If you’re at the very start of your business journey (maybe you started your online business over lockdown – yay you!!) then you’re probably seeing lots of people talking about your PERSONAL BRAND and building an online profile.
Even if you’ve been in business for ages, you’re probably constantly trying to improve your online presence (so people can find you…and you know…buy your stuff).
But where on earth do you start?
Its all about you
If you hadn’t realised this just yet, people like to connect with real people.
They like to see behind the scenes of your business and they want to know you. And social media, your website and networking are all ways you can connect with potential clients.
Your personal brand is said to be what people say about you, how you interact with them and what your business stands for.
And it’s so important to be in control of all these things…
Social media
Are you going to show up everywhere (like people like Gary Vaynerchuk or Jasmine Star) or are you going to concentrate on one place until you get the hang of it?
Being social doesn’t mean you HAVE to have a Facebook page, Twitter profile, Instagram profile, LinkedIn page, Pinterest board, blog, Medium page, YouTube channel, LinkedIn profile, and so on.
In fact you might just be freaking out at all the different ways you can be social. So to start with just pick a couple and start showing up regularly.
You don’t have to be everywhere online, but you do have to be somewhere online.
Learn what you can about those things (for instagram follow Holly Barras, blogging and finding your voice follow Rachel Forcella) and then have a go with the next one.
Website & Blogging
Whilst most people start their businesses on platforms like facebook or instagram, it makes sense to have something that you own.
If you’re completely relying on someone else platform you run the risk of being controlled by them – what if instagram goes down? Or you get blocked from facebook through no fault of your own.
And building a website seems like its going to be a lot of work…and where on earth do you even start with blogging?
Remember that your initial goal is to build a website, and simply be “online.” You can refine its appearance and content over time, this isn’t how it’s going to look forever.
Blogging is a really easy way to get more people seeing what you do. I follow the advise by Rachel Forcella and use my blog as a way to answer questions I think people might be asking. (or read the book “They ask, you answer” )
Networking
One of the biggest things for my business when I first started was networking. But I don’t mean in that 1980’s big suits, conference room type way… I’m talking about building relationships.
Being a real live human and looking for interaction with other businesses that might compliment what you do.
Connecting with other businesses helped me to get new business, referrals and obviously when I needed help I always had someone to turn to.
Just get yourself on instagram and start commenting on things that interest you or where you can help people.
Use your voice
It’s about creating a VOICE for yourself in the sea of billions of other voices online. It separates you from others no matter what you do.
Be authentic (easier said than done) and share your opinion, share how you work and why you do what you do.
Even if there are hundreds of people doing exactly the same thing as you – they’re not you. Its good to get that across in your online profile.
Show your face
You didn’t think you were going to get away without me mentioning PHOTOGRAPHY did you?
One of the easiest ways to become known is to actually show your lovely face.
And you can do this with a photoshoot and plan exactly what you’re going to do but most of us when we first start out have no idea what sort of photos we’ll need.
Which is why I created VISIBILITY SCHOOL… monthly photoshoots where you get fresh images every month to share online.
You can use them for…
- Blogging
- Website
- Newsletters
Positive Mindset
Its not going to happen overnight.
There are always those businesses that appear out of no-where and suddenly seem to be wildly successful. But its unusual. Most businesses have spent years to get to the point of being an “over night success”.
So its important to have a positive mindset. If they can do it – so can you!
And keep going…
Consistency
Keep showing up. Even if you’re not sure what to say or you’re feeling a bit lost.
Consistency is more important than anything else.
When other people slow down and give up, you’ll still be there and you’ll benefit so much from it!
And if you need a few pretty photos of your lovely face, I’m always here to help!
PS ——-> If you’d like to improve your online presence right not…check out VISIBILITY SCHOOL!
