This article was originally published on LinkedIn.

“Visibility is how you create opportunity.” Joe Gannon

I’m a believer. I’m biased. I love Twitter. I make my money off of Twitter. I’ve been a user since 2007, and sorry, Elon Musk, I still can’t call it “X.” Though, I am trying. It just doesn’t have the same weight and context as “Twitter.” 

Be that as it may, I know my bias. We’re about to have 20 years of using Twitter to learn from one another, create connections that matter both personally and professionally, and it is the best place to find people willing to learn and have discussions. 

“Twitter: Excellent for sharing quick insights, engaging in conversations, and staying updated on industry trends.” Salem Speakers 

“I’ll Never Go Back on X / Twitter.”

Now, if you’re shaking your head right now because you’ve been part of political Twitter or any other bashing sect, well, welcome to the internet, Sir. There are bullies and unprofessional people everywhere. 

Read more: The Business Case for X (Twitter) for Public Speakers

Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t want to support the owner of X, Elon Musk. That’s fine. I get it. My argument is that I don’t like Microsoft but I still use LinkedIn. Not a fan of Mark Zuckerberg but I still use Instagram & Facebook. None of the big social media companies are really on our side. That argument is a distraction. 

My argument is that you should be on your own side. Take every advantage you have. Increase your visibility. Participate. Hire a vendor if you have to. But don’t say you’re not being invited as a public speaker without a strong presence on X, a curated playlist of videos on YouTube, and podcast appearances. 

“If you’re a social media hater, finding gigs will be harder for you. You have to change your mindset around social. It’s an asset for making connections and reaching people from all over the world if done correctly.” The Speaker Lab

Prove Your Worth

I remember working with a client who wanted to be published but was under the follower count on Instagram for the publisher to consider her. In 2026, don’t wait to be published. Prove you’re worth paying attention to now.

Self publish books on Amazon. Get your ideas out of your head and onto paper. Have author copies at speaking events to hand out. 

Volunteer to speak at local events. Join your Chamber of Commerce and speak there. Free gigs lead to paid gigs every day of the week. Record as much of your speaking as you can. Use tools like OpusClip to post shorts on YouTube, Reels on Instagram/Facebook, videos on X, and/or TikTok. 

Is social media following just vanity metrics? Sure. Important to conference bookers? Yes. 

“To spark those conversations, you can dissect your core message, share your brainstorming and thought processes, and dive deeper into ideas you’re developing.” Heroic Public Speaking

Why Twitter (X)?

Only 21% of US adults use Twitter (X) according to a 2025 Pew Research Study. This means that Twitter is still full of opportunities for you to stand out. It’s the blue ocean for social media platforms. And, honestly, it doesn’t take much to stand out. 

Just the other day Frank Holland, a CNBC Correspondent followed my new client, also a public speaker. 

Twitter / X allows you to take a stand. So stand out.

Test your ideas out. Battle test the arguments. Get into real conversations. Find the connections that make your talk topics resonate. If you’re only practicing in front of the bathroom mirror, you’re in a vacuum. Ideas don’t live in a vacuum very long. 

Event Planners Want Speakers Who Will Also Promote the Event

Conferences want speakers who have a following. This seems like common sense to me but there are people who believe they need to lock down their ideas and not publish them. Those people aren’t being invited to speak as often as you think. 

Start now. Start today. Start writing your ideas. Start publishing articles on LinkedIn. If you have a website, start publishing blog posts. Share those links on X. Share them on LinkedIn. Stick to your message on all platforms. This is how conference leaders will determine if they will choose your submission.

Will they also promote the conference/event/podcast?

Will they also be engaged with our audience?

Being online makes the event planner and their social media manager’s jobs much easier. 

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Chinese Proverb

What about the Business Case?

The business case of being on X (Twitter) for public speakers is this:

1. You will be invited to speak.
2. Your speaking submissions will be accepted
3. You will make new connections who will also help your career.
4. You will learn from other people in your field.
5. You’ll be able to run polls and do micro research.
6. You will be found by clients so you can charge a consulting fee.
7. You will be able to charge a consulting fee for clients.
8. Every experience a public speaker has builds their social capital, marketing capital, and fee structure.

Who am I to say this? 

I’m Bridget Willard. I’ve given dozens of talks and several keynotes throughout the US, Canada, and EU. This visibility has given me a chance to appear before my target audience: SaaS founders.

I have 285 podcast appearances according to Podchaser, and continue to appear on podcasts aside from my history of guest-hosting and hosting my own podcasts. 

I’ve published nine books, four of which are co-written with my writing partner Warren Laine-Naida who I met on Twitter in 2019. 

I have over 22,000 followers on X (Twitter). Almost all of my leads come to me because of Twitter. 

I have been in business for myself since 2017 and continue to run X accounts for my SaaS clients that help them gain customers.

Twitter X Coaching is Available

Typically my ideal client is a SaaS Founder who wants their software adopted and someone who can help them grow as a brand (business asset to sell).

But I am available for a paid consult or ongoing coaching.

Please say yes to yourself. We, as public speakers, already have enough obstacles without you standing in your own way.

*This post has an affiliate link. I will be compensated if you choose their product. I have not been paid otherwise.