Episode #
Why You Shouldn’t Optimize for 1 Million Subscribers #2595
October 30, 2023

In episode #2595, we talk about why optimizing for a million subscribers is not as critical as it once was. We draw from our experiences with running ads on social media platforms such as Facebook and shed light on how subscriber numbers can sometimes be deceiving. We underscore the significance of concentrating on qualified subscribers who have a higher likelihood of becoming customers. Our conversation delves into the shifting algorithms and the increasing importance of views and engagement over the sheer quantity of subscribers. In our view, the key lies in optimizing for views and creating content that resonates, rather than fixating on amassing a high number of subscribers.
TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[00:00] Today’s topic: Why You Shouldn’t Optimize for 1 Million Subscribers

[00:38] Subscribers don’t matter, focus on qualified subscribers.

[01:25] Having a lot of subscribers doesn’t guarantee views.

[02:07] Old-school techniques work better than generating subscribers.

[03:19] Subscribers are vanity metrics, focusing on customers instead.

[03:39] Number of views and engagement matter more than subscribers.

[04:51] Social media content builds brand reputation, not direct customers.

[05:41] Optimize for views and engagement, not subscriber numbers.

[06:12] Optimizing for the wrong thing wastes time and effort.

[06:57] Attention comes from views, not subscribers.

[07:01] Go to https://www.marketingschool.io to learn more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Don’t forget to help us grow by subscribing and liking on YouTube!

Neil Patel on Facebook

Leave Some Feedback:

What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.

Connect with Us: 

Single Grain << Eric’s ad agency

NP Digital << Neil’s ad agency

X @neilpatel 

X @ericosiu

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover Latest Episodes

Episode
The K-Shaped Future of Work
February 05, 2026

In this episode, hosts Neil and Eric break down the K-shaped future of software engineering, marketing, and white-collar work in the age of AI. They explain why senior talent is winning while junior r...

Episode
Revenue Per Employee Is Skyrocketing
February 04, 2026

Neil and Eric break down why revenue per employee is exploding and what AI means for the future of work, education, and careers. They unpack ARR per FTE trends, why top companies need fewer people, an...

Episode
This AI Finds Peoples Calendly And Books Sales Demos
February 03, 2026

Neil and Eric break down how AI is reshaping sales, hiring, and enterprise growth, from AI agents booking demos to why AI-driven outreach is making it harder to stand out. They dive into AI fluency, h...