Your brand reputation can be either your biggest liability or strongest asset. 85% of recruiters said that employees’ online reputation will influence their hiring decision. These days, you can’t afford to not have a strong personal brand.
Here are some ways you can make sure your personal brand reflects just how awesome you are.
1. Pinpoint Your Target Audience
In branding and communication, arguably the most important factor is knowing who your target audience is. Are you hoping to speak to hiring managers and recruiters, brand leaders, or potential consumers of your service or product?
The more specific you can get here, the more effective your message will be. For example, don’t just target recruiters, but target tech recruiters who have posted on Indeed recently and are based in California.
By getting a laser focus, you’ll be able to develop a more effective and sharper brand.
2. Build Trust
When people are planning to work with you, talk with you, or buy from you, you can expect them to check you out online. When you have a personal brand, they’ll be able to easily see who you are and what you do online, learn about your reputation, and see what makes you different from other people.
It’s a good idea to create your own website. When choosing your domain, use your full name if possible. Be smart on social networks and frequently post content from your own point of view. This is particularly helpful if you want to position yourself as an authority in your industry.
3. Become a Thought Leader
Ideally, people should associate your brand with your niche. Becoming a thought leader allows you to establish yourself in a niche. By regularly publishing opinion pieces and commenting on news and industry changes, you can become a thought leader.
Whether you’re participating in interviews or writing articles, creating a portfolio of helpful advice and information will help you build a solid reputation in your industry.
4. Be Authentic
These days, people can spot inauthenticity a mile away. Find your own style online and avoid following the crowd just to do what everyone else is doing. Use your uniqueness and style to find the clients and jobs you’re looking for.
Stay consistent. Many people will only begin recognizing your brand after they’ve encountered it a few times. If you’re using multiple platforms and social media channels, try to keep your appearance similar, with logos, taglines, and color schemes.
Ready to Work on Your Personal Brand Reputation?
Your personal brand should be an extension of who you are. By maintaining a strong, positive personal brand, you’ll be able to connect more easily with people and win over their trust.
We can expect the need for a solid personal brand to continue to increase. You’ll be able to take your brand and reputation with you throughout your career, so it’s worth working hard to make it as good as it can be.
Need help building or managing your reputation online? Get in touch today and let’s talk.