Chapter 1: The Problem with Online Advice

This piece aims to critically analyze the often misguided advice circulating online.

Don’t worry; I’m not targeting you personally but rather those creators whose content you might hold dear.

To kick things off, there are three main reasons why a significant portion of the advice you encounter on the internet is fundamentally flawed.

1. Lack of Expertise

   This is arguably the most prevalent issue and is somewhat to be expected.

2. Profit Motives

   This is a difficult truth to face, but it's essential. Just because you invest heavily in a relationship coach doesn’t guarantee a lasting relationship.

3. Attention-Seeking Behavior

   Let's delve into this aspect first. Attention is the driving force of the online realm. Without it, you have little influence; with it, you can wield considerable power.

Some content creators have devised clever strategies to capture attention online. For instance, Mr. Beast gained fame by generously giving to those in need, while early YouTube pranksters attracted viewers by orchestrating outrageous scenarios and presenting them as real experiences.

Lastly, some individuals captured niche audiences by dispensing highly sought-after advice, which brings us to the heart of our discussion.

Let’s be honest: our lives are often riddled with challenges. Who do we confide in about our most profound struggles? Is it our family, friends, or coworkers? No, it’s usually Google. Each internet user turns to Google as their personal confidant, which knows their search history like a diary.

If you can achieve a high ranking on this enormous search engine, you can secure a continuous flow of attention, which can ultimately translate into revenue.

However, there's a significant catch. Just because a company has invested in the right SEO strategies to optimize their web content doesn’t guarantee that the content is valuable. Often, they are not focused on genuinely assisting individuals but rather on garnering attention to drive profits.

I spent countless hours poring over articles about dating, such as “How to Get the 10 at the Bar to Go Home with You” and “10 Tips for Thunderous Testicles.” Despite not solving any of my actual issues, I found myself returning for more. Surely, Google had all the answers, right? It couldn’t lead me to unreliable sources… or could it?

Unfortunately, it can. I’m not asserting that all SEO-driven content is worthless, but a significant amount is. It’s increasingly challenging to find authentic voices online. I’m convinced that a staggering 99% of the dating advice market is filled with impostors and frauds. Sadly, this issue extends to numerous other sectors as well.

The next time you stumble upon an overly lengthy article that lacks substance, ask yourself: Is this piece meant to assist you, or is it merely a tactic to grab your attention? There’s a crucial distinction.

Once, I worked for a sex coach who wanted SEO-rich articles for his site. He provided me with software to identify the necessary keywords for high Google rankings. My job was straightforward: craft a 3,000-word article and incorporate as many keywords as possible.

Instead of drawing on knowledge I possessed, I was left to speculate, piecing together information on a subject I wasn’t well-versed in. This lack of expertise was evident in my writing, and it highlighted a common practice among many businesses: they prioritize ranking over quality, often disregarding the integrity of the content.

Keep this in mind the next time you're browsing Google for solutions. Avoid wasting time on material that doesn't aim to genuinely help you.

Now, let’s shift our focus to the issue of monetization.

This ties directly into the previous point. Attention is essentially worthless unless it can be converted into something of value—be it immediate earnings or future profits through strategies like email list subscriptions. In essence, the primary way they monetize is through offering advice.

The unfortunate reality is that much of this advice is compromised. Why? Because those dispensing it are often more focused on making a quick dollar than on genuinely assisting you. These are not seasoned experts; they’re just opportunists looking to cash in.

Products are meticulously marketed to target consumer pain points, even if they consist solely of basic information available for free elsewhere, like on YouTube. I’m not exaggerating; this is a real issue.

It’s crucial to remain discerning and avoid falling prey to these scams.

So, why is advice often poor if it’s given with financial motives? The answer is straightforward. Those who provide advice for profit often lack a sincere desire to help you. They tend to tell you what you want to hear rather than what you genuinely need. They have no qualms about taking your money, regardless of your circumstances.

Whether you struggle with social anxiety or face other significant challenges, these individuals will still take your money in exchange for courses that promise unrealistic outcomes.

Let me clarify: I believe in business and recognize that many businesses offer immense value. However, what I’m discussing here represents the worst of the worst. It’s not typical, but awareness of these deceitful figures is crucial. They are not the people you should seek advice from, as they lack integrity and simply aim to profit from you.

Finally, let’s address one of the most prevalent forms of misguided advice: that from individuals who lack knowledge. This is epitomized by the infamous 19-year-old life coach phenomenon. How can someone so inexperienced possibly guide others? It’s amusing, yet it’s a genuine trend. Numerous young individuals are making substantial income as coaches, but should this be celebrated?

What insight can a 19-year-old offer about life when they’ve only just transitioned into adulthood? In the United States, they’re still regarded as minors! They would need to wait an additional two years to fully embrace their freedoms.

This leads us to a common theme: people providing advice on topics they know little about. A glance at platforms like Reddit or Quora will reveal a plethora of individuals offering advice, much of which is misguided.

YouTube is filled with aspiring creators dishing out advice on trending topics, often without any real understanding. Some of them achieve remarkable success, all the while dispensing poor guidance!

I genuinely believe in the value of sharing advice, and I don’t think it’s inherently problematic to do so online. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have amassed 6,000 followers on Medium. The key distinction lies in this: I only offer advice on subjects I have personally navigated.

I cannot write about how to generate $10,000 a month through an agency because I’ve never done it. What I can share is my experience of avoiding clickbait articles, which I have found to be unhelpful.

The principle of giving advice is simple: offer insights to those a few steps behind you on their journey. Even better, distill knowledge from great teachers and relate your own experiences to it after absorbing that wisdom. There’s nothing wrong with this approach; in fact, I encourage it. The world is in dire need of valuable lessons from exceptional individuals.

What better way to do this than by sharing their insights in your own words, enhanced by your personal experiences?

That’s all for today. I hope you found this exploration useful.

Thank you for reading,

Godfrey

PS. Connect with me on Twitter.