Dimensions of Authority Maturity
Earned Media
Earned media refers to coverage that is “earned” rather than bought. Successful earned media includes securing media coverage on media outlets and digital publications. Typically, leaders achieve earned media coverage through their thought leadership and the support of a dedicated public relations team. Audiences are more likely to trust content they see in earned media than rented media because it is viewed as more objective.
Owned Media
Owned media refers to media that is on a platform that you own. Most frequently, owned media refers to your personal website and all content and digital assets hosted there. Unlike with rented and earned media, you control the portrayal of your message and brand experience on owned media. This gives you the upper hand over rented and earned media where you cannot “own” the connection with your audience.
Rented Media
Rented media refers to posting on platforms that you do not own. The most common examples of rented media are social media and advertising platforms. Here, you operate on someone else’s terms of service and must adhere to their policies. A skillful thought leader uses rented media to reach more of their audience and keep them engaged.
Brand Strategy
Brand strategy encompasses the identity of your brand—how it is portrayed, marketed, and perceived by the public. A documented strategy includes your value proposition, purpose, target audience(s), key messages and a phrase or sentence that describes what you want your to think and feel about your brand. Brand building efforts are aimed at boosting your brand’s discoverability, differentiating your customer experience and leveraging customers as a strategic asset, and navigating partnerships with external brands. Your brand strategy should drive business decisions and, ultimately, help you outperform your competitors.