Lead Visitors by Example
For a lot of niche bloggers, the name of the game is credibility and authority. But what most new bloggers struggle with is how to gain both credibility and authority.
It’s not always as easy as it appears. And those posts that you’re reading over and over on all the popular blogs make it sound so dang easy.
After blogging for more than 2 years, I’m going to tell you it’s not as easy as it sounds even when you follow the “right steps.”
For me, here’s the key: Practice what you preach.
How many times have you read advice on a blog of “how to blah blah blah?” And the blogger proceeds to explain how to do something and why you do something yet when you look around they’re not following their own advice.
Don’t you think that if the advice was so worthwhile that they indeed would be taking it, no matter the size of their website?
If I’m going to take advice from an authority blogger I want to see on their site how they’re following their own words of wisdom for their visitors.
Sure there are exceptions to this rule when you’re receiving advice about Vlogging from the prospective of someone watching the videos and not someone actually creating them. There are always exceptions to a rule. But in general, tips and advice given by bloggers should be followed by the bloggers themselves.
Why is this so important?
The answer is simple, it tells your visitors that you’re giving them advice that you are using.
You’re also saying that you’re going to give advice from tired and true methods and your own personal experience.
The Result
Your posts are not “me too” posts meaning you’ve taken a post idea from someone and re-spit it to your visitors. Blog posts should be given from the prospective of someone who knows what they are talking about for visitors to stand up and listen. But if you’re not following what you preach, is it really worth taking the time to give the advice?
Give Examples
We all want to know that a blogger is giving their advice based on their own knowledge. To do this, show examples of what you’re talking about in your blog.
Here’s a few examples, right here on I’m Blogging That
If you’re reading the post Gain Authority with Top Commentator you can see by reading that post that I have indeed gained a blog reaction from Brian’s blog and I’m displaying the Top Commentators on my sidebar.
Should you happen to read Create a Comment Community, it doesn’t take much for you to see that I respond to every single comment I receive. Thus, I’m giving you advice from my own experience.
By reading Don’t Worry About Your Alexa Rank you can see how I’ve stopped putting serious effort into my Alexa rank and still rank at 81,923. This proves to you that even after I stopped my serious effort, my advice is still working for me.
Point out to your readers in your post that you’re following your own advice. It gives your words more credibility when you’re willing to take your own advice.
As an added bonus, by testing methods for your own blog, you have more to share with your visitors. Your blog becomes both personable and informative and by holding yourself to standards to working to develop the authority and credibility that is desired by the best bloggers around.
Start Now
With your very next blog post, look within the words of your post to ensure that you’re following the advice that you’re dishing out. Look for ways to point out to your reader that you’re taking your own advice and ask your visitors to tell you how your advice worked for them.
Paul Baranda Says:
Yes very true! Most bloggers are just re-writing articles and posts and not putting any piece of themselves or their experience into it. The post and the blog itself then becomes lifeless. And yes there are sooooo many “me too” posts! I love that you said that hahaha
Posted on April 8th, 2008
baldeagle Says:
Bingo! While I’ve been blogging to a small niche community it has been very easy for me to be true to my blog. I’m now trying to venture out, but I’m being very careful to insure I stick with topics I know very well. It will take me a while to build credibility. I have no doubt I will.
Thanks for the great blog!
Posted on April 8th, 2008
Katy Says:
BaldEagle » A small niche community usually does very well. It gives you a leg up and quickly builds your authority because you may not be competing with the “best of the best” bloggers. Developing and getting the word out to spread interest in your niche may be the key to ultimate success for you.
Good point to stick with topics you know, that’s always the best possible solution when expanding your reach. Good luck with your new venture!
Posted on April 8th, 2008
Asia'h Epperson Says:
I have been reading blogs for over a year, and you are absolutely right in your points.
A lot of blogs just write the same stories. I read the same content over and over at different blogs, same idea, but just different style of writing. Even those big blogs do the same thing.
It’s such a pity that I come across your blog only recently. :)
Posted on April 8th, 2008
KangoInOH Says:
I, too, find the repetition of blog content annoying. There is such a lack of creative content out there.
Interesting comment about your Alexa rank. Thanks for sharing your findings on that!
Posted on April 8th, 2008
vishnu Says:
u have got a cool blog in here.. i came to this site as a result of a search.. and the landing pages was your race for a rank series :)
Keep blogging dear.. Tc
–
Vishnu
Posted on April 9th, 2008
Karen Says:
This is such a good post. So many blogs are just copy cats. I might feel like my blog is boring to some but it is me and about me.
Posted on April 9th, 2008
Katy Says:
Thanks for the compliment on my blog… it’s nice to see a new commentator that keeps coming back. Seems to be a little trend these days around here. :D
Kango » It’s amazing we’re all getting somewhere with the constant repetition. Good luck with your Alexa rank, that’s been a spot of fascination for me. LOL
Vishnu » Thank you! And thanks for the report on my Race for Rank series being index. I’ve keep a close eye on my search terms and enjoy hearing when someone landed here because of a search.
Karen » Because your blog is you, there will always be a unique perspective. One of the great things about being a personal blogger.
Posted on April 9th, 2008