Why Do Followers Matter? - Episode 45

Hi again - welcome back to SMM! The newsletter that delivers bite-sized nuggets to help you find your feet on social media.

Today’s topic is an interesting one:

Why do Followers Matter on Social Media?

A very fair question, if I say so myself.

Before I explain why followers do still matter, it’s important to understand why they’ve lost a significant amount of value over the past decade.

Why did Followers Used to Matter More?

Back in 2016, if you followed a creator or a brand, you would consistently see their content. Your feed was largely made up of people you followed or subscribed to.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks very different.

You can follow someone and never see their content. Social media is now almost entirely algorithm-driven, meaning platforms prioritise what they think you want to see - not necessarily who you follow.

If the algorithm believes another piece of content will hold your attention longer, that’s what you’ll be shown.

Because of this, follower count alone no longer guarantees reach.

So yes - in that sense, followers have decreased in value in 2026.

But that’s not the full story.

Why Do Followers Still Matter?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Humans are not always logical.

We see someone shredded in the gym, and we’re more likely to listen to their fitness advice - even though they could have used unnatural methods to get there.

We see someone wealthy, and we’re more likely to trust their investing advice - even if they got lucky, inherited money, or benefited from perfect timing.

Social media works in exactly the same way.

Follower count acts as social proof.

The more followers someone has, the more trustworthy, established, and reputable they appear, regardless of whether that’s always justified.

Ask yourself this:

A makeup brand with 800 followers, or one with 250,000 followers - which one are you more likely to buy from?

Most people choose the larger account, even though follower count has nothing to do with product quality.

That’s the power of perception.

Followers = Trust, Reputation, Authority

While followers don’t guarantee views anymore, they do influence:

• Trust

• Credibility

• Perceived authority

• Buying decisions

More followers often lead to higher conversion rates, easier sales, and faster brand recognition.

That’s why followers still matter - not for reach, but for reputation.

What I’d Focus on in 2026:

If I were starting a new business in 2026, my number one goal on social media would still be to build followers.

But not just any followers.

I’d focus on attracting my dream client - the people most likely to engage, trust, and eventually buy.

Building a relevant, targeted audience is one of the fastest ways to create a credible brand in today’s market.

Followers may not guarantee visibility anymore, but they absolutely accelerate belief.

And belief sells.

Make sure to subscribe, and remember - “Attention gets you seen. Reputation gets you chosen.”

- Jacob

If you’re interested in growing your social media presence in 2026 - press here