What are some of the skills and qualities of a successful digital communication leader?

An effective digital communications leader has the technical knowledge to understand digital platforms, trends and data analysis – and the creative and interpersonal skills used in strategic thinking and content creation. They are adaptable and agile, good at planning projects, managing teams and budgets, and collaborating with others. They tell compelling stories, have strong ethical judgment and emotional intelligence, and can use the right digital tools to achieve objectives. They engage stakeholders and are good at measuring campaign performance. They are creative, good writers, and measure campaign effectiveness. They are up-to-date with new technologies and they have a strong online presence.

Understanding the audience is the first step in effective digital communication. This means researching and recognizing their preferences, pain points, and behaviors. For instance, I focus on mobile-first strategies and social media engagement when targeting millennials. To target the audience better, a customer/buyer persona should be created.

It is my belief that a good leader is someone who is willing to listen. This first skill opens to many arguments of positive contamination and knowing how to ask the right questions that represent at least 50% of the chances of doing a good job.

Identifying and understanding the types of audience you have as a digital communicator is important. This helps you identify the appropriate mediums that can help you reach the appropriate audience. Your target audience also determines the type of language to use which may include tone, style of presentation among others.

Smart creators and digital communication leaders don't spread themselves thin by attempting every social channel when they're starting out. Instead, they pick one, they learn by doing or 'sharing', and they double down on what resonates. I totally agree with what entrepreneur Justin Welsh suggests once you've got a handle on one channel: "Learn to "Deplatform" i.e. consider building an email list to build a deeper relationship with the audience and guard against the unforeseen, like algorithm changes.

Recognize the voice of the channel! It is noteworthy that the creator is also recognizing the tone of the channel on which they are publishing their message. All social media channels have a different approach of publishing posts. For example, a said message is not received in the same manner on LinkedIn and Instagram. A user might have a LinkedIn as well as an Instagram account - but they might use LinkedIn more professionally and less frequently; whereas they might use Instagram to stay in touch with their friends and family with more frequency. Identifying the right tone according to the anticipated mood of the user is equally important when you are choosing the right channel.

Selecting appropriate channels for communication is crucial. Different messages might be more effective on different platforms – for example, professional content might perform better on LinkedIn, while more visual content could be suited for Instagram or TikTok.

It's critical to choose the right channels (plural) in order to reach different segments of your audience and diversify your strategy. Research what platforms your audience is using and when. When you plan your content, avoid copy-pasting across selected channels. Your content should be customized for the platform on which it's deployed to fully leverage potential engagement. It's also worth noting that you should consider whether the channel aligns with your company's values.

You know the saying, "You can’t please everyone"? Well, we’re right in front of this great truth. So choose directly where to find the right consensus, choosing the channels suitable for your goal and knowing your brand and its strengths and weaknesses.

Messages determine whether audience should accept or reject the communicator’s message. Therefore as a digital communicator crafting clear and compelling messages for audience is important because it will determine whether audience should engage or not. Clear, concise, compelling, correct messages help prevent ambiguity among audiences.

One of the easiest ways to get your message across as a digital leader is through the power of storytelling. Our brains are wired to soak up stories like sponges. They stick with us in ways that facts and figures just can't. Ever been to a conference? Did you rush home to tell your partner about some mind-numbing statistic you heard? Yeah, probably not. But I bet you found yourself eagerly sharing a story or two that you picked up. That's the thing about storytelling—it's not only memorable but also highly shareable. So, if you're starting out and want to make an impact, embrace the power of storytelling. Share anecdotes, sprinkle in some story and real emotion, and watch as your audience leans in.

The ability to create messages that are both clear and engaging is key. This involves not just what is communicated but how it's conveyed. My strategy includes storytelling, engaging visuals, and a tone that resonates with the audience.

Familiarity with various digital communication models and theories helps in structuring and optimizing communication strategies. For instance, using the AIDA model (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) guides me in crafting messages that not only capture attention but also drive the audience to take action.

The SOSTAC model is definitely one of the most functional and I experience more every day. Phase S and phase C are crucial to improving project performance but very often for time (and budget) reasons they have a very limited Gannt-presence.

Digital communication leaders should be self updated every time to learn something new. Try to learn new things from new technologies. Attend multiple events to learn communication skills

One of the easiest ways to learn and improve is by paying attention to who is consistently showing up in your feed and figuring out what makes their content resonate with you and others.

Continuous learning is the superpower every digital communication leader needs. Understanding AI, exploring new platforms, and learning about audience behaviours are the ways leaders can enhance their skills.

As a digital communication leader, you should collaborate and network with others who share similar interests and goals. By building relationships with fellow communicators, you can exchange ideas, gain insights, and support each other's growth. Utilize online communities, forums, and events to connect and engage with others in the field.

Collaboration and networking as a with others is very important in digital communication. As a leaders this provides you the opportunity to learn from others as well as giving you the chance to better understand how others feel when it comes to digital communication.

Imagine attending an in-person networking event and not speaking to anyone. It would be a missed opportunity, right? The same principle applies to the online world. When you engage with others online, you open doors to a network of individuals who can become part of your community and audience. And it can be as easy as leaving a positive or thoughtful comment on a post! When you comment on someone else's post, you not only show your support but also amplify their work to a wider audience. This creates a reciprocal environment where people are more likely to comment on your posts in return. This ripple effect, especially on LinkedIn, can extend your reach far beyond your immediate network, exposing you to new opportunities.

A key trait of successful digital communication leaders, especially in the era of short-form content domination, is adaptability. Equally crucial is the ability to transform data into engaging stories. Leaders who excel in digital communication are those who can interpret complex data and craft narratives that resonate deeply with their audience, effectively bridging the gap between analytics and human connection.

You need to think like a digital leader. Our brain, accompanied by that little voice inside our head, wants to protect us. That subtle whisper of doubt, questioning our abilities, is rooted in self-preservation. Back in ancient times, this instinct was vital for surviving encounters with formidable predators. But in today's world, it can sometimes hinder our progress. I work with a range of leaders to help them raise their profile- almost all of them need to regularly remind themselves that they have value to share. Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, we need to remind ourselves of our capabilities, embrace a growth mindset and just have a little fun with it.

Digital communication leaders are strategic thinkers with excellent communication skills. They understand the digital landscape and develop data-driven strategies aligned with organizational goals. They foster collaboration and actively listen within their teams. As adaptable leaders, they manage projects effectively and motivate their teams. Their expertise in digital platforms and content creation allows them to navigate the digital realm. They are creative problem solvers with a strong ethical compass. Committed to continuous learning, they stay ahead in the ever-changing digital world, making them invaluable assets in achieving communication success.