1. LinkedIn Profile Optimization
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card. Before you start creating content, you need a profile that positions you as a credible thought leader in your space.
The Authority Profile Checklist
Profile Elements Checklist:
- ✓ Professional headshot - Clear, high-quality photo with professional attire
- ✓ Compelling headline - Value proposition, not just job title
- ✓ Custom banner - Visual representation of your expertise
- ✓ Authority-focused summary - How you help your target audience
- ✓ Experience with results - Quantified achievements
- ✓ Skills & endorsements - Top 10 relevant skills
- ✓ Recommendations - 5+ from clients/colleagues
- ✓ Contact information - Make it easy to reach you
Headline Formula
Formula: [What You Do] | [For Whom] | [Key Benefit/Result]
✓ Good Examples:
- • "Revenue Growth Expert | Helping B2B SaaS Companies Scale to $10M+ ARR | Proven Systems & Strategies"
- • "LinkedIn Strategist | Helping Executives Build Thought Leadership | 500M+ Content Views Generated"
✗ Avoid:
- • "CEO at Company Name"
- • "Entrepreneur | Investor | Advisor"
- • Generic job titles without value proposition
2. Content Pillar Framework
Thought leadership requires consistent messaging around specific topics. Content pillars help you stay focused and become known for particular expertise areas.
The 3-5 Pillar Strategy
Primary Pillars (60%)
- • Your core expertise/industry
- • Main service/product area
- • Key methodology/framework
Supporting Pillars (40%)
- • Industry trends/insights
- • Leadership/management
- • Personal experiences/lessons
- • Company culture/behind-scenes
Example Content Pillar Structure
B2B Growth Expert Example:
- Pillar 1 (25%): B2B Lead Generation Strategies
- Pillar 2 (20%): Sales Automation & AI Tools
- Pillar 3 (15%): LinkedIn Marketing Tactics
- Pillar 4 (20%): Entrepreneurship & Scaling
- Pillar 5 (20%): Industry Insights & Trends
3. Content Creation Framework
Consistent, valuable content is the foundation of thought leadership. Here's the exact framework to create content that builds authority and generates leads.
The SPARK Content Framework
S - Story/Situation
Start with a relatable story, situation, or observation
P - Problem/Pain Point
Identify the specific problem or challenge
A - Action/Approach
Share your solution, framework, or approach
R - Result/Revelation
Show the outcome or key insight
K - Key Takeaway
End with an actionable insight or question
Content Types That Build Authority
High-Performing Content:
- • Industry insights & predictions
- • Case studies with metrics
- • Behind-the-scenes stories
- • Frameworks & methodologies
- • Contrarian viewpoints
- • Lessons learned posts
Content to Avoid:
- • Generic motivational quotes
- • Obvious industry news
- • Pure promotional content
- • Controversial political takes
- • Complaints without solutions
- • Overly personal content