In a recent LinkedIn post, Dan Sherrard-Smith discusses a common frustration among content creators: investing significant time in posts that yield minimal engagement. He proposes a strategic shift away from generic advice towards sharing distinctive opinions as the key to building authority and connecting with the right audience.
Sherrard-Smith challenges the conventional wisdom of simply sharing ‘tips,’ arguing that such content has become a commodity. He states:
“Tips are a commodity. Anyone can find ‘how-to’ guides.”
He emphasizes that while ‘how-to’ guides and informational content are easily accessible elsewhere, an individual’s unique perspective is their most valuable asset on professional networks like LinkedIn. This distinct point of view, he suggests, is what differentiates a mere information source from a recognized authority.
The Power of a Unique Perspective
According to Sherrard-Smith, true expertise isn’t solely defined by years of experience or academic credentials. Instead, he posits that having even a small base of satisfied clients who benefit from your services signifies a level of expertise that can be shared with a wider audience.
Moving Beyond Information to Authority
Sherrard-Smith elaborates on this distinction, asserting that experts do more than just teach; they lead the conversation within their niche. He writes:
“Experts go beyond teaching. They lead the conversation.”
This leadership, in his view, involves offering a distinct viewpoint that others can’t easily replicate. This approach is crucial for building trust and ultimately driving business, especially as the platform’s engagement landscape evolves.
The Evolving LinkedIn Landscape
Looking ahead, Sherrard-Smith predicts that the future of LinkedIn content engagement will not be characterized by a pursuit of thousands of likes per post. Instead, he believes the focus will shift towards ensuring content reaches the intended audience effectively.
As he puts it:
“2026 will not be the year of 1,000s of likes per post. those days are mostly gone (thankfully). It will be about making sure your content reaches the right people. So they know you, trust you and ultimately buy from you.”
This strategic focus on targeted reach, Sherrard-Smith argues, is essential for fostering meaningful connections that can lead to conversions. He concludes by inviting discussion on his perspective, asking his audience if they agree or observe different trends.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Dan Sherrard-Smith on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →