How to Start Posting on LinkedIn to Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader
Why LinkedIn Matters Right Now
LinkedIn isn’t just for résumés—it’s the stage for building credibility, visibility, and authority in your industry. If you’ve been wondering how to establish yourself as a thought leader on LinkedIn, the answer is simple: start posting.
LinkedIn content strategy has shifted dramatically over the last few years. Instead of polished corporate updates, people are connecting more with posts that feel human, insightful, and easy to digest. Sharing regularly is how you stay top of mind with the people who matter most: potential clients, collaborators, and peers.
But here’s the question: what kind of content actually works on LinkedIn?
In this post, I’ll break down:
The three formats currently gaining the most traction on LinkedIn
How to create posts that connect with your viewer
How often you should show up to gain credibility.
And if you’ve ever stalled at the blank-screen, I’ll share a shortcut to get you posting like a pro in no time.
What’s Trending on LinkedIn Right Now
So, what’s actually working right now? Let’s look at the three big content formats driving traction on LinkedIn today:
Carousels – swipeable, saveable posts packed with ideas in a quick-to-digest format
Storytelling posts – raw, honest narratives that reveal lessons and spark connection
Unpolished authenticity – straight-from-your-phone videos or behind-the-scenes snapshots that feel human and relatable
All three formats matter, but let’s pause on LinkedIn carousels for a moment—because they’re the one format that combines teaching, storytelling, and visuals in a way that makes people stop scrolling and hit “save.”
According to Canva’s 2025 State of Visual Communication report, visual content is remembered 74% faster than dull design. Translation? People won’t just see your carousel—they’ll remember it.
Why Carousels Build Authority Faster
While storytelling posts and unpolished videos spark emotion and connection, LinkedIn carousels build authority faster because they’re both visual and educational.
The goal is to create content people want to save or send to a coworker.
That could be:
A resource guide
A set of quick industry tips
Or something so clever or funny they just have to share it
The secret?
Keep it short, snappy, and to the point. Carousels aren’t for essays—they’re for ideas that land quickly.
And don’t forget: your brand voice needs to shine through. When someone swipes through your carousel, they should hear you—even without sound.
What Makes a Good Carousel (and What Doesn’t)
✅ A bold cover slide that grabs attention
✅ One clear idea per slide, minimal text, strong visuals
✅ A natural flow from beginning to end
❌ Walls of text that overwhelm readers
❌ Over-designed, too much going on. Remember “K.I.S.S.” Keep It Super Simple
❌ Generic, recycled content—tell us your perspective, not everyone else’s
These best practices aren’t just design rules—they’re the foundation of a strong LinkedIn content strategy.
How Often Should You Post on LinkedIn?
Right now, the algorithm loves consistency. Posting 2–3 times per week (with at least one carousel) helps you stay visible and build credibility over time.
And right now, high-polish perfection isn’t the goal. Raw, unpolished, camera-phone content is performing incredibly well because it feels real and human. As Kylee Lessard points out, the scroll-stopping power is in authenticity—not filters.
So don’t stress about flawless. Mix it up with carousels, stories, and raw posts. The most important thing is to show up regularly. That’s the cornerstone of any thought leadership strategy on LinkedIn.
How to Actually Get Heard on LinkedIn
Visibility isn’t just about what you post—it’s also how you engage.
Start by commenting thoughtfully on other people’s content. This sparks attention.
Then, use your own posts as “mini-content”—quick thoughts, insights, or hot takes. (I first heard this approach from marketing superstar Gwen Carrington.)
Teach, encourage, and yes—even make people laugh.
Repurpose your content into LinkedIn carousels to expand on ideas and give them more life.
Think of it this way: every post is an opportunity for people to get to know your brain. That’s how you establish yourself as a thought leader on LinkedIn.
Shortcut:
Use Professionally Designed Templates
Designing a carousel takes strategy, design sense, and a lot of time. And while storytelling posts or raw videos can be typed or filmed in minutes, carousels demand a little more polish.
That’s exactly why I created LinkedIn Carousel Templates—so you can skip the design grind and focus on sharing your perspective.
They’re:
Designed to match what works on LinkedIn (hierarchy, readability, engagement flow)
Built to save you hours of design time
Flexible enough to make your voice and brand shine through
You can:
Buy templates individually if you just need a few
Or grab the full bundle for maximum variety and the best deal
Either way—you’ll be posting like a pro, faster.
Start Posting
Stop reading everyone else’s posts and start putting your own thoughts out there. LinkedIn isn’t waiting for perfect—it’s waiting for you.
And when you do? Tag me or send me your link—I’d love to support your journey.