Could a hybrid authority site/personal blog work?

I like the idea buddy. I for one would be interested to follow your journey.

You say you're not an expert in the niche, but I'm sure as you progress through your journey you will become an "expert".

I'm sure you will research the best diet products and a lot of books on the subject and so increase your knowledge and become an expert to your readers.

Anyway, I know a few "best selling" authors and they actually don't know as much about the subject as they're perceived to know.

It's crazy.

So what makes someone an expert? The fact that they say they're an expert.

Perception is reality my friend.

Anyway, keep us updated because I look forward to reading your blog... use videos also

- Simon

From my experience there two primary factors that should be considered:

1) Your visitors will determine if your site is an authority site or not and also determine if you are an expert or not.

2) Search engines will determine if the site is relevant to the search engine's visitors or not.

To accomplish both factors I have to also consider many contributing factors, but the basic methodology is:

1) First.write for your visitors

2) Second, format for the search engines.

One very important consideration is the competition within the broad industry and the niche industry. Consider that the fat loss niche will very difficult to compete in when there are hundreds of authority sites already established because the are supported by professional organizations. Those organizations may be doctors, health care professionals, etc. Your content being of a personal nature compared to the content of those organizations will be difficult to compete and ultimately monetize.

Jeffery 100% :-)

Starting a weight loss blog like this isn't a joke.

You can't just start acting like you're working out or you'll be called out as a phony immediately. Everyone will know if you're working out and losing weight or just being a lazy slob looking to make a few cheap affiliate sales.

Are you trying to sell crap or lose weight?

No one reading a weight loss journal is looking to buy anything, they're looking to see your success story and be motivated that they can do it too. Don't plan on selling much of anything UNTIL you're getting results and losing weight. Why would someone buy a recommended product that ISN'T working for you? LOL

If you're ready to work your ass off physically and digitally for the next 3-6 months, then prove it. Not to me or the next guy. Prove it to yourself. You gotta want this!

I'm serious when I say this... you can do it! You have to put your heart into, and you can even sell products once people see your success. Before you get started, ask yourself if you're going to stick with it and be successful or if you're going to be a quitter and give up.

If you can't commit whole heartedly then walk away slowly and be lazy in another niche. A weight loss journal isn't the place to slack off and fail.

Having first-hand experience and regular updating of the site will definitely bode well for building authority to the site. You don't necessarily need to have any qualification. But certainly must have good insight and knowledge on the topic of fat loss and losing weight etc.

Thien, your idea is great but it is a competitive niche. A personal blog which provides information and value as well as shows your personality will connect you with your readers. Find good relevant products to monetize your site. Blog and write articles - the normal online business route. On the side start losing weight yourself and then you can use your own results to boost the products that you choose to promote! It can be easier to go with an affiliate ready-to-go product first as getting your site up and running and optimised takes time - but is worth it!