Lessons From The Original Influencer

Written By Aggrey Amor

18th November, 2024

Jesus wasn’t just a prophet; He was a marketing mastermind who built one of the most enduring "brands" in history. Starting with just a small group of followers, his message spread across continents and generations, shaping cultures and influencing billions of lives. His strategies weren’t based on flashy ads or big SEO budgets but on authenticity, connection, and timeless storytelling.

What can modern marketers learn from his approach? A lot, it turns out. Whether you’re growing a startup, leading a team, or building a personal brand, the lessons from Jesus' strategy can inspire fresh perspectives. As I sat down to brainstorm on this article, I thought it’d be interesting to break down some of His key moves and see how they apply in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected marketing world.

1.???? The Original Influencer

It started with just 12 followers (talk about organic growth!). Jesus was doing micro-influencer marketing before it was even a concept that existed in people’s brains! He picked quality over quantity - these weren't just random followers, they were true brand evangelists. And boy, did that strategy have staying power... 2000+ years of engagement!

• Build Relationships, Not Just Followers. Jesus didn't just preach; he walked His talk. He connected with people deeply, understanding their pain points and offering them real solutions.
• Your Brand's Move: Authenticity is the new black. Be genuine, relatable, and willing to go the extra mile for your audience. Build trust, not just sales. Your first 12 dedicated customers could be worth more than 12,000 casual ones. It's not about the size of your following, it's about the size of their devotion.

2.???? The Master Storyteller: Speak to the Heart

If you want your message to stick, speak in stories that hit home. As we all know, Jesus was all about parables -using these simple but profound stories that people could relate to and remember on a plethora of levels. Today, successful brands do the same. Think of Airbnb’s user-generated travel stories or Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign. Storytelling lets people see themselves in your brand, making your message unforgettable.

3.???? The Miracle Worker

Jesus’ miracles weren’t just about the acts themselves—they created moments that people couldn’t stop talking about. Feeding multitudes with a few loaves and fish, walking on water, healing the sick—I mean come on, imagine Peter reciting all those moments on his Instagram live! These were jaw-dropping experiences that cemented his reputation.

o Creating Miracles: Delivering “Wow” Moments Surprise your audience with real, unexpected value. Today’s “miracles” might look like exceptional customer experiences, impactful social initiatives, or above-and-beyond service.

• Example:?TOMS’ “One for One” model or Zappos’ legendary customer service.
• Your Brand’s Move:?Deliver “wow” moments your customers can’t stop talking about. In a world of predictable experiences, the unexpected is golden.

4. Handling Criticism with Grace: Staying True in the Face of Pushback

Jesus faced relentless criticism – He still does even in 2024, yet He remained true to his mission and values. He didn’t argue with his detractors but focused on His purpose. Today, brands face a similar challenge under the scrutiny of social media. Think of being social media ‘cancelled’ as a modern-day crucifixion.

• Example: When Apple introduced the minimalist iPhone, sceptics were vocal—but Apple didn’t waver. The result? Iconic status.
• Your Brand’s Move: Stand by your message. Consistency and integrity win respect—and respect is priceless.

5. Turning Setbacks into Comebacks: The Ultimate Brand Revival

After Jesus’ crucifixion, his resurrection was the ultimate comeback—transforming a devastating setback into a defining moment – one that believers across all parts of the world draw from. Brands, too, can use crises as opportunities for reinvention.

• Example: Airbnb’s pivot during the pandemic or LEGO’s revival after near-bankruptcy shows how resilience and reinvention can lead to triumph.
• Your Brand’s Move: Double down on what makes you unique. When handled strategically, challenges can be springboards for growth.

6. Empowering Others: Let the Audience Carry the Message

Jesus didn’t keep the spotlight on Himself. In the “Great Commission,” he empowered his followers to carry the message forward. Brands today use the same principle to build communities that promote their message.

• Example:?Starbucks’ #RedCup Contest or Red Bull’s extreme sports events showcase how empowering your audience creates passionate advocates.
• Your Brand’s Move:?Equip your community to share your brand’s story. Word of mouth is marketing gold, and empowering your customers can take it to the next level.

Through His actions, stories, and unwavering mission, Jesus demonstrated that true influence isn’t about flashy tactics or short-term wins—it’s about authenticity, connection, and creating lasting impact. His timeless strategies remind us that the most powerful brands are those that inspire trust, empower their communities, and remain steadfast in their purpose, even in the face of challenges.

As marketers, leaders, and creators, we can draw inspiration from these principles to build something bigger than ourselves—brands that resonate, endure, and truly matter. The question isn’t just what your next campaign will say, but what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. Because when your message is meaningful, and your mission aligns with your actions, your influence will echo far beyond the digital noise.