Become a Problem Solver – How To Become an Authoritative Blogger, Part 1
Everyone wants to, in their niche, become a blogger with authority, someone whose opinions are respected accross the niche, and who is not taken lightly. Being an authority blogger has it’s perks and all, such as more reader response, and more credibility.
But, how do you become one? In this series on becoming an authority blogger, you will get to learn what it takes to become an authority in your niche. The first chapter is : Becoming a Problem Solver. But first, why should you even care about becoming an authoriy?
Why Become An Authoritative Blogger?
Really, why should you care to become an authority in your niche? Are you investing time and effort into something that is a waste? What are the perks and benefits of being an authority? The below points can clear things up, I hope:
Authority Bloggers Are Influencers
Authority bloggers have an important element of effective marketing: influence. The actions they take are not taken lightly by the community. What they say has weight, and they’re acknowledged in their niche.
For example, if Darren Rowse was to say ‘ stop guest posting ‘ or John Chow was to say ‘ stop using affiliate programs ‘, you can guess what chaos this could make 
Both of these bloggers are influencers in their respective niches, and what ever they say is taken as practical advice by their readers. (I do hope neither of the above scenarios happen, though!)
Authority Bloggers Are Leaders
Authority bloggers lead the pack. They’re at the head of their niche, and they’re often the first one to know about new happenings. The others are simply followers, lost in the crowd. The leader is the one who is looked up to by other people for advice. Leaders are the shakers and movers. Do you want to be a leader, or a follower?
If you notice, leadership and influence are closely connected. A good leader also has a strong influence in the community. Wouldn’t you love to have this kind of influence too in your niche? This is what being an authority blogger is all about.
I Have a Problem! What Will I Do?
When a person has a problem with something,they visit a respected and well known source to get the problem corrected. For example, if I have a headache, I’ll go to the doctor. Makes sense right?
I also become grateful to the doctor for relieving me of my headache, and will probably visit only him in future, knowing that he will be able to cure me of my illness. I’ll also probably recommend friends and family to him, what’s called word of mouth marketing.
I have a problem, and the doctor is the problem solver.
Your Goal : To Become That Problem Solver
Your goal as a blogger is to become the problem solver. You want readers and internet users in your niche to come to you with their problems and you to solve those problems.
This is the essence of becoming an authority. An authority is someone who can help people with their problems, and give advice. You want to be become that person. Get to know problems readers and other people are having in your niche, and then get to work to solve them. You might not always be able to solve them, but people will almost always appreciate your effort anyway, and will probably approach you in the future too, knowing that you can help them. Further more, they’ll even recommend you to all their friends, because youar
Finding Out The Problems
Ah the billion dollar question. You’ve realized it’s important to solve problems, but how do you find these problems? After all, you’re not a mind reader that you can mind read people’s problems (disclaimer: reading minds is a violation of privacy, and is not encouraged)
Here are several methods you can use to find out these problems:
- Polls – A poll is one of the simplest ways of sniffing out issues. Hold a public poll on your blog and the results will enable you to identify common issues and problems readers have. As a side bonus, you can also get post ideas from these polls
- Online Forums – Many online forums such as the Authority Blogge forum and Digital Point have separate sections where people can discuss issues and problems, on subjects from web development to traffic building. Forums are a great place to make new friends, and to develop your authority.
- Social Networks – If you’re active on social networks like Twitter and Plurk, you’ll see that people often call out for help on a particular topic, such as WordPress.
- On other blogs – Often, other bloggers make request posts for help on problems they have. You’ll find plenty of such opportunities.
Takeaway Lesson
A major part of authoritativeness comprises of problem solving. One of the most important skills of a true leader is the ability to identify and solve problems. An authority blogger is just that: a leader. Connect the dots, and you’re well on your way to authoritativeness!
Related Reading
Here are some good articles from around the internet on the subject of building up authority:
- How to Become an Authority in Your Niche: Eight Content Development Tactics
- How to Become an Authority Blogger
- What Is Authority?
**The Authority Blogger Course**
This is a perfect time to introduce you (if you don’t already know), to the Authority Blogger course (aff), by Chris Garrett. This course is specifically designed for those bloggers who’re looking to create some space for themselves, at the top of their niche. I myself am enrolled in this course, and it starts off from the very basics, and then slowly builds you up.
For example, it will help you learn how to get your blog noticed in your niche ( make it stand out), and how to slowly but gradually build a loyal, returning readership, with which you have a strong and long lasting relationship. And the usual mouth watering guidance on getting thousands of daily visitors, and setting the social media sites on fire. Have I convinced you enough?
If you’re wondering about how to give your blogging some real focus and some kick-butt authority, do consider this course, for it guarantees you success (provided you work hard )
Your Thoughts
How would you define authoritativeness? What would be your steps towards becoming an authority in your niche? We’d love to hear 
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You’re absolutely right, becoming a problem solver that is. That is one of the first things you learn as a marketing consultant, to become an adviser, a problem solver. Thanks for the info.