How to build your thought leadership influence on Twitter

Twitter can help you connect with industry experts, journalists, influencers and like-minded people, but only if you start Tweeting in a meaningful way.

No one wants to connect with someone who simply Retweets everything. Or lurks in the background. Instead, by following these tips you can amplify your influence and connect with the right people.

Create an industry influencers Twitter list

If you have a PR or marketing team, it’s likely they have a list of journalists they’re courting and industry analysts and influencers whom they cite in contributed content. Chances are the majority of these industry heavyweights are active on Twitter.

Build a Twitter list that includes all of these influencers, and regularly read and amplify their Tweets. Reply and let them know what you liked about the content or your perspective on the subject. 

In short, use the immediacy of Twitter to start building personal relationships that are a two-way conversation — not just about your brand story.

Screenshot of Twitter Lists on desktop

Reuse and repurpose thought leadership content

When you pitch a piece of contributed content or draft a presentation, you are able to reach a highly-targeted audience. But that audience is limited to the people in the room and the subscribers to the publication. 

Build stronger emotional connections with your audience by Tweeting during conferences and events. Then think about ways to reuse, repurpose, and redistribute your executives’ thought leadership content. 

For example, a video sharing your thoughts, a Tweet with a graph and context in the Tweet copy, a link to your webinar, a Tweet with a strong quote or powerful statistic. 

Co-Founder of Coursera @AndrewYNg Tweets about a recent speaking engagement 

Curate and share third-party content

Many brands and their executives stick to sharing their own content on social media. Build a loyal and engaged following by being a source for sharing highly curated, high-quality third-party content. This could be anything from your favorite podcast episodes, a Twitter Space you’re attending,  relevant whitepapers or industry articles.

Co-founder of SparkToro @randfish Tweets about an article about Social Media Usage by Age

Run your own Twitter Space

Speaking of Spaces… by running your own Twitter Space you can share your ideas, improve your visibility and increase your Twitter followers. Here are some tips if you’re unsure where to start:

• Establish your specific expertise.

• Tune in, listen, and amplify diverse voices and perspectives.

• Start a discussion on trending topics in your industry.

• Follow up on events, conferences, or podcasts to keep the conversation going.

For more information check out our blog ‘6 tips to help make your Twitter Space a success’.

Regular Spaces host @ivybarley Tweets about an opportunity she gained through hosting Spaces 

Connect with influencers and other thought leaders

Thought leaders often focus on influencing other thought leaders, with an aim to increase media coverage. While this is an important component of a thought leadership strategy, it should be paired with creating content that resonates with your audience and adds value. 

Through social listening, you can uncover micro-influencers who are passionate about your topic area. In addition to gaining an understanding of your audience through their Tweets, by engaging with them 1:1 on Twitter you have the opportunity to build a loyal community, which in turn, helps elevate your own content. 

Ask questions too, this is a great way of building relationships and showing some vulnerability.

Regular Spaces host @ivybarley Tweets about an opportunity she gained through hosting Spaces 

Use your voice when it matters

People on Twitter are looking at leaders to use their voice when it matters most and to stand for change. Twitter provides leaders with a unique opportunity to get real and be open – 74% of Twitter users feel they know CEOs who have a Twitter account better¹ – so don’t miss out on the chance to really make a difference when it matters most.

Additional reading:

• 4 steps that drive success with personal branding
• 5 thought leaders on Twitter you can take inspiration from