As a blogger, having authority is one of the most important things to have, and I consider it one of the most important investments a blogger will ever make.
If you learned anything from yesterday’s issue of From Planning to Earning, you will have found out that authority is a key factor to making money blogging.
It also has a lot to do with building your blogging community, which is even more important than making money. So how can you build authority and achieve these two great feats?
1. The Obvious: Write Great Content
The truth is, you alone can’t build your authority. You need support from others. As a matter of fact, they are the driving force towards you becoming an authority blogger. Writing great content is one of the best ways to draw people’s attention to your blog.
It is always important to give your best when trying to write for your blog (and other blogs) because your content is a reflection of who you are.
Another great reason why it is important for you to write great content is because high quality articles are going to go viral. The more the word spreads about your post and your blog, the more people will know about you and the more people can help contribute to your blog.
Another important reason you should always write great content is that it increases your perceived value. If you are always writing great content on your blog then people will always see you as someone who knows what you are talking about and you will be able to get great results.
2. Don’t Just Talk, Talk Value
One thing many bloggers do is they just talk out their time. What matters most is not whether you update your blog or not, but the impact your blog has on others.
Research is a key element to building your authority as a blogger. If you take a look at most of the top blogger’s in your niche, you will discover that people take them for what they say and a lot of people will readily believe anything these bloggers publish.
It is very important to research effectively before writing anything on your blog because a lot of your readers will take your word for it and if they discover what you said was not correct, you may pay dearly for it.
People don’t like to be deceived, they love to have the best and the most accurate information given right to them. As an authority blogger, they look up to you to give them this. Don’t let their belief in you sway to anything less than well-trusted.
3. Be a Professional
Another important thing that every blogger trying to build his/her authority must do is to be professional.
It is very important not to neglect some important aspects of your blog like your blog design, logo, eBook cover designs, etc. People love you being professional and the more professional you are the more respect you will earn.
Another reason why you should be professional is that people will tend to stick with your blog and they will also love to promote your work.
Most people who are new to the web can hardly differentiate between someone with a big audience and someone with a small audience. They believe having a great design and a great professional attitude means you are doing something right.
Another way you can look professional is in your content,. Many people fail to proofread their work and leave their posts filled with a lot of typos and grammatical errors. This will not attract the right type of people to your blog and it will also cause a lot of people to see you as someone who is not serious.
4. Influence Others
Another great characteristic of successful bloggers is that they are people of influence. If you see a lot of new bloggers they will tell you they were influenced by “so and so” blogger.
It is very important to try your best to influence everybody who comes across your work in the blogosphere. A guest post can score you some backlinks and do some wonders on your traffic.
But a reader you influence will keep talking about you as long as he/she is blogging. Do your best to influence as many people as you can!
5. Speak With Power & Authority
Another great way to build your authority as a blogger is by speaking with power and authority on your blog. You don’t need to be speaking subjectively on your blog, but speak like you know exactly what you’re talking about.
One thing many blogger’s do is go on speaking subjectively on their blogs, which will not help you. It will only reduce your perceived value.
Try to speak with authority and boldness on your blog. In any post you write, that persona will make your readers take you for someone who knows what he/she is saying and they will be able to cite and quote you outside your blog thereby helping you build your authority.
6. Build On Your Strengths
Another great way to build your authority as a blogger is by building on your strengths. There are various types of authority and respected bloggers and one thing I can notice from them is that they have built on their strengths.
If you take a look at Darren Rowse and Seth Godin, you will notice they update their blogs everyday mostly with short posts. And they remain highly respected.
If you take a look at Glen Allsopp you will notice he only updates when he likes with super long and high quality posts, and he is also respected.
What matters most is not taking the methods of others, but finding out what works best for you.
7. Network With Influencers
Who are the top bloggers in your niche? Why not network with them and use their influence to take your blog to the next level?
One thing I have noticed among many new bloggers who quickly became successful is that they networked with the influencers in their niche.
If you begin to network with the big bloggers like Darren Rowse, John Chow and other major names, you will begin to notice that a lot of their readers and people who see your work with them will begin to respect you and give more value to you.
