I remember when I started my first website sometime back in ‘97… It was primarily a personal site but I also reviewed some computer products and other things of interest to me as well.
I recall feeling pretty good about the first review I posted as I received a few emails agreeing with me. One email really caught my attention though…basically someone spent the time writing to me to tell me that my review sucked, I sucked and my site sucked.
They added plenty of curse words too for maximum effect, I guess.
It really angered me and freaked me out. On one hand I was mad that this jerk had insulted me and spent the time to send me an email just to attack me. I also felt embarrassed…”what if he’s right?” I thought. Maybe my review did suck, I worried.
Little did I know it at the time, but I had learned one of the most important lessons of creating interesting content. Great content writers are not afraid to state an opinion- even if it offends others.
Everything in today’s world is “safe” and politically correct. Everyone is afraid of offending others or saying something unpopular.
Look around though, often the most successful people are those that are not afraid to offend or simply speak their mind. They often draw an audience of others who simply want to see what they say next…even if they disagree. Sometimes people listen to them in HOPES of disagreeing.
It’s taken me years to realize that any time you state strong opinions you create a polarizing effect. Sure, you may push away 50% or even 80% of the general public but the remaining audience who agrees will likely be even MORE attracted to what you’re saying.
Think of politics, for every candidate someone hates; there is often an opposite they love. Music is the same, if you’re a death metal fan then you probably hate radio-ready pop music. However, for everything someone hates there is something else they love. That is where you need to be.
Great personalities state their minds knowing that they will pull in those who agree with them and create a rabid following.
I’ve seen this with great effect with all of my sites. By far, the sites and products that generate the most hate mail also generate the most sales. I’ve “touched a nerve” with the right people to either spawn a scolding email…or a sale.
If you find yourself stuck trying to find your niche, ask yourself if you’re trying too hard to be “safe” and have broad appeal. Chances are, by trying to appeal to everyone you’re just coming across as bland and boring.
State an opinion, create a controversial product, have some personality- if it generates some hatemail there’s a very good possibility you’re on the right track.
In this day and age, there is only second place for content and products that try to play it safe.
