My most liked post was also my most hated.
Let me explain...
Last week, I shared a thread about Elon Musk.
Specifically, how he wasn't Tesla's original founder.
It became my most engaged post ever.
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Thousands of likes, retweets, and views poured in.
But alongside came waves of hate comments.
I got called a liar, idiot, liberal—even jealous.
People even asked Grok, X's AI, to verify my claims.
Every time, Grok confirmed I was right.
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Here's the uncomfortable truth about growing online:
You need the courage to be disliked.
You can't reach your full potential otherwise.
If you avoid controversy, you'll blend in like everyone else.
You need to risk being misunderstood to attract your true audience.
Most creators avoid saying anything bold.
Their biggest fear:
- A huge amount of backlash
- Negative comments
- Public criticism
Avoiding controversy means sacrificing growth.
Your comfort zone is limiting your brand.
Bold creators shape conversations.
Safe creators watch from the sidelines.
Here's how to courageously grow online:
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1. Accept Discomfort
Understand backlash as a sign of impact.
If people debate your ideas, you're relevant.
Negativity shows you've struck a nerve with someone.
Lean into it and clarify your message.
Consider friction as part of success.
Your audience will respect your authenticity.
Don't stop posting.
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2. Prepare Mentally
Expect misunderstanding and criticism.
It won't always happen but if a post goes viral it's almost guaranteed.
Don't take initial reactions personal.
People will comment before they fully understand.
Anticipate knee-jerk reactions and keep calm.
Respond constructively, not defensively (Something I need to work on).
Address valid critiques without fueling the negativity.
Mental resilience is your superpower.
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3. Share Truths, Not Clickbait
Bold content doesn't mean you have to provoke your reader.
Share stories backed by clear, accurate facts.
That's it.
My Musk thread was controversial but true.
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Truth attracts genuine engagement.
Avoid exaggeration or misleading hooks.
Trustworthy content builds your reputation.
It's okay to be controversial.
But you need to have integrity.
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4. Leverage Controversy for Growth
When controversy hits, engage positively.
Clarify misconceptions respectfully.
Turn negative attention into positive visibility.
Invite critics into deeper conversations.
Every negative comment expands your reach.
My comment section was a mix of people:
- Not knowing this fact.
- Using Grok to see if I was lying.
- Who denied it ( and refused to research).
- Who knew and said it was old news everyone knew.
All these opinons created engagement.
I even had people that disagreed, quote my tweet, and add their opinion.
Controversy will amplify your message.
Use it strategically to build your authority.
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5. Stay Consistent
Don't retreat after you get some backlash.
Continue sharing meaningful content.
Consistent authenticity builds trust.
Your loyal audience emerges through conflict.
Maintain clarity on your values.
Persistence will turns you critics into followers.
Consistency drives long-term growth.
That's the aim.
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If you want to grow online, you need to have the courage to be disliked.
Start by not being afraid of being controversial and authentic.
Share content that's truthful, bold, and impactful.
Turn negative attention into powerful conversations.
Next week, I'll break down why this post did so good so you can start creating content that captions attention.
If you want my help building a powerful brand, reply "BUILD" to this email and I'll send over the details.
Til next time,
Ken
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When you are ready here are 2 ways I can help you:
- ​The Profile Optimization Guide: An interactive checklist for your profile. Designed to help your profile stand out and grow faster. 70+ downloads
- ​60-Minute Level Up: Join 15+ writers and creators. Learn how to use your content to monetize while building your audience.
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