Table of Contents
URL
Auto-slug
Sub-item
Do not index
Do not index
Relating Posts
Analytics
Canonical URL
Fallback Cover
OG Image
Parent item
Related to Authors (1) (Content)
Files & media
Related to Tags (1) (Content)
Takeaways
- Bland opinions lead to low engagement.
- Polarizing statements grab attention and invite discussion.
- Strong opinions don't need to be forced, they come naturally from your expertise.
- It’s okay to lose followers who disagree; they’re not your audience anyway.
- Real-world examples show how bold opinions can spark engagement.
- Practice creating statements that challenge conventional thinking.
Reading time: 7 minutes
Boring content is a recipe for being ignored
Let’s be real, if your content isn’t getting engagement, it’s likely because it’s too safe. Vanilla, generic statements don’t make anyone stop scrolling. To stand out online, especially on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter, you need to have opinions that are loud enough to be heard in a crowded room.
Here’s the thing: people don’t flock to neutral, "kind of, sort of" takes. Your audience wants to see where you stand. Bold opinions spark emotion, and emotion is what drives likes, shares, comments, and yes, sales.
But this isn’t about faking strong opinions for attention. It’s about uncovering the opinions you already have, those gut reactions and beliefs rooted in your expertise, and putting them front and center in your content.
Why strong opinions matter
If you’re nervous about ruffling feathers, don’t be. You don’t need everyone to like you. In fact, it’s better if they don’t. The goal isn’t to win over 100% of your audience. It’s to build a loyal community of like-minded people who resonate with your ideas.
A great way to think about it is this: If you’re trying to please everyone, you’ll end up connecting with no one. That’s why polarization, getting people to either love or disagree with your perspective, is so effective.
Here’s the trick: when you share strong opinions, they naturally split people into two groups. About 80% will resonate with your perspective, while 20% may push back. And that’s okay. The people who don’t agree with you aren’t your target audience. Let them scroll away.
How to create polarizing content
If you’re wondering how to turn your everyday thoughts into bold, attention-grabbing statements, here are three real-life examples to inspire you.
Example 1: Audit your environment
Instead of saying something generic like, “It’s helpful to hang out with successful people,” try flipping the script. Here’s a better way to phrase it:
“I’ve never met a successful person surrounded by unsuccessful people. Audit your environment.”
Why does this work?
- The phrase “I’ve never” is bold and feels absolute.
- Words like “audit” carry weight and make readers pause.
This type of statement challenges people to reflect on their surroundings, even if it makes them uncomfortable. And discomfort often leads to engagement.
Example 2: Resumes are dead
A wishy-washy statement like, “Personal branding is becoming more important than resumes,” probably won’t turn heads. But this will:
“Resumes are dead. Your online presence is your new resume.”
Right away, this creates a divide. Some people will agree and dive into the discussion. Others, like traditionalists who believe in paper resumes, might push back. Either way, you’ve started a conversation.
Example 3: Stop bragging about consuming content
Instead of a neutral comment like, “We should balance creating and consuming,” try this:
“Stop bragging about reading 25 books a year and start writing one. Stop talking about podcasts you listen to and record one.”
This statement hits harder because it calls people out. It challenges them to stop passively consuming and start actively creating. Sure, it stings, but that’s the point. Bold statements provoke thought, emotion, and, ultimately, engagement.
Strong opinions in your niche
So how can you apply this idea in your own niche? If you’re an email marketer for seven-figure businesses, here are a few bold statements you might try:
- “Email marketing is better than social media marketing.”
- “You’ll fail without email marketing.”
- “Email marketing is 10 times more valuable than advertising.”
Each of these statements is rooted in a belief, challenges conventional wisdom, and forces readers to take a side. Some will agree, and some won’t. But either way, you’ve made them stop and think.
Not everyone needs to agree with you
Here’s the truth: Not every opinion will land with everyone. Some people will resonate with your content, and others will feel it’s not for them. That’s okay.
The people who disagree with your strong opinions aren’t your audience anyway. They’re not going to become customers, clients, or followers. So why try to please them? Focus on the 80% who feel aligned with your message. Those are the people who will support you, engage with your content, and stick around for the long haul.
Start being bold
If you want to stand out online, you can’t afford to be boring. Embrace your strong opinions. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Create bold, polarizing statements that grab attention and make people take notice.
Remember, your audience wants to hear what you truly think. So give them that. Be yourself, loudly. Once you do, you’ll start to see the engagement, community, and success you’ve been working for.
Whenever you’re ready, here are two ways I can help you:
- We handle LinkedIn for you: You’re busy. We get it. That’s why we take LinkedIn off your plate entirely. From creating content to managing outreach, we drive visibility, build authority, and fill your pipeline with qualified opportunities, so you can focus on growing your business.
- Get Flow: The AI Tool for LinkedIn like no other. No time to write posts? Flow converts your ideas into high-performing LinkedIn content in just 60 seconds. Built with a proven strategy, it’s like having a content team in your pocket, helping you grow your audience, drive traffic, and generate demand without lifting a finger.