There are several ways to network with the top bloggers in your niche and one of the best ways to do this is by writing guest posts for their blogs. This will increase your perceived value and authority and will also help skyrocket your blog to the next level.
Over To You!
Have you ever thought about what your authority and influence might be in your niche? Is it something that is really as important as I made it out to be, or are there more pertinent issues to address first?
Photo by Pulpolux !!!
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?I think that authority is key, and another legitimate way to build authority is to be a pioneer. If you are the first in your niche to offer information, products, or ideas, you will more than likely be perceived as a leader and someone who is worth following.
Um… especially if these ahead-of-the-game ideas don’t flop.
Exactly Steve,
You got it right! If you are a pioneer and you are wise (You don’t allow anybody to claim your glory
) then you will definitely be seen as an authority in your niche!
Authority is a great thing to achieve and it takes a lot of time and effort. So do what you do with a lot of interest and you shall get it at the right time.
Just keep working on the right direction.
If you will try to get everything in one night than this is not going to happen and will effect your reputation as well.
Keep one year in your hand if you want to establish yourself as professional blogger.
These are all great tips, Onilbalusi! Becoming an authority in your niche is one of the first things that will lead to making money in your niche.
By the way, nice job with your site! Keep it up.
I don’t think that authority in your niche is required for making money, one can make money online by any means, but having authority in your niche will help you to make even more!
You’re right, Dinesh. You don’t need to be an authority to make money. But if you’re looking to pull-in some serious money (7-figures +), then authority is a must.
Exactly Nick,
Having authority in your niche will hlp you make more money.
Thanks so much for commenting!
I agree on the influence part, there is nothing better than someone visiting your blog and then them straight away thinking – i’m going to learn something from this person. Like having a direct influence on them the moment they discover you.
Thanks for the great post
Exactly Peter,
Having great influence and authority makes others respect you and take you for what you say.
Thanks so much for commenting
Hi Oni
Wow, this would have to be your best work yet. I was glued to every word and every sentence. These points are incredible and ever blogger should adhere to them.
I liked the ease in which you convey your ideas and the points you raise on giving value and influencing your readers are first class.
Thanks for sharing this.
Michael
Great Micahel,
I am so glad you loved this post.
Thanks so much for commenting,
-Onibalusi
Awesome Post onibalusi.
Really great points man.
I really like your point on influencing others. You’re really doing great work everywhere.
Thanks for sharing this great Post Oni.
Great Dev,
Glad you loved the post.
Thanks so much for commenting,
-Onibalusi
Yes your all contents on almost other bloggers are simply great.
Force us to think about it and start working on that.
These are really very useful tips Onibalusi
Thanks for sharing your ideas through this great post once again
Great Swamykant,
Glad you loved the post!
Excellent advice! Having rock solid content and having connections with influential people is a recipe for success.
Exactly Jen,
I am glad you loved the post!
Great article. I really liked the point “Don’t Just Talk, Talk Value”
Exactly Rahul,
Why talk if you have nothing to say?
Authority is definitely something that must be earned, especially if it is to be wielded wisely. Some have to work harder for it than others, it seems. I used to envy those who seemed to be a magnet for respect, only to see them squander it later.
Your Points are a very solid foundation for earning the kind of Authority that lasts.
Nice job, Onibalusi.
Rick
Exactly Rick,
And I really love your point about it being used wisely. Many people misuse their authority and it comes back to bite them at last.
Thanks so much for commenting!
I like all these points, especially the idea of researching information carefully, so that all facts you would include in your posts are correct.
Great Julius,
Glad you loved the post!
I believe that all of this is possible if you’re “focused” with what you have started and with what you are aiming at. Taking actions is the real key in being an authority. Most people will not follow if they don’t see any value from what you are offering, and perhaps showing them results from your actions will be enough proof of it. I also think that it can’t be rushed, it takes time to build a solid reputation around the community. The best way is to really achieve authority is to please yourself first. Being very satisfied with your own work will pretty much do well when others are then able to see your work
Good job here Onibalusi.
Regards,
Jason
It has been proven that content is still the best way to have a better blog so you got to work hard on adding some contents to our site.
Content rocks!
