How do you brand yourself online? If you haven’t thought about this yet, you need to! A good branding strategy will make your name stand out in the sea of other business names out there and give you some serious SEO and marketing advantages. Even if you don’t plan on becoming an online mogul, your business will probably expand over time, and it’s smart to put some effort into making sure that when you do change your company name or brand, it won’t hurt your reputation or customer loyalty.
When to pick a business name that is not your name
The #1 reason to name a business that is not attached to your personal identity is because you plan on selling the business later, or having other representatives of the business take a primary role in it the businesses’ operations. Branding yourself online also makes sense if you are starting an information-based website (like an e-commerce site) that has no direct connection to your name. If someone sees your site for the first time and wants more information about its founder(s), they can learn all about you through social media outlets and other digital means; there’s no need for them to be confused by trying to figure out who JenSmithInc is.
Ways to make the most of your name
Remember that Google is a search engine. Search for yourself and find out what’s currently available, and then come up with something that not only includes your name but also adds value to what Google users will see. For example, if you own a consulting business, you can come up with an SEO-optimized name like Jane Smith Consulting or Jane Smith SEO Consulting. Both of these are better than simply Jane Smith.
How do you brand yourself online?
Branded social media accounts are an excellent way to stay relevant to your clients. If you’re not sure how to brand yourself online, start by creating a Facebook business page and a LinkedIn profile, which will help strengthen your digital identity. Other branded online accounts may be worth creating based on your industry: set up an Instagram account for photographers, or Twitter for writers.
Start building an identity now
It’s never too early to start building an online identity. By developing a personal brand on your own, you can establish yourself as an authority on any topic that interests you. Over time, people will come to associate your name with a certain idea or set of values. Once you’ve established that reputation, it will be easier to grow a business around it.