This is a guest post by Rich Gorman.
One of the most fascinating facets of the blogging community is how there are so many different bloggers, blogging for such different reasons. Some folks sign up for a free WordPress or Blogger account and start firing away, simply for purposes of creativity or self-expression. And then there are others who become bloggers of authority, esteemed within the industry, wildly successful on the back of their blogging efforts.
Of course, there are also folks stuck in the middle—those amateur bloggers who would like to be something more, who would like to see their blog transformed into a vehicle for real success. In the scheme of things, not many bloggers reach that tipping point, where they become really respectable and esteemed within their industry. I wonder, though, if that’s not because more bloggers simply don’t know how to become bloggers of authority.
It’s true enough that there is no magic spell, no secret formula to turn yourself into an overnight blogging pro. There are, however, a few success-generating tips that can make any blogger into an authoritative blogger. These battle-tested techniques have worked wonders for me, and I am convinced that they will work well for you, too.
Your Content is Key
The most obvious and important part of the blog, of course, is content—so what do you blog about? What kind of information can you use to turn yourself into a blogger of true authority?
If you are seeking to become an authoritative blogger within a given industry, then what you have to do is establish yourself as someone who clearly knows the industry well, and who can add value to it and its members. The way you do that, I have found, is by sharing trade secrets and insider information.
That doesn’t mean you have to betray all the proprietary information that makes your own operation a success. But it does mean you should share some details of the techniques and strategies that you have used—stuff your blog readers won’t find in any books or other blogs.
Share specifics, if you can—like revealing the names and e-mail addresses of preferred vendors, and telling your readers how they can get a discount on the desired services. What you want is to provide readers with a real, tangible way to make money now—and if you do, you can bet that they’ll keep coming back to your blog for more of the same!
Design Matters
Another important point is that the design of your blog matters—in a big way. Content is king, but content can only shine when it’s enhanced by a quality blog design that tells your story.
My own blog, Direct Response, recently underwent a facelift, wherein I imposed a new banner image showing a series of smoldering craters. The purpose of my blog is to give members of the direct response industry the tips they need for competitive edge—for leaving their competitors in the dust. Or, for leaving them as smoldering craters, if you prefer. My blog design tells my story, and it lends power to every post that I write.
Beyond Your Blog
Content and design are the two key components of your blog—but an authoritative blogger is always on the lookout for something else, something beyond. I’m talking about guest posting, of course. There is simply no better way to establish yourself as an active, expert member of your industry.
Seeking out as many reputable guest posting opportunities as you can will go a long way. It will show members of the industry that you’re passionate about your industry—and that you play a prevalent role within it. And seeing your name on the blog of another reputable, industry blogger will let readers know that you, too, are someone with authority.
Stir Up Some Controversy
There is one final tip that I’ve found to be utterly essential… and it’s one that every blogger should approach with discernment. You need to generate some controversy in your posts. Because, of course, there are plenty of other bloggers out there, and you’ve got to stand apart from them.
What I advise is that you avoid being a bully or a jerk. Avoid racism, sexism, or outright meanness. But don’t be afraid to do other things to help you stand out—like taking an unorthodox political stance. Even using heroic acts of hyperbole can go a long way!
I’ve used all of these tips to astonishing effect, both within the Direct Response industry and the reputation management industry, and I’m convinced that they’ll work wonders within any field. Try these tips, and watch your own blogging authority — and success — grow.
About Rich Gorman
Kikolani covers blog marketing and blogging tips for personal, professional, and business bloggers to succeed in search and social media marketing. Kristi Hines is a 
Rich
content is key that is the absolute number one right there. My take on it is writing great valuable content, and marketing your blog for traffic like there is no tomorrow.
Kenny Fabre recently posted Dofollow Blogs- How to find dofollow blogs to comment on to increase SEO Website Pagerank?
I definitely agree with Kenny
Rich content is the best way to make you authoritative blogger. People won’t trust poor content sites since it means that the owner didn’t spend time to share useful things.
