With so much great advice out there about how to build one’s personal brand through blogging, Twitter, LinkedIn and other networks, it’s important not to forget how all of it applies to one’s Facebook activity.
Here are some top personal branding tips on how to enhance your Facebook presence:
Plug your personal brand. Before you do anything else, physically plug your personal brand and supporting pitch or statement right into your Facebook profile. You can do this in the About Me box below your profile picture, the About Me section under your profile’s Info tab as well as in a profile Note. This will not only help you communicate and reinforce your brand to your current friends, but also to new friends, potential partners or prospective employers. – Chris Perry, CareerRocketeer.com
Claim your domain. The first step in Facebook personal branding is to obtain your own domain name on Facebook if available (i.e. http://www.facebook.com/derrickhayes). Having your own Facebook URL makes it easier for people to find you and can be a great marketing tool that you can add to all your social networks, business cards and in your email signatures. – Derrick Hayes, DerrickHayes.com
Optimize your keywords. Ask someone (in your industry) to proof your LinkedIn profile. I used to recommend doing this with a paper resume, but even easier if you have a friend in the industry. Just ask them to peruse to see if you missed any key words, etc. – Diane K. Danielson, DowntownWomensClub.com
Be a resource. Don’t just use the updates. Share resources (articles, websites, book reviews etc.) to show that you not only have an expertise but you generously share your skills/knowledge. – Drew McLellan, The McLellan Group
Initiate conversation. Seek comments on your wall and start a dialogue with your Facebook friends. This will galvanize your friends to share and link back to your content, thus increasing your reach. Join or create relevant groups and fan pages, and actively participate in them. Posting your promotions blindly across the site will simply be viewed as spam, so two-way communication is key. – David Mathison, BetheMedia.com
Create a Facebook fan page. This page is separate from your personal profile and should include a clear attractive photo (modest attire), basic personal information i.e. postal address, valid professional email etc. and at least 3 notes, written by you.
The first note describes your educational and professional accomplishments. Consider this an elaboration of your resume. The second note describes the type of company you would like to work for. Use this to describe in detail your “perfect” company and ideal working conditions. Finally, your third note is your personal advocate note. Hypothetically describe a problem that a company faces and how you would solve it. – Charlene Nora, WorldUnboundNow.com
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this wealth of personal branding insight!
Chris Perry, MBA is a Gen Y brand and marketing generator, a career search and personal branding expert and the founder of Career Rocketeer, Launchpad, Blogaristo and more.
Post Views: 510