Additionally provide as much valuable feedback and resources to your clients, customers, followers and fans as possible, that can help them or show ways to solving their problems immediately.
bingo dude….
the most basic steps in the most easy way….i have often see new bloggers miss the trick when they try too much in very little time….
they need to understand that blogging require patience which can range according to individual’s efforts…
Exactly Tushar,
Patience is key…
Thanks for this great post. Another important aspect of establishing yourself as an authority in your niche is to write about what you know rather than trying to tackle topics you aren’t as familiar with.
When you write about what you know, you can write with passion and authority. Your writing style will be more natural and conversational, not like you’re writing a term paper.
Beth
Exactly Beth,
You are absolutely right! No need writing about what you know nothing about, it will only create more problems for you.
Number 3 is just something that people neglect. Many people want to be hip or cool and neglect just being professional which goes a long ways. Great article.
Exactly Tony,
Being professional has a long way to affect your business.
MANY bloggers need to realize, simply speaking authoritatively does not make you an authority. You actually need to know what you’re talking about.
Otherwise you’re just a jackass tying to look cool and will be found out sooner then later.
There are more then a few “authority figures” out there now that are, not.
This is a perfect example of writing quality content.
It always amazes me when people write articles, or sales pages, 90% BS and 10% substance. I think people really appreciate writers that provide as much quality content as they can.
I agree with SuperbadIM. Quality should always win over quantity. Thanks for the great article. Well thought out and well written! – Tommy Patterson
I agree with Tommy on Quality vs quantity. I think another great pointer would have to be interaction with readers/visitors, because of the feedback and suggestions they may have.
I must say point #5 is just right on target. If you must build authority as a blogger then your language should come out as someone with authority. Let your readers see the authority in your written words.
I think becoming authority is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy great success on internet.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and suggestions.
Those are some great tips.
Great content and writing with conviction is all what you need if you want to build authority and position yourself as an expert.
I agree you sometimes have to connect with others to get the business running. If nothing else you will probably get some good advices for your future sites.
This are some nice tips but some of them are not that easy to do, you need allot of work and inspiration. But that’s why is so challenging.
i have found many articles that state build your strengths, how could i build my own one…it very far away to me to follow…
Whoaaaaa Onibalusi
Very different and great post! The “Speak with With Power & Authority” is a really great tip that i have never done before.
Great point!
When I’m in this post, I remembered my quote:
You can’t be a trendsetter if you still following the others.
Awesome tips. Although networking influencers are hard to get by and they are a great asset to you.
Thanks.
I think you are right on with this post. Each one of these steps is important. Seth Godin and Darren Rowse have done these things. They are always coming up with new things too!
Network with influential is quite important these days.
Grow your network with steady pace and make sure this one keep increasing.
Great post, very well written! You’re definitely right, and each of the points you made ought to be what’s on the mind of every blogger and anyone who is planning to start doing online business. They absolutely hit home.
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It’s funny in a way how I actually miss this blog when I get busy and don’t make it back her in a few days. I think you give your audience some of the best blogging tips on the internet and they are usually not so technical I feel like an idiot.
This is a well thought out, well written article. Talk about professional!
Also, like the entire blog design. Wondering what font is being used here. Very clear and easy to read.
Rob for Atlanta Real Estate
Love the article, well written. Also, really like the entire BLOG. Always something good to learn here.
Nice work.
Wonderful list. I like specially Network with influence and Speak Power and Authority. It’s wonderful article to follow rules. Thx dude for sharing.
Marvelous point about doing your homework! A lot of people really will believe what they read just because someone talks about it with authority. You don’t want to lead anyone astray with your blog.
These are really great post. I like one thing that is influence other because using this point you will really work everywhere and get more idea about it.
I find that when I write a so-so article my readers notice and the comments do not follow. When I take the time to write a really well-thought-out article the comments don’t stop coming. To me, this means my readers don’t want to waste their time reading articles that are below par because they can go somewhere else and read a better one. For this reason, I practice quality over quantity.
Thought-provoking article! Thanks a lot for sharing your brilliant ideas to individual. It really helps a lot. I am looking forward for your next excellent article.
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