New Media Newsletter
Easy Ways To Single-Handedly Build Your Brand Through SEO
by Kathleen Mongero
Google yourself. Go ahead, do it. No one will think you are vain – in fact, you are crazy if you don’t do it on a regular basis.
We all know – more or less – how Internet search engines work. Unless you are paying big bucks to have the exact information that you want front and center, you have to consider alternative approaches to getting your name out there in a positive light. In this case, your name is the primary “keyword,” so there are several no-cost ways to build a personal brand using SEO and some good old-fashioned common sense. Here are a few:
1) Socialize Online
Create (and update) your LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, FourSquare and other social media accounts. The more you post and update these profiles, the better chance there is at having the right kind of information pop up about you on everyday searches. The Web will pick up on the sites with the most recent and consistent changes in content, which is why it is important that your tweets on Twitter are clean and your LinkedIn info stays updated.
2) Start A Blog
Yet another way to attract web crawlers is by making regular posts to a blog that has your name attached to it. Make sure its content is relevant to what you want to do, or showcases your knowledge and skills in a certain area.
3) Write An Op-Ed For A Local Newspaper
If you keep up with current events or find a particular story topic interesting, write an editorial to the newspaper in which it was featured. The News & Observer publishes local readers’ letters, and if you contribute something interesting and distinctive to address the topic, they may even include yours in a feature of collected op-eds.
This will pop up in a search of your name, while demonstrating your interest and competency when it comes to community and current events. Just make sure that you follow the guidelines set by the paper regarding tone and word count for op-eds – otherwise, it will not be used.
4) Sign Up For a Free Google Account
In addition to getting free e-mail, a customizable homepage and more, Google allows you to create your own profile that includes as much – or as little – information as you want. Make it easier for potential employers and colleagues to find out more about you. If they see you taking the more responsible, proactive approach to branding yourself, they will most likely be more inclined to give you a call back.
Permalink | 02/10/2010 |
