Bigger is just so easy to measure. We can’t resist. Followers, likes, what are the pollstar numbers, streams, monthly listeners, VIP packages, gross revenue, net revenue, merch sales per head.
Better is just so difficult to measure. What change did the song make for each person listening? When you took time to get the wardrobe right for the video, how much did it raise the viewing enjoyment? When you released the demo version after your song became a hit, did the inner-circle of your fans get tighter?
Measuring and scheming for bigger is a quick and easy pop if the numbers are going up.
Measuring and scheming for better is a long play, difficult, not flashy in the short term but it’s the best way to ensure you’ll be around for the long term.