Are you an aspiring speaker eager to share your wisdom and insights with a broader audience? Dreaming of taking center stage at those big-shot conferences, snagging a TED talk, or becoming the go-to expert in your field? If so, you’re not alone. There are plenty of talented folks and successful entrepreneurs overflowing with inspiring stories and invaluable knowledge. The problem is they struggle to gain the visibility they need to propel their speaking careers forward.
That’s where I come in. In this post, I’ll be dishing on the hurdles that speakers face when trying to get noticed and why visibility is key to your speaking career success. So, let’s dive in!
The Power of Visibility: Why It Matters
Visibility is the lifeblood of a speaker’s career. It’s the key that unlocks doors to larger engagements, higher fees, and a more profound impact on your audience. Keep reading to find out why visibility matters:
Credibility and Trust
If you want to be taken seriously as a speaker, you need to be seen and heard. That’s how you build up your street cred and earn the trust of your audience.
Folks are more likely to listen and participate when they recognize your face and your voice. So, get out there!
Networking Opportunities
Visibility opens doors to invaluable networking opportunities, connections, and collaborations. Meeting event organizers, fellow speakers, and industry leaders can lead to more bookings and collaborations.
Increased Demand
As your visibility grows, so does the demand for your speaking services. Event organizers and conference planners are more likely to choose speakers with a strong online presence and a proven track record.
Higher Fees
One of the biggest benefits of increased visibility is the ability to command higher speaking fees. As you become a recognized expert and experienced speaker in your field, you can charge more for your time and expertise.
Common Challenges for Aspiring Speakers
Before we explore how to overcome limited visibility, let’s take a closer look at some common challenges that aspiring speakers face:
Lack of Experience: If you’re just starting, you might not have a portfolio of past speaking engagements to showcase your expertise.Â
Limited Network: Building connections in the speaking industry can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it.Â
Ineffective Branding: Your personal brand as a speaker is crucial. Inconsistent branding or a lack thereof can hinder your visibility.Â
Marketing Missteps: Not knowing how to effectively market yourself as a speaker can lead to missed opportunities.
Industry Standards: Why Visibility Matters
Most in-the-know speaker and event organizations like SpeakerFlow, BNC Speakers, and SpeakInc, advise individuals planning conferences and events to check the speaker’s online presence including their social media, before booking them.
If you want to be seriously considered for an organization, conference, or series it’s imperative that your presence online is updated, cohesive, and consistent.
Solving the Visibility Challenge
Smart Small
Begin by speaking at local events, workshops, and webinars to gain experience and build a portfolio.
Network ActivelyÂ
Attend industry events, connect with fellow speakers, and engage on social media to expand your network.
Craft your Brand
Develop a clear personal brand that reflects your expertise and values. Create a professional website and maintain consistent branding across all platforms.
Master Social Media
Utilize social media platforms to share your knowledge, engage with your audience, and showcase your speaking skills.
Content Creation
Write articles, record podcasts, or produce videos that demonstrate your expertise and can be shared on various platforms.
Collaborate
Partner with influencers or organizations in your niche to reach a wider audience.
Invest in Marketing
Consider investing in hiring an agency or consultant, paid advertising, professional photography, and search engine optimization (SEO) to boost your online visibility.
Making a name for yourself won’t happen overnight. It’s going to take time, determination, and some serious hustle. There’s no cookie-cutter approach to success. Even though there are many speakers, you’re one of one! You’ll need to build connections, perfect your craft, and develop a killer branding and marketing strategy to make the world your stage.
Feeling invisible? I can help with that!
Schedule a Brand Flaunt Discovery Call and learn how Vivid Visual Solutions can boost your visibility and get you booked!
