How to Write More Authoritatively When Blogging

Think about motivational speakers, or any person who gives a talk to a select group of audience about a topic with which he has a certain level of expertise.

In the same way that speakers inspire their listeners, online readers look up to the most effective and well-known bloggers as people with worthwhile opinions to share. When it comes to blogging, two things can make you write with authority:

• You're highly enthusiastic about the topic of your blog, and over the years you have made it your specialty by reading books and articles about it, taking classes so you can meet like-minded people, attending conventions, etc.
• You've had tons of experience to which the average reader can easily relate. The result can only be catching their interest and, if you truly appeal to them, sustaining their interest.

So the key ingredient to blogging is really quite simple: if you increase your knowledge, you'll find yourself with a goldmine of ideas to turn into posts.

As an example, before I even thought about publishing this blog, I had the equivalent of nearly nine years of experience in the field of freelancing. I had to present my thoughts and ideas as facts, because it really is possible to make a nice income from freelancing, whether you do it full-time or on the side.

I also read plenty of books, web sites, and other blogs about the subject, and found out that I shared the many joys and triumphs, as well as concerns, of other professional freelancers.

Now let's get down to creating blog articles. Consider any of the following:

• Make a list, like The Top Five Things You Have to Consider When Buying a Pet, or Five Effortless Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Bill.
• Think about the last good article you have read from a newspaper or magazine, or even online, that is related to your blog's topic. How can you incorporate the main points of the article into a blog post and "slant" it towards your readers?
• Do your research among the blogosphere and look out for "gaps." Are there any aspects about your topic that can be cultivated and discussed further? Then come up with a series of posts where you can offer your points of view.