As a creator or entrepreneur in Africa, you know the grind. The hustle is real, and while money makes the world go round, there’s something incredibly special about the non-monetary love your audience can show you. Beyond just the idea that the right “little” gesture can warm the heart and keep you going, non-monetary gestures can also be as valuable as cash, and sometimes even more!

In this article, we are diving into ten thoughtful ways your audience can show support beyond money. Because let’s be real: love isn’t always about the Benjamins (or the Nairas).

1. Sharing your content

It sounds basic, but word of mouth is powerful, especially when supercharged by social media. If your audience loves what you’re creating, they can hit that share button and post it on their stories. A simple “Have you seen this?” can introduce your products to a whole new crowd. Plus, people trust recommendations from friends more than random internet strangers, so are more likely to check out your products if endorsed by a friend.

Sharing is free marketing. The people who share your content may not be Messi-famous, but their shoutouts can really help you grow, and get sales.

2. Leaving positive reviews and comments

A heartfelt comment or review can make your day and boost your street cred. Whether it is a glowing review of an online course you created or a thoughtful comment on your latest Instagram post, these interactions show that you’re making an impact and your content is worth it. 

As creators and entrepreneurs, hearing how others feel about our content and products can be really encouraging, providing more fuel for us to go on. Beyond the oxytocin, positive feedback can be used to create testimonials, which build trust and encourage others to jump on the bandwagon. 

So, if you’re looking for a way to support a creator, don’t underestimate the power of a few kind words. It’s like seasoning—the right sprinkle can elevate everything. As a creator, you can encourage your audience to leave reviews, through intentional CTAs and follow-up emails post-sales.  

Here’s an example of a follow-up email sent by a plant store to a client. 

3. Engaging with your content like a true fan

A report by Buffer for Instagram’s algorithm in 2025, shows that how popular a post is (how many people have liked it and how quickly people are liking, commenting, sharing, and saving a post) plays a significant role in how high it ranks. This is to say that comments, likes, retweets, story shares, and even hilarious duets, all matter. 

When your audience engages with your content, they’re helping you beat the algorithm’s “hard-to-get” energy, and pushing your content to more people. Engagement boosts visibility. Plus, it’s nice to know your content isn’t just floating in the void, like that one WhatsApp message you sent months ago, that was left on read.

4. Recommending your content to others

This one is golden, especially if you offer a service. If someone has a friend looking for a graphic designer or a business needing a social media manager, recommendations are like gold dust. Your audience can become your unofficial PR team, mentioning your name in rooms you’re not even in.

Referrals can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or your next big client. It’s like having a squad that has your back. Just be as gracious as possible, and give the opportunity your best! This would inspire more recommendations in the best way possible.

5. Creating user-generated content (UGC)!

User-generated content, popularly known as UGC, is content like text, photos, videos, or reviews, that are created by individual users instead of the business owner and are shared on social media to highlight the experience using the product or service. 

There’s nothing like seeing your audience rock your merch, post pictures with that bag you designed, or try out tips from your ebook and share how it helped them. Encouraging them to share their experiences with your work creates a ripple effect of authenticity which also increases sales.

User-generated content is social proof that you’re the real deal. It’s like having receipts, but cooler.

6. Participating in your community

Do you have a Telegram group, WhatsApp channel, or Discord server? Audience members who actively participate in discussions, answer questions, and share insights on such groups are the real MVPs. 

These people help keep the community spirit alive and buzzing, support newer members who may not feel as comfortable sharing, and can lift some of the burden of managing the group from your shoulders. Active communities foster loyalty and make your brand feel like home. Plus, who doesn’t love a lively chat?

7. Offering constructive feedback

Sometimes, the best way to show love is by helping you improve. Constructive feedback (emphasis on “constructive”) shows that the giver of the feedback cares enough to want you to do better. It helps refine your craft and makes your work even more impactful. Think of it as tough love, but with a dash of kindness.

Now how do you distinguish between constructive feedback and mean-spirited criticism? You can think about the intent of the message, the tone of the message, and the usefulness of it. Constructive feedback should help you improve, not tear your spirit down. It should be respectful and specific, telling you exactly what’s working and not working. If it’s negative with no real guidance, then you probably shouldn’t be listening to it. 

Think of this example!

1. Hey Jenny, I love the last video you posted, but the sound was a little too loud, so I couldn’t really hear you. For subsequent videos, would you mind reducing the music a bit? Love your videos! Thank you! 
2. No offence, but this video is not that great lol. Are you sure you should not go back to school? 

See the difference? 

8. Showing up for events

Showing up matters. In person, and online, a room full of people can really energize the room and let you know that your work is meaningful and appreciated. 

Events are a great way to deepen connections and build your brand’s community. Plus, it’s always nice to put faces to names—unless you’re camera-shy, in which case, we see you.

If you’re thinking of how to curate events that are well attended and you need great tips, we compiled a great article that you should read. It was written for Detty December specifically, but the tips can help you with curating any event! 

9. Lending a helping hand 

As a creator or entrepreneur, managing a business can be hard. Sometimes, having someone show up for you with their time, advice, strength, effort, and ideas, can be very helpful and needful. There are many instances where a helping hand can be useful:

• Planning and organizing an event and you need manpower. 
• Working on a new campaign and you need volunteers. 
• Feeling stuck and needing ideas on how to move forward. 
• Going through a tough time. 

10. Using Selar’s “Show Love” feature (Yes, we went there)

Okay, hear us out. While this list is about support beyond money, Selar’s “Show Love” feature is a perfect blend of financial and non-financial support. Why? Because it lets your audience contribute in small, thoughtful ways that feel more like buying you a cup of coffee than paying a hefty bill. Which hey, acts of service! 

A show love token is an easy way for your audience to say, “We see you, and we appreciate you.” You can share your show love link with your audience, and have them send a token along with a note. Setting up a show of love is so easy.

1. Create an account with Selar, or Log into your already existing Selar Account.
2. Visit the Show Love tab to create your Show Love Profile.
3. Click the ‘Create My Page’ button and fill out the form with your necessary details.
4. Share the page with your followers, and receive all the love you deserve! 

Support comes in many forms, and while money is undeniably sweet, these thoughtful gestures can be just as impactful. As a creator or entrepreneur, reminding your audience of these options not only strengthens your bond with them but also opens doors to new opportunities to feel loved and supported.

So, keep creating, and remember that love is real, even when it’s not in cash. And hey, sometimes, that’s the kind of love that lasts the longest.