First, you have to understand that there is a difference between being an authority and being an expert. Most people try to create authority by pretending to be an expert. This is most obvious in the “make money online” niche. I see people every day spouting off about their expertise, yet they have never made a dime from their own websites.

So, what is an Authority Figure?

An authority figure is anyone who can give you guidance and direction within the topic of choice. They do not know everything about the topic, but they know enough to help you get started, and they know how to find the real experts.

Think of the authority figures in your offline world. A police officer is not an expert on every aspect or definition of the law. They know enough to know if you are breaking it. However, they may not know all the fine points and details. They leave that for the lawyers.

If you are building an authority website, think of yourself as a traffic director. You are there to provide valuable advice, and point people in the direction of the experts. You do not have to fix everyone’s problem. Your job is to build interest, give them a few tips to help them get started, and point your visitors to the experts who can solve their problem.

Affiliate Marketing on Your Authority Website

Now that you understand what makes an authority, how can you direct that traffic and be paid for it? The easiest way is through affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is where you get a commission for referring sales to a product or service. The best way to do this is to build up a site with around  30 articles about your topic. Focus those articles on the most common problems within your niche, why people need to solve this problem, and what they need to learn how to do. Then, give show them an affiliate product, which will show them how to solve the problem you discussed in the article.

Over time, you should continue adding more articles to your website. Start a blog, or your own forum. By doing this, you will add the ability for your users to create content for you. An authority website usually will have around 100 articles, as well as some social aspects, where your readers can join in a discussion about the problems.

This will take a long time to build up. I recommend starting out with the 30 articles, and getting your website known within the niche. Then, you can test the profitability of the niche, without wasting months of work building up a site that never makes any money.

Using Social Media to Establish Authority

As you build up your authority website, you need to start driving traffic as early as possible.  After all, if you do not market your website effectively, you will fall on your face. One way to do this is by using social media. Social media is simply any website that allows readers to join in the discussion by posting comments, and building up a conversation.

Use social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace. Meet people interested in your topic, and start up a conversation. You will be amazed by how hungry these people are for the information that you have to share. Remember, you do not have to know everything in order to be successful. Be honest about your knowledge.

Do not just spam these sites with promotions. Get to know the people there. Create relationships, help people, and then promote your website. This will give you readers who already know and trust you before they even see your website.

Building your own online business is a rewarding experience. If you are taking that first step to financial freedom, then you deserve congratulations. Focus on how you can build an authority website in your niche starting today. You will the success you want, which eludes most people who try to start their own online business.

Are you still confused about how to build an authority website?  James Pruitt is the owner of  IMRelations.com, where he teaches people the wonder of creating  customer satisfaction online. He owns several websites in various niches, is the author of several e-books. Learn more about James Pruitt, and how he can help you ease  into your marketing business today.

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