top of page
header19.jpg
Search

How to Build Thought Leadership on LinkedIn

  • Jun 10, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 12

By: Stephanie Bickel

Communication Strategies

A client recently shared:

“I want to establish myself as a thought leader in the retail industry. I attend conferences, meet with vendors, and I’ve started connecting with other industry leaders. I’m posting on LinkedIn and planning to launch a newsletter, but I want to be more intentional and build momentum. How do I actually establish my reputation as a thought leader?”

Thought Leadership Isn’t About Broadcasting - It’s About Helping Others Win


If your goal is to be the loudest in the room, you’ll burn out quickly.If your goal is to be the most useful, most curious, and most consistent, you’ll build a reputation that lasts.

Thought leaders don’t just share content - they share perspective. LinkedIn is a powerful platform to do exactly that.


Here's What’s Working Right Now on LinkedIn (Especially in B2B and Retail)


Comment Like a Leader


  • Show up in conversations that matter. Comment meaningfully on 3–5 posts a day.

  • Add insight, not just agreement. Try:

    • “What I’d add to this…”

    • “We’re seeing a similar shift in retail tech…”

  • This positions you as a peer, not just a reader.


Turn Conversations Into Content


  • Vendor demos, customer calls, and conference takeaways are goldmines.

  • Each conversation can become:

    • A quote with your interpretation

    • A trend you’re watching

    • A question for your audience to weigh in on


Use Visual Proof


  • Post photos from events, behind-the-scenes moments, or team interactions.

  • Tag others, thank them, and share one key takeaway.

    • Example: “Here’s what I learned at NRF from [@speaker]: The future of checkout isn’t speed - it’s connection.”


Leverage Thought Leader Proximity


  • Bring well-known voices into your internal meetings, webinars, or panels.

  • With permission, share a clip, quote, or insight—and tag them.

  • Bonus: Add a CTA like “Who else should we invite next?”


Start a Weekly Insight Series


  • Choose a predictable format:

    • Retail Trends Friday

    • Monday Morning Insight (3-Minute Read)

  • Keep it consistent, short, and high-value.

  • End with a strong engagement question. (“How are you seeing this trend play out?”)


Build and Nurture a Contact List


  • After conferences or key conversations, reach out directly:

    “I’d love to include you in future insights or events we’re hosting.”

  • With permission, add them to your CRM or newsletter list.


Final Thought

Thought leadership is a habit, not a headline. Show up. Speak up. Stay curious. The reputation you build will reflect the value you consistently bring.


Interested in a true leap forward in your leadership communication skills, start building new communication habits that advance your leadership and increase your impact immediately: https://speakbydesign.com/join

bottom of page