Monday Marketing Moment

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.