You Can't Please Everyone: Handling Mixed Feedback

Friday’s Insight (10th May 2024)

"You're so slow, why are you even on YouTube?"

Okay, this wasn't exactly what was written as a recent comment below one of my YouTube videos. What this person actually wrote was this ↓ 

Close enough, though, eh? The reality is that my videos are slower and less jumpy than has been common up to this point on YouTube, so they had a point but did they really need to share their thoughts?

Now, this isn't going to be an article about how online trolls make me feel sad and how we can overcome those feelings of insecurity, as I'm pretty sure I've done a post like that before (I have, and you can read that article HERE).

In saying that, I'm not entirely over online trollish comments; what they write still bothers me, but I guess it's true to say that they bother me a little less the more I post and publish online.

Especially when I then receive what I believe is a counter-comment like this ↓ 

This juxtaposition of opinions is fascinating. It perfectly illustrates a simple truth for all of us sharing our work online: You'll sometimes delight people and sometimes unintentionally ruffle feathers.

Trying to please everyone is a futile effort. Each video, blog post, or social media post isn't going to hit the mark for every single viewer or reader.

That's okay. It's more than okay, actually - it’s necessary.

I’m learning to zero in on my authentic audience by trying to understand both positive and negative feedback. Those who take time to leave positive comments and who watch more of my content are the viewers and readers with whom I genuinely want to connect. These people find value in my words or entertainment in my videos. They are my 'tribe,' and they're the ones I aim to serve. (I wrote an article a few months ago where I write about my desire to find my authentic audience. Read that HERE.) 

I thought I'd take the opportunity with today's blog to present my thoughts on why mixed feedback is helpful and how you can handle it effectively.

1) Focus on the Good Stuff

You know those moments when you check your comments and see a great one? That feels good, right? It's a sign that someone enjoyed your work and took something valuable from it. This kind of feedback gives you a dopamine boost and is worth paying attention to and even re-reading a few times. And they are undoubtedly worth responding to.

However, those less positive comments aren't as fun to read. Unfortunately, they come with the territory of being a creator (on or off-line). Everyone has an opinion, and they are entitled to it (I guess what is more annoying is when the opinion comes across as the only one with any validity). 

The key is to learn which seemingly negative comments are worth paying attention to and which ones to ignore. If a comment has a good point you think can help you improve, ponder it and chew it over. But suppose the comment is just mean without anything helpful to say. In that case, it's okay to disregard it and even block the account posting it.

Don't be afraid of the block button. 

Think of your online account as your home. Would you invite that shouty, horrible person in for a cup of tea? Probably not.

2) Know Why You're Creating

Remember why you started making content in the first place. Whether your aim was to share a passion, assist others with your insights, or simply express yourself, these foundational reasons are key to maintaining your focus and perspective. When sifting through feedback, keeping these intentions in mind serves as a mental anchor, helping you discern which criticisms can constructively improve your work and which might be shrugged off as misalignments with your core mission. This awareness can lessen the sting of negative comments, allowing you to respond with grace and maintain your commitment without becoming overly discouraged. Essentially, remembering why you started can not only guide your content strategy but also fortify your resilience against the inevitable challenges and fluctuations in audience reception.

3) Understand Who You’re Talking To

When you know who your viewers or readers are, what they like, and what they expect, you can create content that aligns with their interests, enhancing their experience and fostering a deeper connection. This alignment often results in more positive reactions and fewer negative comments that are off-target. Analysing which posts get the most interaction, encouraging feedback through direct communication, and monitoring trends within your niche are useful strategies. By focusing on those who genuinely value your work, you minimise less relevant criticisms and strengthen your relationship with your audience, encouraging loyalty and advocacy that can help grow your presence organically. This approach ensures that your efforts are concentrated on creating impactful and meaningful content that resonates strongly with your core audience.

4) Every Comment Counts

Whether praise or criticism, every piece of feedback means someone watched or read your work (in full, you hope), and they have something to say about it. That's a victory in itself. Being heard and getting reactions means you're engaging with people. It means that when your work is shared on a platform, it's being shown to a much wider audience. This exposure helps grow your account. However, your content will also reach people outside your usual audience, those who might not fully grasp what you're all about. Often, these viewers won't engage with your content further and will unlikely visit your page/account/YouTube channel again (you can put that teapot back in the cupboard). 

Use all feedback, good or bad, to learn and improve your craft. The more you create and share, the better you'll get at dealing with it.

5) Keep Sharing

Handling mixed feedback is a skill that gets better with practice. The most important thing is to keep creating, sharing, and using each comment as a stepping stone. Your loyal followers will appreciate your efforts and stick with you, and that's who you're really creating for.

Keep up the excellent work, and remember, you can't please everyone ... and that's perfectly fine.

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