5 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Industry Thought Leader

You’ve spent money on online advertising to no avail. Your emails aren’t getting opened. And no one’s visiting your site.

The marketing creek has run dry.

It’s time for an expert to the rescue: you! By applying the knowledge that you’ve gained by working in your industry for years, you can start marketing efforts that actually work in attracting new clientele.

Here are 5 ways to get recognized as an industry thought leader and hopefully increase the traffic coming to your site.

1. Write, Write, Write

Content marketing isn’t going anywhere, though the challenge these days is that there’s too much noise to stand out easily. The more you write informative and useful content that appeals to your target audience on established channels, the farther you spread your influence.

That means you need to be writing content for your own business blog, as well as guest blogging on sites that appeal to your audience.

You also should consider writing books, since people respect authors.

2. Get Out There and Speak

Rather than hiding behind your computer, spend some time at local and national industry events that cater to your customer.

Look for opportunities, big and small, to speak to your audience through local networking events, conferences, and trade shows.

If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of public speaking, join your local Toastmasters group to polish your skills and confidence.

3. Become a PR Darling

I am frequently interviewed by the media about the business topics on which I’m considered an expert. I’ve gotten these opportunities by making myself available as an expert.

Help a Reporter is an excellent, free resource where you can find journalists looking for specific types of people for stories. Respond with a well thought-out pitch and you could be quoted in a national publication.

It’s just one step further to connect with news anchors looking to interview people on live television. Working with a public relations professional can open doors you wouldn’t otherwise be able to open.

5. Share Freely on Social Media

Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Facebook are excellent social channels for sharing your knowledge. You can share:

• Your own blog content
• Blog posts you’ve read elsewhere
• Comments on a current conversation
• Questions to pique interest and conversation

Remember: the key on social media is to provide value that others aren’t. That means acting as a knowledge curator rather than a self-promoter. Look at what others are sharing and consider how you can add value from a different angle.

You’ve accumulated years of industry knowledge. Make it work for you. Share it through the appropriate channels to build trust with potential customers as well as attract them to your brand.

Light Bulb Pencil Drawing via Shutterstock

This article, "5 Ways to Establish Yourself as an Industry Thought Leader" was first published on Small Business Trends