Digital leadership: How women can build influence and authority online

Leadership is no longer a matter of boardrooms and executive suites. With the digital age, women entrepreneurs and professionals can build their influence, establish authority and accelerate their careers by taking advantage of online platforms.

As a small business owner, your online presence is a powerful asset for networking, visibility and influence.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day is #AccelerateAction – and part of the mission is to "support women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM".

For you, the time has come to step up, speak out and claim your online presence. This blog lays out some ways women in business and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) can build their influence and authority online. Read on to find out more…

1. Own your story and build a strong personal brand

Your personal brand is what people say about you when you're not around – so let's make sure it's working for you!

Here are a few things you can do to develop your online presence:

• Identify your expertise: In what area do you want to be known as an expert? Identify your best strengths, values and niche. (This might be women in tech, AI, sustainability or entrepreneurship, for example.)

• Make the most of your LinkedIn profile: Your headline, bio and featured content should clearly reflect your expertise. Use high-quality photos and a compelling summary.

• Create a personal website or blog: A simple portfolio site or blog helps to establish credibility and prove your thought leadership.

VIDEO: The importance of personal branding as a female founder

Lucy Werner explains how you can leverage your brand through creativity, strategy and being part of a community:

2. Use social media to position yourself as a thought leader

Social media is your platform to inspire, influence and connect. You can share your wisdom, drive change and network professionally in online spaces like these:

• LinkedIn: Share industry insights, publish articles and leave comments. Network with investors, mentors and peers.

• Twitter (X) and Bluesky: Use threads to share quick insights, respond to trends and engage in conversations around STEM/business.

• Instagram and TikTok: If your audience is here, give people a glimpse into your life through behind-the-scenes posts, educational reels or success stories.

Whatever platform you choose, make sure you post regularly. A mix of insights, success stories and industry updates keeps your profile current.

And take the time to engage, through commenting on thought leaders' tweets, joining LinkedIn groups and getting involved in Twitter conversations. Use hashtags like #WomenInSTEM, #FemaleFounder, #TechForGood or #AccelerateAction.

3. Create content to educate and influence

Producing and publishing content is a productive way to become credible in your field. But rather than wait for an invitation, take charge right away and start sharing your unique insights.

There's nothing to stop you creating any of the following:

• Blog entries and LinkedIn posts: Weigh in on trends in your industry, share lessons about women in business or talk about the career you've had up to now.

• Short videos: Share tips, tutorials or stories about your business and journey through STEM.

• Podcasts and webinars: Host live Q&As, discussions or interviews with other female leaders.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Canva and Notion can help make content creation a lot easier and quicker with templates, design help and suggestions on what to talk about.

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4. Network and collaborate to support other women online

Mentoring other women in leadership, STEM and business not only lets you create solid networks but also gets us all closer to gender equality.

Grow your online network by doing the following:

• Engaging with women-led communities: Take part in women-in-tech forums, LinkedIn groups and networking events.

• Collaborating on digital projects: Team up with other female entrepreneurs or professionals for online panels, blog collaborations or social media takeovers.

• Mentor and be mentored: Give back to future women leaders by lending your experience and advice, while seeking mentorship from senior professionals.

5. Make your voice heard and be recognised at digital events and conferences

Public speaking – like conferences, webinars or virtual panels – is one of the strongest ways to gain credibility and encourage other people. This is where to start:

• Find ways to speak: Women Techmakers, TEDx, start-up accelerators and organisations like Enterprise Nation are often in need of female speakers.

• Create your own live shows: Use LinkedIn Live, Instagram Live or YouTube to hold real-time conversations about business, STEM and leadership.

• Use media opportunities: Podcasts, business publications and industry blogs are a great way to share your expertise.

#AccelerateAction: Your digital leadership starts today

Digital technology has broken down many of the traditional barriers to leadership. Women no longer have to wait for a boardroom invite – they can build their own influence and authority online.

Here's how you can take action today:

• Audit your online presence: Update your LinkedIn, website and social profiles.

• Share your knowledge: Start posting thought leadership pieces regularly.

• Empower and support other women: Engage, collaborate and give them a louder voice.

• Embrace digital tools: Use AI, automation and content creation platforms to power growth.

Together, let's #AccelerateAction for women's business, leadership and STEM.

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