When I started my business, I didn’t have a big audience, impressive credentials, or a viral moment. What I had was a deep belief in my work, and the uncomfortable realization that belief alone doesn’t build visibility.
Authority isn’t just about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being consistently visible, valuable, and trusted. For women entrepreneurs—especially those without established networks or name recognition—this can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, you don’t need to be famous to be seen as a leader in your space. You just need a strategy.
Here are a few ways I built authority from the ground up—and how you can, too:
- Start with One Platform and Show Up Consistently
Trying to be everywhere at once is a recipe for burnout. Instead, choose one platform—whether that’s Instagram, LinkedIn, a blog, or YouTube—and commit to showing up with intention. Share insights, behind-the-scenes moments, lessons learned, and even failures. People don’t just buy your product; they buy into your perspective. - Create Content That Solves Real Problems
Authority is built when people associate your name with helpfulness. What questions do your clients or followers always ask? Turn those into content. Blog posts, social media captions, lead magnets—anything that helps someone move forward builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert. - Borrow Authority Through Collaboration
If you’re starting from zero, collaborations are gold. Guest blog on sites with existing traffic (like this one), join podcast interviews, or participate in panel discussions. Partnering with platforms that already have an audience allows you to borrow trust and expand your reach faster. - Don’t Wait to Call Yourself an Expert
Imposter syndrome loves to whisper, “You’re not ready.” But authority doesn’t come from waiting until you feel worthy. It comes from doing the work, helping people, and owning your lane. The more you show up, the more others will begin to see you the way you see yourself. - Make Your Story Part of Your Strategy
People may come for the tips, but they stay for the connection. Share why you started your business, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and what motivates you. A strong narrative is a powerful differentiator in a crowded market.
You don’t need to go viral to be visible. You don’t need a massive following to be influential. Start where you are, with what you have. Building authority is less about impressing people and more about being consistent, clear, and of service.
Because the truth is—people don’t just follow the most well-known voice. They follow the one they trust.
April Guerra is the founder of Working With April, a blog and brand dedicated to helping ambitious women, especially working moms, build confidence, visibility, and meaningful careers. Based in Austin, Texas, she blends her background in finance, real estate, and leadership to share practical strategies for navigating business, motherhood, and everything in between. April is passionate about creating content that empowers women to lead with intention and show up with impact.
