You Don’t Need Followers—You Need a Strategy
When I first signed up for Whatnot, I didn’t go live right away. I didn’t even list a single item.
Instead, I did something most people skip: I studied.
For two straight weeks, I watched top sellers in my niche—mostly athletic wear. Not in a passive “scroll and snack” kind of way, but like I was prepping for a test. I had a notebook, I took detailed notes, and I treated every show like a masterclass.
That decision set the tone for everything that came next.
And it’s what I want to share with you today—because this one step could be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling ready.
💡 Why Studying First Works (Even Better Than Selling)
It’s easy to assume success on Whatnot is all about followers or luck. But really? It’s about intention.
Studying other sellers helps you:
See what works (and what doesn’t)
Learn how to talk to your audience
Understand pacing and flow
Observe how top sellers handle trolls, tech issues, or low views
Build confidence before you’re live in front of real people
When I started in 2019, I was just a stay-at-home mom flipping items for a few extra bucks. (My first flip? A $25 wedding dress I sold for $50. I thought I was rich.)
Today, I’m running RR Supply, helping other moms, sellers, and dreamers build businesses that actually work around real life.
📋 My 5-Step Study Method for Whatnot Success
Here’s the exact system I used to study before selling—and you can steal it today:
1. Pick 3–5 Sellers in Your Niche
Search your category (like vintage, Lululemon, Funko Pops, etc.) and find sellers who:
Have 50+ viewers
Run clean, professional shows
Are consistent (they show up multiple times per week)
2. Watch Intentionally
Open your notes app or grab a notebook. Write down:
How they greet people
What they say during auctions
Their lighting and camera setup
How they deal with downtime or silence
Their background, music, and energy level
3. Identify Patterns
After a few shows, you’ll notice trends like:
Starting with low-ticket items to warm up viewers
Saying each buyer’s name to build connection
Using ring lights for clear visuals (I use this small ring light and this big one)
4. Rehearse at Home
Practice holding up products, describing them, and moving at a pace that keeps viewers engaged. Use Whatnot’s Rehearsal Mode to test everything.
5. Set Up Your Gear
Don’t go live in a dark room with shaky hands. Invest in basics like:
Yes, these are affiliate links—and I do earn a small commission at no cost to you—but these are the actual tools I use every day to ship with speed and confidence.
📦 What Happens When You’re Ready
When I finally hit “Go Live,” I was nervous—but I wasn’t lost.
I had a flow.
I had a plan.
And I had studied the best.
That’s how I made over $14,000 in my first month on Whatnot with zero followers.
Because I wasn’t trying to wing it.
I was prepared.
📚 FAQ – Do I Really Need to Study That Much?
Q: Can’t I just go live and figure it out as I go?
You can, but you might burn out fast. Whatnot is fast-paced and competitive. Studying first gives you the edge to make money sooner and avoid embarrassing mistakes.
Q: How long should I study before going live?
Aim for at least 5–10 hours across a variety of sellers. Two weeks is ideal—but even a weekend of focused watching will teach you a lot.
Q: Do I need fancy gear to start?
Nope. But clear visuals and smooth shipping processes go a long way in building trust. Start small and grow. Here’s what helped me:
Echo Show 5 for music and timers
🤔 Have You Watched a Live Show Yet?
Here’s your challenge:
Before you list a single item, spend one hour today watching a live show in your category.
What did you notice? What made you trust (or not trust) that seller?
Comment below or message me—I’d love to hear what you learned.
🎯 Real Talk from a Hawaii-Born Mom of 4
You might feel like the odds are stacked against you.
You’re a mom. You’re busy. You’ve got real-life chaos, bills, maybe even a toddler throwing goldfish on the floor.
Same here.
But here’s what I’ve learned since I started this journey in 2019:
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do it on purpose.
If you’ve been wanting to try Whatnot, here’s your open door.
Start with purpose. Study with focus. Then show up and sell with confidence.
💥 Start selling on Whatnot today
🛍 Want to shop and support small sellers? Here’s $15 free
📣 Stay Connected With RR Supply
If you liked this post or want more help building your small biz, come hang out with me:
✨ Disclosure
Some of the links in this post are affiliate or referral links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use, love, or believe will help your journey.
💬 Let’s Keep It Going…
What’s one thing you’ve learned from watching a seller live? Or, what’s something that’s holding you back from going live yourself?
Drop your thoughts below. Let’s grow—together.