Few things can destroy the reputation of a blogger more quickly than posting unreliable information. Making mistakes when researching for your next article could end up damaging your credibility and cause you to lose fans, followers, and even clients.
The history of the internet is littered with examples of people who either took inaccurate information at face value or made simple mistakes and transposition errors.
How to Find Facts for Your Blog?
Sometimes the end results can be comical, but it is no laughing matter when it is your blog, business website or social media stream that is the object of ridicule.
No matter what topic you’re writing about, it is of vital importance that you use trusted sources when citing figures to give your readers the most up-to-date facts available. The problem with the internet is that there is so much information. Some of it is outdated, some of it is subjective and some of it is just plain wrong.
Here are some tips on how you can make sure that your information is accurate and your reputation remains spotless.
Ask the Right Questions
These days, the majority of research is done online. Using a search engine is one of those things that everyone can do – but using one properly to get the most accurate results is a more complex skill to have, and it can be more difficult than you might think.
To get the best information for your article, you need to understand all the tips and tricks for the best way to type queries on your preferred search engine. If necessary, sites such as Google have advanced search settings so you can look up information specific to a language, region, domain name, date range and a whole lot more variables.
If you decide to venture into the real world, as opposed to the virtual, in search of information, you can head down to the library and look up books and research papers based on subject matter. If you are searching for specific information, don’t be shy about asking your librarian for help. He or she might just be able to lead you straight to the right book.
Be Picky About Sources
If you want to create content that is credible, then each source that you link to in your blog post should be reliable, whether it comes in print form, online, or from an in-person interview. If you go online for your research, be selective about your sources and stick to trustworthy websites.
As a general rule of thumb, good sources to use include government pages, university sites, well-known publications, online magazines, reputable news sites and more. But remember – don’t take anything at face value.
You should make a habit of checking facts and figures using multiple sources to ensure that everything is up-to-date and correct before publishing your article.
Organize Your Research
When it comes to research, organization is key. You should keep track of what you discover online with the tools at your fingertips, including bookmarks and subfolders, while information from books should be either photocopied or written up as notes.
Traditional outlines or mind maps can also help you to make sense of your research. When you have a large amount of information, they are a great way of helping you decide which facts are relevant to your post.
In the final analysis, your blog is a reflection of yourself, your company and your brand. Reporting false or inaccurate information to your readers is not only unethical but can cause irreparable damage, permanently ruining your reputation and credibility.
Accuracy builds trust, and so as a writer, it is essential that you take the time to search for the best sources before you press the button and commit to publishing your next article.
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