LinkedIn is full of content. Some of it insightful, some misleading, and a lot of it just noise. With so many creators vying for attention, how do you know who’s truly credible?
You’ve probably seen posts go viral with thousands of likes, but have you ever stopped to ask: Is this actually valuable? In the digital world, popularity doesn’t always equal expertise. A large following can be built through engagement tactics, but credibility is earned through knowledge, authenticity, and real-world impact.
The content you consume shapes your knowledge, decisions, and professional growth. Engaging with credible creators ensures you get high-value insights rather than recycled or misleading information. So, how do you separate credible thought leaders from social media influencers? Here are practical ways to evaluate a LinkedIn creator before you hit that follow button.
How to Find Real Experts on LinkedIn
1. Look Beyond Follower Count
A large following does not automatically mean credibility. Many people use engagement pods or automation to inflate their numbers.
Practical Tip:
Instead of looking at the number of followers, check their engagement quality:
Do they receive meaningful comments or just generic responses like “Great post”?
Are industry experts engaging with them, or is it mostly random likes?
Example: A finance expert with 10,000 followers sharing deep insights on market trends is more credible than someone with 100,000 followers posting motivational quotes daily. Similarly, a business consultant who breaks down case studies and offers strategies is more valuable than someone only posting generic self-help advice.
2. Check Content Originality
Many creators thrive on resharing viral posts with minimal input. Credible creators provide fresh perspectives, personal experiences, and industry insights.
Practical Tip:
Scroll through their posts. Are they writing original content, or just resharing others’ work?
Do they add unique insights to shared articles, or just copy-paste trends?
Example: Someone who writes about industry-specific case studies, personal learnings, or research-based trends is more valuable than a creator reposting generic leadership advice. If a technology thought leader frequently writes in-depth analyses on emerging trends rather than reposting press releases, that’s a sign of credibility.
3. Assess the Depth of Knowledge
A credible content creator offers actionable insights, not just surface-level observations.
Practical Tip:
Are they providing real-world examples, data, or case studies?
Do they go beyond theory to provide actionable steps?
Are they citing sources or research to support their claims?
Example: A LinkedIn post saying “Networking is important” is generic. A credible post would explain how to network effectively with real-world examples, such as a step-by-step guide on reaching out to industry professionals or an analysis of successful networking strategies used by Fortune 500 executives.
4. Verify Their Professional Background
Would you take career advice from someone who has never worked in your industry? Always verify a creator’s background before considering them an authority.
Practical Tip:
Look at their LinkedIn experience and credentials. Have they worked in the field they talk about?
Check if they have published work, been featured in industry panels, or contributed to thought leadership.
Example: A digital marketing expert who has worked at top agencies for 10+ years is more reliable than someone with no verifiable experience making bold claims. A sales coach who has successfully trained hundreds of professionals is more trustworthy than someone simply sharing motivational sales quotes.
5. Observe How They Engage With Their Audience
Credible creators engage in meaningful discussions rather than ignoring their audience or just seeking attention.
Practical Tip:
Do they respond to comments and provide thoughtful replies?
Are they open to constructive criticism, or do they dismiss differing opinions?
Example: A leadership coach who takes time to discuss different viewpoints is more credible than someone who deletes comments that challenge their opinion. If a tech influencer actively engages in debates about AI ethics and provides well-researched responses, they are more likely to be credible.
6. Cross-Check External Validation
Some of the best content creators have been recognized outside of LinkedIn.
Practical Tip:
Have they been featured in reputable publications, podcasts, or conferences?
Are they a LinkedIn Top Voice or recognized by credible organizations?
Example: A cybersecurity expert who has spoken at global conferences or written for Forbes is likely more credible than someone making unverified security claims. A startup mentor who has successfully built and sold companies is more credible than someone who has never run a business themselves.
7. Beware of Over-Promising & Clickbait
Creators who guarantee unrealistic results (e.g., “Make $10K in a week!”) are usually after engagement, not value.
Practical Tip:
Be wary of creators who offer quick fixes without explaining the effort required.
Avoid those who frequently use clickbait headlines but provide little substance.
Example: A career coach saying “You can get a job in 7 days” is less credible than someone who outlines a structured job search strategy. A business strategist who claims they can 10x your revenue overnight without showing a proven methodology is likely unreliable.
8. Analyze Their Track Record
Past performance often indicates future credibility.
Practical Tip:
Check if their past predictions or advice have proven accurate over time.
Look for testimonials or case studies of people benefiting from their insights.
Example: A stock market analyst who has successfully predicted major trends based on data is more credible than someone who makes vague, sensational claims.
9. Assess Their Writing and Communication Skills
Clear, well-structured content is a sign of expertise.
Practical Tip:
Look for content that is easy to understand yet insightful.
Avoid creators who use overly complicated jargon without real substance.
Example: A leadership coach who breaks down complex strategies into easy-to-follow steps is more credible than someone using buzzwords without depth.
10. Look for Ethical Content Practices
Credible creators respect intellectual property and acknowledge sources.
Practical Tip:
Check if they give credit when sharing insights from others.
Be wary of creators who frequently plagiarize or misrepresent facts.
Example: A business consultant who cites research and industry reports when making claims is more trustworthy than someone presenting others' ideas as their own.
11. Check Their Consistency
Credible creators maintain a regular presence and deliver ongoing value.
Practical Tip:
Look for creators who post consistently without compromising quality.
Be cautious of those who only post sporadically when seeking engagement.
Example: A tech influencer who consistently shares valuable insights over months or years is more credible than someone who disappears for long periods and reappears with viral content.
In a world where attention is currency, it’s easy to mistake visibility for credibility. But true expertise isn’t measured by likes, shares, or follower counts; it’s reflected in the depth, originality, and impact of the content shared.
Before you follow or trust a content creator, ask yourself: Are they providing real insights, or just riding the wave of engagement? Focus on those who challenge your thinking, offer actionable value, and back up their claims with experience or data.
At the end of the day, your LinkedIn feed shapes your learning and professional growth, so be intentional about who you let influence you. Seek knowledge, not just noise.
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