Media Communications Specialist offers tips for branding yourself as an Industry Expert
In every buying decision, whether it's hiring an accountant or finding a good mechanic, we all want an expert. We want to pay someone who has a real solution and we don't want to waste our money or our time.
That said, you want prospects to look to your company for solutions when they are ready to buy or hire a consultant and a great way to gain market share is to position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry. Few things are as powerful or as persuasive in business.
Branding yourself as an expert has many benefits including standing out in a crowded marketplace, getting media attention, gaining partnerships that help your business grow and being able to charge higher fees due to your expert status.
Here are six tips to help brand yourself an expert in your industry:
1. Define Your Expertise. One of the most effective ways to communicate your expert/authority status is to create an “expert” website. A professional headshot, professional design and highlights of your social influence (proof numbers of fans, followers, subscribers) along with a press room highlighting the places where your work has been featured will go a long way in positioning and defining your expert status.
2. Deliver fresh, educational or informative content: Deliver regular content on the internet through article marketing and blogging that is informative and offers value and solutions to readers. Pay attention to hot topics that are trending and if they're relevant to your industry, craft blog posts about those topics. In no time at all, you will be considered an expert in your field.
3. Take part in online conversations: Post comments on other influential blogs and social media sites. Additionally, respond to comments left on your blog; it's a great way to start a discussion and to showcase your expert knowledge.
4. Make yourself available as an expert source to the media. Pay attention to what's going on in the news. Do you have a unique perspective to bring to a story that is trending or seasonal tips to share? Let the media know that you are available as an expert source in your industry. Also reach out to reporters and editors when there is a news story that you can weigh in on. Reporters and producers are always looking for sources for stories and segments and this may be your chance to get your business on the 10 o'clock news!
5. Post on YouTube: Post helpful and instructional videos on YouTube about relating to your products or services. Soon enough, consumers will start to look to you for solutions.
6. Seek Out Endorsements and Testimonials. Once in a while, you will get an unsolicited testimonial from a client, which will make your day. More often than not, you will have to ask. So ask! Send an email to your clients asking them to share their experience with working with you and how it has helped them. Reach out to colleagues to ask them for endorsements of your expertise. LinkinIn has a great platform for seeking out endorsements and is a great space to build your reputation.
April Neill Public Relations (ANPR) is a full-service Public Relations firm serving Chicagoland. ANPR is passionate about helping small businesses position themselves as experts in their industry and offers a complimentary 30-minute in-person or phone consultation. Email AprilNeill@gmail.com to make your appointment today or call (312) 772-3832 for more information. Visit us online at http://www.AprilNeillPR.com. Follow ANPR on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/AprilNeillPR.