How to get your first supporters as a creator

Setting up a tip page is the easy part. Getting the first few people to use it is where most creators stall. The good news is that your first supporters are almost always people who already like what you make. They just need to know they can, and that it is easy.

1. Put your link where people already are

• Your bio on every platform: X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.
• The description of every video and the show notes of every episode.
• Your email signature and your newsletter footer.
• Your website, using a button or card.

2. Say it out loud

A link in a bio is invisible. A sentence in the video is not. Add a short, genuine line near the end: "If this helped you, there is a link below to say thanks." You are not begging. You are telling people how to appreciate you.

3. Tell people what support does

People give more when they know what it makes possible. "Your support pays for the studio time for the next episode" works better than "please support me". Be specific and honest, and put it on your page's about section too.

4. Thank people publicly

When someone tips you, thank them, with their permission, in your next post, video or stream. Public thanks reminds everyone else that support is welcome, and makes supporters feel seen.

5. Make it easy for fans abroad

If part of your audience is outside Nigeria, they are often the most willing to give, and the most blocked by payment friction. Let them pay in their own currency, as described in how Nigerian creators can receive tips from fans abroad.

6. Offer a reason to follow

Not everyone is ready to give the first time they see your link. Follow-by-email lets them stay connected, so when they are ready, you are already there.

Ready to start? Create your SendKudos page and put the link in your bio today.