Build a Powerful Online Reputation

online reputation Building a powerful online reputation is essential for anyone being searched online…and that’s everyone!

Whether you’re a local business promoting your services, a professional seeking a new job, or a single trying to find that perfect someone, building a powerful online image is vital to your success.

Have you Googled Yourself Lately?

It seems like just about everyone is using Google to learn about prospective employers, employees, co-workers, and friends.  Those who proactively shape their online reputation will generally be preferred over those with negative information published about them or simply no information at all.

For example, if you’re considering a restaurant and you see one that has 35 positive reviews and another with only one review listed, who will you visit?  This is also true when considering individuals for a particular job or role.

Let’s say you’re considering two potential candidates for a role within your organization. One of the candidates has a strong online presence (presentations, web references, and blog posts) versus another candidate who can’t even be found online, who will you choose?  As someone who has been helping businesses and professionals for nearly a decade develop, build, and protect online reputation, I know how much online research influences decisions being made daily by both professionals and consumers.

Get a Jump on Your Online Reputation.

Leaving your reputation to chance simply is no longer an option.  Waiting for someone else to say nice things about you rarely happens without a platform for encouraging positive feedback.  Here are some of my most powerful strategies for developing a powerful online reputation:

  1. Own your own domain.  A good defense is a good offense.  When someone wants to go after you online, they generally start with your name.  Acquire your own URL (it’s easy to do) and you should build a simple webpage or website.
  2. Control social media.  Social media sites tend to rank very well in organic search results.  Optimize your social media profiles and get active on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, as well as other relevant social media channels.
  3. It pays to advertise.  Taking out some simple text ads under your name will protect the top spot of search results pages when people Google your name.  Make sure to link to digital assets you own and leverage Google Adwords to simplify your online advertising practices.
  4. Seek professional help.  It always pays to get advice when seeking to build or protect your online reputation.  Look for references or expert advice from those who have helped others achieve the outcome you’re looking for.
  5. Stay present. Managing your online reputation isn’t a once and done activity.  Once you build your digital assets and promoted them online, set a reminder to Google yourself at least once a month as search results can change drastically. Also, be sure to set up a Google alert to notify you when new references mentioning your name appear online.

Building and maintaining an online reputation is important to your personal and professional well being.  Often times I’m contacted for help with someone’s online listings after the damage has already been done.  But it doesn’t have to be that way. Start by Googling your name and taking an inventory of the information listed in search results.  Once you evaluate what you see, apply the five steps noted above – this will give you a strong start on creating an online reputation you’re proud of.

For help with your online reputation, contact me directly at support@michaelfleischner.com