If you’re a CEO or founder, chances are you’re already a leader in your space. But here’s the thing—being a leader inside your company is different from being a recognized thought leader in your industry.

And if you’re not actively building your presence on LinkedIn, you’re leaving massive opportunities on the table.

Think about it: the biggest investors, partners, and decision-makers are on LinkedIn. And when they’re looking for insights, guidance, or inspiration, they follow people, not brands.

So, how do you, as a CEO, use LinkedIn to establish authority, build trust, and position yourself as a go-to expert in your industry? Let’s break it down.

Why LinkedIn is a Goldmine for CEOs

✅ Build Trust & Credibility – When you consistently share valuable insights, people start seeing you as an expert. This builds trust, which leads to better connections, partnerships, and even business opportunities.

✅ Attract High-Quality Leads – A strong LinkedIn presence doesn’t just benefit your personal brand—it helps your company too. When people trust YOU, they’re more likely to trust your business.

✅ Get Speaking & Media Opportunities – Journalists, podcast hosts, and event organizers are always looking for industry leaders to feature. If you’re active on LinkedIn, you increase your chances of getting interviewed, invited to speak, or featured in top publications.

✅ Stay Ahead of Competitors – Many CEOs either ignore LinkedIn or use it like an online resume. If you’re consistently providing value, you’ll stand out while your competitors blend in.

How to Build Thought Leadership on LinkedIn as a CEO

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Before you start posting, make sure your profile is polished and professional.

✔️ Profile Photo – Use a high-quality, approachable headshot.
✔️ Headline – Instead of just "CEO of [Company]," add something that reflects your expertise. Example:
🚀 Helping Startups Scale | CEO of [Company] | Speaker & Advisor
✔️ About Section – Tell your story. What’s your mission? What problems do you solve? What insights can you share?
✔️ Featured Section – Add links to your top content, interviews, or company resources.
✔️ Cover Photo – A simple banner with your company branding or a tagline that represents your mission.

2. Post Consistently (But Without Overthinking)

Many CEOs struggle with LinkedIn because they don’t know what to post. Here’s a simple content strategy:

✅ Weekly Content Plan for CEOs

📌 Monday – Leadership & Mindset
Share a lesson you’ve learned as a CEO. Example: "One mistake I made early in my career was ______. Here’s what I learned and how it shaped my leadership style."

📌 Tuesday – Industry Insights & Trends
What’s happening in your industry? Share your take on trends, changes, or innovations.

📌 Wednesday – Personal Story or Behind-the-Scenes
People love authenticity. Share something personal—a challenge, a win, or even a failure you overcame.

📌 Thursday – Company Wins & Culture
Highlight your team’s achievements, upcoming launches, or what makes your company unique.

📌 Friday – Engaging Question or Thought-Provoking Post
Ask your audience for their thoughts on a business challenge, trend, or decision you’re making.

You don’t need to post every day—3-4 posts a week is enough to stay visible.

3. Engage with Your Network

Thought leadership isn’t just about posting—it’s also about starting conversations.

✔️ Comment on relevant industry posts – This puts your name in front of the right people.
✔️ Reply to comments on your posts – Don’t just post and ghost! Engaging with people builds relationships.
✔️ Message new connections – A simple "Thanks for connecting!" can open doors to valuable partnerships.

4. Leverage LinkedIn Articles & Newsletters

If you want to go deeper on a topic, write long-form articles. This positions you as an expert and boosts visibility on LinkedIn’s algorithm.

Even better—start a LinkedIn newsletter! This allows people to subscribe to your content and get notified every time you post.

5. Get Comfortable with Video & LinkedIn Live

Text posts are great, but video builds trust faster.

🎥 Share a 1-2 minute video sharing a quick insight or answering a common question.
🎙️ Try LinkedIn Live to do Q&A sessions, discuss industry news, or share your expertise in real time.

You don’t need fancy equipment—just your phone, good lighting, and a clear message.

Start Positioning Yourself as a Thought Leader Today

The best time to build your personal brand was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now.

So, here’s your action step: Post one LinkedIn update this week. It could be a lesson, a personal story, or an industry insight—just start.

🚀 Need help crafting your LinkedIn content strategy? I help CEOs and founders create engaging LinkedIn content that positions them as thought leaders. Let’s chat!