The concept of thought leadership blogging has recently been challenged by a client who believes that true thought leaders are limited to major consulting firms and individuals with massive followings. However, the author disagrees and defines a thought leader as someone who influences others’ thoughts on a topic, regardless of their audience size. The key is to have valuable insights and a desire to lead the conversation.
LinkedIn is often overlooked as a platform for thought leadership content, especially by personal development influencers, ecommerce entrepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, and healers and wellness practitioners. While other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter may have larger user bases, professionals also engage on LinkedIn. Neglecting LinkedIn as part of a thought leadership strategy can mean missed opportunities to establish expertise, connect with influential individuals, and secure new business.
Utilizing LinkedIn can help executives and business owners establish trust and credibility, improve their personal and professional brand, and potentially generate leads and sales. Consistent posting is key to demonstrating expertise and value to connections and beyond. Tips for building a brand on LinkedIn include posting multiple times per week, using emojis liberally, incorporating various types of content like images, videos, and slide decks, structuring posts consistently, and utilizing hashtags to increase discoverability.
Maximizing interactions, visibility, and results on LinkedIn involves engaging with comments, posting during peak hours for maximum visibility, and analyzing post performance to adjust content strategy accordingly. For those who lack the time or writing skills to post consistently, hiring an executive ghostwriter can be beneficial. A skilled ghostwriter can help with content strategy, topic selection, content calendars, outlining, and refining ideas, while also maintaining the individual’s personal voice and style in their writing.
Incorporating thought leadership into a LinkedIn strategy can help professionals tap into a network of professionals seeking unique insights and perspectives. Ultimately, engaging on LinkedIn can lead to building a personal or corporate brand, which can be valuable for professional growth and opportunities. By taking advantage of the platform and regularly posting content, individuals can establish themselves as thought leaders and gain visibility within their industry.
