Trolls, Meanies and the Algorithm

Do you get stressed about people criticising you on your social media pages?

Years ago I used to run leadership and team development sessions for small businesses. And one of the favourite workshops was around conflict. I don't know what your conflict style is but mine is generally THE AVOIDER.

In 'real' life I'll often leave a situation until I'm calm enough to talk it through, and in my personal life or business, dealing with tricky situations completely wipes me out.

I hate conflict where ever it is, but nothing fills me with more terror than the thought of writing a post and accidentally causing an angry uprising on the internet. And I know I'm not the only one. I'm often asked by my coaching clients about what to do about trolls and nasties on the internet.

Every now and again I'll get a topic I really need to talk about, my words flow out like water and I write something I want to post BUT I know it could be divisive. And I've learned in those moments that is when I need to press PUBLISH. No matter what the outcome is. Even if it attracts the nasties.

Here's the truth about our opinions being shared on the internet though...

We're working with algorithms.

And algorithms want people to stay happy and agreeable. So when you push out your thoughts, the platform you are on will help it be put with people who agree with you.

It actually helps you find your people.

This is how we build community

Most people who do not agree with your content will just filter it out. They want to be happy.

And if they are so unhappy that they need to be a meanie to make themselves feel better.... well that's not really about you is it?

And if they ARE mean, that community you've attracted? They'll have your back.

And if they don't for some reason, you can always ignore the comment

And if that fails, you can pour lighter fluid all over your phone and burn it and never post on the internet again and it will be FINE (I'm sure it won't come to that)

So... write the posts that scare you

it helps you find your people, and your ideal customers

Ok?

Get Rachel's book Be A Spider, Build A Web: Sticky Content Marketing for Small Businesses at beaspiderbuildaweb.com. (print and e-copy)

For over ten years Rachel Klaver has worked with small business owners on their marketing, with a specific interest in content marketing strategy. She loves playing with language and shares her own marketing catchphrases such as "Be a kind spider" and "You have never killed a man with your face" As a small business owner, often low on time, and with a distinct aversion to admin, Rachel loves helping other small businesses catch the marketing bug. Her insights and personality shine through her weekly podcast MAP IT Marketing, her weekly column in NZ's national newspaper Stuff, and her content on any platform they let her have an account!

You can get in touch with Rachel HERE