Why does personal branding online matter?
We live in an age where understanding the implications of your online presence is not only helpful, but essential. When it comes down to it, creating a strong web presence serves two very basic functions.
First, it allows you to control the information about you that is already inevitably swirling around the web on its own free will. It is extremely important to take the reins and tame that information so that employers, colleagues, family etc. see the good and not the bad.
Second, a strong personal brand online gives you the ability to stand out among a sea of similarity. We live in a big, connected world and the best way to stand out from the pack is by actively marketing yourself. Consider yourself as the CEO of your own company – but if this company fails, it doesn’t have the option of filing for bankruptcy.
Everyone has a chance to be memorable, to stand out, and have other people understand your unique value. It does take a little work, but by doing a few simple things you can control and manage your online brand like a pro.
Here are a few simple tips for personal branding online to build a brand worthy of remark:
1. Create your own site: Even if you’re not going to create a site right this instant, you should buy your own name as a domain while you can (sites like Go-Daddy.com are usually the easiest way and cost less than $10/yr). Creating a blog is the best way to command attention from Google, and showing up as the first 1-5 results on Google when someone searches your name goes a long way. Even if you only have time to update once in awhile, it’s well worth the small investment of buying your own name as a domain.
2. Create Some Accounts: Creating a strong, well rounded web presence is impossible without building some accounts at various reputable web platforms. Here is a brief list of some sites where you may want to create an account:
- Digg – Social news. Bookmark stories relevant to your brand.
- StumbleUpon – Social bookmarking. (Warning: dangerously addicting!)
- YouTube - Video sharing, add videos relevant to your brand as favorites.
- Del.icio.us – Social bookmarking. Bookmark stories relevant to your brand.
- Technorati- Blog search site. Register yours or find blogs that fascinate you, then comment and interact with the authors.
- Reddit – Personalized social news site. Bookmark news relevant to your brand.
- Google Accounts – Consider this for access to the several dozen free applications by Google.
3. Join some Social Networks: There are literally thousands of social networks and online communities out there, and finding one that fits your given niche can really help boost your brand. Here are a few large, broad networking sites that are a good place to start
- Twitter – It can take a little time to really “get it,” but once you play around for a little while you’ll get hooked and never know how you lived without it. Post interesting links related to your brand and follow individuals/leaders in your niche.
- Facebook – Build a personal profile and provide some links back to your personal site. Facebook allows people to get a better idea of who you are on a more personal level, but be smart: understand that anything you post may become publicly accessible (check your privacy settings). Post interesting links related to your brand on your profile to spread to your friends’ news feeds.
- LinkedIn – This is essentially Facebook for the professional working world. If you’re not on it, you need to be. Add contacts you know to boost your credibility and fill out your profile to 100%.
Once you join these basic networks, join some networks that have a vibrant community which fits your niche or interests. Do you like music? Join a music community like MuxTape. How about photography? Check out Flickr. The possibilities are endless, and social networks can be a fun way to strengthen your brand. BUT DON’T FORGET: when socially networking, you have to consider everything you say and do as public record, regardless of privacy settings! (Check out our post about popular social networks). Don’t become this week’s next sob/horror story. Always protect your reputation.
4. Maintain Your Personal Brand Online: Now that you have created a visible online presence, there are a number of things you can do to keep building and maintaining that presence. And remember, throughout all your online activities, always keep your unique brand in mind. Here are some helpful tips for strengthening and maintaining your online brand:
- Create a Logo: A logo does not have to be complicated or flashy, it could even be your name in a nice, somewhat unique font. You may be tempted to redesign the logo often but it is usually best to create a simple, timeless, logo and remain consistent. You can attach the logo to emails, put it on your website, your resume, your business card (if you have one), etc..
- Use Your Real Name: When people do a search for your name, you want them to be able to easily find you. Use your own name as much as possible. If you have a username you really like, just make sure you use the same one everywhere. Consistency is everything. (Check out our post about how to stand out if you have a common name).
- Use the Same Picture Everywhere: Getting a professional headshot is usually a great idea. It is well worth the money, but if you don’t feel like spending the time and money on a professional, at the very least use a wholesome image everywhere.
- Keep Networking: Stay involved with your networks, add comments, blog like crazy, and your presence will become stronger and stronger. You should also do some routine checks on Wikipedia and Google to make sure nobody is slandering your name. Even if you just landed a job and only started branding yourself online for that purpose, its good to stay connected. online You learn new things, form new relationships, have fun while doing it.
There you have it: the basics of establisihing your personal brand online. In a world absolutely overflowing with information, disinformation and misinformation, managing your name online is vital. Personal branding online can bring you loads of recognition and respect and give you that much needed edge above the competition. Make your goals tangible: whether you have a passion to promote, a special talent, a cause, or want to build more online contacts, now is truly the time to shape your personal brand online and turn your life goals into a reality.
Evan Watson
