There are many ways to use online tools and face-to-face encounters to enhance your credibility and thus your authority in your field. This makes you more likely to be found in internet searches and recommended by those who meet you in person.

Businessman mapping out the sources of authority

 

Some Ways to Build Your Authority:

  • Blog on a regular basis. Regular blogging (weekly or even twice a month as long as it’s consistent) on topics relevant to your field enhances your reputation as a “go-to” person. Plus, it automatically raises your position in Internet searches.
  • Along with posting a blog to your website, share your blog post on the social media sites where you are active. This allows you to broaden your audience.
  • Use the publishing feature of LinkedIn to share your blog posts too, and when you do, be sure to tag your post with relevant key words.
  • Regularly share snippets about trends and tips in your industry through updates on LinkedIn and on your Facebook business page, as well as via tweets on Twitter. Just be sure to cite the source of your information so people know you’re sharing rather than taking credit.
  • Volunteer for activities in your local business organizations and other community groups where you can use your skills and expertise and garner some publicity at the same time.
  • At networking functions, share tips related to your industry during brainstorming discussions to help establish yourself as an authority in your field.
  • Follow up with the people you meet at these functions. Reach out to them via social media and in other ways and offer to answer questions they may have about what you do and what you know.
  • Speak about topics in your industry on a regular basis. If you develop several 15-20 minute presentations that can be adapted to a variety of community and business groups, seeking out and accepting these opportunities is less daunting, and requires less preparation. Be sure to follow up with those who attended and make yourself available as a resource to them.
  • Promote these speaking engagements via your social media sites, your e-newsletter, and your blog. Even if people don’t attend, they will be reminded that you’re an expert and that you’re available to speak – who knows, their community group might need a speaker on your industry one day.

 

  • Develop niches to suit your skills and your background. For example, as one of the few social media professionals over the age of 50 in the Denver metro area, I have developed an entire business around helping people in their 50s and 60s to better understand how to use social media. That’s my niche and, by using the precise techniques I am recommending here, I am becoming more and more recognized as an authority in it.

How About You?

How have you used social media to enhance your reputation and bolster your credibility within your area of expertise? Do you have a favorite approach? Please share your experiences, suggestions, and solutions.

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel, Founder of Boomers' Social Media Tutor

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 50 and up, to become more comfortable using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter.

She works with business owners, business development professionals, leaders of nonprofit organizations, job seekers, retired people, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.