The end goal for all bloggers is to create a blog that becomes an authority site and might even make you an authority figure in the process. Being an “authority” means you are the “go to” source for information. The good news is that you can be an authority in any given niche.

In the world of blogging and internet marketing you might consider well known names like John Chow, Darren Rowse, Jeremy Schoemaker, and Brian Clark  as authority figures. In the travel niche, you probably know the names Gary Arndt and Dave and Deb from The Planet D. Food bloggers know Ree Drummond. Fashion bloggers know Leandra Medine. These individuals were able to their skills and knowledge, start a blog and share it with the world. Once people find true value in your content and start commenting and sharing it with others, then the magic happens.

Becoming an authority figure or creating an authority site isn’t really something that can be done with money (unless you want to spend a ton), in the end it comes down to the quality of content on your site, how you interact with your audience and continue to grow over time.

Everyone can become an authority, it’s just a matter of putting in the time and effort. Here’s five ways you can brand yourself as an authority blogger.

Start By Creating Really Killer Content

The first step to creating an authority blog starts with your content. It’s so easy to create a blog and start throwing content out there, but it’s extremely hard to stand out from the crowd and be known for awesome content. This is where you really need to put the time and focus in before you even get started.

Here’s what you need to ask yourself.

• Why am I creating this blog in the first place?
• Who is going to be my target audience and why are they coming to the blog?
• What can I give my audience that other blogs in my niche aren’t?

Ask and answer these simple questions and you will start off on the right path for success.

Blast Your Name and Face Everywhere

I’m not talking about hiring some $5 SEO service on Fiverr and blasting your content and links all over the place! I’m talking about legitimately getting your name out there and getting heard. This is exactly what I have done over the years to make ZacJohnson.com and authority site and recognized name in the affiliate marketing and blogging space. As Pat Flynn says… “Be Everywhere“.

• Guest blog on relevant and high end sites in your niche
• Speak at various conferences
• Make friends with top names in the industry
• Help everyone and answer all of your emails

Get Social – It’s All About Engagement

I have to say that over the years I’ve always been lacking in the social media department, but it’s something I’ve been getting better at and more active lately. To make your blog really stand out and build an authority around your name or business, you really need to have a great social following as well. This will allow you to connect with so many more people and allow you to be accessible and more personal to your readers. Having a social connection on all networks will also allow you to grow your follow through many different outlets and deliver your blog updates instantly to their news feeds.

Here’s a few more social updates for you to use.

• Make sure you are definitely on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Create a Facebook Fan Page for your brand/blog in addition to having a personal profile there
  
• Sign up for and monitor Klout, which is a great way to bring all of your social network links together
• Respond, comment and engage with other social users
• Use the same picture for all of your social accounts to increase your branding

And there you have it… three simple yet extremely effective ways for you to start growing your blogging brand and eventually become an authority figure within your niche!

Want to learn more about becoming an authority in your niche? Learn from people who are authorities in their respected niches by attending NMX in Las Vegas this January!

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