Authority web sites provide focused information on a specific industry or topic. Some common types of authority web sites include associations, magazines and schools. Authority web sites attract qualified site visitors with content that is organized into categories and terminology that is understood by the visitors. Authority web sites may screen contributed content to ensure its’ value and credibility.

Industry Associations - Industry associations are organizations that are created to represent the interests of companies or people. A list of professional associations in the United States can be found at http://www.marketingsource.com/products/directories/usassociations/.

Trade Magazines - Trade magazines are publications that contain information related to a specific topic or industry. A list of industry trade magazines can be found at http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Business_to_Business/News_and_Media/Magazines/Trade_Magazines/

Schools - Schools provide instructional services to people or groups. Different types of schools include trade schools (implementation focused), professional schools (management focused), and training companies (niche focused).

This figure shows that white paper authority sites (such as magazines) attract people who share a common interest and the owner of the authority site gathers, organizes and filters information to match the interests of its visitors.