How to use data to showcase your expertise

In the rapidly evolving world of e-mobility at the intersection of automotive and technology, establishing yourself as an industry leader requires more than just a strong opinion. It demands evidence, facts, and figures to back up what you know. I recently gave a quote to Forbes Business Councils on how business leaders can increase their online presence:

"Use data to back up what you know. Using facts and figures from reputable sources gives context to your opinions and experiences. As you build your online presence, this will help build trust with new people, showing them that you're the expert in your industry. Leaders who don't do this either come across as untrustworthy or arrogant in their opinions."

So, how can thought leaders in this industry leverage data to enhance credibility and demonstrate expertise? Here's what you need to know.

A simple graphic from a recent LinkedIn post

Make it easy to visualise

Hard data can sometimes be overwhelming and it’s tough to make sense of a list of figures without context. Infographics are a powerful tool, allowing you to present complex data in an easily digestible format. By visualising statistics and insights related to e-mobility or tech advancements, industry trends, or business results, you can engage your audience and reinforce your message.

On top of this, infographics are immensely shareable. This can lead to your message reaching beyond your direct audience as others begin to share them across social media or reference them in blog posts.

This is something we do extensively for our clients as well as for our own social channels and the results are always above and beyond what a simple text post containing the same data points might achieve. There still needs to be strategy behind the post and it needs to be a topic that will get people talking, but simply laying out the key points in a graphic is a great way to capture the attention of your audience and generate some engagement.

You can do this with your own data, customer results, or by looking for other reputable sources. The key is to find something that backs up your points, giving credibility to your opinions.

Case Studies and Customer Data

Nothing speaks louder than success stories. By showcasing case studies and customer data, you provide tangible proof of the effectiveness of your work. Whether it's a breakthrough in battery technology or the successful implementation of a charging network, real-world examples build trust and resonate with potential clients.

It can often be difficult to pin down customers for detailed interviews like this but once you have a process in place, it’s easier to get a steady stream of case studies coming in. Once you have this information, it can be used to give additional context to your thought leadership efforts. As well as providing hard facts about the results you were able to achieve, case studies are often key when comes to converting new business.

Refer to Studies

Citing reputable studies and research papers adds a layer of credibility to your claims. By aligning your statements with scientific findings and other statistics, you demonstrate a commitment to sharing accurate data — especially in an industry that’s rife with misinformation. This approach is particularly effective in the tech industry, where innovation is often grounded in rigorous research.

I recently did a blog post on the possibility of extending EV range by slipstreaming behind a lorry and whether it could ever be safe (the answer is no). This is something I’ve seen a lot of people talking about but no one was backing it up with studies, just their own experiences behind the wheel. So, I dove into the few research papers (and a MythBusters episode) to pull out the relevant data.

While the research was time-consuming, it paid off and the post reached 210% further than our content the previous week. It also generated a lot of interesting discussions about aerodynamics, motorsport drafting, the efficiency of EVs compared to ICE vehicles, and more. This has given me a ton of ideas for future posts, as well as a handful of new connections.

So whether you’re just referencing a piece of research to back up a point or you’re diving into multiple studies to create an infographic, these can be incredible sources of data that help show your authority in your chosen niche.

Data-infused sales

Using data to showcase your expertise goes beyond thought leadership. Incorporating data into your sales materials not only strengthens your pitch but also provides potential clients with concrete reasons to choose your solutions. From performance metrics to comparative analyses, data-driven sales documentation can be a game-changer in closing deals.

While some people might like to see the raw data, you’re better off presenting the information in a more visual way. This can make it easy for anyone who is watching a presentation to immediately absorb the information in the context of what is being spoken about. You can use this to present the state of the wider industry, showcase results, talk about the benefits of your solutions, or give more information on the potential customer’s audience.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to sell workplace chargers to a business with multiple locations, you might set the scene by talking about the growth of electric vehicle sales in the last five years, and projections for the industry going forward. You could explain this alongside figures for customer retention in their industry to put into context how offering workplace charging will be one of the perks top employees look out for in the future.

Weaving Data into Narratives

Your content marketing strategy should be more than just storytelling; it should be story-proving. By weaving data into your blogs, social media, press releases, videos, and podcasts, you create a compelling narrative that validates your expertise. This approach fosters a connection with your audience, turning them from mere readers into believers.

In the fast-paced domains of e-mobility, automotive, and tech, opinions are abundant, but true expertise stands out. By embracing a data-driven approach, you not only validate your insights but also establish yourself as a trustworthy leader. On top of this, you’ll naturally create sharable content that backs up other people’s points. While some might enjoy reading an opinion, they’re more likely to reference it if you’ve included figures or research that support your points.

Remember, data-driven thought leadership isn’t about showing off; it's about showing up with evidence. In a world where trust is earned, let your data do the talking.

If you’d like to learn how Jet Social can help you create data-driven content that converts, book a Discovery Call here.