Let’s say a potential client types your name into Google. What would they see when they hit “Enter”?
If you don’t have a strong personal brand, then it’s probably not a whole lot.
This will be the case even if you’re a leader in your field, someone who commands respect among his or her colleagues. But what about those who haven’t had the fortune to meet you? Luckily, it’s easier than ever to reach them.
It involves harnessing social media, developing a “voice,” finding your target audience, and a little effort, naturally.
This is the art of personal branding. Luckily, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
The basics
- Figure yourself out: What makes you unique? What do you have to say? How does your voice “sound”? Figure these out, and you can craft a successful brand message. And as Forbes advises, be authentic.
- Google yourself: It’s important to gauge your standing on the internet. “Audit your online presence,” says Forbes contributor Shama Hyder, adding that you should search yourself and set up alerts for your name often. “Have a fairly common name? Consider using your middle initial or middle name to differentiate.”
- Pick the platform(s) that fit you: As Inc. points out, social media profiles are free, and they’re an easy way to be seen. But depending on your expertise, you’ll need to be choosy about venue. For instance, Inc. says, a chef may want to post “foodie videos” on Instagram. Someone in the B2B sphere, meanwhile, might do better on LinkedIn.
These important steps are only the beginning. What happens after you launch your online presence? And how do you sustain and grow it? If you’re interested in expanding your personal brand, we’d love to help you answer these questions. Contact Fluency Digital for a free consultation today.
