The Secret of a Strong Online Presence: Content Creation

Maarten Schafer
4 min readMay 8, 2024

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The Secret of a Strong Online Presence: Content Creation — Maarten Schafer — Marteen Schaefer
The Secret of a Strong Online Presence: Content Creation - Maarten Schafer

A strong online presence is crucial for people looking to amplify their influence and drive their professional narrative. Crafting a compelling online persona isn’t just about keeping up with trends — it’s about strategically positioning yourself as a thought leader and expert in your field. The key? Effective content creation that aligns your expertise, passions, and audience interests.

Understanding the Fan Diagram of Content Strategy

Imagine your online content strategy as a fan diagram consisting of three overlapping circles: Your Expertise, Your Passion, and What Your Target Audience is Interested In. At the intersection of these three areas lies the sweet spot for content that captivates and adds value to your readers.

  1. Your Expertise: This circle represents the skills, knowledge, and experiences that set you apart. It’s the professional foundation that gives credibility to your voice. Whether it’s years spent in corporate governance, technological innovations, or insights into marketing strategies, your expertise is your most vital asset.
  2. Your Passion: Passion breathes life into your content. The enthusiasm and energy you bring to topics matter most to you. Writing about areas you are genuinely enthusiastic about enhances your authenticity and makes your content more engaging and relatable.
  3. What Your Target Audience is Interested In: The final circle is about your audience — understanding their needs, challenges, and curiosities. This alignment ensures that your content resonates and meets the demands of those you wish to influence.

Creating a Memorable First Impression

When someone searches for you online, their first impression often comes from your produced content. Therefore, it’s imperative to manage and curate this content deliberately. Regular updates with insightful articles, thought leadership pieces and industry analyses help form a positive and authoritative first impression.

Positioning Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert

Content creation is more than just sharing information; it’s about showcasing your depth of knowledge and unique perspective. You can reinforce your reputation as a subject matter expert by contributing valuable insights. Platforms like LinkedIn, industry blogs, and even your website are excellent venues for this content. Expanding your presence across multiple online platforms, such as Medium and WordPress, further amplifies your visibility. This multi-channel publishing increases the number of ‘hits’ on the first page of Google when someone searches for you. Such strategic visibility is critical in shaping and influencing public perception, making you a prominent figure in your field.”

Practical Tips for Content Creation

  • Consistency is Key: You should set up a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and make your online presence predictable and reliable.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on producing high-quality, well-researched content that reflects your professional standards.
  • Engage with Your Audience: Interaction encourages loyalty. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and engage with other thought leaders’ content.

Remember, the goal is to create content at the intersection of your expertise, passion, and what your audience cares about — this is where true engagement and influence lie.

Maarten Schafer

Maarten Schafer
CoolTravelStories

https://www.instagram.com/cooltravelstories/

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Maarten Schafer

Travel the world. .. Understand cultures... Be inspired... Make friends... Be a citizen of the world.