The internet has become a pillar part of our lives. We use it to communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves. It’s no wonder that having a robust online presence is key to success in today’s world.
According to statista.com the global population is massive: “As of April 2022, there were five billion internet users worldwide, which is 63 percent of the global population. Of this total, 4.65 billion were social media users.” That is a lot of people.
Everything is digital now. If you’re not online, you practically do not exist. Potential employers and clients will search for you online, so ensuring that your digital presence is professional is essential.
Here are five ways to create and maintain a healthy professional digital image:
Find your digital brand or niche.
There are a lot of distractions on the internet, and it can be hard to be seen or heard. But if you focus on a specific topic or industry, for example, project management, programming, or writing, you can become a known expert in that area. Being an expert will make it easier for people to find you when looking for information on that topic.
The secret is, to become a master of your craft, do not be a jack of all trades.
Be active on digital social media.
Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash
Social media is a great network to connect with potential customers and build relationships with them. But you have to be active on it to get the most benefit. That means posting regularly, engaging with other users, and sharing interesting content.
Moreover, your digital content must be valuable; do not just post or share anything for the sake of it. Make sure what you are posting is something that will resonate with your target audience. Digital marketing presence is not about selling but instead building trust and relationships.
It would be for the best if you always shared your work on social media. But it’s important to remember that social media is a public platform. Be careful about how you post, and always be on the side of caution.
Start a blog.
With a blog, you can share content about your expertise on a topic and attract attention to your business. It can also be a platform for promoting your products or services. But starting a blog can be daunting.
If you do not know how or where to start, there are plenty of blogging platforms, like WordPress and Blogger, that make it easy to get started. There are many quality tutorials online.
Your website should also be up-to-date and look professional—first impressions matter, and if your website looks dated or unprofessional. Make sure your website has a good user interface. It is easy to navigate and includes clear calls to action, where to contact you, and what is your line of business.
Also it is important that you have a secure site, since you will handle a lot of sensitive personal or professional information. Be sure to avoid all of the common WordPress hacker vulnerabilities to avoid a negative impact on your image later on.
Build a strong digital business network.
Photo by Omar Flores on Unsplash
There’s no substitute for a strong network of connections. But building that network can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting. One way to do it is to join relevant online communities and participate in discussions.
You can also attend offline events like trade shows and conferences. When you go to a physical event it is always good to have an easy and technological way of sharing information, such as a digital business card.
Be active on forums.
Professional digital forums are a great way to connect with potential colleagues, clients, or employers and build relationships with them. However, you have to be active on it to get the most benefit. That means posting regularly, engaging with other users, and sharing interesting and relevant content.
Make sure your signature includes links to your social media profiles and website on all your posts and emails. A clear signature is a simple way to promote your online presence without being too sales-y. Just include a link to your primary social media.
By following these tips, you can build a solid online presence that will help you attract more customers and grow your business. Remember that building a successful online company takes time and effort. So be patient and keep at it, and you’ll see results.
Extra Tip: Google yourself; what comes up when you do? If there’s anything negative, take steps to fix it. Just as positive information on the web can promote you, negative information can harm your image.
Wrapping Up
Follow these tips, and you will build a strong online presence that will help you attract more good things to your professional career. It is all about focus and discipline!
Be consistent, and you will be on your way to an online personal presence that will exceed your expectations.
Marcos Isaias founder at misaias.com. A PMI Certified Project Management Consultant for Telecoms and Technology companies with 7+ Years of experience. He enjoys blogging about Project Management and online business tips and tricks.
