Many online marketers don’t think that it’s important to worry about their online image because they’re hidden behind a website or an email address. But that is not true. While it’s true that people can’t see you physically, it’s not true that it doesn’t matter because it does. Each and every aspect of your online brand does matter because it affects how customers and clients view you and choose to do business with you. That’s why online marketers should take the time to carve out a professional branding image that adequately reflects them, their business and how they conduct business online.
Each and every aspect of your online brand does matter because it affects how customers and clients view you and choose to do business with you. That’s why online marketers should take the time to carve out a professional branding image that adequately reflects them, their business and how they conduct business online.
Your online image depends on your level of professionalism. I often hear online marketers say how they want to portray a “professional image” but they refuse to take an inventory of their personal images. This is seriously doubtful and questionable about whether or not they really do want to portray a professional image. Perhaps all they want to do is talk about having a professional image or maybe they think that it will just happen without any work. Not so.
I want to share with you a few things you can do to polish your online image and start working towards developing the brand that you want to see:
1. Photos
Have professional photos (headshots) done for your site. I don’t necessarily mean to spend a small fortune to have pictures made, but at least invest in having them done more professionally than just taking a few selfies with your camera phone. Seriously.
2. Content
Edit your online work. Even if you weren’t the best speller in school, that’s no reason for your online content to be riddled with misspelled words, incorrect grammar usage or to be unprofessional. I am all for personality shining through on a site, but p-l-e-a-s-e know and learn the difference usages of they’re, their and there. Even if you can’t afford to hire an editor, there are plenty of online grammar checkers you can use. I like and use Grammarly quite a bit for all of my work. And yes, it’s free.
3. Competition
Check out your competition. Are they missing areas that you can fill with your skills and talents? For instance, using videos and social media may be something that your competitors aren’t doing but could really make your site shine over theirs. By that same token, look at what they’re doing really well and use it to spark even more ideas for your site. Don’t copy though. Just be inspired by what you see.
4. Questions
Respond to questions. All marketers need to do better with this one. It is so frustrating to boast in having an online store and you don’t (or won’t) respond to customer’s inquiries. Failing to do this and seriously harm your online brand. Again, if you can’t afford to do it or don’t have the time to do it, consider scaling back your business and focus more on the customer’s experience versus making the sale.
5. Get Social
If you don’t at least have a business Facebook page or a LinkedIn page, I’m afraid to tell you that you may be losing a lot of potential business because of it. Social networking is what everybody’s doing these days, so definitely take the time to get up to speed on creating those relevant networks for your business.
Building your brand and portraying a successful image takes time to do. Start building it slowly and carefully and you will do well.
How do you portray your professional image to others?
