How To Build Personal Credibility Online

Consistency

Be consistent with what you deliver. This doesn’t have to be content type. Most known experts produce blog posts, videos and even have Slideshare account.

Each to their own, but I like to where possible:

• Make sure posts are over 1,000 words – Word count isn’t everything, but there needs to be some substance
• Deliver what the title suggests
• Use lots of white space – It breaks up the content making it easier to skim read, but also easier to digest as a whole
• Use complimentary images – Same as above, but by complimentary, I mean they add value to the post; images for the sake of it are a no-no
• Add a simple table of contents for longer posts – People want to know everything now. If they don’t see it in the first paragraph, they might leave. Assure them what they want is somewhere in the article and tell them where to find it.

Time

Everything takes time.

I’ve been an avid reader of blogs for several years, this helped with the short-listing process at the start of the article. If I’d just experienced a handful of content pieces, from a handful of contributors, I wouldn’t feel so strongly in my opinion.

A quick example is me. I’ve been “ghost writing” for clients for over 5 years, as well as on a sites I own for a year, but I have no credibility.

Most of my work is branded with a Corporate voice…somewhere. It will take me time to build credibility.

No one will search my name; no one will see my face and click on my articles because it’s me. Depressing, right? I’m working on it.

Don’t expect to gain credibility overnight.

Education

The majority of blog owners find their how-to posts are among the most popular.

Don’t believe me? Let’s see what Google Trends thinks of “How To”, “Football”, “Rugby” and “Economy”.

Since 2007, “How To” is the hottest trend. Since 2015, it’s been hotter than all the others combined.

Give the people what they want.

What are you going to teach them and how?

How effectively are YOU using THEIR time?

Cut the waffle but make sure there is enough detail to educate.

Linking

Links are important. They can add value to a post. They can also take it away and with it, goes your personal credibility. Link to sites you regularly read, or at least investigate a site before linking out. Make sure the content they are producing is going to offer your readers value.

Stats are extremely useful. They give a statement power. That said, you need to be linking to that stat to give your statement the credibility it deserves. Link to the original source, not just the first result you see on Google. In particular, be careful of info graphics. Many are copy-cat content creators and not the original researchers that created the statistics; you don’t want to be tarnished with the same brush.

Engagement

Engage with your audience. Remember, this is not just about getting that individual to buy your product/service. Word of mouth still exists, just not in a conventional sense.

In 2015 for ecommerce alone 92% of respondents trusted referrals from people they knew 

You can’t ignore statistics like that.

In a society where life is becoming ever more automated, sometimes it’s nice to know there is someone the other end; that creates a bond. Have a presence.

• Respond to blog comments
• Thank people that RT on Twitter
• Contribute to other blogs

Value and Personality

Value converts into credibility and is comprised of all the above: content quality and format, posting schedule, tone of voice, length, images, references, engagement and more.

It is the way that YOU structure all of the above that creates your personality; you don’t have to do it the same as somebody else!

Then, it’s down to people to a assign value and therefore credibility rating to that personality.

Thanks for reading!