Why Won’t You “Like & Share”?

Writers, you spend hours writing something, editing, re-writing, and finally posting that something to find an audience. Silence.

You check back. Every hour. Nothing. Why won’t they share it? The bare minimum, why can’t they hit the like button? Do they not like it? Did they not read it?

Ok, I’ll compromise. I’m speaking directly to the audience now. You don’t have to read it, but could you like it? This is crazy, but could you share one of my stories, someday?

I’m not looking for a review. You aren’t going to hurt my feelings if you don’t like what I write, but I just don’t understand why you won’t like something…

I see the stuff you like in your social media feeds. You like the hell out of dumb cat memes, recycled TikTok videos, and Jimmy’s bodybuilding posts where he mixes up protein powder with a banana while dancing to Janet Jackson in the background.

I saw you like and share that post from that “one guy” with low internet fame from that “one 80’s car commercial”. Look, I notice these things. I am very aware of who consumes and promotes my content.

I have created posts where I plead, and beg for a like or a share within your circle of influence, only to be denied and ignored. It gets awkward when we see each other again at a block party, or bar mitzvah and you act like you don’t know me.

I will post dumb shit. Like when I cook tacos and dance around the room and make goofy faces, it’s very strange. You guys like that stuff. I get tons of views, likes, and shares on ridiculous posts like that.

As a fellow writer, I am sure that many of you have these thoughts. I am certain that many of you that create content, and post for the attention and promotion of your thoughts, also experience these frustrating emotions.

Likes and shares are extremely valuable and they continue to mystify me. I study the audience reaction and I love digging into my post analytics. I like to experiment with post days, times, and target audiences. It still baffles me.

I created a professional post a few weeks ago and I received 132 views on that post with only one like. I see you one like… I won’t forget you, and someday when you post something of value, I will repay your kindness!

It sometimes resembles the “girl scout cookie” sign-up sheet in an office break room. Your little one needs to sell some cookies to get her patch. You, being a great parent, put the sign up sheet out on the table and leave it for a few days. We know that’s not good enough and after three days with no sign-ups, it’s time to get serious with your marketing efforts. You don’t want to wait too long or Donna from the fourth floor will start hitting everyone up for her daughter and let’s be honest, Donna’s daughter is an asshole. They would want your cookies. You shoot out an email that asks nicely for customers.

The email should read: “Listen, you need to buy my daughter's cookies, or the next time you are up in this place trying to sell your stinky cheap candles, I am NOT going to support you."

Your actual email reads: “Please buy my daughter’s cookies. It would really mean a lot to me.”

Two hundred and thirty-seven employees in the building receive your email ask, and twelve people sign up for cookies. Two hundred and twenty-five other people all may have made the assumption that you will find enough support from everyone else, so they “right swipe” your ask in their mind. Dude. Seriously?

Naturally, there are so many factors here that drive the numbers. How many other cookie sellers are there? Is there a personal investment in the seller? There are relationships that come into play. Did I buy Steve’s candy bars? It’s harder to say “no” when someone is asking you in person. When we ask for cookie sales behind a keyboard (likes and shares), it’s easy to forget that there is a person behind the digital ask or social media post. We also simply forget how important the “like and share” are until we are in a position where we need some attention ourselves.

Even now, if you have read this far, some of you may be saying to yourself:

“There is no quality content here, you are just ranting about how no one likes/shares your posts. This is pathetic. I am going back to my Youtube video on deep ear wax removal.”

Well here is your quality content. This is the meat of the article. When you share this article, you can even reference the point starting here.

There are two types of people interacting on social media. Social media has “consumers” and “creators”. You are either scrolling for small hits of dopamine and entertainment on your feed as a consumer, or you are creating something of value to share with the world.

The fastest avenue to share content is to dump it into the social media stream of spirit-draining judgment. I call social media marketing “The Suck” because it will tear away the soul of a weak creator. If you are an embattled creator, you know it’s a numbers game If you continue to post your work, you may eventually break through the barrier of crushing judgment and defeat. You will gain followers and your numbers will rise. If you only post from time to time, your feelings may get hurt and you will stop posting.

Creators will consume content. A creator will typically consume content by “liking and sharing” while they absorb nuggets from a post to motivate and drive their own creative process. Subconsciously, a creator will also promote because they know that it helps their fellow creators out.

Consumers are selfish. They take in massive amounts of content but rarely reward creators with the attention they seek.

One of my professional objectives in life is to teach consumers how to be creators. I believe when we create something we are allowing our mind and body to enter into its natural state. Objects in motion will stay in motion. Consumption is a stagnant state. Consuming is easy. Creation is a challenge.

1. If you want to become a creator. The simplest first step you can take is to promote another creator's content. “Liking” a post is promoting content.

I’ll say it again.

1. If you want to become a creator. The simplest first step you can take is to promote another creator's content. “Liking” a post is promoting content.

That’s it. It’s truly the path to enlightenment. I added a “1” in front of the point, so that I could appease the social media platform algorithms, and because it’s trendy.

When you begin to promote content in your own posts, you are opening the door to begin building your own content. There are some creators that only promote the content of others. They are creating attention and traffic. Yes, this counts because it takes effort.

Why should you want to be a creator?

Because it will break you free from the bondage of static life. Do you want to get a better job? Do you want to get more stuff done around the house? Do you want to eat healthier, get in shape, have more energy, and stop spinning in circles with your life? Stop consuming and become a creator. Step One: Go out and read something about self-promotion and self-improvement. Step Two: Like the article and then share it on your social media feed. Congratulations. You have just made someone’s day and have taken a step forward in your own life.

Like and Share this article.