LinkedIn is full of thought leaders sharing insightful posts about game-changing strategies. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of sameness. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be loud to build influence on LinkedIn, you just need to be real.
If you’re trying to build influence on LinkedIn, the goal isn’t just visibility. It’s connection. And the best way to do that? Show up as you, not some corporate-speak clone of everyone else.
1. Ditch the Jargon. Speak Like a Human.
You know those posts that start with, “In today’s fast-paced digital landscape…” and end with nothing memorable? Yeah, skip that.
Instead, write like you talk. Say things how you’d explain them to a friend over coffee. For example:
“Leveraging cross-functional synergies to optimise value delivery.”
“We finally got marketing and sales to work together, and it worked.”
Want to improve your writing tone? Try this Hemingway Editor to make your writing clearer and more conversational.
2. Tell Micro-Stories, Not Just Insights
People don’t remember stats. They remember stories. Share moments that made you think, fail, or grow.
Instead of saying, “Leadership is about empathy,” try:
Last week, I asked a teammate how they were doing. They said no one had asked them that in weeks. That’s when I realised, leadership isn’t about deadlines. It’s about presence. If you want to build influence on LinkedIn, start by showing up for your people—because presence speaks louder than any post. These real-life snapshots build trust faster than any motivational quote ever will.
Need inspiration? Read real examples from Justin Welsh; he’s a master at micro-stories with punch.
3. Create, Don’t Curate (Too Much)
It’s tempting to just reshare articles from Forbes or McKinsey. But curating others’ content isn’t enough to build your influence.
Try this formula instead:
• Problem: Start with a relatable frustration.
• Perspective: Share your opinion or solution.
• Prompt: End with a question to invite engagement.
Example:
“Everyone says ‘just network more’ to grow your career. But what if you’re introverted and hate small talk?
Here’s how I make networking work without going to 10 coffee chats a week…
What’s your approach?”
Use AnswerThePublic to find real questions your audience is asking.
4. Engage Like You Mean It
Posting once a week won’t cut it if you ignore comments and never support others. Influence is earned through consistent engagement.
• Comment on posts from people in your niche
• Offer thoughtful responses, not “great post!”
• Celebrate others’ wins, genuinely
Pro tip: Block 15 mins a day just to interact. That’s often more valuable than creating content.
5. Don’t Wait to Be Perfect
You don’t need the perfect banner, job title, or brand colours to build influence on LinkedIn. You just need to start. Post what’s true for you. Refine as you go.
The best influencers didn’t wait to “become” someone; they shared their journey in real time.
Not sure what to write about? Try this free idea generator for post prompts.
Final Thought: Be the Voice You’d Want to Hear
If everyone else sounds the same, your best bet is to sound like yourself. Be the person who shares generously, reflects honestly, and listens actively—that’s how you build influence on LinkedIn.
That’s influence without the ego.
Also read: Beyond LinkedIn: Unconventional Platforms for Establishing Thought Leadership
