In the offline world, much of what "trends" is stuff that hacks people's reward system.
E.g., high-fructose corn syrup, french fries, nicotine, slot machines.
It's bad for us long term, but satisfies our evolved physiological needs in the short term.
Most of the trending content on social media is the same, and much of modern news and commerce has adapted to it.
From what you've said, you're trying to win at the same game, against people/companies who are far more experienced, skilled, resourced and cynical than you.
The answer: don't play that game.
Find a small niche of people you can satisfy with earnestly good quality content.
Think really small - like, 5-10 people, who you can get to know personally and whose interests you can address really really well.
Then grow gradually.
It will seem painfully slow at first, but with a consistent effort over a long enough period of time, you can achieve exponential growth and eventually build a huge audience that really cares about what you have to offer.
One of the best people to follow for guidance on how to do this is Seth Godin. Follow his daily blogs/emails, and read his books, particularly Linchpin, Permission Marketing, Purple Cow and The Dip.
Simon Sinek is another person worth paying attention to.
E.g., high-fructose corn syrup, french fries, nicotine, slot machines.
It's bad for us long term, but satisfies our evolved physiological needs in the short term.
Most of the trending content on social media is the same, and much of modern news and commerce has adapted to it.
From what you've said, you're trying to win at the same game, against people/companies who are far more experienced, skilled, resourced and cynical than you.
The answer: don't play that game.
Find a small niche of people you can satisfy with earnestly good quality content.
Think really small - like, 5-10 people, who you can get to know personally and whose interests you can address really really well.
Then grow gradually.
It will seem painfully slow at first, but with a consistent effort over a long enough period of time, you can achieve exponential growth and eventually build a huge audience that really cares about what you have to offer.
One of the best people to follow for guidance on how to do this is Seth Godin. Follow his daily blogs/emails, and read his books, particularly Linchpin, Permission Marketing, Purple Cow and The Dip.
Simon Sinek is another person worth paying attention to.