On Negative Criticisms: 6 Ways to Handle it like a Pro

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If you are into blogging, one of the things that you will definitely encounter is having rude remarks from your readers. Well, that unless if you disable the comments, then reading negative criticisms is inevitable. And let's be honest, sometimes reading these kinds of comments can make us feel insecure, discourage, and of course, hurt. Who wouldn't feel that way? We all do since we are human beings and it is normal for us to feel that way.

However, when you are a marketer and working in an online marketing agency, these kinds of comments will definitely not get into you. Yes, you may feel a little of insecurities and discouragements but you should not consider these as your weakness. Instead, treat it as one of your stepping stones to growing and be on the next level.

It is given that not all of us can handle such criticisms. Sometimes, bloggers also throw negative comments to their readers, which is totally foul. If you just know how to handle it like a pro, the reader who gives you a negative comment might eventually be one of your followers. Who knows, right? Well, to give you some idea on how are you going to handle it, below are some effective tips that you can definitely apply when you encounter one.

1. Prove that you are listening

Always remember that readers will definitely leave a comment when they feel that they want to praise you for coming up a great article, or the opposite, which they don't appreciate the content that you have included. One way or another, they see or notice something that seems off. That means, asking and knowing what concerns them the most is an ideal step for you to make.  And with that, they will eventually realize that you respect and value their opinion and you're willing to take a change when needed.

2. Speak to your experience

One of the most common misunderstandings between a blogger and a reader is that, one would directly disagree with the idea the other have. Of course, the situation experienced by the blogger is way too different with the situation experienced from the reader. Moreover, there is no right or wrong with what you have experience since you are in the situation first hand and you can't directly disagree with that. Instead, you might also give your own personal experience for one can know what others don't know. Instead of criticizing, cite your own.

3. Be inquisitive

There are just times that we encounter comments that are hard to answer, or perhaps, you are still not sure on what kind of answers do they want from you. With that, why don't you try asking them a question instead? For instance," Could you tell me more about the problems you're seeing on your end?", or " Can you explain your perspective a bit more?". Well, there is nothing wrong with a little bit of a conversation. With that, you will have a clearer view on the concerns your audience have.

4. Convey kindness

One of the biggest concerns most people have is the way we communication. And the problem with the internet nowadays is that the vast majority of communication on it is text-based. People will definitely not know on how you convey your body language, the tone of your voice, and your facial expressions. That means, it is a challenge for you on how you are going to make yourself a pleasant person to your audience. For instance, instead of just saying "Fine", you change it to ‘That's fine with me!", or "Sorry to hear that", change it to "I'm so sorry to hear that, Hope." Or you can even add some emoji to perfectly convey your emotions. With this way, misunderstandings between you and your audience can be avoided.

5. Take their side

Considering the brighter side, negative comments can also help us in many ways. If you receive a negative criticism, that means, it might be the best chance for you to change what is needed in order for you to improve for the better. And remember, the audience will definitely not leave negative criticism when they think that you have a great article. But if they do, then there must be something off that you need to verify and change. Be thankful for it.

6. Apologize

We are all human beings. And as a blogger, there are just times that we don't notice that our content is already a little bit off. When you experience such, you have to gracefully apologize to your audience that you are wrong, and you'll do it right next time. No worries, your audience will definitely understand you. Apologizing to your audience is not a bad thing after all.