Get Real! Being authentic means you are a thought leader, not a wanna be follower.

In the digital age, being an influencer is more than accumulating a large following. It’s about engagement, influence, and most importantly, authenticity. Gary Vaynerchuk, a renowned expert in social media marketing, emphasizes, “Authenticity is your most precious commodity as a leader.” But what does this mean for aspiring influencers, and how can you build and maintain authenticity?

Understanding Authenticity in Influence

Authenticity, in the realm of social media, is the genuine presentation of oneself, reflecting true beliefs, values, and personality. The contrast between perceived authenticity (how followers perceive you) and genuine authenticity (how you truly are) can significantly impact follower trust and engagement. The closer these two aspects align, the stronger and more authentic your influence becomes.

Activity: Reflect on your values, interests, and personality traits. Write them down and consider how they can be integrated into your online persona.

Building Trust Through Authenticity

Building a loyal following isn’t merely about numbers. It’s about forging an authentic bond with your audience. Consider Lizzo, who has garnered a massive following due to her unapologetic body positivity and transparency. Her authenticity resonates with her audience, building a connection far deeper than just music.

Activity: Identify unique aspects about yourself that can resonate with your potential audience. How can you present these aspects in your posts to engage your audience genuinely?

Engaging with Followers

Interacting with your audience is the key to building authentic relationships. Respond to comments, send personalized messages, and host Q&A sessions or live events. This engagement helps humanize your online presence and strengthens the connection between you and your followers.

Activity: Spend a week prioritizing follower interaction. Reply to comments, DMs, and consider hosting a live Q&A session on your platform.

Transparency and Vulnerability

Showing vulnerability and being transparent can further strengthen your authenticity. Numerous influencers have openly shared their failures or struggles, resulting in increased follower trust and empathy.

Activity: Think of an experience or personal story related to your niche that you’re comfortable sharing. Write a post about it, focusing on your learnings and personal growth.

Maintaining Authenticity While Growing

As your following expands, maintaining authenticity can become challenging. The risk of losing the personal touch looms large, but you can counteract it by regularly checking in with your core values and ensuring they align with your content and partnerships.

Activity: Write down your core values and refer to them whenever you make a significant decision, like a partnership or new content series.

The journey to becoming an influencer is more than increasing follower count; it’s about fostering authentic connections with your audience. Remember, your authenticity is your most valuable asset as a leader.

As the famous influencer, Casey Neistat once said, “Being genuine is more important than being right.”

Carry this wisdom into your influencer journey, as authenticity is the foundation of a successful influence.

Contact Dr. Tami Patzer at tamisocialmedia@gmail.com

Meet Tami Patzer

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Tamara “Tami” Patzer is the creator of the Authority Footprint Formula and the creator/producer of Beyond of the Best Seller Marketing System.

She helps her clients share their big messages and big missions via book publishing, social media, and mass media exposure to help them have more impact, influence, and income.

She is the creator of the Daily Success® Institute and regularly is a featured guest on podcasts, radio shows and TV news including ABC, NBC, CBS, CW and Fox.

Tami Patzer is the creator and producer of the Daily Success Media Network featuring seven podcasts including Women Innovators, The Daily Success Show, and The Thought Leaders Show. She also is the publisher of international best sellers Beyond the Best Seller and Women Innovators.

Tami is known for her insight into authority marketing and online visibility as well as an educator and advocate for transformational leaders who want to be seen, heard, and found, so that they can make a huge impact, have more influence, and more income.

Her latest project is the Authority Footprint Founders Club. She is the News Category Director at Podcast Magazine and a popular host and guest on many podcasts. Tamara Patzer is a former editor and a member of the Pulitzer-prize nominated Sun Coast Media Group news team for coverage of Hurricane Charley. She is the creator of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Social Media Certification program and is a frequent social media expert guest on TV news programs across the nation.

Building Authentic Connections: The Key to Influential Success