Robert
yep blogging definitely takes some effort like a job or running a business
Kenny Fabre recently posted Dofollow Blogs- How to find dofollow blogs to comment on to increase SEO Website Pagerank?
You’re not kidding about the effort. I am fairly new to blogging after doing some non-blog niche websites over the past couple of years and it is a LOT more work. I know that every week I have to keep up with making posts in order to keep the content fresh and keep my users happy. Not the easiest thing to do when you are used to a more auto-pilot approach to your online creations!
Garrett recently posted Forex Trading Recap: 26 Sep 2012 +59 Pips
If you don’t know what you’re talking about it will be evident and if you do, then you need to be able to explain to those who don’t, in simple terms what it is you know – you can’t assume everyone understands abbreviations and acronyms. If people come to your blog to learn and they are your potential customers you can assume they don’t know as much as you – write for your audience.
Roz Bennetts recently posted A Fish Rots from the Head Down
Great post. I think content is key. I’ve been to some blogs that have really high PR and the design of the sites are crap, but the thing that makes them stand out not only to their readers and Google, is their content. Easy to engage and easy to be found.
Good info!
Joe recently posted San Diego RV Detailing and Wash that comes to you.
As I am brand new to the world of blogging I’m the guy that everyone talks about that is looking to increase his/her viewers. I believe that I have something to offer but there is no doubt that I need to work on my style. Even so I can only be myself so —-
Anyway I’m here to learn. I don’t need to be a hero blogger or a big name. The way I see it if I can drive traffic to my site and increase my client base (That sold clients mind you) by two or three a year I’ll be happy.
Barry Kidd recently posted Adobe Photoshop Video Correcting Color Cast
I respectively disagree about controversy unless it fits the niche, like politics for example. Too much controversy can backfire pretty quickly. It might spur some quick interaction but, ultimately, it’s dividing your readership and half of those may never return. There’s nothing wrong with expressing ourselves and voicing our true beliefs but I wouldn’t recommend a blogger be controversial for the sake of interaction.
Brian Hawkins recently posted Video Blogging Advice For Bloggers
The key to becoming an authoritative blogger is simple: provide your industry/niche with high quality articles where you demonstrate a level of expertise that is amongst the tops in that space. I’ll argue that everything else is just a distraction. If you put out content that goes above and beyond any other content in terms of depth and focus, you’ll quickly grow a reputation as a authority.
Guest blogging and a nicely designed site can help get you exposure, but if you’re not doing what I suggest above, nothing else really matters.
Again same, content is a key for attract more visitors to our blog. If your blog have some boring content then readers are never want to follow your blog. Anyone wants fresh content, fresh content is also the thing which are important for blogging.
Rachel Berge recently posted Companies Are Suffering From Web Application Security Breach
The debate rages on between “Content is key” and “Content is not” – and you make a great case for the former. Having typed that, sometimes even when I write a great piece and spread it around on social networks, etc. – it fizzles. On the other hand, sometimes I post a “throwaway” article that takes off like a rocket and ascends to a top five ranking in Google… proof that even a “low-brow” topic placed within a loosely constructed blog post can be a monster viral hit. Content Content Content!
Dave Lucas recently posted Search Results Are The New First Impression
Becoming an authority blogger takes time. We’ve pretty much established that content is key when it comes to becoming an authority in your niche, but what else? Having a strong presence on social media is also important; connect with the right people on Twitter and Facebook and you could fast-track the process of becoming an authority.
Stirring controversy and being controversial is an interesting point, but you have to have facts (and the balls) to back up what you’re saying. While avoid crossing the fine line between being controversial and being downright offensive.
Mike Dawson recently posted A List of the Best Ways to Make Money from a Blog
Content that provides great value to its readers is one major key. Another one is the attitude of the blogger him/herself. There are so many things or factors to consider, IMHO, in terms of defining or determining an authoritative blogger.
