Why You SHOULD Welcome Bad Press: The Truth Behind “Sickfluencer” PR

If you’ve ever worried about the downside of being “too visible” then this episode is for you. What Maddie Alexander Grout shares is raw, real and the exact antidote we ALL need to see past the glossy, filtered version of PR you see everywhere online…

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PRESS LABELS YOU THE “SICKFLUENCER”?

Visibility can change your business. Being seen, heard, hired and paid as The Authority is the pinnacle of being Niche Famous. Investing in PR is the fastest way to achieve this - whether that’s being interviewed on podcasts, featured in the press or speaking on stage.

What you'll hear in this conversation between Laura Perkes and Maddie Alexander Grout, is that there is alwaysanother side from the glossy posts you see from people sharing their media wins. For Maddie, more press didn’t just mean more clients. It meant more attention, more criticism… even full-blown public drama.

Whether it’s viral videos being torn apart or editors spinning a story (hello, “Maddie Alexander Grout gloats over £56k in disability grants”), the truth is: when you’re visible enough to attract press coverage, you’re visible enough to attract haters.

Here’s what we learned from Maddie Alexander Grout’s story:

• Use negative headlines to create your content. Screenshot, green-screen and OWN the narrative.
• Let the press drama attract your ideal audience. “Sickfluencer” brought Maddie more followers, income and opportunities than ever before.
• Laugh at the trolls (seriously: would you send them a Christmas card? If not, don’t let them in your mental space).
• Don’t jump at any press: know your boundaries and only share stories that align with your mission, your audience and your values.
• Not all press is good press, but all press can be leveraged – strategically, intentionally, with resilience.

THE REAL SECRET TO PRESS & PUBLICITY

Visibility alone will NOT get you clients, fame, or create impact. Whether you’re dealing with the Daily Mail, The Sun or the BBC, what matters is:

For Maddie Alexander Grout, controversy didn’t keep her from business growth. Instead, she leveraged every “sickfluencer” headline to educate, empower and grow her community. She advises fellow entrepreneurs: don’t be scared of being disliked, but do stay intentional about what you share, how you respond and which opportunities to say yes to.

Want more?

🔗 Follow Maddie Alexander Grout on Instagram @‌Maddietalksmoney

🔗 Connect with Laura Perkes at @‌prwithperkes

🔗 Buy Maddie’s book “Mad About Money” on Amazon (don’t worry, it has colouring pages!)

🔗 DM your own press horror stories – let’s keep the conversation going.

Still scared of being “visible”? Hit play. Your reputation will thank you.