If you’ve spent a bit of time in the online world you’ve probably heard the expression “content is king”. Since the Google algorithm changes have changed the landscape of SEO forever, content marketing is an even more vitally important way to achieve online success. Regular blogging is a great way to draw visitors to view your content, but beware – is your blog helping or hindering your credibility?
Of course, at the core of successful blog writing is that you are able to deliver consistently engaging content over time. Be original and give people what they are looking for with regard to your particular niche. Engage your audience and be sure to respond to any comments made. Guest posts from recognized authorities are another great way to build credibility by association. People are looking for good content that is compelling and original – utilize any tools you have to deliver!
So, if you’ve got the content part right, what other parts come into play that can affect your credibility?
We were fortunate enough to have a chat with John Paul Aguiar, blogging entrepreneur and social media marketer for our digital magazine, Online Footprint. He cautions that many bloggers have ‘sold their souls’ for quick money on their sites, thus damaging their credibility. He gives four ways to be a successful blogger without damaging your credibility…
1. Have awesome products
It doesn’t matter whether it is a free giveaway or something that costs $100, make sure the products you have are of high quality and are valuable to your customer. As John Paul says; “you have to make it worth my money or my email address”. Remember that your objective should be to grow your list and develop the opportunity for repeat sales or up-sells; screw up with your initial offering and repeat sales/visits will be very unlikely.
2. Make sure ads are targeted and helpful
It is a very bad look if your website is carrying ads for 1. something that has nothing to do with your niche and 2. targeted products that are of poor quality. These are giving the message that you are just in it for some money and not really interested in providing something helpful to your readers. If it is a banner ad that an advertiser paid to have up, they are unlikely to pay for it again as you probably didn’t bring them any results.
3. Don’t over-do the banner ads
Having too many banner ads on your site just looks messy. They make it harder for your readers to navigate and to read the content that they are there looking for. Too many banners are also less likely to get results than one or two well-placed and targeted banner ads.
4. Test out reviewed products yourself!
Product reviews are a great way for bloggers to make money but the key is in writing an in-depth review that gives an honest account of the pluses and minuses. It is easy to spot the difference when someone is giving a first-hand account coming from their experience with the product, plus, if you don’t test it yourself, how do you know it is something you should be endorsing?
One of the keys to cultivating good credibility for your website is that you personally take ownership of all content on it. Give your viewers valuable, original content and don’t be lured in by the thought of some quick money!