If you've taken a few seconds to read this article then you are certainly interested in your online identity across multiple social media networks. If your like me you like to Google your name just to see what comes up! Now this seems very nerdy but if you work in the online sector or want to be found at some point in the future…you have establish your brand.
I've been asked why I haven't started my site sooner or been involved with developing my brand quicker. Well the easy answer is I didn't know what I wanted to write about exactly before. If your that person please know that if you don't know that answer right now then that is OK. At least purchase your own domain name to start.
Creating a central place for your social media profiles and networks has been made extremely easy with the abundance of technology available on the internet. Often you might read on how to become found online. I feel the best method is to take advantage of the free services to you. These free services include Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Delicious, and WordPress to just name a few but you are simply creating profiles on each network which optimize well for SEO. Also try to link them together. The overall goal is to be consistent with the profiles names you choose. For instance if your “Michael Stults” then try to keep your user names in common with one another (key word try). The next step is how to link them all together to keep it simple for people to find you?
1) Google Profiles. They propose “what do people see when they find you online”? I am betting it will be a website with pictures and words but I'm no genius. This would be the first one I would create. The biggest reason for this one could be…their GOOGLE! Plus you want to try to control on how people view you online. Google gives you some of that power.
2) Card.ly. It helps create your online card; kinda like a virtual business card. It gives you the flexibility to add several online accounts into one area. You can check out the one I created for myself and the SEO friendly link: http://card.ly/MichaelGStults. The other neat option I like is the different widgets to add to your site!
3) Retaggr. They believe your profile should be portable! Well if your on the internet then it probably is viewable from anywhere but this beast offers up some nice features as well. It also has a premium account that you can upgrade to that offers additional features.
4) DandyID. They believe you should collect yourself, analyze, and get discovered online. Hopefully your not scattered in pieces before hand while you collect yourself. If you are then they will get your straightened out. Like Retaggr, it also has a premium account feature that you can upgrade to. This tool helps protect your identity across several social media platforms.
These are just four of many out there. I would consider creating these profiles as well: claimID, Gravatar (If you post comments on blogs), FriendFeed, ProfileFly, and SocialURL. Depending on what type of business your in, you might want to consider creating separate profiles for personal and professional. It's all pretty easy so why not give it a go and try out one?
Michael G. Stults is a leader, manager, and most importantly a team builder. He has realized that his success in his personal and business life has been contributed to the professionalism of others. Along with his creative mindset, natural relationship building ability, and charisma, Michael has shown that he can succeed in business whether that be in the financial or online marketing sectors.
