The Donald Trump Playbook For Getting Attention.
How Donald Trump Uses Persuasion - and How Solopreneurs Can Use It Ethically
Donald Trump. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him.
His ability to command attention, drive loyalty, and frame every conversation in his favour is undeniable.
He doesn’t just communicate - he persuades.
And whether you think he’s a genius or a master manipulator, he understands influence better than most.
Persuasion isn’t inherently good or bad. You can wield it to build trust, create demand, and win clients - or you can sit back, avoid strong opinions, and watch others take the lead in your space.
This breakdown of Trump’s playbook isn’t about manipulation.
It’s about making your voice impossible to ignore so you can become a sought-after specialist (and not a slave to social media).
Let’s get into it.
You’re Right, They’re Wrong.
"Don't be afraid to polarize people. Most companies want to create the holy grail of products that appeals to every demographic, social-economic background, and geographic location. To attempt to do so guarantees mediocrity. Instead, create great products that make segments of people very happy. And fear not if these products make other segments unhappy. The worst case is to incite no passionate reactions at all, and that happens when companies try to make everyone happy."
- Guy Kawasaki
Trump never just shares an idea; he turns it into a battle.
There’s always an enemy, a right side, and a wrong side.
This forces people to pick a team - and when they do, they become loyal.
People want certainty.
They don’t follow the most qualified expert - they follow the one with the strongest stance.
If you’re soft, vague, or trying to please everyone, you will be forgotten.
You don’t win the best clients by being neutral.
You win them by taking a stand so clear that people either rally behind you or walk away.
The ones who stay?
They’re the right fit.
You don’t need to attack people, but you do need to reject industry nonsense and position your approach as the better way.
Find a beliefs and practices in your industry that’s flawed.
Stand against them and reject them.
Offer a better alternative.
Ongoing Strategy:
Post one strong-opinion piece weekly that dismantles bad industry advice.
Make polarisation a core part of your messaging - you can’t be loved by trying to be liked by everyone.
Look at your content, are you creating a space for people to join your team.
Fans become fans because they align with you - so share it.
Here’s a quick take from my own world. I see a lot of people spending time on social media and the advice given is focused on telling business owners to become content creators - this is exhausting for them and makes their business vulnerable to changing algorithms. This is something I am fighting against, instead advocating for sustainable processes rather than becoming a slave to social media.
What Is Your MAGA?
50% of People Look to a Slogan to Understand a Company's Purpose, Compared to Only 7% of People Who Believe the Logo Is Most Important
- The Manifest
Trump’s slogans are sticky.
Make America Great Again wasn’t just a tagline - it was a mission.
People repeated it because it was simple, emotional, and aspirational.
If people can’t easily repeat your message, they won’t remember it.
And if they don’t remember it, they won’t think of you when they need your expertise.
A strong phrase makes you impossible to forget.
Your audience will associate you with a specific transformation, making it easier for them to refer you and share your content.
Craft a phrase that captures your mission and speaks to your audience’s desires.
Write down three to five words that define your work and mission
Turn them into a phrase.
Use it everywhere:
LinkedIn headline
Social media bios
Website tagline
Email signature
Ongoing Strategy:
Repeat your sticky phrases in all content formats - repetition builds recognition.
Refine it over time based on audience response.
As a quick example, I have been tightening up my own message to build a catch phrases.
I’m focused on helping people build a thriving business online, by becoming a Sought-After Specialist (as I see many busy online, but not making money online).
Identifying Your Brand Enemy
Apple's 1984 ad campaign positioned Apple as the alternative to "boring" corporate technology, creating a strong brand identity. Snickers redefined its enemy as "hunger" to rejuvenate its brand.
Trump gives his audience a common enemy - whether it’s the media, politicians, or global elites. This creates unity and simplifies complex problems.
People don’t just want solutions - they want to know why they’re struggling.
Identifying a clear enemy makes your message hit harder and builds trust faster.
By calling out an industry-wide problem, you position yourself as the person who sees the truth and has the solution.
Instead of attacking individuals, take a stand against harmful practices, outdated models, or bad advice.
Identify what’s broken in your industry.
Call it out with conviction.
Offer a better way.
Content format:
Opening: “Most people believe [common belief], but here’s the real problem.”
Middle: “The real issue is [explain the root cause].”
Ending: “If you’re tired of [frustration], here’s how to fix it: [your approach].”
Ongoing Strategy:
Regularly expose industry problems - people will start seeing you as the one who speaks the truth.
Stand against as much as you stand for, use this to show the difference between you and others in your industry.
Leverage that contrast and draw people to your view of your industry.
Here’s another example from my perspective.
A lot of people in my industry have never run a business other than helping people grow on social media. Social media stars selling courses on growing on social media. I stand against that as most of the advice doesn’t translate into businesses that don’t sell social media growth.
Trump’s persuasion tactics aren’t unique to politics - they’re based on psychology.
The difference is how you use them.
Apply these strategies ethically and….
You’ll go from being ignored to being a recognised authority.
Your audience will trust you faster because they see you as a leader.
You’ll get better clients who align with your values.
You’ll create demand instead of competing on price.
Your Action Plan:
Pick one strategy from and use it in your next post.
Track engagement - did it get more attention than usual?
Refine and repeat - building influence comes from consistency.
No more playing small.
No more trying to please everyone.
It’s time to stand out and own your space.
What do you stand for?
This is excellent Dean.