Easy Ways to Expand Your Personal Brand

Jul13Easy Ways to Expand Your Personal Brand

Personal branding is a relatively new concept to a lot of people. I’d even venture to say that most people don’t give a second thought to content that they post on the Internet, whether it is on social media, a blog, message boards, or anywhere else on the Web. The importance of maintaining a good reputation when it comes to your online presence starts by taking control of your Google results. But after that, how do you build your personal brand online?

There are a few easy ways that you can make yourself more prominent and recognizable on the Internet.

  • Consider a “brand name” – because we’re talking more about personal branding and less about business branding, having a brand name seems less important. But think of your name as your brand. If you plan to do something in business either now or in the future, make sure that you associate your name online with positive things that promote you as a business professional. If you do plan to go into business, choosing a brand name now can be a smart move. If one day you decided to have a physical store or office, utilizing something as simple as corporate uniforms for your employees can help promote your brand and differentiate it from the competition.
  • Acquire domain names – consider buying domain names that are related to your name. Many domain names are still quite inexpensive, and it can be good to have one that is associated with your name for a few reasons. If you have the domain, then someone else doesn’t. Even if you aren’t using it, you aren’t running the risk of someone Googling your name and finding a not-so-great website.
  • Cross-post on social media – making your presence more prominent on social media can be simple. There are many Web services that offer social media monitoring – the ability to either schedule upcoming social media posts (say you are going to be out of town but still want to stay current) or will post the same content across all of the social media platforms that you attach to it.
  • Be honest and authentic – show who you really are by telling your followers about your hobbies and interests, whether they are business related or not. Don’t try to be anything that you aren’t. Embrace the things you enjoy and are good at.
  • Consider your strengths and weaknesses – are you a great writer? Not a great photographer? Focus on building your brand with the things you do best. If you’re a writer, start a personal blog. If you enjoy interior decorating, show off your house. If you’re not a great photographer, don’t worry about having perfect pictures of everything, just focus on things that you are able to do well.

Building a personal brand can be fun, and it’s a good idea for everyone to build a positive presence for themselves on the Internet.

(Photo Source)

Megan Totka is the Chief Editor for ChamberofCommerce.com. She specializes on the topic of small business tips and resources. ChamberofCommerce.com helps small businesses grow their business on the web and facilitates connectivity between local businesses and more than 7,000 Chambers of Commerce worldwide.