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Ryan Paugh graduated from Penn State in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business. After working in corporate communications, freelance writing and reporting, he co-founded 
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The world of social media has certainly changed the way individuals become credible. With a little passion and some solid opinions, anyone can start a blog and make a name for themselves on the web.
But, the measure of credibility in the blogosphere is far from defined. I mean–we’re bloggers–few of us have editors who scrutinize the facts. And of course, we can’t get fired for what we say. Since there’s not much at risk, to establish credibility, we have to rely on the element of trust.
Gaining a reader’s trust is no simple feat. Here’s a few ways to do it, and hopefully maintain it, as you develop your blog.
Bare all and keep it real
My favorite bloggers, and the ones I have the utmost respect for, are the ones who aren’t afraid to tell it how it is. Whether it’s not being afraid to say what everyone else is thinking, or flaunting your weaknesses—turning them into strengths–these are the people I want to read day after day.
The ones who pretend to be something they’re not are easy to ignore. Think of your content as if it were a tangible product. If you’re producing a knockoff, few people are going to want it.
Align yourself with the right people
Like it or not, the blogosphere works just like any other social system. There are people who have power and people who don’t.
Having friends with connections matters on the web as much as it does in any facet of life. Network with these people, make them like you, and you’ll be surprised at what will happen.
Presentation counts for everything
It’s tough to take someone seriously who doesn’t work on their style. Just as the way we dress paints a picture of who we are, the design on your blog paints a picture of who you are.
You can write the most powerful content on the web, but if your presentation sucks, everything sucks. Think about developing a blog style that augments your blog content. As soon as you do, people will be able to take you more seriously.
Authority is something that has to be built. And the trust you want to develop that leads to that authority can’t be earned overnight. When we started Employee Evolution over a year ago, there were more haters than anyone else. But we stuck to our guns, played nice, and today we’ve earned some credibility. Sure, there will always be those neighsayers looking to shut you down. Learn to enjoy these people, because having the authority to speak your mind and know others are listening wouldn’t be a good time without them.
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Your right on target about being genuine. Half of the draw to any blog is the connection to the writer. Once you can establish yourself as earnest and educated on a topic, readers are more inclined to follow up with what you say.
I agree - being truthful is much more entertaining! When I first started blogging I had a hard time finding my voice and writing meaningful, personal posts. I’m still struggling with it, but I think I have improved and my readers are responding more. My blog is about design, so I don’t talk personal everyday, but interject my thoughts here and there. I find it a continuous challenge to be real and honest in a blog form, but it is interesting and helps me grow with my writing. Thanks!
Couldn’t agree more. I’m sure that’s why there is still a lot of skepticism for bloggers. I mean, if a 14 year old girl can have one, how legit can they be? It’s a shame, because some of the best news and reading I get are from blogs.
Interesting observations.
I have been thinking a lot about how much bloggers should share with their readers and how to incorporate this into posts etc.
It seems like writing a lot about your personal life will keep people coming back and encourages interactivity. There are a number of high traffic blogs that do this. But then there are other bloggers who really stick to their subject topics are rarely delve into the personal.
I wonder if the bloggers who discuss their personal lives just don’t have it in them to produce the same volume of quality content that the topic-focused bloggers do. Or is it because the “personal life bloggers” are just really open like that in “real life” and blogging about themselves (in addition to other things) is part of what makes them authentic on the Web? It’s interesting to think about what people are responding to when it comes to “personal life bloggers” — is it their authenticity or the excitement of knowing about someone’s “private” trials and tribulations?
Diana:
Finding your voice takes time. And even with my blogging, I find that my voice is constantly evolving.
You touch on an important aspect of life in general - trust. It is the basis of any relationship: Social, business, romantic or even virtural.
I see a definate maturity in your writing. You understand that Presentation means everything, whether it is the presentation of your blog or presentation of yourself in the office.
I also appreciate this quote, “Authority is something that has to be built. And the trust you want to develop that leads to that authority can’t be earned overnight.” No one is ‘entitled’ to anything, it always has to be earned.
James:
Thanks for the great compliments!
You’re right on. Trust is important in every aspect of life. And of course, it’s not something that is merely obtained, it’s earned.
Thanks for pointing that out. Maybe creating a credible blog is just one big metaphor for creating a credible life. Does that make sense?
@Ryan -
Regarding your last comment, “Maybe creating a credible blog is just one big metaphor for creating a credible life.” - You are right on! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I think it’s implied - but I’ll mention it anyway: presentation IS important, but it won’t go as far as quality (and honest!) content. You can dress it up, but if there’s no substance, you can’t take it out.
Quality content, then a great presentation.