber count, drive your creativity and keep you going.

• Celebrate small wins: Reflect on your progress, even if it seems small. Every piece of content you create, every interaction, and every moment of engagement is a win.
• Stay true to your message: Focus on producing authentic work that resonates with your values and the people who follow you for those reasons. Subscribers will come and go, but your core vision is something only you can provide.

7. Shift Your Focus from Numbers to Impact

Instead of focusing solely on numbers, think about the impact you’re making on the people who follow you. Each piece of content you release has the potential to inspire, inform, or entertain someone. Remember that behind each subscription or cancellation is a real person with a complex set of circumstances.

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Don’t let numbers dictate your self-worth. Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with you and your audience.
• Celebrate the difference you make: Whether it’s a subscriber who has stayed with you from the beginning or a heartfelt comment from a fan, remind yourself that your work is making a difference.

8. Remember That Success Is Not Linear

Subscriber numbers fluctuate for every creator. Recognize that success on Patreon, like in most creative ventures, is not a straight line. It’s a journey full of ebbs and flows. Rather than focusing on the setbacks, keep moving forward, adapting, and growing along the way.

• Embrace patience and perseverance: Give yourself time to grow and refine your craft. Don’t rush the process or let temporary setbacks define your journey.
• Celebrate each milestone: Whether you gain a new subscriber or successfully complete a project, acknowledge these wins as meaningful achievements.

In Summary

Losing subscribers on Patreon is never easy, but it doesn’t have to derail your creative spirit. By embracing a growth mindset, staying connected to your mission, and focusing on the positive impact you have on your remaining audience, you can turn these challenges into an opportunity for growth. Remember, your journey as a creator is unique, and every step, even the challenging ones, is part of what makes your story worth sharing.