What are you an expert at?

Writing with Authority

Hubs are the perfect place to share your expertise

With the recent Google Panda updates,  many are speculating that Google cares more than ever about author expertise, and that Google has also gotten better at identifying it. One of the things this means for us as Hubbers is that it's a great time to let our expertise shine. Here are a few tips for writing Hubs that demonstrate authority and show that you're an expert on your subject:

1. Write on subjects you have personal experience with. If you've never knitted a sweater in your life, you probably don't want to write a how-to Hub on knitting sweaters. However, if you are the vice president of your local knitting club, you are the perfect person to give advice, instruction, and helpful tips to other knitters. Include personal details. What mistakes did you make while knitting your own first sweater? How many years have you been knitting? Do you keep your own sweaters or give them as gifts? If you don't have anything personal to share about a Hub's subject, you may want to consider writing about a different topic.
2. Write about your professional experience. You may not find your day job glamorous or exciting, but it contains a wealth of information for potential Hubs. Share your advice on how other waitresses can keep from getting sore feet on the job. Offer tips on how to look cute in a Best Buy uniform. Share your favorite software and apps for accountants that make your job easier. Tell new hires what to expect from an average day of catering. You've got so much expert information to offer!
3. Write about your degree or certification. Do you have any college experience? High school diploma? Vocational training? Other certifications (like a scuba diving certification or CPR training)? These are perfect for writing Hubs that show off your expert opinion. Shoot for Hubs like "What's It Like Being an English Major in College?" or "Is It Hard to Get CPR Certified?" or "What Kinds of Jobs Can I Get Without a High School Diploma?" Don't be afraid to get specific. You may be surprised at how many people want to know what university Greek life was like in the 1980s or the types of personalities one can expect to meet in a PhD program.

Christy Kirwan
Editor & Web Content Manager

All That Yarn - Teaching Crochet or Knitting

by crochetkid24 published 47 hours ago

Ok, you have lots of yarn and lots of ideas. How about teaching a class? There are several ways to do just that. Local schools with kids, recreation centers, assisted living communities, etc.

12 Causes of Traffic Jams in Big Cities around the World

by Justin Baker published 4 days ago

A list of 12 causes of traffic jams in big cities around the world: gasoline prices, people in a rush, psychological condition, habit or lifestyle, clumsy traffic regulation, etc.

Top 10 Tips on How to Write a Novel

by SuperBrains published 4 days ago

o you've always fancied yourself as an author and you've decided to write a novel, but you've not sure where to begin? Here are 10 important things to consider.

Four Signs It's Time for a Career Change

by Cheryl Rogers published 3 days ago

Is your job a bore? This Hubpage will help you recognize when it’s time for a change.

Maria Mitchell - An Early American Astronomer

by dougwest1 published 6 days ago

Maria Mitchell was a trail blazer in her day. She was an accomplished astronomer and teacher and set an example for many young women.

Songs About Hockey

by spartucusjones published 25 hours ago

Are you ready for a healthy dose of puck rock? Here is a list of 12 songs about ice hockey!

Baby Gear Necessities from a Second Time Mom

by ForLoveofCupcakes published 29 hours ago

I was woefully unprepared with Baby # 1, but now that I am a seasoned second time mom, I know what's really needed and what's not for Baby # 2!

When Does Make-Up Expire?

by Jayne Lancer published 5 days ago

Make-up is perishable. The trouble is, cosmetic manufacturers are not legally bound to specify expiry dates on product packaging. Here’s a guide to how long you can expect make-up to last.

Cheddars Casual Cafe Santa Fe Spinach Dip (Copycat Recipe) With Pictures

by littlecat2013 published 4 days ago

Cheddar's is one of my favorite restaurants. My favorite appetizer is their Santa Fe Spinach Dip. It is a delicious creamy and cheesy dip for any occasion. This is my recreation of the dip.

50 Wii U Games You Have to Own

by orandze published 7 days ago

With classic franchises and groundbreaking innovation in each hand, Nintendo boasts some of the best games ever for the Wii U. Here's a list of the top 50 available now.

What Stops Me From Finding Love?

by Lionrhod published 5 days ago

Having trouble finding your true love? Here are some reasons why the perfect partner hasn't come along yet. And a lead in to what you can do to make love come to you.

What Is The Chikungunya Virus - The Disease From Hell

by Cardisa published 2 days ago

Chikungunya information: symptoms, treatment and prevention.

The Origin And Customs of Halloween

by River88 published 4 days ago

How and where Halloween and some of the customs came to be.

10 Ways To Make Your House Smell Good

by Sharkye11 published 2 days ago

Need to eliminate some household odors and make your house smell good? Try these budget friendly tips for a clean-smelling home...

The Three Golden Rules of Working from Home

by Bo Heamyan published 6 days ago

Is working from home really as idyllic as it seems? Well, it can be, but only for those who have the foresight to determine what works - and what doesn't - right from the start...

Human Animal Bond

by toknowinfo published 5 days ago

Human beings and animals have a bond that goes back to evolutionary times. We have a complex relationship with the non human species we share our planet with, one that is very important to understand.

10 Reasons Why You Should Recycle Your Waste

by GoodBrains2 published 6 days ago

For those who are unsure of the benefits, here are 10 reasons why you should recycle.

How to Make the Buddhist 'Right Speech' a Daily Focus

by Mark Tulin published 3 days ago

Making our words count for our own benefit as well as others can be quite a task. But if practiced, mindful speech can reap beautiful and long-lasting rewards.

Fancy and Funky Leglocks!

by revolutionbjj published 4 days ago

Leg lock attacks based on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, catch wrestling, sambo, and more.

The Pros and Cons of Wind Energy

by GoodBrains2 published 5 days ago

Alternative sources of energy from fossil fuels have become increasingly sought in recent years, I list the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy.

A Walk Down The King's Road, London

by Erin Mellor published 44 hours ago

Take a walk down the King's Road and soak in history, whilst you watch more fashion and music history being made.

Am I an expert?

How to Tell If You Are an Authority

Writing about subjects you are an expert on is all well and good, but what if you're not sure whether or not your experience makes you an expert? Here are a few questions to ask yourself to get a better idea. You can also ask a friend or family member how they would rate you based on these questions for a second opinion:

• Do I have an in-depth knowledge of this subject?
• Do I often make mistakes when I discuss or explain this subject?
• Do I have personal experience with this subject?
• If I were a stranger, would I trust my credentials on this subject?
• Would I be willing to cite myself as a source in an academic paper?
• Am I a unique resource on this subject (or do all my facts and information come from the internet)?
• If I were an editor, would I feature my Hub in a magazine about this subject?

For more tips on writing with authority, check out this great article:
http://www.copyblogger.com/write-with-authority

This Week's Rising Stars

Below you'll find this week's  Rising Star winners. Our candidates showed off their skills in the Arts and Design Topic.

Since Hubbers are only eligible for the Rising Star Competition during their first 60 days at HubPages, our winners represent the hottest new talent. Why not read their Hubs?

Christy Kirwan

Making Molds from Nature

This is a review of molding compounds and how well they pick up detail in grasses and flowers. It also includes a tutorial on how to use these compounds to make molds that can be used for metal clay.

Ways To Save Money On Art Supplies - Create More Art - Sell More Art

Helpful ideas to save money on art supplies.

How to Make a Flower Press

In June 2010 I stood up in a wedding and the bride asked if there was anything I could do with the flowers. I took them home and immediately had the idea to build a flower press. I've previously used the Crayola Big Yellow Box microwave flower...