Reddit, Digg, Stumbleupon, Technorati, YouTube: the write expert

May 4, 3:29 AMTravel Marketing ExaminerRochelle Paul

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Write way to be an expert (Photo Business Wire)

We've talked about it before; you need to think you're an expert, and be an expert.  Right now you're saying,"me, an expert?"  Yeah, you.  As a business owner, you have developed an expertise in your area.  You know your business, you know how to make it work, you know how to do it better than most.  Or, you're certainly working at it.

Whatever you feelings on the topic of being an expert, the fact is, when people learn you're a baker, contractor, retail owner, lawyer, doctor, accountant, or any other business owner, they think of you as an expert.

You see it all the time: people ask the doctor for free advice, the lawyer for free advice, the special education teacher for free advice, and you for free advice.

They believe you to be an expert.  They rely on it.  We all do.  We want to look at that person doing that job/career/business, and believe they are an expert at it.

You've beard the saying: fake it till you make it.

Whether or not you're believing it right now, at the very least, please accept that it is one of the best ways to develop your business in a changing world. As the world grows ever smaller (think swine flu spreading), as people turn to the internet for marketing, as more businesses are jumping onto the social media merry-to-round, you need to stand out, show yours is the business the potential/current customers of the world need to use, give them a reason to use it above all others.

Think expert.

But how?

Two ideas jump to mind: 1) public speaking (see Toastmaster article) and 2) writing articles.

In writing articles about your business/topic/expertise, you put into print the facts, ideas, and proof that you are an expert.  Write about the best way to make a dish, talk about how to sell a widget, speak to being a parent with a child who had ADD.

There are hundreds of topics that you can cover, if you're an expert.  Why?  Because you know something, and others don't.  They look to you to provide them with answers.  Be their answer.  Show them how something is done, how to do it easier, where to find it, how to deal with it.  Whatever applies to your topic of expertise.

Okay, can't write?  No, problem.  Chances are you know someone who can.  Even if they're not the best writer, or you're not, you can certainly start to develop something that you can share through a newsletter or... and article.

Yes, write an article.

Write about your topic, and put it into an article.  Have your friend or colleague help you get the words on paper, then get it out there.  I'm not saying it'll be the easiest thing, but you can do it.

Many businesses have added a website or blog.  If you have, you can post your article there.  Start showing the world you're an expert.  Maybe one day, you'll be writing for Examiner.com or selling your articles to papers around the country...

Try posting to one of these sties.

Reddit.com  Upload your stories and photos and drive people to your site.  The more you submit, the more loyal followers you could develop.

Digg.com  This site seems to be growing, and brings you many chances to be seen, with all those others.  It's work a look and a try.  You post and others "digg you".  Categories include technology, business, entertainment, among others.

Stumbleupon.com  By adding stumbleupon to your article-sharing toolbox, you open up anew world.  I've not tried it yet, but I've heard others love it.

Technorati.com  By registering with Technorati, you can potentially increase your readership.  Directed at blogs, this site ranks them in categories like business and technology.  I honestly don't know a lot about this one, but I know it's a big deal to watch your blog climb the ranking ladder.

YouTube.com  Okay, so you've heard of it, but have you used it?  This isn't just a place for British singers to take the world by storm.  It's also a place where businesses can post "commercials" or videos to help their customers or potential customers. Want to see how others do it, both good and bad examples, spend some time on it browsing.  It'll open your eyes to a new venue of reaching your audience.  And, don't forget to plug your YouTube into your site for a quick way to see it.

These five sites can help you develop a following for your own site and business.  There's a world of competition out there, and finding a way to get noticed has become a whole new ball game.  that said, whatever you do, make it a part of a marketing plan, rather than going at it willy-nilly, and then use those things that make you comfortable.  The bottom line, unless you're invested, it's a bad investment... and we all know where those take us!  Happy writing!

 Be sure to check out my other column, Phoenix Travel industry Examiner