Who Are You Anyway?
Online, you are who Google says you are. Have you Googled yourself, your ministry, or business? When I type my name into Google, the results returned by the search engine unwrap my identity.
So, what am I all about? Are the results returned painting the picture I want? Am I in control of what is being said?.
My Story
Marketing can simply be defined as telling our story. The story of who I am, what my ministry does, or why my business is relevant. The tools we use to tell the story are our communication channels. Today, online is not just one of the channels, it is the number one channel.
When people meet you or discover you, they want to know a little bit about your story. They want to know who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It is imperative that you manage this channel with diligence.
Reputation Management
Whenever possible, you should try to own the results. By having a personally branded web page, biography page, and relevant personalized social media platforms, you significantly increase the possibility of managing your reputation. If you can, you want the first results to be your voice telling your story so people first hear from you.
The Three R’s
For validation, the next line of defense is to ensure as much as you can, that what others are saying about you is complimentary. There will always be detractors, but if you can get your fans to refer, review, or recommend you, then this will add to your credibility quotient.
Remember, people start their research online. If you control the volume and the content, then you have better control over making a great first impression. People are looking to trust you and your affiliations. If you can put their mind at ease while introducing yourself as an interesting person with an interesting story, there is a greater chance for the relationship to begin and grow.
What do you think about managing your reputation online?
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