iWorld
Influencing in the digital age: Social media and online presence
Mumbai: In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media has become the cornerstone of influence. With billions of users across various platforms, individuals and businesses alike are leveraging social media to craft compelling online personas and reach wider audiences. This shift has ushered in a new era of influence where an individual’s online presence can shape opinions, trends, and even societal norms.
Building a Strong Online Presence
Creating a strong online presence begins with authenticity. Authenticity breeds trust, a vital currency in the digital age. Influencers who share genuine stories, experiences, and expertise resonate more profoundly with their audience. Transparency about one’s journey, successes, and even failures creates a relatable narrative, fostering a deeper connection with followers.
Content as the Kingmaker
Content reigns supreme in the digital realm. Whether it’s engaging videos, insightful blog posts, or eye-catching visuals, compelling content captures attention and keeps audiences hooked. High-quality, relevant, and consistent content establishes credibility and positions influencers as authorities in their respective niches. Utilizing multimedia formats – from videos and podcasts to infographics – caters to diverse audience preferences, maximizing reach and impact.
Understanding the Algorithmic Universe
Social media algorithms dictate the visibility of content. Understanding these algorithms is paramount. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok employ complex algorithms that prioritize content based on engagement, relevance, and timeliness. By staying updated on algorithmic changes and tailoring content strategies accordingly, influencers can ensure their posts reach a wider audience.
Engagement: The Heartbeat of Influence
Engagement is the heartbeat of social media influence. Responding to comments, participating in discussions, and acknowledging followers’ contributions humanizes influencers and fosters a sense of community. Live sessions, Q&A segments, and polls enhance real-time interaction, making followers feel valued and heard. Actively engaging with the audience not only strengthens existing connections but also attracts new followers through positive word-of-mouth.
Ethical Considerations and Responsible Influence
In the digital age, influence comes with great responsibility. Influencers wield substantial power to shape public opinion, making ethical considerations imperative. Being mindful of sponsored content, disclosing partnerships transparently, and promoting products or services that align with personal values maintain credibility and trust. Social responsibility, including advocating for social causes, adds depth to an influencer’s online presence, showcasing a commitment beyond self-promotion.
Embracing Constant Evolution
The digital landscape is dynamic, with trends and platforms constantly evolving. Successful influencers adapt to these changes. They experiment with new formats, stay abreast of emerging platforms, and continuously refine their content strategies. Flexibility and a willingness to evolve are key traits that enable influencers to thrive amidst the ever-changing digital landscape.
In conclusion, influencing in the digital age is an art that combines authenticity, compelling content, algorithmic savvy, active engagement, ethical considerations, and adaptability. Those who master this art not only gain followers but also wield the power to shape opinions, foster communities, and bring about positive change in the world. In the age of social media, influence is not just about popularity; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
The author of this article is Animeta creator Shilpa Chaudhary.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
