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You’ve heard it countless times: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” In the digital age, this wisdom takes on a new dimension as your online presence often serves as your first impression. When you align your virtual brand with the real you, you ensure that you’re delivering a consistent, authentic first impression.
Your Digital Brand Is Your First Impression
In today’s interconnected, hybrid work world, your digital persona often greets your future employer, client, or colleague well before you do. Surprisingly, many career-minded professionals still underestimate the importance of their online presence. Neglecting your digital brand can lead to misrepresentation, missed connections, and lost opportunities. The need to build your digital first impression is one of the 9 personal branding trends for 2024.
Digital First Impressions Are More Than Just A Pixelated Picture
The phenomenon of anchoring is a testament to the weight of first impressions. Anchoring describes our tendency to lean heavily on the initial piece of information we receive. This cognitive bias is why you need congruence between the real and virtual YOU. Here’s how you ensure your online brand is authentic and captivating.
Manage Your Google Results.
For now, Google still dominates search, so ensuring that your first-page Google results are stellar is crucial. Most people don’t look past the first page, which works in your favor. Egosurf and consider what your Google results say about you. If someone was evaluating you from your page one results, how would they perceive you?
Craft an Impeccable LinkedIn Presence.
Google is important, but often, when someone wants to learn about you in a professional capacity, they’ll rely on your LinkedIn profile. Your LinkedIn profile often forms your first impression. The key elements of your profile that will deliver your first impression are your Headline (it shows relevance), Headshot (it makes you real in the virtual world), and About (it’s where you tell your story).
Buy Your Domain.
Purchasing your domain name secures a piece of the digital landscape, akin to owning prime real estate. Until you have your own website, link your domain to your LinkedIn profile or to other content on the web that helps you tell your story, like an article you were quoted in or a white paper you wrote.
Embrace Video.
When you can’t be there in person, video is a powerful tool for creating an emotional connection. Consider creating a video bio or thought-leadership videos that showcase your expertise. Uploading these to your YouTube channel enhances your visibility in Google searches, thanks to universal search. Additionally, featuring them on your LinkedIn profile can provide a more engaging experience for viewers.
Digital Branding Is Not A One-Time Event
As you evolve professionally, your digital identity should reflect these changes. Regularly updating your LinkedIn profile and published content ensures your brand remains fresh and relevant.
Update as You Grow.
Regularly update your LinkedIn profile and published content to ensure your brand remains fresh and relevant. When you publish a new article or get a promotion, complete a course, or join a volunteer organization, remember to add these accomplishments to your digital presence.
Stay Informed with Google Alerts.
Set up a Google Alert for your name to monitor your online brand. This proactive measure helps you maintain an accurate and dynamic digital presence.
Establish a Review Routine.
Quarterly self-Googling and LinkedIn profile reviews are excellent habits. Assess what impression you might leave on someone discovering you online and adjust your content accordingly to maintain an authentic, up-to-date and appealing profile.
By carefully shaping your digital first impression around the true you, you set the stage for meaningful real-world interactions. This strategic effort is what distinguishes the unnoticed from the unforgettable, transforming potential missed opportunities into avenues for advancement.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and co-creator of BrandBoost – a virtual, video-fueled course to help you grow your self-awareness and amp up your personal brand.