Learning how to build a basic online reputation is vital for professionals and businesses to succeed in todays world. Potential employers and customers will usually research you using search engines and social media tools. The only problem worse than having no online reputation is having a negative one. The Internet is full of people and organizations manipulating your reputation, intentionally or otherwise.
What are some basic tools that non-web designers and SEO professionals can use to seize control of their reputation? Any website that allows you to create a public profile is helpful. Start with creating Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Myapace accounts. Be sure to only use positive images and text. Avoid alcohol, drug, sex references or other controversial topics.
The next step is to create a blog using a free WordPress or Blogger account. If you are creating this only for online reputation purposes, you only need a few long posts related to your industry frequently mentioning your own name. Go to Digg and set up an account (be sure to fill out the profile with your professional information). Submit your new blog to Digg to get a free good link.
Be sure to use unique text on each of these different profiles and blogs so that the search engines don’t filter you for duplicate content. Ask your friends and colleagues to link to your new profiles and site using your full name.
For a full online reputation management campaign, contact a professional. A professional online reputation management firm can tackle difficult campaigns and can greatly boost conventional branding or marketing promotions.