In previous posts, I talked about visibility and how important it is to your success. Visibility without credibility, however, does not do you any good. In order to build trust with your audience, you have to show up, be consistent, and provide content with value. Many people have said that you need to give away your best content. I agree, but that does not mean that you give EVERYTHING away.

There are seven tried and true ways for you to strategically build your credibility by providing valuable information and tools without handing out all of your secrets. Each of these seven actions will help you to be seen as an expert in your niche, the go-to person if you will, but will keep you from simply becoming a free information booth.

Action #1: Share FREE content to educate your audience.

By giving away SOME of your content, you prove to your audience that you know what you’re talking about. The goal here is to provide either macro- or micro-content. In other words, you want to either provide a high-level overview of a topic, or a deep dive into one particular aspect of a topic. Either way, you are establishing your knowledge base, but are not providing all of the tools to implement your action steps.

Action #2: Find guest speaking or writing opportunities.

When you appear as a guest speaker on a podcast, webinar, or Facebook live you are reaching the host’s audience, and establishing yourself as an expert. You can also provide written guest articles and blog posts to other publications. You can use these interviews and writing credits on your website and in your sales copy to show that others in your field value your opinions and are willing to have you share that information with their audience.

Action #3: Talk about yourself.

Does this one make you a little uncomfortable? You’re not alone! The fact is, you need to toot your own horn. If you have accomplished some feat, the world should know. Your audience and your future clients WANT to know that they are working with someone who is recognized by others in their field. You’ll want to be sure that the accomplishments that you are sharing actually apply to your market and your niche, but you do need to share them. That being said, I have spoken at conferences and also co-authored an Amazon best-selling book. I don’t talk about those accomplishments much because the speaking engagements and the book were not directed toward my current target audience, however, they still lend themselves to my credibility. Keep in mind, that it’s not bragging if it’s true!

Action #4: Share your clients’ results.

When you’ve helped a client reach their goals, ask if you can share the results. Case studies, testimonials, comments, and emails are all social proof of your ability to help others succeed. The best way to do this is to talk about the struggle that your client was having, then share how you helped them overcome that struggle and what the result was. Those results are what your target audience wants for themselves!

Action #5: Show up consistently.

You can have all of the knowledge in the world, but if you don’t show up consistently to share it, then your audience will feel as if they can’t rely on you. It is nearly impossible to build credibility if your future clients feel like they can’t trust you. Keep in mind that being consistent is relative. It doesn’t have to mean that you post a blog every week or post constantly to social media. You do however have to maintain a consistent schedule that your audience can rely on.

[click_to_tweet tweet=”You can have all of the knowledge in the world, but if you don’t show up consistently to share it, then your audience will feel as if they can’t rely on you.” quote=”You can have all of the knowledge in the world, but if you don’t show up consistently to share it, then your audience will feel as if they can’t rely on you.”]

Action #6: Show up authentically.

You want your audience to see YOU, so you have to show up as yourself. If you have an outgoing personality and are unapologetic in real life, then that should translate into your social world. If you normally curse, then don’t be afraid to curse from time to time. Don’t put on a show, don’t overly filter yourself, be who you are so that you will connect more fully with your followers. You will build credibility and trust so much more quickly when you show up authentically.

Action #7: Trust yourself.

Two words – confidence sells! If you doubt yourself or if you seem to be questioning your own knowledge or expertise, it will show. If you are not able to show your audience that you are confident in your knowledge and skills, then they won’t trust you. Just like that, your credibility is gone. If trusting in yourself and exuding confidence is an issue for you, then reach out. I love to help women show up and reach their full potential. You can only reach your full potential when you have confidence. Confidence is the key to success!

[click_to_tweet tweet=”You can only reach your full potential when you have confidence.” quote=”You can only reach your full potential when you have confidence.”]