Want to Build a Loyal Audience? First, You've Got to Piss Some People Off

“When I was a young comic just starting out, I was very cautious, as I didn't want to alienate people. George Carlin's bravery became a benchmark. I became perfectly fine with alienating some people in the audience. That just comes with the territory.” – Paul Provenza

The reason most entrepreneurs struggle to build a loyal audience is that they're too busy trying to be everything to everyone.

This happens because most people think a broad appeal means broad success. In reality, it leads to diluted messaging and a wishy-washy brand. Transitioning to the solution is where the magic happens.

Which is why we're gonna talk about building an audience by being unapologetically you.

We’re going to walk you through:

- Identifying Who You're Not For

- The Art of Repulsion

- Speaking the Hard Truths

- The Danger of Manufactured Outrage

Buckle up because this is gonna help you build a brand that people can't get enough of. Doing this right will save you time, build deeper customer relationships, increase your retention rates, and ultimately help you dominate your niche. Now, let's get into the first section.

Stop Wasting Time: Not Everyone Deserves to Be in Your Tribe

Not everyone who follows you is part of your tribe, and that's okay.

Most businesses spend too much time appealing to people who were never gonna buy from them anyway. According to some sources, many consumers unfollow brands that post irrelevant content. By identifying who you're not for, you save everyone time and ultimately increase customer lifetime value.

Here's the kicker: stop being everything to everyone. Specialize your message to magnetize your true fans.

What's coming up next? The art of repulsion.

Love Me or Hate Me, But Don't Ignore Me: The Power of Repulsion

Strong attraction cannot exist without strong repulsion.

Building a brand isn't just about getting people to like you; it's also about being okay with some people not liking you. It's an emotional game where intensity breeds loyalty. In fact, a large percentage of a company’s business comes from existing customers. Chew on that a sec.

So here's the deal: fear of taking a stance could be your downfall. But take a strong stance, and you'll cement loyalty among those who matter.

Now, let's talk about the value of hard truths.

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Brand: The Need for Brutal Honesty

Authenticity and raw truth are more valuable than comfort.

Your audience doesn't just want to hear what they like; they want to hear what they need. Trust is built when leaders are brave enough to speak the uncomfortable truths. It's said that about 86% of consumers say authenticity is important when deciding which brands to support.

Don't sugarcoat or avoid the big issues. Be the brand that's brave enough to tackle the hard topics head-on. Authenticity isn't just a buzzword; it's your ticket to a strong, loyal community.

Ready to dive into the next point? We're gonna look at the danger of fake controversies.

Don't Cry Wolf: The High Cost of Fake Controversy

Fake controversy can irreparably harm your brand.

We've all seen brands that try too hard, right? Those who stir the pot just for the heck of it? Well, guess what? People can sniff out fake outrage from a mile away. There are gobs of folks out there who already believe that less than half of brands create authentic content.

Creating fake controversy might give you a temporary spike in engagement, but it will erode trust in the long run. If you're gonna take a stand, make sure it ties back to your core brand values. Because nothing is worse than standing alone in a room full of people who've figured out you're a fake.

So, you wanna build a brand that's the talk of the town?

Then it's time to start thinking about who you are—and, just as importantly, who you're not. Stand for something meaningful, or risk standing alone.

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