Need to Create a Professional Brand Online? Follow These Tips

Whether you plan on launching a job search or want to establish yourself as an expert in your field, having a strong professional brand online matters. Today, hiring managers don’t just look at resumes when considering candidates; they also perform searches to find social media profiles, professional websites, blogs, forum contributions, and more. Plus, your current employer and members of your network may do the same.

As a result, it’s wise to spend the time to create a professional brand online that reflects well on you. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some tips.

Start with LinkedIn

Generally speaking, LinkedIn is the best place to start when building a professional brand online. The platform caters to the niche, giving you a place to discuss aspects of your career or professional perspective that don’t fit on your resume. Plus, it’s a spot where you can engage with other professionals and participate in groups.

Ideally, you want to focus on positioning as you create your LinkedIn profile. Make sure the broader narrative flows well, and take advantage of key areas – like your headline – to capture the attention of hiring managers and recruiters. Additionally, engage on the platform regularly, as that can help you make more connections.

Update Your Other Profiles

While you may intentionally steer hiring managers, recruiters, and network members to your LinkedIn profile, that doesn’t mean they won’t search for your pages on other social media platforms. As a result, you want to update them to ensure they reflect well on you as a professional.

Often, that means either auditing the content and your activities to make sure they leave you well-positioned or making the profiles private if you use them in a personal context. Check your photos, posts, comments, follows, and likes for anything questionable, and remove anything that isn’t suitable.

For any profiles you make accessible to the public, consider updating your handle to make it more professional. Usually, a variation of your name works well. For private accounts, consider using names that won’t be widely searched, such as going by your middle name instead of your first, decreasing the odds that anyone will know you have separate personal accounts.

Create a Professional Website

Having a professional website can work in your favor. Along with serving as a place to display work portfolios, many have blogging capabilities. As a result, they can be an excellent place to showcase your perspective, expertise, and personality. Plus, it can highlight your communication skills, which work in your favor.

Another benefit of having your own website is that it may allow you to secure a domain for a professional email address. That lets you shift away from free options like Gmail, all while giving you a separate place for professional communications.

Connect With Our Team Today!

Ultimately, the tips above can make creating a professional brand online easier. If you’d like to learn more or are seeking out new opportunities, Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us and speak with one of our recruiters today.