3 Tips for Maintaining Your Professional Brand Online

As the reach of digital platforms to share personal updates, photos and videos increases, we in turn, continuously and willingly – without even thinking twice about it – open ourselves to vulnerabilities that could easily harm our professional brand.

At Poston Communications, we are quick to counsel clients on the importance of its online presence and why it matters. As individuals, we also must be aware of how our own online engagement affects our professional brands.

Let’s make one thing clear: Your professional reputation online matters. As you find your first job, begin your career and continue to climb the corporate ladder, keep in mind that your persona in the office should match what’s searchable through the web.

If you are already managing your professional reputation online, you likely are ahead of the game. If not, here are three tips, among many other activities, for maintaining a positive professional brand across all digital communication platforms:

1. Google yourself. This will help you find out what’s out there and searchable to others. Remember, Google is constantly changing its algorithms, and what you post online can pop up in Google search results. Be aware that every comment or picture posted on a digital platform is stored and recorded somewhere on the web and likely can be found if someone is digging hard enough.
2. Think twice before you post. Even if your settings are on private, do your best not to post anything that potentially could offend others and negatively reflect on your professional reputation. For example, stay away from posting extreme political views that not everyone you are associated with – both personally and professionally – might agree with. And even if you think they do, always play it safe.
3. Respect the opinions of others. Many social media platforms – such as Twitter, Facebook, Reddit and others – have become an easy two-way communication channel for expression of opinions. In many cases, this is fine, but be aware of confrontation and disagreement. In these cases, you should be conscious of how you are expressing your opinions, understanding that – just like text messages – what you say online can be easily misinterpreted and quickly tarnish your personal brand.

Overall, remember why your personal brand matters: It is a representation of YOU and one that will stick with you forever.