Brand Yourself or Be Forgotten – How to Master Digital Influence

A personal brand is the curated story you tell about yourself across platforms. Think of it as your professional narrative that blends expertise, voice, and visibility. For journalists, this is no longer optional—it’s a career accelerator. For anyone within the creative economy, personal branding is your door that opens opportunities for you.

Let’s walk you through the strategies for a journalist and for a creative.

As a Journalist, Start with Clarity: Define what makes you unique. Are you a data‑driven investigative reporter, a multimedia storyteller, or a specialist in climate justice? Pinpointing this focus helps shape content that resonates with your target audience. For example, Nigerian journalist Sophia Smith Galer created a chatbot to help reporters craft viral vertical videos, positioning herself as an innovator at the intersection of AI and storytelling.

Choose Your Platforms Wisely: Pick two platforms where your audience lives. A Substack newsletter paired with a TikTok news channel is a powerful combo, allowing you to deliver deep analysis and bite‑size news updates. Consistency matters more than frequency; a weekly deep‑dive newsletter complemented by daily TikTok snippets builds credibility and reach.

Showcase Your Process: Transparency builds trust. Share behind‑the‑scenes insights, data sources, or AI tools you use. When you explain how you arrived at a story, you invite audience participation and establish authority. This aligns with the 2026 emphasis on trust as currency, where verification specialists and community engagement managers are in high demand.

Engage, Don’t Broadcast: Respond to comments, host live Q&A sessions, and collaborate with other creators. This fosters community, a key metric for audience development roles. Remember, your brand is a living ecosystem, not a static logo.

Now for anyone in the creative spaces, let’s begin your personal branding with how Emma was able to navigate her way successfully.

Emma, is a young and aspiring entrepreneur from Lagos, Nigeria. Emma had a passion for fashion and design, but she struggled to get her brand noticed in a crowded market. That was until she discovered the power of personal branding.

Emma started by creating a strong online presence, sharing her fashion designs, and showcasing her creativity on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She engaged with her audience, responded to comments, and used hashtags to increase her visibility.

As Emma’s following grew, so did her opportunities. She started collaborating with other influencers, participating in fashion events, and even landing a few clients. Emma’s personal brand became synonymous with style, creativity, and Nigerian fashion.

But Emma’s journey wasn’t without challenges. She faced criticism, negative comments, and even online harassment. However, she persevered, using these experiences to fuel her growth and refine her personal brand.

Fast forward to today, Emma is a household name in Nigeria’s fashion industry. She has built a loyal community of followers, launched her clothing line, and even appeared on TV shows and magazines.

Emma’s story is a testament to the power of personal branding in the digital age. By being authentic, consistent, and engaging, individuals can build a strong online presence, establish themselves as thought leaders, and unlock new opportunities.

Important Tips from Emma’s Story:

• Authenticity is key: Emma stayed true to herself and her brand, which resonated with her audience.
• Consistency is crucial: Emma consistently posted high-quality content, engaged with her audience, and showed up in her niche.
• Engagement is vital: Emma responded to comments, answered questions, and used social media to build relationships with her followers.
• Adaptability is essential: Emma pivoted when necessary, experimented with new platforms, and adjusted her strategy to stay relevant.

In today’s digital age, personal branding is no longer a nicety, but a necessity. By building a strong online presence, individuals can:

Establish yourself as a thought leader in the following manner:

• Build a loyal community of followers
• Unlock new opportunities, such as collaborations, partnerships, and business ventures
• Differentiate themselves from the competition
• Create a lasting legacy

Emma’s story is just one example of the power of personal branding in the digital age. By following her lead, you can take control of your online presence, build a strong personal brand, and unlock new opportunities in your industry.

Now, it’s your turn! What would you like your personal branding story to be?