When is the last time you “Googled” yourself? You should do it regularly, just to see what is being written about you and to see where you rank.
Using keywords will help your site rise to the top of a Google search. But if you have a competitor who might be writing unflattering items about you.
How can you manage your online reputation? Here are a few steps to take:
- Google yourself regularly. Search your name, your business name, keywords you target for your business. Set up a Google alert to track any mentions that might be made about you and your content. With a Google alert, you will receive a notification into your inbox.
- Make sure you own your own domain name. Yes, you can set up a site without owning your own domain name but that puts you in jeopardy of someone else legally buying and registering the name and using it to damage your reputation or to profit from the hard work you have put in. There are many places where you can buy and register a domain name including GoDaddy or Network Solutions.
- Make sure your content is on a site that you own and control. It’s been said that you shouldn’t build your site on rented ground aka Tumblr or Facebook among others. If you own your site and your domain name then you have control over the content.
- Make certain you have a presence on social media sites. Even if it’s not in your forte or you don’t have time to manage them, you should grab your name and your business name, fill out the profiles and then track the conversations there.
- Even if you post something you think is “private” be aware that if it’s on the internet it is not private. What does this mean? Well, don’t post pictures of yourself partying with friends on your personal Facebook profile and think that a potential client won’t be able to see/find it.
Online reputation management is crucial in today’s ever increasingly online world. If you don’t have time or the skills to manage your reputation, that is a service we provide our clients. Contact Rex for information on what goes into this program.