If people can’t feel your presence online, then truly, there’s no difference between you and silence.
I had a deep conversation with a friend the other day about life and business. As we talked, the topic naturally shifted to social media. I told him I’m more active on Facebook, and immediately, he laughed. He said, “James, I don’t do Facebook things. Facebook is for low-class people, beginners, and upcoming young ones.”
I laughed too but it was the kind of laugh that mixes humor with a twinge of sadness. His mindset was both funny and alarming. He went further to say he spends more time on Instagram, TikTok, and X. I was curious, so I asked a simple question: “What do you use them for?”
His reply shocked me. “Oh, I just use them to check trending stuff.”
And that’s where the truth hit me: what we do online is often far more important than where we are online.
Now, what someone else chooses to do on social media isn’t really my concern. My focus is on the bigger lesson: I keep hearing people say, “I don’t do Facebook anymore; I’ve upgraded.” But here’s the question you need to ask yourself:
What impact are you making on the platform you’ve upgraded to?
Because the truth is simple, the problem is not the platform; the problem is you.
It’s not about where you show up; it’s about what value your presence carries when you show up. If your online activity doesn’t make people think, grow, or feel inspired, then there’s no real difference between you and someone who isn’t online at all.
Consider this: Facebook still remains the largest social media platform in the world, with over 3 billion monthly active users more than Instagram, TikTok, or X combined. So, if you think Facebook is “for beginners,” then maybe you’ve misunderstood what influence truly means.
Real influence is not about where you are; it’s about what you do with where you are.
So how do you make your online presence meaningful? How do you ensure that what you post, share, or comment actually leaves an impact? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start With Purpose
Before you post anything online, ask yourself: “Why am I posting this?”
Are you educating?
Are you inspiring?
Are you solving someone’s problem?
If your posts don’t serve a purpose, they become noise. Purpose-driven content is what transforms your presence from silent to significant.
Action step: Create a mini content plan. For each week, identify 3–5 key messages you want to share that align with your expertise, values, or passion.
2. Focus on Value, Not Vanity
Scrolling endlessly and posting for likes may give you temporary satisfaction, but it doesn’t build influence. Value is what matters.
Ask yourself:
Does my post teach something new?
Does it challenge old thinking?
Does it make someone feel motivated or supported?
If your answer is “no,” rethink it. Even a simple tip, insight, or perspective can leave a lasting mark if delivered well.
Action step: For every post, write down one key takeaway for your audience. If there isn’t one, don’t post it.
3. Be Consistent, Not Sporadic
Showing up occasionally doesn’t build credibility. Consistency does. It’s better to post small, useful insights regularly than long, rare posts.
Action step: Pick your platform(s) and commit to a realistic posting schedule. For example:
Facebook: 3 posts per week
Instagram: 2–3 reels per week
LinkedIn/X: 2 posts per week
The goal is to stay visible and relevant without burning out.
4. Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast
Many people post but fail to engage. Real influence happens in conversations. Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in discussions.
Think of your audience as humans, not just numbers. The more you genuinely engage, the stronger your online presence becomes.
Action step: Dedicate 15–30 minutes daily to engage with your audience. Reply to at least 5 meaningful comments or messages each day.
5. Learn to Educate While Entertaining
Content that educates and entertains sticks. People remember lessons wrapped in stories, humor, or practical examples.
Example: Instead of just posting “Read more books,” share a short story about how a book changed your thinking or business decision.
Action step: When creating content, ask yourself:
Can this post teach something practical?
Can it make someone smile or think?
Can it spark a conversation?
6. Measure Your Impact
It’s not enough to post blindly. You need to know what works. Track likes, shares, comments, and most importantly, the real-world actions people take after seeing your content.
Are people applying your advice?
Are they reaching out to collaborate?
Are they inspired to try something new?
Metrics are a reflection of your impact. Use them to adjust and improve your content strategy.
7. Don’t Fear the “Beginner” Platforms
Remember, influence is not about where you are; it’s about how you leverage where you are.
Facebook may seem “old” or “for beginners,” but it still connects billions of people. That’s a massive opportunity. Ignoring it because of perception means losing potential reach and impact.
Every platform has its audience. The key is understanding who is there and how you can add value to them.
8. Make Every Post Count
Ultimately, your presence online is a reflection of your personal brand. Each post is a chance to inspire, educate, or create change. If you scroll without leaving an impact, you’re simply adding to the noise.
Ask yourself every day:
Did I post something meaningful today?
Did I help someone think, grow, or feel inspired?
If the answer is yes, your presence matters. If no, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Final Thoughts:
Don’t chase trends or platform upgrades without asking the right questions. Focus on value, consistency, engagement, and measurable impact. Make your presence count. Let your posts inspire, teach, uplift, and leave a mark.
Stop scrolling aimlessly. Impact lives. Be the difference.
Because if people can’t feel your presence online, then truly, there’s no difference between you and silence.
