Done properly, a blog can generate a good income, but you better plan to do more than just write blog posts to bring in the big bucks. You need to have a plan to become an authority figure in your niche.
Increase niche authority by:
- Writing well research blog post
- Posting authority style articles on article directories
- Creating profiles on Linked in, Facebook etc that highlight your expert status
- Writing articles for user generate content sites like the ones listed on the resource page (also gives you a place to build blog links and allows you to earn passive income)
-Write an ebook and market it
-Guest Post on other blogs (maybe this blog?)
However, do not restrict yourself to the online world. To really become an authority, consider doing some public speaking as well.
Start small by volunteering and don’t expect to get paid at first. Instead look at speaking as a way to create some loyal followers for your blog and open up more opportunities.
Not into public speaking? Instead try leading a small class, teach a seminar, hold a discussion group. Anything that will get you in front of people discussing your niche.
Here are some ideas of places you can volunteer to speak (the right ones will depend on your niche):
Rotary Club
Loins Club
Any other local service club
Public Library
Special interest group meeting
Neighborhood or Strata Association
Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade
Downtown Business Association Meeting
Scouts Meeting (parents will be there too remember)
Seniors Center
Businesses in your field – offer some free training or a lunch hour discussion
Any group that is interested in what you are interested in
For an interesting discussion on using public speaking to build blog readership check out this Pro Blogger post and the many on target comments.
Speaking to small groups informally to start is a great way to prepare for the day that you will be an in demand expert being paid big bucks to speak. Dream big and work hard – you can get there.
