Many people out there want to start websites, but they have no idea how to break in to the idea of being taken seriously as an expert in their field. After all, the Internet is a minefield of talent, and there are virtually millions of qualified experts with which to compete. If you don't have any prior credentials, it can be difficult looking at your audience with a straight face and selling your professionalism.

The mistake most people make is in trying to use one venue alone for building that reputation. While you may want to become a web expert, it may instead be in your best interests to pursue another course of action in the beginning. One great way to accomplish this is to write for your local newspaper or a local magazine. With print credits behind you, it becomes easier to reach out to the unfamiliar and establish your voice as one that should be listened to. Online Newspapers

But how do you get started writing for your local newspaper or a local magazine? Well, the answer to that should be as easy as touching base with the professionals in your area. See, a daily newspaper especially is always looking for content to help fill out the frequent publishing schedule, and if you spend time on your pitch before taking it before the local editors, then you will likely get an approval for weekly or monthly contributions. It is always best to start small and then move to more prestigious publications later. However much doing so may help your career, it is unnecessary. If you have just one print credential to your name, you already have a leg up on the competition online.

There are a variety of other reasons why writing for your local newspaper or local magazine is a good idea. For starters, it opens up other revenue streams for you, such as paid workshops, book deals, and online exposure. All these things can help you become acknowledged as the expert that you initially set out to be. Make sure before setting out to accomplish these goals, however, that you pay more attention to the message and the meat of what you have to say than the venue for saying it. After all, if you want to build a platform for yourself, there must be sturdy legs underneath it.

So if an expert credential is what you are after, then it is time to consider what publication can do for your career. The printed word is a respected form because it requires someone else's investment in what you have to say. If you can cross that threshold, then it will become easier to get others to pay for what you have to say.