What do you do if you want to connect with influencers and thought leaders in content strategy?

The first step to connecting with influencers and thought leaders in content strategy is to find your crew. Maybe you're passionate about sustainable fashion. You wouldn't try to connect with a gaming influencer, right? Instead, track down people who are already making waves in sustainable fashion. Look for them on LinkedIn, Twitter threads, or industry blogs. By identifying the leaders in your specific niche, you'll find the folks who share your interests and have the audience you want to reach. This targeted approach sets the stage for genuine connections.

How to connect with top influencers in content strategy: (in 3 easy steps) (1) Identify the pioneers Look for those shaping the industry with their insights and influential content. Dive into conferences, key publications, and digital forums to discover these leaders. (2) Engage meaningfully Interact with their content thoughtfully. Whether it's through insightful comments or sharing their work, make your appreciation known. (3) Build authentic relationships Beyond initial interactions, foster genuine connections. Engage in meaningful discussions and look for opportunities to collaborate on industry-relevant projects. ------- And don’t be afraid to respectfully disagree, and offer an alternative point of view.

To connect with content strategy influencers: Define your niche: Focus on a specific area of content strategy. Identify relevant figures: Look for individuals with expertise and audience engagement. Engage online: Follow them, comment on their work, and participate in industry discussions. Offer value: Contribute guest posts, insights, or propose collaborations. Connect directly: Craft personalized messages highlighting shared interests and your reason for reaching out.

This is so important! Engaging on platforms like LinkedIn and contributing to conversations helps you establish your personal brand/presence, which gives you more credibility overall. The more you show that you’re engaged in moving the industry forward and being a part of the convo vs just “following along,” the more open to idea sharing and collaborating people will be.

I find it helpful to contribute meaningfully to their online activities. One easy way to do this is to comment your thoughts, perspectives, and personal experiences relating to (and building on) the influencer's content.

After identifying the influencers and content creators you want to work with, start actively engaging with their content online. Follow their social media accounts, subscribe to their newsletters, and immerse yourself in their content. Capture their attention by leaving comments that spark further discussion or offer fresh insights on their subject matter. This is how you can stand out as an engaged and insightful member of their community. Not only does this strategy raise your profile, but it also sets the stage for deeper, more personal connections down the line.

4 simple steps to build a strong network by engaging with influencers: Step 1 - Dive into the influencer's world: Follow and engage insightfully with their social media posts, subscribe to newsletters, learn from their blogs. Step 2 - Elevate the conversation: Add value with comments that spark further thought. Ask questions that dig deeper or share unique insights. Step 3 - Showcase your expertise: Provide perspectives that showcase your understanding and expertise on the subject. Step 4 - Be a consistent presence: Regular engagement makes you a familiar face, paving the way for more meaningful interactions and opportunities. ------- Make the first move, and watch your network (and your influence) grow.

With honesty, you can determine whether you truly have similar values for creating content with them. If you have parallels, I recommend that you add to their influence by commenting and resharing their content. If you like to?give ?you can get?what I observe.

How to engage thought leaders and forge genuine connections: (3 easy steps) (1) Share their work: Showcase their content to your network, highlighting its impact and value. (2) Provide insightful feedback: Offer constructive feedback on their projects or content, demonstrating your expertise. And don't be afraid to respectfully disagree, and offer an alternative point of view. (3) Contribute to their projects: If you create content, reference their work, and share how it inspired you. This mutual exchange fosters a deeper connection and respect. ------- Remember, genuine interactions lead to lasting relationships with those who shape our industries, and help you on your journey to being a thought leader others will want to follow.

Influencers and thought leaders are busy persons, so forget the cold calls. Then what we can do? Offer value. If you're a freelance content strategist and you admire a content marketing guru. Instead of a straight-up collaboration request, reach out with a killer idea for their next blog post. Show them you get their style and audience. This kind of valuable contribution grabs their attention and opens the door for a potential future collaboration. It's a win-win! You get your foot in the door, and they get a fresh perspective.

In my experience, the easiest way to get an influencer to ignore you is to seem like you don't understand their goals and motives. I always work to reinforce that I've followed their activities and have an idea of what type of content they create and how they typically integrate with other brands. If you send a generic response you will almost always be ignored.

In the world we live in now, it's possible to do everything online. It makes sense but?we still?need to feel each other. People you want to stay in touch with, will start to see you on the same frequency if you show them your intention clearly and physically.

-Identify targets: Define your niche and research relevant influencers with engaged audiences. Look for those creating valuable content that aligns with your goals. -Build relationships: Engage with their content, participate in discussions, and offer genuine insights. Show you're familiar with their work before reaching out directly. -Offer value: Approach them with a specific proposal. Can you co-create content, interview them, or offer a guest post opportunity that benefits both audiences? -Use social media: Connect on relevant platforms, participate in industry discussions, and tag them in relevant posts to get noticed organically. -Be patient: Building relationships takes time. Focus on providing value & avoid being overly promotional.

Make content?that helps them get more done in less time. People will interact with you a lot if you can create content?that is useful for them too.

I think it's important to not underestimate influencer marketing simply because it's different or less serious. Underestimation translates to thinking that exposure is adequate compensation and not something to avoid in the game Oregon Trail. As others have said, the key to this and indeed everything is to build relationships and come into this with integrity and curiosity.