6 ways PR pros can increase their influence online

If you want to become influential online as well as in your day-to-day working world, I have a few ideas to get you started.

Increasing your online influence is very similar to being one in the real world. You must first listen more and talk less. Find out what your friends, colleagues and potential clients are saying before making recommendations.

Also, just like in real life, you must generally give before you can get. Offer your assistance to your community regularly to have the favor returned later. As part of this, suggest collaboration within your online community. By partnering, you not only increase your audience, but you also build your knowledge base.

Here are six ways to boost your personal brand—and influence—on social media:

1. Focus. If you haven’t already done this, narrow your area of expertise.

Trying to know everything in your field dilutes the idea that you are an expert at one thing. By staying within your focus, you can research and present original opinions rather than parroting someone else.

2. Set alerts. Use a service like Google Alerts or Social Mention to keep tabs on different topics or keywords in your focus.

Use these to write and contribute current information and opinion.