Social Media: Story Telling Online

Online presence can be a great way to expand your network, learn new skills and also build credibility for your brand. An online presence is extremely important in today’s world whether you are a professional, an entrepreneur, a student or in any other walk of life. As a part of our Be you, Be a Brand campaign Be You, Be a Brand | Making Millennium we wanted to talk a little bit about the importance of credibility and platforms to leverage.

While there are plenty of ways to promote and build your brand’s credibility online, let's focus on the three we see come up most often.

1. Personal Website

2. LinkedIn

3. Instagram

Why create a website?

Have you ever thought about how you can be in control of the content, format and style of your brand? Having a personal website is just that. I see a personal website as a way to represent your most authentic self, where only you have all the power to control it. You can share your experiences, journey, education, your love for a topic! There is no structure, format or design limitations. You can customize it as you feel it best represents you!

While this is a great thing to have, it can be scary to figure out where to begin. Thanks to a lot of website design tools out there it is simple and easy to create your website with zero web development experience needed.

I have had my own personal website since I was in 8th grade. (This was first time using HTML and I loved it!) I have made new ones over time as my style and preferences changed and starting from scratch seemed like a good idea. My favorite four website design tools that I have used in the past and had good experiences with are:

1. Wix: This page that you are reading right now, was created in Wix! About Us | Wix.com

2. Weebly: Free Website Builder: Build a Free Website or Online Store | Weebly

3. Wordpress: WordPress.com: Build a Site, Sell Your Stuff, Start a Blog & More

4. Squarespace:Create Your Website – Squarespace

Once you have the design down, let’s talk about content. What should be the focus of your website?

1. Clear and well defined homepage that helps the viewer understand your vision. Clarity and defining your niche is integral to getting repeat visitors and to help build credibility.

2. Simple and elegant design that is consistent throughout the website. Sometimes less is more and that is true for design. It can be tempting to over design and take advantage of all the cool widgets and templates available but stick to what you really need.

3. Easy to understand content and ensuring that it highlights what you intend it to. Whether your website has blogs, articles, videos, code or more make sure you and your content are at the focal point.

What can LinkedIn do for me?

LinkedIn is “THE” social media in the professional world. Individuals use it to share personal and professional milestones while leveraging their connections to reach wider audiences. LinkedIn can help you expand your professional network, advertise your business, find prospective employment opportunities, meet like minded individuals and your profile is the first impression of who you are. So here are a few LinkedIn must haves:

1. A captivating About section: The about section helps the viewer understand you beyond your experience and your education. Make the most of this section by talking about your personality, background, what motivates and drives you. Build a story for the reader, so that they want to learn more about you.

2. Update your profile regularly: An out of date profile can be disadvantageous as it does not showcase you and your skills today effectively. So regularly update your profile to ensure it aligns with your current aspirations and objectives.

3. Skills and Recommendations: These sections are essential to helping you build credibility as they require other individuals to vouch for your skills and capabilities.

How does Instagram fit in?

When it comes to social media [Instagram] there are ultimately 3 key points to make you look more credible.

1. Always have a good profile picture. This should be simple and never be a group photo. When it comes to profile pictures you want to think about headshots, welcoming photos [smiling], or for business a clear logo.

2. Always have a statement or some context in your bio. This is where you can start your brand. “Hi I’m blank, lover of the environment, accountant, and blank.” This gives some insight to what they can expect in your feed. This is also the first written thing they read about your page.

3. The third key point is your grid of photos. One thing that makes your look very creditable is your grid of photos. You must have good quality and consistent photos, especially on Instagram. This shows you are actively using your page. This means they can expect you to give them new info soon, or share new adventures soon. This gives your audience a reason to look forward to following you.

Hope that these three formats can help you get started on your branding journey and help you gain more credibility. For more content on Branding and to continue your Be You, Be a Brand Journey use the resources on Campaigns | Making Millennium.

The women in your corner.