First up – I’d like to acknowledge that the word expert is pretty subjective these days. I’m using it to mean that you have a level of competence that means you have a good sense of what is going on, even if you don’t do every single little blogging task yourself.
3 Ways To Become An Expert Blogger
1) Blog
I hate to say it, but if you’re not regularly blogging (and this goes for podcasting and vlogging too), then you probably won’t become an expert. There is a learning curve to producing content, and you learn that learning curve by doing. So make sure you blog!
2) Don’t be afraid to try things
I had a goal in 2016 of getting more comfortable on camera. So I started filming myself talking in my car using a selfie stick. Sure, some people looked at me weirdly in car parks and I felt like a knob at times. But it did help me get used to being on camera. Later that year, I was speaking at my alma mater and they asked me to also be in some video content for them. So I took a deep breath and did so. I still felt nervous, but they were happy with what came out. Knowing beforehand where to look (aka at the lens, for these instances) and knowing to keep regular breathing to keep a regular tone meant I wasn’t learning these things at my alma mater. I already knew them and could somewhat make them subconscious so I could focus on what I wanted to say on camera.
3) Be willing to learn all the basics
You don’t need to know how to develop a site from scratch, or how to edit a long video, or run a complex social media campaign. But you do need to get a basic understanding of what is involved in different parts of running your blog. You may be someone who chooses to outsource a lot – but how will you know if you’re being quoted for the right type or amount of work if you have no idea what goes into it? A basic knowledge really helps you in this area.
What do you think you need to do or know to be an “expert” blogger?
These are great tips. Although I’m still pretty clueless, I have definitely learnt a lot from being “on the job” and although all that practice hasn’t made me perfect (or an expert) I think it’s made me much better than I was! You can video like a boss!
And I only learned to video by picking it up and trying 🙂
I have not been willing to venture into vlogging yet. The idea of filming myself talking just seems…weird and uncomfortable. I’m not sure why, as I’m not fazed by public speaking or media interviews. But something about filming myself makes me uncomfortable. I probably just need to get used to it!
It is weird and uncomfortable. The amount of people who give me strange looks for talking to myself in public car parks…ah well.
Great tips and not sure I’ll ever be an Expert Blogger but I do post regularly and I’ve learned so much in the 3.5 years I’ve been blogging. I would add that replying to all comments is important because people have taken the time to read and comment with their thoughts. The most positive part of blogging is the connections with readers and other bloggers. Have a great week!
A great tip. And one that is sometimes overlooked by the ‘big’ ‘experts’. I’ve found that those who talk the most about engagement, engage the least.
‘The more you blog the better you get at it’ is a theory I definitely subscribe too!
Practice makes perfect may be a) a cliche and b) perfect doesn’t exist, but the general sentiment isn’t really too wrong.
Great advice. I have always believed that 95% of sucess is simply showing up. So yes ….if you what to be a successful blogger show up and post. Not that I myself have done so much of that over the past 2 years. Lol.
It really is – show up and you are 100% making progress. It can be slow (what true progress isn’t!?) but it puts you on the path.
I get my eldest son to edit any vids under my guidance and he loves doing it. I can’t complain about that.
Great tips!
Oh that’s good haha. “Outsourcing” 🙂
someone once told me I didn’t know as much about blogging as I thought I did. It stayed with me, and stopped me from becoming my definition of success. And I forgot what it was I wanted to be successful at. I’m finally throwing that bullshit out, and claiming back my experience!
I’m sure to some I’m a failure at blogging because I don’t do affiliates and don’t think they’re worthwhile for me… stuff like that. But it is my view of what is worthwhile for me that counts!!
That’s the best blogging advice I have seen. BLOG!!
Seriously well-done you. I also think the word ‘expert’ is over-done for under-qualified people. I was once described as a school education expert and I said , no I am an experienced school education consultant.
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is “If I Could” Denyse x
It’s something that people rarely tell you is a first step. People will talk seo, keywords…but few will say just get started!
I think expert is a pretty loose term these days, but if it creates confidence in someone, then how wonderful! Great tips.
That’s exactly why I used expert. We don’t need any type of professional registration or qualification, so expert in this field is 99% personal experience. I tried to formalise my knowledge by studying in this area once and they were so anti-online I dropped out in disgust.
And never be afriad if other people disagree. They will and that doesn’t mean they are right – it’s just their opinion.
YES! There is no one right way. Take what works and discard the ideas that don’t.
Great tips, Ness! I’ve been blogging long term now but do need constant inspiration and new ways of looking at my blogging to keep me motivated and inspired to write.
SSG xxx
Do you find prompts help you ?
I agree with everyone that says actually blogging is the best way to become an expert. Also being genuine and not just trying to copy other bloggers. Your own voice and perspective is valuable!
Yes! Very much so. No one needs carbon copies of others. You are enough – more than enough.
I love that the first tip is blog – that’s where I usually fail 😉
It’s a surprisingly key step 😉