With so much ‘noise’ online, it can be a challenge to be heard in order to grow your audience. With so many platforms to be heard on, it can become a full time job to populate all those with content. But do we want to?

Here’s four insightful points to grow your online expertise.

1. Have a Voice on Multiple Platforms

Steve Dotto is as great example here. He spends a great deal of time on Facebook and Twitter, but he’s also active on other social sites. He speaks publicly, gives webinars and shares his insight on his YouTube Channel. He’s on multiple platforms, because his audience is on multiple platforms. How does he manage? He’s has years to perfect his craft and has the knowledge and technology to manage everything. He is an expert in his field. So don’t overextend your reach. Only take on what you can handle. If you set up eight social media profiles but only have time to update three, the other five not only will fall short but reflect badly on your brand and will definitely NOT increase your online expertise. Be picky on which platforms you show up on.

2. It’a Not About You

People will engage with and listen to those who are talking about things they’re concerned about. Create discussion and content that’s pertinent to your industry and the world around you rather than your products or services. Paula Skaper of 33 Dolphins Growth Strategy is an expert at participating in conversations on LinkedIn. Her thoughtful comments establish her as a thought leader amongst her peers.

The more you show up and are seen talking about key issues related to your industry, the more you’ll be perceived as an expert by those around you.

3. Sharing is Caring

You don’t have to churn out content every day or week. Share a mix of your own content as well as content from other thought leaders that you feel will resonate with your audience. By sharing other people’s content, you show that you’re interested in different opinions and perceptions. Including references in your content is a good idea as well. Spend time curating what shows up online. Comment on it and add your own insight.

4. Tell Stories

Consistently tell stories about your brand, your industry, your purpose. This is how people will connect with you and how you’ll become memorable. Tina Overbury is an amazing story teller. She shares herself, gets personal and always relates back to her audiences goals and desires. Her ability to tell stories that demonstrate how she does business, and highlighting issues that set her brand up as the solution is brilliant. Tina will tell you that storytelling is an important aspect of growing your online expertise. If you’re not looking at how to incorporate storytelling into your marketing, you’re making it harder for people to remember your name and what you’re all about.

You’ve got to begin somewhere, so pick one of the above points and get started on growing your expertise and presence online.

Now Go Get  Connected!

An award-winning Leader, Entrepreneur and Business Development Consultant, Cathy teaches entrepreneurs how to increase their influence; build their business and stay sane while doing it. She helps you to let go of limiting beliefs to “Stand Up, Stand Out & Step Forward” for business success. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors by StartUp Canada, Cathy is recognized across the country for her expertise on “All Things Small Biz”. She is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, author of numerous books and articles specifically the internationally known “Daily Espressos- Your Read it and Delete it Kickstart to Your Day”, and is a networking maven. (whew!)

For information on upcoming workshops, business coaching or to engage Cathy as a Keynote speaker at your next event, visit www.cathykuzel.com