You can follow all the “expert advice” out there…
Post on social media five times a day.
Write the perfect blog post.
Run funnels with timers and split tests and fancy automations.
And still get absolutely nowhere…
Why? Because people are not going to buy from you just because your marketing looks good.
They buy when they trust you!
That’s it! That’s the real shortcut.
And that’s what we’re digging into today… Why authority matters more than tactics, how to build it without burning out, and what it really takes to get people to listen, click, and buy from you.
What Authority Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
First, let’s kill the myth that authority = popularity. You don’t need 10,000 followers or a verified checkmark. You don’t need a podcast, a YouTube channel, and a TikTok account all running at once.
Authority means one thing… People believe you know what you’re talking about and trust that you can help them.
That’s it! Be it 100 people or 100,000 people!
But it's built by showing up consistently, offering value, and being someone worth listening to. Whether you’re running a dog grooming business, teaching guitar lessons, or selling digital products… it all starts with building that credibility.
Trust Is The Real Currency of the Internet
There’s no shortage of slick marketing online. But there IS a shortage of truth!
People have been burned. They’ve clicked on links that led to junk. They’ve paid for courses that were just someone reading a slide deck like they were being held hostage. So, they’re cautious!
That means your goal isn’t just to get attention. Your goal is to earn trust!
Think about your own inbox. You’ve probably deleted emails from someone with a killer subject line because you didn’t know (or trust) the sender. Now think about someone you do trust. You open their emails. You actually read them. You click…
That’s the power of trust!
It makes every tactic work better.
How To Start Building Authority (Even If You’re A Total Newbie)
If you’re thinking, “But no one knows who I am,” that’s okay. Everyone starts there.
Here’s how to fix that:
✅ Show your face. Or your voice. Or your writing. People trust people, not anonymous logos and overly filtered brand photos.
✅ Tell your story. Where did you come from? Why are you doing what you’re doing? What do you believe in? This is where real connection starts!
✅ Give value without pitching every 2.3 seconds. Seriously! If every post is “BUY NOW,” you’re just background noise.
✅ Pick your lane and stay in it. You can evolve later, but when you’re building authority, people need to know what to expect from you.
If you’re all over the place and one day talking about meditation, the next day about Bitcoin, and then jumping into affiliate marketing… you’re not building trust. You’re confusing people!
Content Is Your Authority Engine
Your content is how people get to know you, like you, and eventually trust you. This doesn’t mean you need to turn into a 24/7 content machine. In fact, please don’t. Just be intentional!
Pick a primary format (blog posts, emails, short videos, etc.) and show up there with real stuff that actually helps your audience.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every week either. Reuse what works. Tweak it. Reshare it. Repurposing is not cheating… it’s smart!
This is the stuff that builds your authority over time, one helpful post at a time.
Social Proof, Testimonials, And Case Studies (Even If You’re Brand New)
“But what if I don’t have any testimonials yet?”
You start by sharing your own results. Walk people through what you’re doing. Document your process. Talk about what’s working, what’s not, and what you’re learning. Even if you don’t have a pile of client case studies, you have your own journey, and that’s valuable.
People love seeing others figure it out. It gives them confidence that they can do it too.
You can also collect feedback as you go. Screenshot messages, ask for feedback from your first few customers, and use that to build your authority proof pile.
Authority Isn’t Just For Internet Businesses
If you’re running an offline business (like a bakery, a local salon, a landscaping company, whatever) you still need authority.
People are Googling you before they walk in your door.
They’re checking your social profiles before they book an appointment.
They’re reading reviews, looking at photos, and trying to decide: “Can I trust this person?”
The same rules apply!
Be helpful. Be consistent. Show your face. Build trust!
You don’t have to be internet-famous. You just have to be known and respected in your space.
Tactics Are Just Tools. Authority Is the Multiplier!
You can copy the fanciest funnel in the world, steal the highest-converting subject lines, or run $1,000 in ads and still get zero traction.
Because people don’t buy from robots running strategies. They buy from people they trust.
When you have authority, even basic tactics work like magic. Without authority, even the best tactics fall flat.
So, before you chase the latest shiny object, pause and ask: “Have I earned enough trust for this to actually work?”
You Don’t Need To Be Everywhere
Let’s be real… You’re not going to build authority by being scattered.
Pick one platform to start.
Pick one message to stand for.
Pick one content format you can commit to.
Then rinse and repeat.
Building authority is like compound interest. You make deposits consistently, and it starts to build momentum.
This isn’t about overnight fame. It’s about long-term trust that turns followers into customers and customers into superfans.
Final Thoughts: Authority Is The Shortcut
This might sound like the long way around. It’s REALLY not!
Chasing tactics, skipping trust, and trying to game the system is the long, painful, expensive road.
Trust is the shortcut.
It makes everything work better!
So, if you’re tired of grinding with no results, ask yourself this… What am I doing to build real trust with my audience?
Start there. Stay consistent. Show up with value. And give people a reason to believe in you. Because when they do? That’s when the clicks, the sales, and the real growth start showing up.
I wish you much success on your journey!
Liz
Recommendation: If building real authority online feels overwhelming, you don't have to go it alone.
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The weekly coaching calls alone are worth it but the clarity, accountability, and momentum you get? That’s what really helps you stand out and earn trust in your niche.
I highly recommend checking it out if you’re serious about building authority the smart way. See it at https://OnlineBizTruths.com/TeamTomey