What is niche authority?
You probably have most often heard this term as it relates to SEO (search engine optimization). If you have authority in your niche online, that means that people (and of course Google) see you as a legitimate source of good, reliable and meaningful information about a particular topic.
In other words, your expertise is respected and trusted. The more authority you can build in your online presence, the more you will become the “go-to” expert in your field.
But how do we go about getting this kind of recognition? Here are 6 well-documented avenues for building authority – and thereby increasing membership – for your subscription-based business.
Consistently Share Expert Level Content
Publishing valuable, high-quality content regularly, such as blog posts, webinars, or video tutorials, positions you as a thought leader in your niche. By offering in-depth insights and actionable advice, potential members will view you as a credible authority, encouraging them to join your membership site for more exclusive content.
Example: A membership site for personal finance offers a detailed, step-by-step guide on building an investment portfolio tailored to specific income levels, paired with data-driven market analysis that’s updated monthly. This content goes beyond basic advice, providing members with unique insights they can't find elsewhere.
Start a Podcast or Host an Online Summit
Partnering with respected experts and influencers in your field can boost your credibility. Hosting guest webinars, interviews, or collaborative projects with industry leaders will showcase your authority by association, making your membership site more appealing.
Example: A digital marketing membership site hosts monthly live webinars with top SEO experts and marketing gurus. These sessions allow members to ask questions directly and receive personalized insights, which wouldn’t be available in free content. A podcast is a great way to execute this. You can turn your podcast into a summit by inviting everyone you interviewed to an online stream where they answer questions, deliver exclusive insights and provide bonsues.
Build Social Proof and Showcase Testimonials
Sharing success stories, member testimonials, and case studies from current members can help build trust and credibility. When potential members see real results and experiences from others, they’re more likely to perceive you as an authoritative figure and want to be part of your community.
Example: A fitness membership site showcases before-and-after transformation stories from real members, including testimonials about how the personalized workout plans and nutrition advice helped them achieve their goals. These success stories feature photos, videos, and in-depth interviews.
Engage With Your Audience on Multiple Platforms
Active engagement on social media, forums, or within a dedicated community (like a private Facebook group) can demonstrate your expertise and accessibility. Hosting live Q&A sessions, responding to questions, and interacting with members will show that you're knowledgeable and committed to helping others succeed.
Example: You can stream a live session on YouTube, or use the YouTube Premier feature to promote the viewing of a pre-recorded video at a certain time, offering before or after-viewing Q&A sessions.
Establish Authority with Public Speaking
Public speaking is probably one of the most frightening activities, according to many sources. Studies have shown that up to 25% of the population is very or extremely fearful of speaking in public. And yet, if you can get over the fear, speaking’s benefits can be amazing. Public speaking is an excellent way for a business owner to establish authority. Speaking in front of an audience allows you to demonstrate deep knowledge of your industry or niche, positioning you as an expert. This in turn, allows you to build what is probably the most important commodity in business – trust.
Example: Start out slowly – start a podcast, be a guest on someone else’s podcast, give a guest talk in front of a small group, or provide a video testimonial for someone’s product. You can always work up to speaking in front of larger audiences gradually.
Publish a Book
Being a published author, whether on Kindle, Amazon or self-published, lends instant credibility to your reputation. It also gives you a product to offer for free or at a discount at speaking events and on your website.
Example: Even if you have no idea what you might write a book about, consider the above tactics of podcasting and interviewing. You can gather all your material from videos and audios you’ve already done, and put them together into a book.
By focusing on these strategies, you can build a strong reputation, attract more members, and establish lasting authority in your industry.
