Millions of people are searching online for information, insights, guidance, answers, research, ratings and reviews, and recommendations from friends. Online search has become more personal (search phrases are longer and more detailed), more universal (text, images, video), more social (what do your connections say?), and even more “local” (Google Places).
In order to be considered “referable” by existing clients and found by ideal prospects, what are you doing to manage your online reputation and optimize your digital assets for maximum visibility? Your online reputation already exists, and it’s up to you to take control and direct the perception of your personal brand!
Take the following 7 Question Social Media Test to assess where you rate on the online discoverability scale:
- Does Google know who you are, what digital assets you own, and where you’re located? (HINT: what pops up when you Google your own name?)
- Have you claimed your free online real estate and optimized those assets for your brand?
- Do you have a unique, marketable personal brand centered around your niche markets, personality, areas of expertise and personal interests?
- Is your current website outdated and nothing more than an online brochure?
- Are you establishing a thought leadership presence through blogging and utilizing a blog as your online marketing and social media hub?
- Do you have the ability to update your own site(s) frequently with fresh content that can be shared and syndicated across the web without having to call for help?
- Are you consistently engaging with your target audience through social media participation and do your social profiles stand out?
Unfortunately, if you answered “No” to ANY of the 7 questions, you are leaving your online reputation to chance. You are also opening the door to your competition. Bringing your brand online gives you a tremendous opportunity to get people talking about you and sharing your thought leadership with others. Taking control of your digital assets provides instant credibility with introductions and referrals.
Today, sitting on the sidelines may be a lost opportunity for attracting new clients. Tomorrow, however, it could cost you clients. Sales and marketing professionals who upgrade their digital assets and embrace new media marketing tools will have a competitive advantage over their peers no matter what the age or level of experience, and the good news is, it’s not too late for you to take control!
