develop a following

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a following" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of gaining supporters or fans, often in the context of social media, content creation, or public speaking. Example: "The author worked hard to develop a following on social media by sharing engaging content and interacting with her readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It took about six months to develop a following for the Polkadot Alley's weekly Facebook sales.

The New York Times

Denise Bessette, another producer, said being in residence at a university was helping the group to develop a following.

The New York Times

We'll look at how you can develop a following with a limited budget and where you should spend money as your business grows.

The Guardian

Arts Alive grants provide help new and emerging groups establish a presence and develop a following in their villages and towns.

The New York Times

Back then Mr. Arnold was living in Minneapolis, where he'd begun to develop a following for an act called Tom Arnold and the Fabulous Goldfish Revue.

The New York Times - Arts

Like the aspiring motivational speaker played by Greg Kinnear in "Little Miss Sunshine," they work a minor-league circuit, trying to develop a following and maybe land a book deal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The band is developing a following on the club circuit.

The New York Times

Mexico has developed a following among investors bored of Brazil.

The Economist

Government-friendly alternatives have sprung and developed a following.

The New York Times

The airship is also developing a following on Twitter.

Independent

At the same time, he was developing a following as the rapper Riz MC.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "develop a following", focus on creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience. Authenticity and consistency are key to fostering long-term engagement.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on fleeting trends to "develop a following". Prioritize building genuine relationships and providing lasting value to retain your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a following" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating and expanding a group of supporters or fans. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is often used in the context of social media or content creation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a following" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase used to describe the process of attracting and growing a group of supporters or fans. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Common alternatives include "cultivate an audience" or "build a fanbase". Its usage is prevalent in news and media, as well as on platforms like wikis. When aiming to use the phrase effectively, focus on building genuine connections and providing lasting value to your audience. Keep in mind that the time it takes to "develop a following" can greatly vary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate an audience

Emphasizes the nurturing aspect of growing a following.

build a fanbase

Focuses specifically on creating a group of dedicated fans.

gain popularity

Highlights the increase in public favor or recognition.

attract followers

Focuses on the act of drawing people in to support something.

expand one's reach

Emphasizes broadening the scope of influence or audience.

grow a community

Stresses the creation of a group with shared interests.

establish a presence

Highlights creating a noticeable and recognized position.

increase visibility

Focuses on becoming more noticeable to a wider audience.

win over supporters

Emphasizes gaining the active backing of individuals.

gather a following

Implies collecting or accumulating supporters over time.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a following" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a following" to describe the process of gaining supporters or fans, especially in areas like social media or content creation. For example, "The band worked hard to develop a following by playing local gigs and engaging with fans online".

What does it mean to "develop a following"?

To "develop a following" means to gradually attract and build a group of people who support, admire, or are interested in you or your work. It implies a process of growth and engagement over time.

What are some alternative phrases for "develop a following"?

Alternatives include "cultivate an audience", "build a fanbase", or "gain popularity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How long does it typically take to "develop a following"?

The time it takes to "develop a following" varies greatly depending on factors like the quality and consistency of your work, your engagement with your audience, and the competitiveness of your field. Some may see results in months, while others may take years.