Writing · Business and creators
The Positivity Pivot
By Richard K. Marshall · Originally published
Your audience is tired of the fight. Meet them where they are, not where you've been.
I wrote this at the end of 2024, a whirlwind year. Politics shifted like sand in a storm, and a lot of creators, me included, got caught in the crosswinds. Our content reflected the turmoil.
The lesson holds after any heated season: sometimes you need to pivot.
Why pivot
- Change is inevitable. Societies change, and content has to as well. When political battles dominate feeds, there comes a time to shift toward positivity and constructive conversation.
- Your audience wants a break. People want inspiration, education and entertainment, not more negativity.
How to pivot well
Pivoting doesn't mean dropping your values or your style. It means adapting them to what your audience needs now.
Know your audience. Check your analytics. Are people engaging more with positive, forward-looking posts? Have their interests shifted?
Ask them. Start conversations. Ask what they want more of. Use polls, ask for feedback, or host a live session about new directions.
Audit your past. Look at your most engaging posts. Was it the political commentary or the moments of positivity?
Try new themes:
- Education. How-to guides, tutorials and deep dives on subjects your audience loves.
- Entertainment. Fun facts, challenges and collaborations that bring joy.
- Inspiration. Stories of success, resilience and community.
Use live formats. Live audio rooms are a personal way to connect and to test new ideas in real time. Short videos with positive stories or quick tips can help too.
Stay yourself
Your content can change. Your authenticity shouldn't. Your voice is your brand. Whether you're reviewing a gadget or sharing your own journey, keep it real.
The commitment
- Skip the negativity. Controversy for clicks is tempting. Positivity builds communities.
- Be constructive. On sensitive topics like politics, educate or offer solutions instead of fueling division.
Pivoting means embracing change with a positive outlook: understand your audience, inspire instead of incite, and use the tools you have to reach people.
This week, look at your last ten posts and ask which ones you'd be proud to be known for.
— Richard K. Marshall Lexington, Kentucky
Originally published on X: https://x.com/RichMarshall/status/1861091831930368087 · . Refreshed .