How to Curate Content That Builds Massive Trust with Prospects and Candidates

curate content featured question linkedin content ideas May 11, 2026

If you’re subscribed to my VIP email list, you’re already familiar with my "day-after" follow-up process. After the initial welcome, you'll receive an email the next day with a simple question: "If you could get just one thing from signing up for my VIP email list, what would it be?"

Recently, a subscriber reached out with a thought-provoking challenge: "How do I curate valuable content that builds trust for prospects and candidates?"

In a world of AI-generated noise and automated bots, building trust comes down to demonstrating that you are a real person.

Here is my strategy for turning questions into a content machine that builds authority.

1. Building Trust for Prospects: Turn Questions into Content

The most effective way to build trust is to stop guessing what your audience wants and start listening.

Audit Your Inbox: When a prospect asks a question, don't just reply to one person; create content out of it.
Multi-Channel Response: You can publish the answer in a podcast, a social media post, or even a video.
The YouTube Advantage: I’m leaning more into YouTube because my channel is monetized. By driving views there, I’m helping my audience while growing my business revenue.

2. Leveraging LinkedIn (The Right Way)

LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for curation, but only if you use it intentionally.

Optimize Before You Pay: It doesn't make sense to upgrade to LinkedIn Premium unless your profile is optimized and you are using a good DM strategy.
Features vs. Version: Premium doesn't mean a "better version" of LinkedIn; it just means you get access to additional features.
Company Pages: Use your LinkedIn Company Page to reach people beyond your immediate connections. It provides a distraction-free scroll of your curated resources.

3. Building Trust for Candidates

If you are growing your team, you are "selling" your company culture. Trust is just as vital for candidates as it is for clients.

The Interview FAQ: Take common questions from candidates and turn them into a blog post or an FAQ section on your Careers page.
Candidate Videos: Create a video addressing typical queries to help people who may be "on the fence" about joining your team.

4. Curated Resources: Podcast & Blog Highlights

I keep a documented spreadsheet of all my content—209 episodes as of May 11, 2026—so I can quickly reference what helps you most.

Must-Listen Podcast Episodes

Episode 191: AI Can't Do This: Answer Your LinkedIn Questions Fully and Accurately
Episode 184: How Speaking Can Help You Showcase Your Business and Expertise
Episode 182: This Week’s LinkedIn Questions: How to Get a Bigger Slice of the LinkedIn Pie.
Episode 163: Tips for Posting on Your LinkedIn Company Page
Episode 132: Trifecta Talks with Michelle B. Griffin and Michelle J. Raymond
Episode 118: SEO Tips for Entrepreneurs
Episode 110: How to Use FAQs as Content (Lost Admin Access Question)

Essential Blog Reads

Final Thoughts: Social Proof is Key

Once you've provided value, don't be afraid to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no! Using testimonials is the ultimate trust-builder to close the gap between a "prospect" and a "client."

Have a question for a future episode? Email me at [email protected] or join my VIP list at mellermarketing.com/subscribe to test out my process for yourself.