Here's how you can amplify your personal leadership brand using social media.

Being vulnerable is so important. You need to tell a story that is uniquely yours and that could be relevant for others to learn from. Sharing that expertise and describing how it shaped you... is what helps others and frankly it can help you to solidify why the hard things you did were really worth it. I have over thought about a lot of things I have posted and every time I thought it was too personal/vulnerable it was met with a warm reception and deep appreciation. Of course, have others read it but trust your gut. No one can tell your story better than you. No one.

Focus on sharing the challenges you’ve overcome and the lessons learned from them. Use storytelling techniques to make your journey relatable and engaging. Highlight pivotal moments that shaped your leadership style, and invite your audience to join you in your continuous growth.

Share insightful and authentic content. For example, during a critical project at my previous company, we faced an unexpected crisis: our main supplier went bankrupt just weeks before our biggest launch. I led the team through sleepless nights, securing new suppliers, and renegotiating contracts under intense pressure. I documented this journey, detailing our challenges, my strategic decisions, and the team's resilience. This transparency and willingness to share both successes and setbacks will showcase your extensive experience and problem-solving skills. By regularly posting valuable insights and engaging with your audience, you position yourself as an approachable leader, strengthening your personal brand, expanding your influence.

Boosting your leadership brand on social media starts with a clear, consistent message about your leadership style and values. Regularly share insights and articles that reflect your expertise and ethos. Engage with your network by commenting on relevant topics and contributing to discussions. Show appreciation for your team’s achievements and share success stories to inspire others. This approach not only enhances your visibility but also solidifies your reputation as a thought leader and approachable mentor

Research which platforms your audience frequents and what type of content performs best on each. For example, use LinkedIn for professional insights, Instagram for visual storytelling, and Twitter for thought leadership in real-time. Don’t spread yourself too thin; focus on mastering a few platforms rather than trying to be everywhere at once.

Authentic engagement means showing up as your true self, even in the digital space. Share behind-the-scenes content that reveals the unpolished, everyday aspects of your life. Host “unfiltered” sessions where you address both successes and failures candidly. Use humor and vulnerability to connect on a human level, and periodically feature your team members to highlight collective achievements and diverse perspectives.

Numbers and Hooks: Spice up your content with numbers. Think ‘Top 7 Tools for Social Media Growth’ or ‘Zero to 1K Followers—My Journey.’ Numeric Headlines: Frothy cappuccino foam? Add numerical values to your headlines. ‘5 Strategies for Boosting Engagement’ or ‘3 Secrets to Success’—yum! Diverse Mix: Like a coffee sampler, serve up variety. Share achievements, fun facts (‘Did you know?’), and personal insights. Keep it fresh! Holistic Approach: Stir it all together. Personal branding isn’t just about you—it’s about value. Solve problems, entertain, educate. Sip from your audience’s cup

Curated content can be valuable as well if you are adding your own perspective. The trick here is keeping it organized so you can find it later. Develop a good tagging system. Better yet, choose a platform where you can listen/watch and tag key moments all in one.

Whether writing collaborative articles or leading LinkedIn posts, consistency is key. It’s not just about algorithms; it’s about showing your audience that you care. Your personal brand thrives when you consistently address their needs. However, quality matters too. Avoid sacrificing creativity for consistency. Strive for both—a qualitative, valuable presence.

Here are a couple of ways you may want to consider… First, show up on social media in the places and in the ways you would have wanted for someone you follow to show up for you. Keep this in mind when choosing platforms, deciding when to post, the type of content you will share. Second, spend some time consuming content from those who would be considered your peers, those whose brands share the same space as yours… And figure out, collectively, where others’ content is not meeting all the needs of your target/intended audience, and create your content in a way that fills the gap that they have left.