Look for long term rewards
Forget about going viral. Focus on this instead ...
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE # 232
I used to think that success was all about short-term gains. I was wrong.
More and more these days as we’re surrounded byTikTok trends, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing viral fame.
But deep down, the reality is that overnight is complete fiction. As a content creator, if you’re building your strategy around going viral, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. The real key to lasting success? Playing the long game.
The problem with viral fame
Going viral feels incredible, but it’s a double-edged sword.
Viral moments are unpredictable, often uncontrollable, and rarely sustainable.
You might get a sudden surge of followers, but if your content isn’t built to retain them, they’ll disappear as quickly as they arrived.
Worse, algorithms change, trends fade, and what worked yesterday might flop tomorrow.
Relying on virality is like building a house on sand—it might look impressive for a moment, but it won’t stand the test of time.
The power of consistency
The creators who last—the ones who turn their passion into a real career—aren’t the ones who hit it big once. They’re the ones who show up, week after week, refining their craft, building trust with their audience, and focusing on long-term value.
Here’s why the long game wins:
1. Compound growth – Small, consistent efforts add up over time. A loyal audience of 10,000 engaged fans is infinitely more valuable than 100,000 passive viewers who found you through a one-off trend.
2. Brand trust – When you focus on delivering real value (whether it’s education, entertainment, or inspiration), your audience sticks around. They become repeat viewers, customers, and advocates.
3. Diversified revenue – Creators who last don’t rely on a single viral hit or platform. They build multiple income streams—memberships, courses, sponsorships, and products—that sustain them even when algorithms shift.
4. Creative fulfillment – Chasing trends burns you out. Building something meaningful—something that reflects your voice—keeps you motivated for years, not just weeks.
How to play the long game
Focus on creating ageless, evergreen content: work that stays relevant beyond the latest trend.
Engage with people, don’t just broadcast. Build a community, not just a follower count.
Focus on your craft and on your skills. The more you do the better you’ll get. And over time, the better your content will become.
Ignore the noise. Not every trend is worth jumping on. Set a direction and a vision and stick to them.
Viral moments can be fun, but they shouldn’t be the goal.
The most successful creators I know didn’t explode overnight—they grew steadily, stayed patient, and built something real.
If you want to make content creation a career, stop chasing the spotlight and start building a foundation that lasts.
Because in the end, slow and steady doesn’t just win the race—it owns the race.
As always, thanks for reading.
—Gary
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P.S. If you found this useful, share it with another creator who needs an ego check (in a nice way). Want more unfiltered takes on content creation? Join my newsletter. No fluff, just the stuff that works.
Next time on Shaking the Tree: Finding your frequency
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.