Hope my comment makes sense (it’s early morning here and I feel dead tired and sleepy while writing this).
Ron Leyba recently posted Halloween Oppan Gangnam Style 2012 – PSY Gangnam Style Costumes
Even being new to the game blogging I think that attitude has a great deal to do with attracting an audience on the web.
I have done other things on the web besides blogging that has drawn a small loyal following and I really think it was more my attitude than any thing else.
Barry Kidd recently posted Fairie Festival Glen Rock PA 2012
I’m definitely going to agree with you on the content part Rich. I also believe that building those relationships will also help you become an authority in other’s eyes as well. I mean when you reach out to help others they are definitely more than eager to spread the word.
I do believe that guest blogging is a great way to get yourself out there but I don’t do a lot of guest blogging and readers seem to find me. I think it’s because they see me all over the place. That’s very helpful.
I’ve never been big on the controversy but I could if I gave it a good try! lol…
Thanks for sharing these. Great suggestions indeed.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted How To Rid Spam From Your Facebook News Feed
Being a confident/authoritative blogger is all about content and quality. If you can provide your readers with writing that is of high standard, then you’re golden.
I’m glad you bring up the design portion Rich. We all know how important content is, but a bad design can really turn away readers, and a great design can truly make the content that much more inviting. I think too many bloggers ignore design to their detriment.
Adam recently posted 7 Secret Customer Service Techniques Every Expert Knows: Our eBook is Here!
Thank you! You don’t often see articles that place importance on the design and aesthetics of a website. I think it is so important in developing reader/ customer trust in you/ your product. And of course, much nicer on the eye
Hemma recently posted Top 9 Reasons to Add Video Production to your Marketing Agenda
These are excellent points – points which are really timely as I work to build my platform as an up-coming memoir author. Thank you so much for this guest post!
Jeff Emmerson recently posted Target Marketing for Authors: Critical to Your Success!
Stirring up controversy is a solid way to bring a little more attention to your site, but it must be done honestly. Do not fabricate or lie or defame someone or something just to gain notoriety. Be controversial, sure, but to not do it at the expense of truth.
I would agree with the previous poster that controversy isn’t always a good idea, depending on your area of expertise. That’s kind of a given, though, and I do also agree that you have to give your content some personality in order to stand out. Valuable information!
Elena Anne recently posted 10 Ways to Use Flaxseeds
Controversy is a very dangerous game to play if you have never done it before. You must know what the effects could be and have an idea of what opinions it will stir up. I for one would not use the tactic unless I was 100% sure that I was able to put out the flames and explain my stance or opinion properly. Yes it can cause stuff to go viral and get traffic etc but be very careful.
Regards
SI
SI recently posted Selling Websites: Why you should consider becoming an online property developer.
Guest posting is definitely an area I am lacking in during my recent adventure into blogging. I haven’t even explored it at all yet!
Within my niche I am sure there are plenty of other competent and professional people I could turn to, but I am very leery of having another voice on my site. I definitely need to give the idea some more thought…
Garrett recently posted Forex Trading Recap: 26 Sep 2012 +59 Pips
You have touched up the two most important steps in order to get a credible blog.
The content has to be top-notch and the content needs to be as entertaining as possible.
Samuel recently posted How To Promote Your Blog!
Frankly I doubt that * I * can ever become an authoritative blogger. But I will try to follow your suggestions and will stir up some controversy. It should at least get me some comments…
Tom recently posted Overpowering the Sun
Content will ALWAYS be king in my opinion, it is our job to educate our readers. If your blog has the whistles and bells then it will attract a little attention here and there, however it is quality content that will keep readers coming back time and time again.
I wonder how much is it style and how much is it substance? Because it seems to me that an Authoritative Blogger needs both, right?
I think there are many people out there that know their onions (…as they say around here) well, they are very knowledgeable, they know more than most people. However they just can not communicate and engage with people. Blogging is a lot about communication and engagement no matter what the subject is. It is only then when people will follow and want to share your content with others.
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