How Thought Leadership Differs From Being a Brand Influencer

  • 1 min read

When it comes to building a brand it’s important to know how influencer marketing differs from developing thought leadership. As trends and technology cause a shift in our online world both concepts have emerged to mean two very different things.

How can your brand project the right image? By knowing exactly where to focus your efforts with the right target market. If you are looking for sponsorships, speaking engagements, and building upon your name then you will want to focus on becoming an influencer. Thought leadership works best for companies or individuals who want to sell products or services.

When first starting out your brand will need to build trust and become known as an authoritative leader in your industry before making the distinction. The best approach is to map out a plan now for how you want to be viewed in the future by your prospects and customers.

Growing a brand name online

A personal brand’s persona arrives through daily interactions, great content, and relationship building. Here are a few ways to give your influence a boost and to meet your business goals:

  • Publish content – Post regular blog posts as they relate to your industry on a regular basis. Over time news media outlets and guest blogging opportunities will start to come your way and drive your subscribers to your website. Through social sharing and interactions your rank will also start to improve in search.
  • Become an author or host a show – Brand recognition and establishing authority in your niche can be greatly enhanced with a published book and/or a video channel. This will also attract an interested audience, especially as live video is being used on places like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
  • Get active in professional events – As your brand engages in a speaking event, webinar, or other type of conference you can build a network of opportunity to host your own. Speaking in particular is a good way establish authority and connect with your community in a personal way. This works well especially if you are attending these both offline and online.

Establishing your brand as an influencer or though leader begins with research and personal connections that show you care about your community. Decide today whether you want to become an author, speaker, full-time blogger, or successful online reseller.

Picture of Susan Gilbert

Susan Gilbert

Susan Gilbert uses her laser focus knowledge to coach and provide online marketing and social sharing programs for authors, speaker, experts and small businesses. She is the author and publisher of several books including “The Land of I Can,” and “KLOUT SCORE: Social Media Influence, How to Gain Exposure and Increase Your Klout,” Susan combines online marketing with strategic thinking to create successful programs. Working most often with authors and entrepreneurs, she understands promotion at a personal level as a regularly quoted resource in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine and many more. Follow her Digital Marketing Tips at her blog: SusanGilbert.com

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