Are you surprised by the title of this post? Are you smiling at the zebra proclaiming that he is an expert? Or are you heaving a sigh of relief at finally finding something that you were desperately looking for. Come on, you can admit to it. Not all of us are experts at everything. And often we have to write on subjects, we know nothing about.

Ignorance may be bliss, but it is definitely not an acceptable excuse when you are a writer. No one wants to read something written by a non-expert. Whether your readers are online or offline, they come flocking to read your posts/articles because you offer something of value to them. And value can be provided only by an expert or so they think.
Hence at all times it is necessary to project an image of expertise. Note the choice of words. The focus should be on making your readers believe that you are expert. It does not matter then even if you are not. Of course, if you are genuinely an expert in the area, you have nothing to be worried about.

Is this Cheating?
Well, it depends on how you look at it. On one level, you could call it a ‘not completely honest’ approach. But according to me there are certain circumstances when this approach is essential.
For instance, if there has been a new breakthrough development in the industry, you can get the maximum benefit only by writing about it immediately. It is possible that you may not have had time go through the details thoroughly yet, but you can’t afford to wait.
Another circumstance is when you are ghost writing for an expert. In that case, you are obviously not the expert, but your work has to reflect expertise.
Or when you write on a wide variety of subjects, it is impossible that you could be an expert on all subjects.
So here it is folks, the secrets by which you can write like an expert on practically any subject under the sun.

The Top 10 Ways to Write like an Expert on a Subject When You Really Aren’t

  1. Use the Relevant Terms and Industry Jargon

Every industry (or topic) has its own set of specialized terms and jargon. When you take on the responsibility of writing on subject, you should be at least aware of these terms. (If you are not, a quick Google search can help you or ask a relevant insider). Use these terms liberally and in the right context throughout your writing.

Make sure your article includes industry terms and jargon, but not to the point of making your readers cry.

This is a sure shot way to convince readers you know what you are writing about. However, articles with too much jargon actually suck and no one cares about them, so you should understand walking the fine line here is necessary.

  1. Use Alternative Examples for Explanation

While explaining concepts you are yourself unfamiliar with, it is a good idea to research examples that have been quoted by ‘true experts’ in the field. Then all you have to do create your own examples based on those. This should be within the scope of a reasonably creative and skilled writer (and you are definitely more than reasonably creative and skilled, I am sure).  Examples are a great way to reinforce your expertise on the subject.

  1. Pay Attention to the Structure of your Content

The way you structure the content can help impart a feeling of expertise. If you are writing on a specific industry issue, you can include a broad industry overview. To take another example, if you are writing on beauty secrets, a short history of the use of makeup can help add more weight to what you write. Such information can be easily obtained by online (or offline) research and contribute much to making you look like an expert.
 

  1. Quote Statistics and Research in your Article

Figures are always interesting, aren’t they?  Quoting statistics and research results in your articles makes them seem more authentic. And the best part about these is they can just be copied and pasted on to your content.

Quote statistics and research in your article to add greater weight to it

And all you have to do is credit the source. A relatively simple way to becoming and expert, isn’t it?
 

  1. Conduct a Quick Research on your Own

What stops you from talking to people in your office/home/neighborhood about a particular topic? Ask them a couple of questions about the subject you are writing on. Incorporate the answers in your article. You could say, “According to informal research conducted x% people feel this way” etc. Again no-sweat ticket to expertise.

  1. Quote from Interviews

While writing on a particular topic, quote from interviews with experts in the area. You can paraphrase their comments as such. Reference such interviews either online or in offline magazines. Conduct a few interviews of your own if you can.

  1. Cover More Points Per Post

This is a slightly underhanded technique, but works well. The more wide spread your article is, the less you have to focus on each point. For instance, this post could well have been titled “Top 5 Ways to Write like an Expert…”. But I chose “Top 10 Ways….” (wink wink)

  1. Include Images in your Article

It is true that pictures speak louder than words. By including relevant images in your article, you can get your point across more effectively with minimal use of words. And the lesser words you use, lower the chances of readers suspecting that you are not an expert.
 

  1. Admit You are a Non-expert

The aim of writing a post or an article is to get it read by others. As I mentioned earlier, people only want to read things written by experts.
However this particular strategy often works well. You straight out admit that you are not an expert and request that readers correct you if you have made a mistake somewhere. I shall be vastly surprised if such an article does not bring a deluge of response.

Admitting that you are not an expert is a good strategy

You can be sure that your post will be thoroughly read so that shortcomings, if any can be pointed out to you.
 

  1. Become an Expert

The best way to write like an expert is to become an expert. Spend time and effort getting to know the subject. Pay attention to the latest developments and very soon you will find that you have become an expert. The best proof is of course when non-experts start using your examples (albeit revised) and quoting your comments in their own posts.
Wonder where they got the idea from?
So do you have any tricks up your sleeve for writing like an expert? I am no expert myself in this area. Do let me know in the comments section if I have missed out anything.