An expert is someone who has extensive knowledge on a particular topic. An expert isn’t necessarily someone who has a degree in a particular field or someone with years and years of experience. Therefore, anyone essentially can earn the title of being an expert or an authority in a given field or on a given topic. All it takes is some degree of proof.
Blogging on the internet can land you the title of expert depending on your experience and how many creditable articles you’ve written. Some people will just assume that you know what you are talking about because you are bold enough to create a website and start spreading your wisdom and opinions.
A blogger should want to position him or her as an authority, but never should he or she try to gain this title without a proven track record of action, knowledge or both. Doing so is a fast track to failure on the internet. Why, because when people assume you are an expert that creates expectations. When you do don’t live up to those expectations, that’s when the problems show up.
Not an expert? That’s fine. Just let your audience know your level of expertise. If you are a novice, people will still be interested in what you have to say. The great thing is that many successful bloggers have taken their audience along for the ride as they learned a process, new skill, launched a business, etc.
So, how do you gain expert status if you are not an expert? You do the work and put in the time.
Building Knowledge
It begins with an interest in a topic. That interest turns into an obsession of sorts. You find yourself reading everything that is available on and offline about your topic. Suddenly, you are writing articles about this topic to help others. People are seeking that information and finding you. That’s how it starts.
Give Credit Where Credit is Due
There will always be bigger experts than you. That is a good thing. Consider these people your mentors and teachers. Consume their work and give credit where it is due. A little of their credibility will rub off on you. In the future, you may want to seek these people out for guest posts or to advertise to their audiences.
Building Trust
To be a successful blogger you must gain the trust of your readers. It is more about demonstrating that you are secure and honest about the information that you have to offer. Be yourself and never pretend that you have more knowledge than you really do. Your readers will respect you more if you are honest and they will hang you out to dry if you lie.
A good place to start is on your ‘About Me’ page. Let your readers know your background and how your blog came about. For example, if you are a cancer survivor and your blog is about the same topic, your readers will find value in knowing this information. In addition, the disclosure will add to your credibility.
Everyone is an Expert
Everyone is an expert at something even if that something isn’t favored in society. But when you find your strengths you can use them to help lead to your status of ‘expert’. For example, say you have a sister who suffers from a debilitating disease. Because of your love for her you research cures or ways to manage pain. The next thing you know you are answering questions from the information that you’ve gathered. That is how experts are born.
Stay Above the Trends
Keep on top of the most recent information in your niche. Your audience will come to expect and value getting this up to date information from you which helps lead to your authority in the field.
A side note: Don’t jump from trend to trend. There will always be the latest and greatest trend that is here today and gone within a year. There are likely some foundational ideas/topic around your niche that you should be grounded in.
A Word about Credentials
People like titles. Credentials confirm a person’s education at the very least. But don’t let it stop you if you don’t have a PhD or an MD behind your name. Look at Tony Robbins, he has never been to school for what he teaches but his years of experience would trump any newly graduate from a degree program.