With a brand new generation of over sharers growing up with social media and online interaction, it is easy to see how “TMI” things can become. Unfortunately, many people fail to take into account how serious their weekend fun can be when their boss gets a peek at their twitter or Facebook feed. Posting without considering the repercussions could seriously damage your online image and even cause you to lose your job. This post is all about to improve your online reputation.
Have you ever heard the saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”? What if the first impression you are making is the last thing you posted on your social media feed? How would that portray you to future employers, romantic partners and even family? Before hitting post, your online image and reputation should be considered. Included here are a few tips for improving that online image and potentially helping you keep your job.
Top 3 Strategies To Improve Your Online Reputation
Track Yourself
For people who function in a high-powered corporate or executive status, online image is especially crucial to your success. To ensure your online image is appropriate, track what people say about you. Take a look into every post you or your company is tagged in, and do damage control when necessary. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to internet trends, and you will want to know what is being said before it takes off.
Build Relationships and Participate
If you are striving to build an online blog or business, it is especially crucial that you are connecting with people online. The best way to do this is by simply responding to comments publicly, thanking them for compliments and addressing concerns. Many bloggers strive to create a discussion within their comment sections, and they should be prepared to dig in and respond.
As well as responding to comments directed to you, you should be creating your own comments and interactions with other individuals. Get involved in various web communities and build up relationships with heavy-hitters on the web. Getting your name out there in a positive sense can be beneficial for the long run.
Be Open With The Facts
One of the most damaging hits to your reputation can come from simple misinformation. By failing to clarify statistics or reports about yourself or your company, you allow a rumor to take on a life of its own. Pretty soon people who have never heard of you, know your name based off of a simple rumor and believe the facts to be true. Ignoring online negativity will not help it go away.
The best way to deal with misinformation is by making a public statement correcting the falsely posted material. Additionally, if possible, you should go to the source of the rumor to correct them directly. If they insist on perpetuating the lie, at least your truthful statement is on the books.