Author Mark Batterson Explains How Authenticity On Social Media Leads To Success

"Recently, I talked to book author Mark Batterson about how it can seem like many of us will toil away for years and years on social media with no success. His latest book, called Gradually, Then Suddenly, is all about waiting until a breakthrough happens. He says the key to success is to stick with your message and stay authentic, because the time will come when you experience a breakthrough. He also says it's important to reframe what influence on social media even means. "Sometimes the loudest voices do get the most time and attention," he says. "I am not after likes and follows, I really want to add value. I want to post content that will inspire people. Sometimes [social media] is also an outlet to have great offline conversations.""

"I'll use myself as an example here. I write about social media trends and emerging apps but I'm also constantly posting on my LinkedIn and X channels. Every once in a while, a post will catch on and I'll see a handful of comments, but it's not like I've become a true influencer. I keep posting and I emphasize authenticity above all things."

"I can relate to Batterson's comment about adding value and sticking with it. That is the critical component for long term success, not having one viral hit. "Don't focus on being famous, focus on having something to say," he says. "Say something that is unique and true, that can add value. People follow those types of accounts.""

Many social media users hope for virality and large followings but often receive only occasional engagement. Success commonly arises after persistent effort, where consistent posting and authenticity build trust over time. Focusing on adding value and inspiring others creates meaningful influence that can translate into productive offline conversations. Measuring success by likes and follows undermines long-term impact. Unique, true content that contributes value attracts followers. Breakthroughs may arrive gradually and then suddenly, so reframing influence and concentrating on having something worthwhile to say proves more effective than chasing fame or immediate viral hits.

Read at Forbes