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Blog Marketing: Establishing Expertise
By Derrick | June 12, 2008
If you are attempting to build an audience as an expert in your niche it is important that your blog posts show off your expertise.
Some people attempt to paint themselves as an expert by telling everyone what an expert they are. Unfortunately this approach–even when it is true–tends to create the opposite impression.
Here are some tips to help you make an “expert” impression:
- Talk Like an Expert without Apology
Sometimes even when we are an expert we feign false humility. We pretend we aren’t as accomplished as we are.
Go ahead and speak with authority. Others will see the difference between your absolutes and imposters’ weaknesses.
- Teach Others How to Do Something in Your Niche
This is one of the best ways to show your expertise. Don’t just do it, teach it. Let others learn from your expertise.
- Expose Little Know Tips, Tricks and Experiences
Often the difference between someone who has real expertise and one who has none is the detail they provide. When you provide real details of what your readers will experience as they follow your direction you build your credibility. Your “little tips” and anecdotes will establish you as a real expert.
- Admit Your Lack of Expertise When You Don’t Have It
One characteristics of true experts is their willingness to admit when they lack expertise. I can teach you hundreds of ways to make money online, but I know absolutely nothing about making money on eBay. If someone asks me about eBay I just admit I have no clue. It’s not something I’ve done before and I’m secure enough in my expertise that I can admit that without any embarrassment or fear.
- Never Attack or Be Defensive
This is a tough one at times–even for someone with real expertise. If you are online long enough you will see someone doing something that makes your blood boil. You will want to attack them. Or even worse, someone will attack you.
In almost all (if not all) of these cases your best course of action is to ignore it. When you attack someone else you hurt, not help, your credibility in the minds of many of your readers. When you get defensive, you often look weak.
If you do have to make a statement, use something neutral. One I like is: “I’ll let my track record speak for itself.” You appear strong and make your accuser appear weak.
Whether you are an expert in trading stocks or in knitting, following these tips will help you to project that image online.
This article is a guest post by Aaron Abber of FullTiltBlogging.com. I am a part of Aaron’s mentoring program where he is teaching me and others how to make money blogging. Go visit the site now and grab his free report “How to Retire on 200 Visitors a Day”.
Topics: Blogs, Online Business | 12 Comments »
June 12th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
“Never Attack or Be Defensive” is a tough one as a popular blogger is often attacked by those who also seek attention…
July 5th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I think it also important to find your own ‘voice’. But by finding your own voice, doesn’t mean it will always be the best voice. So its important to tweak that voice, especially with these tips.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Yes, I agree. Attacking isn’t always the best policy. That can make you look very bad. You should just walk away if you feel like you may say something you may regret later in life and on the internet.
July 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Experience is definitely necessary to be an expert, and you must share your relevant experience to your reader. Facts and assertions are empty without real life examples. Also, you build trust with your reader when you admit that you don’t know about something, and opens the post up for dialogue.
September 19th, 2008 at 5:26 am
I always had success with what I already know. Grass is not greener on the other side.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Thats some excellent advice. I especially liked the last one about keeping out of arguments. The line “I’ll let my record speak for itself” has been noted down for use in due course.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:29 am
This is exactly I’ve been trying to do with my own post.But I must admit its always hard to talk as an expert coz in one way or the other someone will stand and argue with you.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Expertise is also relative.
Someone moderately experienced can write really helpful pieces for newbies, for example.
But make sure you know who your audience is – obviously don’t try to drop newbie tips to the experienced.
Ian
Ian Brodies last blog post..Business Development North West 2009 Survey Launched
December 20th, 2008 at 4:08 am
I am just testing out how this keyword luv stuff works. thanks.
January 15th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Talking (or writing) as an expert without an apology is very important. When I started writing my blog, I had an “apology vibe”, which I lately changed. Good points, thanks.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I got jacked on ebay by some lowlife using a pager account. Jerkwad was shocked when I got her addy info and paid a visit lol!
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September 16th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Great post, You see when we speak about your profession many people are waiting to hear about our experiences or even if we apply for job, the first question is how much experience do you have? so it does matter to have experience before telling others that i am expert in this field. It’s good to admit when you don’t have required expertise in required field. I truly agree with your post thanks for sharing.