Everything is going digital, and that includes the way in which we market ourselves. While the move online has been around for years now, it was forcefully accelerated by the pandemic. Today the internet is the place we turn to for practically everything. It’s where we go to shop, be entertained, and book services. It’s where we do business, gain knowledge, and find new career opportunities. And it’s also the first place we turn to when we’re looking to learn more about people. This is exactly why you need a strong personal brand online.
In many ways, online branding has really leveled the playing field and allowed more people to increase their visibility. Instead of relying on your close network for career or sales leads, you’re exposed to an entirely new pool of connections. It also allows you to share your knowledge, talents, and opinions to help build meaningful relationships.
But in order to achieve this, you need to be successful at creating an online personal brand. While the classic rules of branding will always apply it’s all in how you tailor them to the digital landscape. We asked the online branding experts at Fresh Engagements what 5 golden rules they live by.
Know Your Unique Value
Understanding what you bring to the table in any setting is important. But as saturated as the online world is, you really need a good sense of what sets you apart. Be clear on who you are, what you do that stands out, and what your values are. Being seen has no merit if people don’t understand it. Once you’ve given your personal brand a sense of direction it will help you not only maintain it but build upon it.
Established Your Brand Network
They say you are the company you keep and that includes how your personal brand is perceived. Your brand network is everyone within your industry or area of expertise that should know of you. Asides from customers this list should include people like your peers, key decision-makers, influencers, and even mentors. Making connections with these people not only helps establish you as a player within your niche but also can help further opportunities and your growth.
Build Strong Social Profiles
Social media plays a big role in building a personal brand online. And depending on what your personal brand is you’ll likely want to focus on a few specific social platforms. A lawyer or financial advisor looking to build their name might want to work on their LinkedIn profiles. A stylist looking to expand their influence would have lots to gain from a strong presence on Instagram. You should also consider your personal preferences when it comes to types of content. For example, those who enjoy being in front of the camera might consider a YouTube channel. If you like sharing articles, and short-form content Twitter is a great option.
Once you’ve figured out what social networks fit with your personal brand, it’s all about dedicating the effort to sustain them. This means being active regularly, publishing quality content, and interacting with other users. You can solidify your personal brand by taking it a step further with social media verification. Agencies like Fresh Engagements say getting verified on platforms like Instagram and Twitter can help boost social credibility.
Commit To Being Visible
The worst thing you could do for your personal brand is to go into hiding. Posting every few weeks in an attempt to stay relevant won’t be of much help. You need to be active, available, and consistent to maintain a strong online presence. The easiest way to do this is to create a content schedule that you can commit too. This doesn’t have to be posting daily, it can be whatever is realistic for you. And being visible doesn’t even mean you have to post. Staying active by replying to messages and engaging with content is just as valuable.
Create Impactful Content
Finally, you can work as hard as you want on building your online brand. But if your content isn’t making an impact on your target audience it’s of no value. Everything you publish online contributes to your digital persona. It’s important to present content that has the intent and also resonates with who you’re trying to reach. A personal health chef trying to build a client base might find success by sharing recipes, food photography, and healthy eating tips. This will help them to appeal to an audience interested in these topics while establishing their brand.
