Thought Leadership and Social Selling: Definitions, Benefits, and Tips for Business Leaders

We've all heard of influencers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, but have you heard of LinkedIn influencers? These individuals are experts (a.k.a. thought leaders) in their industry and use LinkedIn as a platform to share their knowledge and insights with others.

But what exactly is thought leadership on LinkedIn — why does it matter? In this blog, we'll dive into what makes a LinkedIn influencer and explore the importance of publishing thought leadership content on this professional networking site.

What is Thought Leadership

Thought leadership might sound like a buzzword bingo, but it's more than that. It's about being recognized as the go-to expert in your industry, someone whose opinions people genuinely value. Whether you're a lone wolf or part of a larger organization, it's about making a mark. Thought leaders are usually subject matter experts with a unique perspective or insight that sets them apart from others in their field.

What is Social Selling?

Social selling uses LinkedIn to find and engage with potential customers, establish trust, and drive sales. By leveraging content, insights, and connections on LinkedIn, sales leaders can position themselves as thought leaders in their industry and use this influence to attract potential clients in the long term.

Becoming a LinkedIn Thought Leader

So, what does it take to become a LinkedIn influencer? 

Having a large following or a fancy job title won’t cut it. To be an influencer on LinkedIn, one must consistently publish valuable and insightful content that resonates with their target audience. This content includes articles, videos, images, short text-only posts, and more. No matter what content you're pushing out, consistency is paramount.

The goal of publishing thought leadership content on LinkedIn is to establish yourself as a credible and knowledgeable expert. This leads to increased visibility, networking opportunities, and even potential job opportunities.

Why Thought Leadership Matters on LinkedIn

Now that we know what thought leadership is and how to become a LinkedIn influencer, let's explore why it matters. Here are some key reasons why thought leadership is crucial on LinkedIn:

Establishing Authority and Credibility

In today's digital age, establishing authority and credibility is crucial. As the saying goes, "content is king." By publishing valuable and insightful content, you are positioning yourself as an expert in your industry - it says, "I know what I'm talking about". This can help build trust with your audience and establish you as a go-to source for information in your field.

Building Relationships and Networking Opportunities

LinkedIn is all about making professional connections and thought leadership can seriously help build relationships within your industry. You will likely attract like-minded individuals and potential clients by consistently publishing valuable content. This can lead to networking opportunities, collaborations, inbound leads, and even potential job offers.

Nurturing Audiences with Strategic Messaging

As a LinkedIn thought leader, you have the power to shape the conversation within your industry. By publishing thought leadership content, you can strategically position yourself and your brand as a leader in your field. This can help attract and nurture audiences who align with your messaging and values.

Amplifying Impact Through Relevant Content

LinkedIn serves as a dynamic platform where you can sway an audience of influential business leaders who hold significant sway in their respective fields. It's a powerful space for discussing industry trends, showcasing innovation, and gauging the pulse of the competition. Many professionals rely on LinkedIn to stay updated on what their suppliers, competitors, and other industry players are doing. The stronger the credibility attached to an influencer’s content, the greater its potential impact and influence.

Driving Business Growth

Thought leadership on LinkedIn can drive significant growth. You will likely attract more leads and clients by establishing yourself as a trusted expert in your industry. Plus, showcasing your thought leadership can also help with employer branding, attracting top talent to your company.

How to become a LinkedIn Thought Leader

Now that you understand the importance of thought leadership on LinkedIn, here are some tips to help you become a LinkedIn influencer:

Identify Your Niche

Find your area of expertise and stick to it. This will help you establish yourself as an expert in that particular field. Niching down differentiates your content and makes what you have to say more memorable. If your audience is confused by what you do or talk about, it's unlikely they will follow or engage with your content.

Optimize Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your online resume and the first impression you make with potential connections. Brand your profile to showcase your expertise and make it easy for others to understand what you're all about. Use keywords relevant to your industry, have a professional headshot, and craft an engaging summary highlighting your skills and experience.

Turning on "creator mode" can also help promote your content and make it more visible to other LinkedIn users.

Be Consistent

Consistency is crucial when it comes to thought leadership on LinkedIn. Set a schedule for when you'll publish content and stick to it. This will help keep your audience engaged and build trust in your expertise.

Engage With Your Audience

Don't just post and forget about it. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages and interacting with content on your feed. This will show that you value their input and can help foster stronger relationships.

Collaborate With Other Thought Leaders

Reach out to other thought leaders in your industry and collaborate on content or projects. Doing so can expand your reach and help you establish yourself as a key player in your field. Plus, you can learn from others and gain new insights and perspectives.

Introducing Social Selling as a Thought Leader

As a thought leader on LinkedIn, you already have an established audience and credibility, making you more likely to attract potential clients through social selling. You are effectively "selling" yourself and your brand to potential clients without being pushy or salesy.

Some effective ways to incorporate social selling as a thought leader include:

• Sharing valuable content that showcases your expertise
• Engaging with potential clients and building relationships
• Utilizing LinkedIn's Sales Navigator to identify and connect with leads
• Providing personalized value, such as offering advice or insights, to potential clients

Using social selling techniques, you can turn your thought leadership on LinkedIn into tangible business opportunities.

Examples of Successful Thought Leaders on LinkedIn

To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of successful thought leaders on LinkedIn:

Neil Patel

A marketing expert and content creator, Neil Patel has over 1.4 million followers on LinkedIn. He regularly publishes valuable insights and resources for marketers and entrepreneurs.

Sallie Krawcheck

With over 550,000 followers, Sallie Krawcheck is a financial industry thought leader and the CEO of Ellevest. She uses her platform to empower women in finance and share her insights on leadership and diversity.

Gary Vaynerchuk

A serial entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author, Gary Vaynerchuk has over 3.8 million followers on LinkedIn. He shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, marketing, and social media.

Jay Baer

A renowned marketing strategist and speaker, Jay Baer has over 250,000 followers on LinkedIn. He regularly shares thought-provoking insights and resources for marketers and business professionals.

Ann Handley

A bestselling author and the chief content officer of MarketingProfs, Ann Handley has over 500,000 followers on LinkedIn. She shares valuable tips and insights for marketers and content creators.

Richard Van Der Blom

With over 25 years of experience in marketing and sales, Richard Van Der Blom is a thought leader on LinkedIn with over 150,000 followers. He regularly shares LinkedIn insights and resources for social selling and digital marketing.