Thought leadership done right > yet another paid social media post. Here’s why.
Thought leadership is key to an effective social media strategy for organizations looking educate, develop their following, and even drive leads.
According to a study by Edelman, 48% of decision-makers spend at least an hour per week consuming thought leadership content.
A survey conducted by LinkedIn found that 55% of decision-makers have shortlisted a company based on its thought leadership content, and 60% of decision-makers are willing to pay a premium for a product or service provided by a thought leader.
That means thought leadership can have a significant impact on the bottom line.
What is a thought leader?
Thought leaders are individuals who possess expertise, insights, and a unique perspective within their respective industries.
Successful organizations are able to tap into their own subject-matter experts on digital and social media channels to grow company following, engagement and even drive leads.
Audiences are more likely to trust a thought leader’s insights and recommendations over Yet. Another. Paid. Social. Post. #promoted
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60% of decision-makers are willing to pay a premium for a product or service provided by a thought leader.
So, what makes a great thought leader?
1. Expertise and deep industry knowledge
Calling on subject-matter experts (SMEs)! Thought leaders are individuals who possess a deep understanding of their industry and have established themselves as SMEs. They continually seek knowledge, stay abreast of industry trends, and possess a strong foundation of expertise.
For instance, Neil Patel, a renowned digital marketing expert, has leveraged his extensive knowledge to become a trusted source of information in the field. Marketers are more likely to follow his advice, tips and tricks about SEO.
2. Originality and a unique perspective
Authenticity is essential here. Thought leaders bring fresh and original ideas to the table, challenging existing norms and providing a unique perspective. They have the inspiring ability to think outside the box and offer innovative solutions to industry challenges.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is widely recognized as a thought leader due to his visionary ideas and groundbreaking advancements in the fields of electric vehicles and space exploration.
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Thought leaders bring fresh and original ideas to the table… and have the inspiring ability to think outside the box and offer innovative solutions to industry challenges.
3. Consistent content creation
Thought leaders consistently create and share valuable content, establishing themselves as reliable sources of information. They leverage various platforms, such as blogs, podcasts, and social media, to disseminate their insights and engage with their audience.
Renowned “toddler experts” Big Little Feelings, founded and run by Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant, have effectively branded themselves as the thought leaders in gentle parenting methods. The brand has leveraged social media, blogs, podcasts, short courses, and press to achieve their thought leadership status.
4. Building a community and engaging with followers
Thought leaders actively build and nurture a community of followers who trust and engage with their content. They foster meaningful relationships by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and providing guidance to their audience.
Huda Kattan, a leader in the beauty space is consistent in her content strategy across social media, press and more to ensure her followers are engaged with Huda Beauty products, make-up hacks and real-person videos of others using her products.
Thought leaders consistently create and share valuable content, establishing themselves as reliable sources of information.
In summary, thought leadership is not just about expertise but also about inspiring and influencing others through unique perspectives, consistent content creation, and community engagement.
NSA Communications can help you or your business leverage thought leadership to deliver engagement, follower growth and leads.
We are experts at tailoring strategies for your specific needs.
Contact us today:
M: 0405 383 190
Noha Shaheed Ahmed is the Principal and Founder of NSA Communications. A proud, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) entrepreneur in Australia, she is an ex-business journalist and communications manager. Her career spans a decade across financial services, NFP, data/insights, technology, green economy, government and more. She is passionate about the ‘why’ in content, and delivering data-driven reporting that skips the marketing jargon and provides useful insights and strategic advice for leaders. Noha is also a Mum of two young children, an avid coffee enthusiast and loves to give back to the community with her services.
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