Section 1.1: Perceived Credibility

Perceived credibility isn't about actual credibility; it's about how credible others believe you are.

For instance, I have invested heavily in my journey as a strength and conditioning coach, making significant sacrifices along the way. This includes paying £2,200 to secure my dream position and enduring a long-distance relationship for nine years.

Initially, my attempts to boost my credibility felt like futile efforts, akin to trying to clean a smudged camera lens in my early social media videos. Gaining recognition on well-known platforms and building a large audience seems daunting when starting from zero.

However, there are alternative methods to enhance perceived credibility.

Publishing is Key

To establish yourself as an authority, producing content is essential. While it might seem logical to publish on prestigious platforms, my experience taught me otherwise.

I spent two years publishing research in a scientific journal. Although this made my name searchable online, only a select group of accredited professionals could access my work.

In retrospect, I should have focused on platforms with active audiences and algorithms that promote engagement, like podcasts.

Podcasts provide a unique opportunity to leverage the credibility of others. Here are three strategies:

1. Begin your podcast by interviewing peers in your industry, and conclude by asking, "If I could talk to one person in your network, who would it be and why?" This is similar to the story of someone trading a paperclip for a house.
2. Reach out to the person recommended by your guest, mentioning who referred you and why. A little friendly networking can go a long way.
3. Don’t hesitate to reach out to high-profile figures. I was pleasantly surprised when best-selling author Greg McKeown agreed to share his insights on my podcast after I contacted him through his website.

The lesson here is clear: by interviewing influential figures in your field, you can cultivate an image as a key player in your industry.

Section 1.2: Implied Credibility

Implied credibility is my favorite form because it allows your work to speak for itself.

If your content significantly outshines the competition, the creator's follower count or past collaborations become irrelevant.

Three elements contribute to implied credibility:

Production Quality

For years, I created fitness content with poor video quality and unprofessional visuals. This inadvertently diminished my credibility.

Although you don’t need a professional film crew, presenting a polished version of your work can make a significant difference.

Organized Thought

A credible source communicates ideas clearly and concisely. When faced with car troubles, you want straightforward answers about repair costs and roadworthiness, not a history lesson on automotive parts.

By removing unnecessary details, you enhance the clarity and credibility of your content.

Specificity

When offering solutions, specificity is key.

Creating content that addresses the specific challenges of a younger version of yourself demonstrates an understanding of those issues.

For example, I discovered _ADHD_love, a couple who share insights about ADHD and its impact on relationships. Their targeted content made it clear they understood the nuances of the challenges faced by those with ADHD and their partners.

Section 1.3: Earned Credibility

Earned credibility is the most challenging type to establish, as it reflects the real-world impact of your content.

Many creators highlight testimonials, showcase their experience, and emphasize the benefits others have gained from their work.

People are more likely to engage with someone who has credible accomplishments.

Enhance your online presence using tools like Canva, collaborate with established audiences, and encourage others to share their experiences with your content.