How to Blog (When You’re Not an Expert)
This is honestly a really emotional blog for me to write, because I've been here. I struggle every day with Imposter's Syndrome, and I've let it shut down my social media and my blog several times over the last six years of my business. I'm constantly looking back and wondering, "What if I had stayed with it back then? Would I be one of the go-to experts now? What if I just believed in myself a little bit more?"
Putting yourself out there when you're not what you'd consider an "expert" is super overwhelming, stressful, and scary. It's also extremely rewarding, invigorating, and healthy. The more you consistently allow yourself to show up and share your passion, the more your confidence will grow - as will your expertise!
Tackling Imposter's Syndrome
You don't have to have it all figured out. You just need to do it.
Earlier this week, I had a discovery call with a coach I met on Facebook. Katie helped me to realize just how much I undervalue what I have to offer my clients and my audience - how much I'm letting my insecurities dictate what I say, what I charge, and how I present myself online.
I thought I had overcome Imposter's Syndrome by taking the steps to start my business and dedicate time to growing on social media. But the reality is, overcoming Imposter's Syndrome is a lifelong process. It happens in steps and phases and seasons. It happens in victories and failures. It happens in living.
It's time to stop the negative self talk! Whether you've been in your industry for decades or this is something entirely new, you can write a successful blog and stand confident in your expertise. Imposter's syndrome will only slow you down, so instead of allowing it to hinder you, own it and use it to propel you forward!
How to "Become an Expert"
Still don't feel like you qualify as an "expert" in your niche? There are a few different ways you can address this, but all of them involve consistency. Even if you feel like you're unqualified to talk about it, keep showing up on a regular basis. This is important for your emotional process of overcoming insecurity as well as for your blog's SEO (it can take 9+ months of consistent efforts to start ranking higher on Google!). If you're brand new to the industry, start with this process:
Step 1: Blog your beginner's journey
Sharing that you're new to this is incredibly relatable! Invite your audience to follow you as you grow from rookie to authority. Share the successes and the failures. Allow yourself to be vulnerable about those insecurities instead of letting them suppress you from creating content. I guarantee you, every single person on this earth struggles with Imposter's Syndrome, and they'll be drawn to your honest and raw presence.
One of my absolute favorite examples of this is the blog A Slob Comes Clean. I heard Dana’s story several years ago, when she first made it big with her blog and wrote her first book. She had dabbled in different blogging niches for a long time but felt like she wasn’t being authentic, because her home wasn’t nearly so organized and tidy as she wanted it to be before lifestyle blogging. Finally, she decided to start this blog, sharing the honest state of her home and the steps she was going to take to overcome the mess. Women LOVED it, because we all struggle with staying tidy and organized! That relatability allowed her to finally grow her business, and now she’s working on publishing her third book and has a podcast to boot!
Step 2: Do thorough research
As a copywriter, I often need to write about new topics I don't understand. It can be easy to say "Oh, I'm not in that industry, so I can't write about it" - but then I wouldn't get very many jobs, because I can't possibly exist in every industry! Instead, I dedicate significant time to researching the market in which my client operates, as well as the specific topic they need me to write about. This has made me an "expert" in everything from hairstyles to NFTs (ugh - don't get me started on NFTs).
Don't just make it up as you go - do the research! Follow industry experts, read books and articles, experiment with new trends and ideas. Keep what works, archive what doesn't. This will also really help you when it comes to brainstorming topics for your blogs!
Step 3: Find what makes you unique
In the words of Jenna Kutcher, what's your secret sauce? What makes you completely unlike anyone else in your niche? Don't say nothing, because that's just not true. You have a unique voice and story to tell, so embrace it!
If this is difficult for you to figure out on your own, ask a friend or mentor what they think makes you different, or meet with a business coach. I guarantee it's there, but the reason I make this step #3 is because sometimes you have to start before you can find it. You need to start writing and sharing and experimenting, and along the way you'll uncover who you are and how you want to be seen.
No One's an Overnight Expert
Don't worry if those first dozen (or hundred) blogs flop - they're just part of your journey, and you're getting better and better with each one! I know I am! It takes time to grow a brand and find your niche, but if you don't actively work at it then you'll never figure it out.
As Sheryl Sandberg put it, "Done is better than perfect." So go get it done - perfect can come later!
