Feed them bread and circus

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how to get more reach in the age of algorithmic goofiness and suppression.

That’s easy, I always say.

Give them bread and circus.

This phrase originated from a Roman writer talking about how the government kept the Roman populace happy by giving them free food and staging big shows (Gladiator games being one of them).

What does this have to do with content?

Basically the same principles apply to social media, even on a so-called B2B uber serious platform called LinkedIn.

People engage because they want to feel better. Understand this and everything changes.

Some of the best “performing” content (I use brackets around that because performance in this case means more chatter indicators, not actual revenue indications - likes, comments, shares) follows this maxim to the T:

People will do anything for those who encourage their dreams, justify their failures, allay their fears, confirm their suspicions and help them throw rocks at their enemies.

I call those people dope dealers.

They are the biggest slinger of drugs you can imagine.

They sell hope.

They sell dreams.

They sell validation.

So, I had TWO clients who wanted to try to do it for their account.

With one of them, he and I are very similar. We like to tell the truth. Hard truths. Transparency is a value of ours.

But he doesn’t get the reach he wants, because… the mass of people do NOT want the harsh taste of truth.

But, for me I’ve managed to curate a small following that has turned to cash for me by NOT following this maxim.

Some days, when I need a bump for my ego, I’ll do a bread and circus post.

And poof… the engagement goes up.

But this client is much more analytical than I am (the other client is not, and was able to make posts without the formulas).

He wanted the actual formula that most of these writers use to get these HUGE engagement bumps.

By the way, it worked on 2 people:

Two posts each pure bread and circus type of content gave them a much needed boost.

One of them got a HUGE bump in subscribers from that one post:

So, here we go.

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The formula:

Start with vulnerability-

Begin by sharing your struggles and low points. This creates an immediate emotional connection with your audience by showing your human side and making you relatable.

Highlight the turning point-

Describe a pivotal moment or realization that initiated a change in your life. This serves as the narrative's climax and the bridge between your past and present.

Detail the transformation process-

(Pick 3)

Mention the small, daily actions you took that gradually improved your situation.

Talk about the commitments you made to yourself to stay on track.

Share how changing your social circle influenced your growth.

Explain how you challenged and changed limiting beliefs.

Present the positive outcomes of your efforts, such as improved relationships, financial success, or personal achievements.

(This gives your story a satisfying resolution and demonstrates the possibility of change)

Encourage reflection-

Pose questions or challenges to your audience, encouraging them to think about their own beliefs and what they can change.

Offer hope and support-

End with an uplifting message that offers hope and the possibility of support, either through your own services or by encouraging the idea that change is possible for anyone.

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Can you see how emotionally manipulative this is?

Can you see how the drug gets delivered into the bloodstream?

This is why I don’t do bread and circus.

I don’t want clients who are addicted to that.

I need clients who are resilient, go-getters, realists, and think long-term.

BTW. This is just ONE formula.

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Have another:

Introduction of the Hero-

Who is the unexpected hero? (Pick an improbable hero. More improbable the better) What is surprising or relatable about their situation?

Set the scene-

What was the original passion or business? Why was it important?

Introduce the challenge-

What major obstacle did they face? How did it threaten their passion or business?

Adaptation and innovation-

What innovative steps did they take to adapt? Who helped them, and how?

Showcase the outcome-

How has the business or activity changed? What new form does it take now?

Emphasize the impact-

What positive outcomes have emerged? How has the community or individual benefited?

Encourage the audience-

Use the story as a springboard to inspire others, suggesting that if the hero can do it, so can they.(This is where the drug gets injected)

Call to action:

What do you encourage your audience to do? Is there a resource, newsletter, or community you want to direct them towards?

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Next time you’re complaining about the reach (on ANY platform, not just LinkedIn), use these two formulas to get you the reach you think you crave.

I make no judgement if you go this route. You do what needs to be done. Heck, I coach some people on this stuff and ghostwrite for folks who want this stuff.?

It works, but it depends on what you want to do and your goals.?

Toodles.

-DOUG