Strat Chat: Promotion in your voice

This week we went live in conversation with creators Hannah Witton and Orla Stevens of The Outdoor Sketchbook Collective who shared how they built successful off-Patreon promotion strategies by refining their pitch and leaning into authenticity.

You can watch a recording of the Live in the video above, and you can download the presentation slides here.

Highlights from our conversation

Be authentic in your pitch
Both Hannah and Orla saw stronger conversion when they treated their Patreon pitch like a real-life conversation, not a scripted promo. On top of that, Hannah emphasized practicing your pitch so it feels natural to say out loud. [29:45]

Promotion works when it feels natural, not forced
Rather than overthinking frequency, both creators focused on consistent, organic touch points — what Orla calls “a trail of breadcrumbs” leading audiences toward their Patreon. [42:21]

Consider all the promotional tools available
Hannah and Orla also shared a few promotion tactics you shouldn’t sleep on, like repurposing existing media on Patreon for Instagram, or using special offers to build urgency. [49:00]

Key takeaways to apply to your own promotion

1. Your “why” is your strongest conversion tool

Members don’t just join for perks — they join for purpose. Clearly communicating why your Patreon exists and what it enables helps your audience understand the value of joining and why it matters.

1. Authenticity works when it has boundaries

Trust comes from being open, but sustainability comes from being intentional. Defining what you share publicly vs. behind the paywall creates a healthier balance, and makes membership feel more meaningful.

1. Repetition isn't annoying — it's necessary

Most people need to see and hear multiple touchpoints before they take action. Strengthen your promotion by refining how you talk about your Patreon, paying attention to what resonates, and building on that momentum over time.

1. Show, don't tell

Don’t just explain why your Patreon is valuable, let people see it too! You should absolutely give a preview of what happens inside your membership through examples, unlocked posts, or even what your community is excited about.