Thanks to the Internet, today, our attention span flickers like digital pixels; hence, if you want to be noticed, you need to take calculated risks. Nowadays, social media success isn’t achieved by “playing it safe” but by strategically defying conventions and challenging the status quo.
We can also thank the Internet for creating the attention economy, where human attention is a precious commodity. As the Internet continues to expand – only 66 per cent of the world’s population has access to the Internet – human attention becomes scarcer, thereby increasing its value. This scarcity underscores the importance of your strategies to cut through the noise to get noticed.
There are four strategies you can use to get noticed:
Say what people are afraid to say
Social media rewards those who speak their “truth” because such posts usually challenge conventional wisdom and address uncomfortable truths. While taking on controversial or taboo topics is a surefire way to garner attention, it requires intuitive judgment to know where the line is.
I respect anyone who speaks their truth. Most people don’t have the courage to speak their truth publicly; they’d rather go along to get along. Hence, “I wish I had the courage to say that” content attracts attention.
Speak your truth thoughtfully and with purpose. Don’t add to the Internet’s glut of “intentionally inflammatory, attention-seeking” content. Identify the areas where society is asking difficult questions. (e.g., Is it genocide? Are we serious about addressing climate change?) With wars raging, political ideologies clashing, and wasteful first-world lifestyles destroying the planet, difficult questions are in abundance. What’s not abundant is candid, authoritative voices that provide thoughtful, impactful comments. Being such a voice on social media will get you noticed.
Create relatable content
If publicly speaking your truth causes you anxiety, then consider being yourself.
I, for one, have become tired of all the posturing on social media, the photoshopped selfies, “perfect” routines, easy spending, and seemingly effortless lives. Social media is awash with strategically curated personas, which is why, ironically, authentic and relatable content is noticeable. More than ever, people are drawn to content that feels human, flawed, and accessible.
Regularly posting content where you’re just yourself will often (no guarantee) curate an audience – think of a large group of digital friends – that relates to you on an emotional level, whether through vulnerable first-person narratives, depictions of your day-to-day life, or informal, conversational shoutouts. The paradox: Most social media content consists of people trying to stand out by manipulating who they are, thus making “being yourself” a stand-out differentiator.
Project an image of someone others wish they were
Though I’m tired of social media posturing, I understand many people are attracted to content creators who project confidence, charisma, and success because they portray how they wish they were.
Creating a persona that emphasizes success, adventure, and happiness is often effective (Ugh!) at attracting followers. The list of people who’ve crafted a persona to achieve fame is endless; many see it as the path to fortune and fame. This explains why many people pose on social media, and content creators often fabricate false narratives hoping for fame.
Although creating a persona to get noticed is the playbook many use, you don’t have to. Instead, highlight and amplify your most admirable qualities and strategically deploy that image across social media. Through well-crafted social media content, professional headshots, edited videos and an authoritative personal brand, you can position yourself as a thought leader, entertainer, guru, master of whatever. People notice those they wish to be like, so being “that person” will attract attention.
Be selective (read: strategic) about the content you share. Don’t post mundane updates or unflattering photos. Focus on projecting an image of yourself as a successful, well-rounded, and intellectually engaged individual, as someone people will say to themselves, “I got to meet [you]!” Share insightful commentary, thought-provoking ideas and video content that isn’t controversial or push boundaries – you’re aiming for mainstream – that showcases your best qualities, thus crafting an aspirational public persona that people will want to engage with.
Do something exceptionally well
Putting what you do exceptionally well on display on social media can catapult you into the limelight. Every day, millions of people use platforms like Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok to amplify their talent to a global audience. Whether it’s a skill you’ve mastered (my feeds indicate most people think they’ve mastered cooking) or offering your expertise on a subject, your proficiency will get you noticed, inspiring people to follow you and attracting opportunities such as collaborations, sponsorships, and media features.
Worth noting: Social media influence doesn’t require millions of followers. Become comfortable sharing what’s meaningful to you, and slowly, the people with whom you resonate will reach back to you with likes, comments, and following. Take your time with the process; it has its schedule. Regardless of which strategies I mentioned you choose to subscribe to, be consistent in your output, and people will start to notice you.
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job.
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