As bloggers, we all want to grow credible blogs.  We all want to be known as being an expert in our niche, and to have credibility and trust with others.  But how do we go about building credible blogs?  Any experienced blogger will tell you that they had to work hard to build up their credibility.  It didn’t happen overnight and they didn’t just “get lucky”.

The more credibility you have, the more recognition you will receive from others.  This in turn will bring more traffic to your site, and a roll on effect of increased subscribers, followers and ultimately profits!  Can you see how important having credible blogs is?

Whilst some bloggers blog for the absolute pure delight of it, many bloggers blog for an income too.  Even those that initially have no interest in earning any money online, can earn a side income from their efforts.

There are also those bloggers that have the purpose of replacing their day job with an online income.  This is certainly my goal with my two blogs, as I strive to be a fully stay at home mum, but also able to earn an income to help support my family.

Regardless of what your blogging and income earning goals are, you need to take the time to build your credibility before you can expect your blog to be seen as successful.

This doesn’t have to seem like a long tedious task though.  What does building credible blogs involve?

Well, for starters it means you getting your name “out there” and the best way to do that is to be involved and to connect with others.  This is definitely a fun aspect of blogging, as you connect with people all around the world that you would previously had no opportunity to do so.

In turn, the relationships that you build will help with recommendations and testimonials of your site.  If you build relationships with bloggers who have already built the credibility within their niche, can you see how powerful a recommendation from them could be?

5 Blogging Tips To Build Credible Blogs:

1. Have a “disclosure” on your site.

Does your blog contain privacy policies and disclaimers?  It is important to be operating from a positive legal standpoint, but this also lays yourself open to your readers.  By reading your policies, your readers know exactly where they stand and what they can expect from you.  You are far less likely to build a bad name for yourself if you are transparent with others.  It’s all about building trust with your readers.

2. Let people know the real you!

Do you have an About page on your blog?  If not, then I’d suggest you write one! An about page is a fantastic opportunity for you to spill the beans on who you really are.  Let other bloggers know a little bit about the person behind the site, and let them connect with you.

If you try and hide who you are, then how can you expect people to trust you?  Of course you don’t need to go into massive detail as you don’t want to bore your readers either, but place a picture of yourself and give people a bit of background about your story.  Why did you start your blog?  Let people in on you!

Take a look at Blogging Tips 101 About Page to give you some ideas!

3. Always maintain your integrity

The last thing you want to do is loose your integrity as a blogger.  If you are unsure about something then do your research.  If you are still unsure, then simply don’t do it.    It can take a long time to build up credibility but can be lost in an instant if you abuse people’s trust.

Your readers are your customers, and they are valuable to you.  If you continue with high integrity then your readers are more likely to be loyal in return.

4. Always provide value

How many times have we emphasized the need to provide value.  If you give something out to people, then are more likely to give back in return.  Always make sure you feel that you are giving great value to your readers and if you don’t think it’s great, then don’t publish it!

There is no place for sloppy seconds in the blogging world, as competition is steep.  If you provide sloppy work, the readers will flock to your competition in no time at all.  If your site is know as the ‘go to site’ filled with useful value, then this will help build your credibility as an authority in your niche.

Readers come to this blog for blogging tips.  They are not interested in knowing what I had for dinner last night before typing up my latest post.  Think VALUE at all times!

5. Give credit to those that deserve it

If you have gained an idea from elsewhere then always always always give credit!  If you try and provide something that has clearly been ‘stolen’ from elsewhere, how will this make you look?  Will it make you look trustworthy or will it make you look a tinsy bit sneaky?

Giving credit to others will help develop those relationships, and other bloggers will also be flattered to know that they have inspired you in some way.  Providing links back to those blogs is great for your SEO too, so helps build your credibility with Google.  That is not something to be sniffed at!

If you follow these blogging tips it will assist you to build credibility and trust with your readers over time.

Would you like to know how to build a blog that will resonate and build credibility with your readers?  The learn how to blog program will walk you through all the steps you need from setting up your blog, to ensuring your blog posts contain value, and everything you need to know about how to go about connecting with others in the blogging world.  Don’t settle for an ‘ok’ blog, kick it up a notch and aim for an ‘amazing’ blog!

What are some ways that you build credibility with your readers?  Are there things that you specifically look for in credible blogs? Please share your thoughts with us below.