Online Credibility – How to Get Online Credibility and Keep It

When People Know, Like, and Trust You, They Will Do Business With You

The web is like a rootin’, tootin’, Wild West town. Anybody can hang up a shingle and say they’re the foremost authority on anything they choose. Who’s going to stop them?

Maybe that’s one reason most folks are a little leery when taking someone’s word for something on the Internet. How can they know the website’s author is telling the truth? Well, fact is, they can’t unless the person is well-known. And even then, it’s hard to tell sometimes. Bernie Madoff, anyone?

So, the question is: are you a credible source of information on the Internet?

If you answered “I don’t know,” chances are you aren’t.

Don’t despair. There are some steps you can take to assure your web credibility will be a thing of enduring grandeur.

Be Honest

Above all, be honest. Tell people who you really are and why you’re an authority on a given subject. Don’t worry that you don’t have a degree in your chosen field. Richard Branson doesn’t have a college degree and look what he’s accomplished with Virgin Airlines and all the other Virgin companies.

Maybe your years as a telephone installer has made you something of an expert in public relations. So don’t be afraid to let people know why you think you’re an authority. Give them examples of how you handled difficult customers, of how you saved your company’s credibility by thinking on your feet. Show the public your stuff and pretty soon they’ll agree that you’re a whiz at making people happy.

Use Profiles

Fill out profiles at all of the social networking sites you belong to. The most important thing to remember is to be consistent. If you don’t remember what year you started that job with the publishing company, don’t guess. Get the exact dates and use them consistently. Make sure the information you’re putting out is correct.

Also, use a current picture. Sure, that high school photo makes you feel young again, but it’s not you today. Show people what you look like today so folks can put a face with your name.

And then don't keep changing it. WE become bored with our own material MUCH faster than our clients and prospects. Make sure that your photograph is recognizable all the time so people will instantly know it is you.

Be Consistent

Post regularly on several different sites; a blog, forum, and Twitter, for example. Be a regular fixture on these sites and people will associate your name with authority. And the more they see you, the more they believe what you write, the larger an authority you will be recognized as.

Be Reasonable

Invariably, you’ll find someone with whom you disagree. Don’t argue with them for any reason. It’s fine to take an opposing viewpoint, just state your position with tact and maturity. (I always taught my children: "Firm but polite." It really works!

Remember, whatever you post online will be there for a LONG while. Make sure you’re proud of everything you write and post.

Build Networks

Do this by linking to others in your field that you trust. If they link back to you, you’ll be well on your way to establishing credibility in the “eyes” of some search engines.

When you build networks with those you trust, you’re creating your own little universe of credibility where each blogger supports the other, each website lends credibility to another. When it works, it’s a little piece of heaven on earth.

Be Responsive

If someone questions you on some point, be sure to respond as soon as possible. Show that you’re available and interested in creating a dialogue with your readers. Nothing turns off perspective subscribers faster than an unanswered query.

Keep Current

Keep abreast of developments in your field and tell your readers about them. Be the go-to information source for your readers.

And while we’re on the subject, make sure your information is correct. You’ll quickly lose all your hard-earned credibility if people discover your news isn’t trustworthy. Take a few extra minutes to verify what you’re reporting is fact and your readers will thank you with their undying support.

And lastly,

Be Professional

Establishing yourself as a credible source of information on the web is hard work. Don’t let poor writing, spelling, or faulty thinking tear down your burgeoning empire. Get a friend to read your post to see if it makes sense. Take the time to proofread your articles before you post. Remember, a spell checker can’t catch the wrong words in the right places. No what I mean? (Hey, it's a joke… I KNOW how to spell it!!)

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Online Credibility – How to Get Online Credibility and Keep It