How to Craft a Strong Online Presence — Madeleine A. Cohen
A strategic online presence is more than merely beneficial; it’s a necessity in today’s digital landscape. This dynamic mirror reflects your values and expertise, serving not only as a historical record of achievements but also as a tool to position you strategically for your next professional goal. Ensuring that every facet of your online presence authentically represents your personal brand and career objectives requires intentional effort. How do you achieve this integration of authenticity and strategic positioning?
Let us start by clarifying the difference between your social media accounts and your online presence. It’s akin to the Logic 101 statement, “All humans are animals, but not all animals are humans.” Social media is part of your online presence, but the latter extends beyond these platforms. Here are some ideas of how to best leverage the available tools.
Optimize LinkedIn
A foundational platform for professionals, LinkedIn spotlights your past achievements and skills. Optimize your profile to showcase career milestones while aligning them with future professional goals. Actively connect and interact with others. Cultivate relationships with professionals who align with your future goals to create a network that supports your aspirations.
Provide Proof Points of Your Thought Leadership / Subject Matter Expertise
Create and publish content that positions you as a forward-thinking professional. Share insights and perspectives that not only highlight your expertise, but also showcase your vision for the future. Staying abreast of emerging trends reinforces your commitment to growth. Explore diverse digital channels. Participate in podcasts and industry forums. Each additional digital touchpoint contributes to a more comprehensive representation of your professional identity.
Collaborative Content Creation
Join forces with other professionals in your industry to co-create content. This can take the form of joint webinars, co-authored articles, or shared podcast episodes. Collaborative efforts not only expand your reach but also add diversity to your online presence.
Engage Proactively
Publish your content on LinkedIn so that you can actively engage with your network. Like, share and comment on others posts. Thoughtful contributions to conversations not only enhance your approachability but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field.
Micro-Content for Social Media
Break down your insights into bite-sized pieces for social media platforms. Infographics, short videos, and concise posts capture attention in today’s fast-paced digital environment. Consistent content publication keeps your audience engaged and reinforces your key messages. By alternating these shorter pieces with more in-depth articles, you remain current and relevant without it becoming so burdensome that you stop sharing all together.
A strong online presence is not just about where you’ve been, but where you’re heading. By strategically optimizing your LinkedIn profile, creating and publishing subject matter expertise content, and engaging proactively in conversations you diversify your digital footprint. In doing so, you can ensure that your online presence aligns with your future professional goals. Remember, your digital persona is an evolving narrative, and by shaping it intentionally, you can chart a course toward your next career milestones with confidence.
A marketing and communications strategist, Madeleine A. Cohen has produced global trade shows and conferences from ideation to execution, and has extensive experience as an editor and writer. At Signitt, she leverages her expertise to help women and diverse business leaders best tell their stories in order to achieve their next professional goal.
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