Important Steps to Building Your Online Profile

Cultivating an online profile is essential for your business reputation. You have to look at yourself as a brand, and you want people to recognise you. Building your online presence takes work. You can't just create a Facebook page and then leave it alone. You have to spend time dedicating yourself to raising your reputation. It means getting involved in the online community, as well as making yourself known offline. Read on to find out how you can build your online profile. If you put your mind to it, you can make a name for yourself in your industry.
Build a Website
It's a good idea to have a dedicated website for you as a professional. It could take one of several different forms. Many experts recommend getting a domain with your name in it to start building your website. You could use it to host a blog or just a site highlighting your achievements and your current projects. You can look at it like an online CV that shows everyone your qualities and the things you do. Other people choose to use a single page on a site such as about.me. You can use the profiles there on other sites, such as WordPress.
Set Up Social Network Pages
Social networking is essential if you want to raise your online profile. But you have to learn how to use each one. Different sites have varying purposes and functions. For example, LinkedIn is more formal and Facebook is casual. Twitter is often seen as best for having conversations, despite its character limit. You don't need to be on all the networks. Decide which ones are right for you and your personal brand. When you're setting up your profiles, try to be detailed but don't waffle. Provide valuable information and include important links but be concise.
Make Yourself as Human as Possible
When you're setting up your website and your social media page, you need to appear human. Although you don't want to be unprofessional, try not to be overly formal. People want to connect your online presence with a real person. One of the best ways to do this is by using photos. Choose photos of yourself that reflect how you want to appear. Many people want to look professional but without appearing too stuffy. A good example is this one by businessman Issa Asad. Moving away from a plain white background makes it more fun, but it's best to avoid photos taken on a night out.
Engage in Conversations
Just being on the internet isn't much use. You need to participate if you want people to start recognising you. Take any opportunity you can to engage in conversations online. You might leave comments on blogs, join in with Twitter hashtags or talk to people on Facebook groups. The more you get involved, the more people will get used to seeing your name and face.
Creating an online reputation is about more than setting up a few profiles. Spend the time engaging with others and you'll see results.