Your level of authority as a writer is a key factor in deciding whether readers value your work, whether clients choose to work with you, and whether your career progresses in the right direction.
If you are not actively working towards this, then you might be be restricted to fighting for scraps at the content-writing table.Writers need to build trust in their work and show their expertise
There will always be another writer with more certificates, or one who is willing to work longer, for less money, or even for free.
You can't win.
But you can stop playing the game.
Follow these steps to build your authority and you’ll soon see the value of your work increase drastically.
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Step 1: improve your English foundation
All of the skills you possess as a writer (research, idea generation, structuring text, SEO, time management) will not matter if your English is inaccurate.
Of course, with so many world users of English, there is room for interpretation, but writing is not like speaking. Readers expect an extremely high level of accuracy in terms of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.
Ways to improve English accuracy:
- Read and analyse top-quality texts
- Note down new vocabulary and activate it
- Investigate grammar issues highlighted by AI
- Get regular feedback from senior professionals
- Implement an editing system by using an accuracy checklist
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Step 2: show your great work
I’m not telling you to boast about every article you write, or celebrate every visitor who clicks your link.
However, you can demonstrate your knowledge by sharing your work and adding insight. You can do this in work meetings, on social networks or in your portfolio. Provide knowledge and know-how to your network, and they will look at you in a new light.
You are someone who can help them grow. You are a writer with authority.
Ideas to share your work:
1) Break down your own writing. Why was it successful?
2) Share your writing process. How did you get from the original idea to the published version?
3) Talk about work you admire. Pick a post in your writing niche and talk about why it’s great.
4) Show others how you overcame a hurdle. Change of brief? Tight deadline? Others can follow your method.
5) Explain how you worked well with a client. Write about deadlines, communications, expectations and professionalism.
❌ Don’t just copy-paste your latest article.
✅ Add insight so others can see your expertise.
Don’t rest on your laurels. If you are confident with one form of writing, challenge yourself. Seek out ways to boost your knowledge so you can remain a leading writer in your field.
This isn't a competition, more of a personal challenge. The ‘best you can be’ is constantly shifting. Writers who have built authority because of their great work don’t just produce the same thing over and over again.
Ways to grow:
And finally...
I’d like to add that authority is a sliding scale. Try not to think in polemic terms (good writer/bad writer or new writer/experienced writer).
Take these steps to build your authority and value little by little. If you don’t you could get stuck at the same career level forever.
However, you can demonstrate your knowledge by sharing your work and adding insight. You can do this in work meetings, on social networks or in your portfolio. Provide knowledge and know-how to your network, and they will look at you in a new light.
You are someone who can help them grow. You are a writer with authority.
Ideas to share your work:
1) Break down your own writing. Why was it successful?
2) Share your writing process. How did you get from the original idea to the published version?
3) Talk about work you admire. Pick a post in your writing niche and talk about why it’s great.
4) Show others how you overcame a hurdle. Change of brief? Tight deadline? Others can follow your method.
5) Explain how you worked well with a client. Write about deadlines, communications, expectations and professionalism.
❌ Don’t just copy-paste your latest article.
✅ Add insight so others can see your expertise.
***
Step 3: continue to grow
This isn't a competition, more of a personal challenge. The ‘best you can be’ is constantly shifting. Writers who have built authority because of their great work don’t just produce the same thing over and over again.
Ways to grow:
- Specify your niche further
- Keep abreast of industry changes and new technologies
- Adopt trends early
- Master new forms of writing
- Take CPD courses on language, writing skills, and new industry tools
- Become a mentor to other writers
And finally...
I’d like to add that authority is a sliding scale. Try not to think in polemic terms (good writer/bad writer or new writer/experienced writer).
Take these steps to build your authority and value little by little. If you don’t you could get stuck at the same career level forever.
***
For language tips and resources download the FREE eBook:How to Become a Proficient English Writer.
If you want to avoid all this and improve your writing,
send me a message today.
Let me see if I can help you and give some advice.