The internet and social media have made online reputation management a very real concern. Career, jobs and relationships may be affected by your online presence and identity. An arrest, jail time, or unflattering items showing up on Google or the other search engines can affect your job and your personal life.
The good news is that there's now effective software, free tools and online reputation management apps that can help with reputation management. It takes time to repair a blemished reputation and remove unwanted search engine results, so you should get started now in managing it. Here are six things you can do to manage your online reputation:
1. Buy your own domain name. Domain names cost a minimal amount per year (usually no more than $12.)
2. Google yourself regularly. Check and see what the search engines are yielding for your name in terms of both content and images.
3. Keep your content all in one place. Tumblr, About.me and WordPress are great choices, and you can point your domain name to any of these sites.
4. Use social networks. Join Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn and Google+. Add Tumblr, Pinterest and YouTube if you have the time and inclination. You don’t have to be overly active, but try and post something new at least per a month.
The good news is that there's now effective software, free tools and online reputation management apps that can help with reputation management. It takes time to repair a blemished reputation and remove unwanted search engine results, so you should get started now in managing it. Here are six things you can do to manage your online reputation:
1. Buy your own domain name. Domain names cost a minimal amount per year (usually no more than $12.)
2. Google yourself regularly. Check and see what the search engines are yielding for your name in terms of both content and images.
3. Keep your content all in one place. Tumblr, About.me and WordPress are great choices, and you can point your domain name to any of these sites.
4. Use social networks. Join Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn and Google+. Add Tumblr, Pinterest and YouTube if you have the time and inclination. You don’t have to be overly active, but try and post something new at least per a month.
5. Optimize your online presence. Fill these accounts out as completely as you can, and maximize the use of your name when possible. Link to your other social media sites to maximize cross-referencing and strengthen your online presence.
6. Stay private and post responsibly. Select privacy settings for all of your accounts, and stay aware of the current privacy policies of all of them, as they seem to change frequently. Only post items that you'd be fine with "going viral," because anything posted online has that potential.
You might be thinking, "My company, my future depend upon having a good reputation." The DIY online reputation management tips listed here are effective, but you don't have to go it alone. There are companies that offer services to help improve your online reputation. Find the cheapest prices, free analysis/no cost evaluation, and look for satisfaction guaranteed refunds. Don't neglect your online reputation; your future depends on it.
