If someone was to look for your online, what would come up when they searched your name? Whether you’re on the hunt for a new job or just want to establish yourself as an expert in your industry, you must take the steps to establish your personal brand online. Especially if online marketing is a part of your repertoire.
Just like you would for a company, you want to establish yourself as an influencer within your field. There are many ways you can begin creating your personal brand, but these few steps will make sure you’re doing it soundly.
Determine What Your Brand Represents
Before you can dive into expanding your brand online, you must determine what it means to you. Sit down and take some time to figure out what you want to convey to others online. This may vary whether you are in the market for a job or just trying to expand your online network.
Similar to creating a business’ brand, start by answering some general questions:
- What aspects of your brand do you want to predominantly portray?
- Who are you targeting?
- What do you do that people would be interested in? What will make you stand out?
- What’s your goal?
Once you have a decent grasp about what you want your personal brand represent, you can move forward to constructing it online.
Build a Blog and/or Website
The next step to establishing your online brand is to create a place to host all information about you. A website and/or a blog is a great way to do this. To start, buy a domain that is significant to you. It will be in your best interest to own your own name online. After all, there’s no one else like you!
A website is a great place to start growing your brand. With a dedicated domain you’ll be able to:
- Host past work and projects for everyone to see and interact with.
- Gather feedback about a project you may be working on.
- Utilize your blog to show you are an expert in your industry with timely posts about changes in your field.
- Have a place to post any micro-blogs or video series that you create.
- Host guest authors at your blog. By exchanging guest posts with other bloggers you’ll show diversity on your site as well as expand your online network. For more about guest blogging, click here.
Keep in mind, having your own site isn’t a quick and easy fix. It will take time to build the site along with creating and posting content. But, the hard work will pay off. Websites and blogs are great sources of content for all of your other online profiles. Blogs are truly the backbone of social media.
Professional Social Profiles
Now that you’ve created a home for all of your content and information, it’s time to start growing that brand! One of the best ways to do so is to create and manage personal social media profiles.
Where are other similar professionals connecting? Consider these social platforms and if you haven’t already, join!
However, just because you have these profiles doesn’t mean they will be successful. You will have to put in the time to post hopefully more than once a day and interact with other professionals. Let’s touch base on how to do this for three professional networks:
- LinkedIn – It’s well known that LinkedIn is the professional social network. If you’re looking for a new job, this is definitely where you want to establish a profile. Post your newest articles to LinkedIn for your network to engage with. Go beyond the cookie cutter LinkedIn actions and join LinkedIn groups! This is a great way to make more connections.
- Google+ – With the rise of search, Google+ isn’t a social network you can ignore, especially if you have a website. Linking your G+ profile with your site will give your personal brand that extra push.
- Twitter – Many aspects of Twitter can help you establish your personal brand. Become a part of the conversation of trends that surround your industry. Tweet pictures that will resonate with your audience to show your expertise as well as a part of your personality.
Creating, establishing and managing professional social media profiles is just the beginning. Now you have the tools to create and expand your online brand and network.
Online Networking
Now, you’re well on your way to creating your own online brand. Congrats! Up next is creating a network full of professionals. Growing your professional network is great for making connections, getting feedback about certain projects and staying up-to-date on the latest industry news.
If you’re at a loss, here are two places to get started:
- Tweetchats – If you’re looking for a great place to chat about strategy, updates and more this is it. Hosted on Twitter, you’ll follow a hashtag of a certain chat to get involved. To find a list of available tweetchats, as well as an easy way to follow along, head to Tweetchat.com or similar sites. RTs are another great way to show that you are an engaged professional.
- Social Networking Groups – LinkedIn Groups & Google+ Communities are great areas to interact with other professionals. If you have questions about something industry specific, throw it out there! In return, you’ll be there to answer other people’s questions. In turn, proving that you are an expert in your field.
These guidelines will get your online personal brand started on the right foot.What other tips do you have for professionals looking to expand their brand?
Photo Credit: Flickr user Jason Howie (jasonahowie)
