Brand audit. You’ve likely Googled yourself before, but
this time you have a strategic purpose. Make it your
business to know what is posted about you on pages one
through three in a Google search. If there is anything
inaccurate or unflattering, you may need to take
corrective action.
Delete unflattering posts. It’s perfectly acceptable to
self-edit. If you have older posts on your social media
platforms that contain images or text that is unflattering
or no longer accurate, I strongly encourage you to delete
them or un-tag yourself. Edit as far back in your
timeline as you possibly can. Just because you’re tired of
seeing those NYE pics from 2010 doesn’t mean a new
viewer won’t review them.
Update your profile image. Fair or not, we’re judged
first and foremost by the images we project to the world.
If your LinkedIn image is of your kids, dog, or is more
than five years old, you’re saying to others that you don’t
care about your image. As a result, others will not care
about you. Take the time to get proper headshots or use
a picture that projects you as a polished professional.
Understand security settings. Every single social media
platform provides you with a certain amount of security
settings to help you filter who can and can’t see your
posts, engage with you, respond to your posts, etc. It’s
important that you understand each of these settings,
know how they work, and decide what level of
engagement you’re comfortable with.
If you’ve mastered the aforementioned steps and are
ready to take your brand further, I recommend the
following:
Completely fill in your LinkedIn. Not completely
utilizing all your LinkedIn profile has to offer you is like
leaving money on the table. Here is a platform that is
encouraging you to tell everyone more about your
professional accomplishment, so let your light shine! As
stated by Suzy Welch, bestselling leadership author and
CNBC contributor, “If you maximize your LinkedIn
profile, you may not be looking for your next job. It could
come find you."
Brainstorm content. Effective content is comprised of
individual pieces delivered via blog, video, graphic design,
etc. that are immediately useful, unique, personalized,
and/or entertaining. What thought leadership can you
provide in your industry or area of interest that meets
these key elements? Brainstorm and write down any and
all ideas that apply. From there you may begin to develop
your content.
Establish a content calendar. Creating a weekly or
monthly content calendar will help keep you organized
and focused on creating effective content. Build your
calendar around key industry events, national holidays,
and periods where your individual area of expertise could
be of value. In between those times you’re going to want
to highlight other thought leaders in your space.
If you feel overwhelmed by all this information, don’t be.
You can do this. Take it one step at a time and you’ll see
results. You are your best publicist, so now is the time to
create and manage who you are to the online world.
If the desire is there, but the creative abilities aren’t, there
are tons of online resources, apps like RIPL, ADDY or
LAYOUT and brand professionals who can help guide
and support you throughout your journey.
Happy branding!