HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A SPEAKER
We are living in one of the most exciting times in terms of attracting new customers and clients for both individuals and businesses. Foundations, companies, and conferences seek fresh voices on the web and social media. Speakers can reach the masses by utilizing online marketing practices available to anyone who wants to grow, such as social media, email marketing, websites, and much more!
This article discusses several digital marketing techniques for marketing yourself as a community speaker. Each technique has been gleaned from years of experience as an impact-driven digital marketing agency for speakers worldwide.
Create a personal website that highlights your qualifications and what you stand for
With so many people and businesses turning to the internet for information, you should have a website to market yourself. A personal website is one way for a speaker to market their abilities. Remember that this website must be distinct, appealing, and compelling. This website will display your qualifications, previous projects, and events that you have discussed. It's essentially your resume; it tells potential clients what you're all about, what you're capable of, and what you've accomplished.
While your website should look professional, you can still run it monthly for little to no money. If you have prior knowledge, you can create one on your own. You can use many website builders to create your websites, such as WIX and Squarespace. They have powerful built-in features that enable users to design professional websites that look impressive.
Speakers may lack the time to create their websites; this is where a professional web designer comes in. However, this service necessitates an outlay of funds. Nonetheless, you anticipate a good return on your investment because the hired developer will assist you in creating something aesthetically pleasing because they are more knowledgeable about the website. So, you're hoping for the best website that will attract more customers.
You can also use your website to sell your resource material and provide information on your topics.
Determine your target audience and develop a brand voice to reach them
You must understand the distinction between what you are speaking about, why the market hires speakers like you, and which market hires speakers like you. A company, for example, will primarily hire a speaker on leadership.
You must be the speaker who meets the specific needs of individuals or businesses. It would be beneficial to identify your target audience; this could be a specific race, age group, religion, or anything else you can think of. When you have a specific target audience, finding a brand for them is much easier, and it is difficult to create a brand to reach them without knowing your target audience.
A well-known adage goes, "the way you dress is the way you are addressed"; this adage also applies to branding. Branding is synonymous with awareness. It would be ideal if you built your brand so that it immediately influences people to hire you. If you want to charge ten thousand dollars, you must have the appearance of a ten-thousand-dollar speaker.
The way you describe yourself is a part of your branding. Most speakers get this all wrong; they describe what they do in the wrong way. You have to describe yourself and your topic to match your market so that you eventually get hired for the right market based on the topic you're talking about.
Video testimonials from people are another way to build your brand; this shows that other people enjoy what you do. It is similar to a review. Even if you've never spoken on stage before, it's the simplest thing you can do. You can get it from friends or relatives.
Look for speaking opportunities that align with your brand or message and approach them
There are a variety of platforms where speakers can find gigs or jobs. It could be through freelancing platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork or social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or even YouTube. It all comes down to how well you can optimize your social media platforms for speaking roles—the more optimized your page, the easier it will be for clients to contact you. Then you can choose the ones that correspond to your brand and message.
Make a video of yourself and post it online
People want to know who you are, to see you speak, to see your face, and to hear your voice. When you post and record yourself online, it generates engagement and likes. There have been many success stories and proof that you can make it through this channel in the twenty-first century. It could be through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another medium.
Be active on social media, even if you don't have many followers
Make connections with your industry peers by using online social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook. You can also use speaker forums to find additional resources, share speaking tips and tricks, and meet other people in your field.
As we previously stated, social media has benefited businesses, brands, and organizations. To be successful, your postings must be diverse, unique, and consistent; most people want to see what you're about, your topics, whether you're a local or international speaker, the number of companies you've worked with, and whether you're a staged or funny speaker. This method can attract clients' attention on any social media platform.
Some social media strategies for attracting people include:
- Facebook Marketing Strategy
Facebook is a large platform where you can make a name for yourself by posting consistently, engaging with others, and creating quality content. Speaking can also be viewed as content; you are selling content to people when you speak. It's engaging, and most of the time, you want your listener to be captivated by your content and want more. It is also necessary to use hashtags in Facebook posts, and you can tag one or two well-known speakers on Facebook.
- Twitter Marketing Techniques
Like Facebook, you establish a profile to introduce your company and demonstrate your capabilities. It also appeals to a wide audience, but you must be consistent. The good news is that after using this site for a while, you can apply to become a verified user, which increases public trust in you.
- Instagram Marketing Plan
Instagram only requires images and videos for content, but the good news is that it also has a plethora of features, such as reels, boomerangs, and much more. You'll need good image content, which you can create with canvas; you can also post a short video of yourself, giving your viewers a brief introduction to what you do and your brand. You can post as much as you want on Instagram to raise awareness.
- LinkedIn Marketing Strategy
Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn is a popular social networking platform that focuses on professional networking and career development. You must optimize your LinkedIn page to show what you do on your profile. Some of the advantages of LinkedIn include the ability to insert certifications, awards, credentials, achievements, and testimonials from previous clients, which are always displayed on your profile.
Your ability to market yourself will determine whether or not you have a successful career. You must also be visible to the appropriate people; if you speak to the wrong people, you will not be hired as a speaker. Begin by utilizing the methods outlined above to get your name out there and noticed by meeting planners and speakers.
Begin marketing yourself right away!