How to influence online

1. Pick a Clear Niche (Don’t Be “Everything”)

Influence grows faster when people know exactly what you’re about.

Instead of: “I talk about life”

Try: “I help young Nigerians build side hustles” or “fitness for busy professionals”

Ask yourself:

What do I know well?

What problems can I solve?

Who do I want to help?

2. Choose 1–2 Main Platforms

Don’t try to dominate everywhere at once.

Short-form content: TikTok, Instagram (Reels)

Thought leadership: X (Twitter), LinkedIn

Deep content: YouTube

 Pick based on your strength (writing, speaking, or video).

3. Create Valuable Content Consistently

The formula is simple:

Value + Consistency + Personality

Types of content that grow influence:

Teach something (tips, tutorials)

Share your journey (wins + struggles)

Give opinions (thought-provoking takes)

Tell stories (people remember stories more than facts)

Aim for: 3–5 posts per week minimum

4. Make Your Content Relatable (This is KEY)

People follow people they connect with, not just experts.

Use simple language

Share personal experiences

Show your face/voice when possible

Talk like you’re speaking to one person

5. Engage Like a Human (Not a Broadcaster)

Influence grows faster in conversations than in posts.

Reply to comments

Ask questions in your posts

Comment on other creators’ content

Start discussions

Early on, engagement matters more than follower count.

6. Build Authority Over Time

To be seen as influential, you need proof.

Share results (your own or others’)

Post case studies

Collaborate with others in your niche

Be consistent with your message

7. Use Hooks (Attention is Everything)

If people don’t stop scrolling, nothing else matters.

Examples:

“Nobody tells you this about making money online…”

“I tried this for 30 days—here’s what happened”

“If you’re in your 20s, read this”

8. Stay Consistent Long Enough

Most people quit too early.

First 30 days: Learning phase

60–90 days: Small traction

6+ months: Real influence starts building

 Consistency beats talent here.

9. Monetization Comes Later (But Plan for It)

Once you have influence, you can earn through:

Selling products/services

Affiliate marketing

Brand deals

Digital products (courses, ebooks)

10. Track What Works

Pay attention to:

Which posts get saves/shares

What topics people respond to

What format performs best

Then double down on that.

Simple Starter Plan (You Can Begin Today)

Pick a niche

Choose 1 platform

Post 1 piece of content daily for 30 days

Engage for 20–30 minutes after posting