Online Representation of You and Your Brand

Problem

Whether you are a one-person business or have hundreds of employees, having you and your brand represented online is just as important as someone meeting you face to face. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions. I would like to share some tips as it relates to you and your brand in the online world.

Actions taken

Your Website

• Tip #1 - Make sure you have a website. The last thing you want is someone giving you a referral and your potential customer unable to find your website. A website is a very simple and effective way to make your business known in the online world. You don't have to spend a fortune either - go find a local web guy and get started.
• Tip #2 - If you have a website but it looks like a PDF document, spend some money and get a professional to create your website. PDF looking websites are not typically mobile friendly and makes it difficult for your potential customer to navigate due to the lack of interactivity.
• Tip #3 - Easy call to action. Make it easy for your potential customers to contact you. Have a call to action that is easily accessible such as "Contact Us" or "Make an Appointment".
• Tip #4 - Update your content regularly. Your potential customer wants to ensure you are relevant and current. If your site looks like it hasn't been touched in several years, the impression could be that you are no longer in business. Your LinkedIn
• Tip #1 - Make sure you have a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is a great business and sales tool. Your potential customer could be looking you up to see your background and who your connections are that they may know.
• Tip #2 - Make sure you have a proper headshot. Try not to use selfies of yourself in your car or at your desk or better, or any cropped picture of you. Spend some money and look professional. Remember, first impressions.
• Tip #3 - Make it easy for people to find you. It is OKAY to be found. Your potential customers are looking so why make it super hard. LinkedIn makes it very easy to add various contact details. Take the opportunity and share your details.
• Tip #4 - Update your profile. Just like your website, having a current LinkedIn account makes you relevant and alive.
• Tip #5 - Share in the conversation. All of us have a message to share about our business - i.e "I help businesses go paperless". Regularly post and contribute. Creating and sharing content is a great way to build credibility.

Lessons learned

All it takes is setting up a small amount of time - whether that is 15 mins a day or dedicating a day of the week - to work on your online presence. Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-you-your-brand-bobbie-shrivastav-pmp-pmi-acp-csm-csp/