Managing your online brand is critical especially for those of us who live and breathe online. Whether or not you'd like to admit that you don't have a brand digitally the truth of the matter is you do. That one tweet or Facebook post you made established your brand, and it is up to you whether or not to acknowledge it, mold it, and evolve it into one you're proud of online.
I had a conversation with a brilliant marketer that informed me I was pigeon holed in certain circles. In managing your online brand you might find you're known for one or two quality items, but not for the myriad of skills you offer. For me? Social media.
There's a bit of work that goes into Social Marvels and I love interacting and writing with social media professionals, but I personally do quite a bit more in this space than just social media. In managing your online brand you'll want to convey this and brand yourself for what you want to be associated with. I seemed to have gone to narrow. Even after writing articles on Social SEO and the importance of Penguin I'm still registered on blogs and directories as a social media director.
Here are some tips in managing your online brand and why it's so important:
Don't Get Pigeon Holed
This one should be obvious since I just said it. Even if you're working 80 hour weeks to become some sort of renaissance man peoples impressions are lasting. Try and not get pigeon holed into one skill that limits your ability to develop relationships and drive new leads. This is the worst in creative arts as many skills are available with one professional, but viewed as separate entities.
Know Your Social Media
Keep track of what you're putting out there. I'm not saying that you need to start blocking all the pictures with a Miller Lite in your hand, but understand that these are public. It doesn't matter you have privacy settings. It doesn't matter you have a dual account. Once you upload these to the internet you put them at risk. Remember this. Also remember who you're connecting with. You don't want that streaking picture to be seen by your new boss five years from now. The news loves playing this up and its over exaggerated, but it shouldn't be ignored.
Keep Up To Date
If you're going to go about managing your online brand don't do a bad job at it. Then you're managing your brand terribly and making the world see you as a bum. If you can't post daily or engage conversations regularly make it known beforehand. If you're just a lurker for new information than declare that. There is no harm in it and you won't give a false impression. Being pigeon holed is one thing, but giving a false impression is much worse (especially online where you can't justify a damn thing).
That said - I'm thinking of re-branding my website, Social Marvels. It's been subtitled 'finding the best in social media,' and granted, that is entirely my fault. Since I've started this website, however, we've worked with nonprofits, multiple agencies, and digital marketers far stretching beyond social media and diving into creative and fashion outlets.
I didn't see it coming.
We're not abandoning the net altogether, but if we do go through with this we want you to know that we never ever stop appreciating you. Thank you for talking with us and thank you so much for visiting us. You make it worth it knowing that our love for this space is equally matched.