Do the Google test: Google yourself and your business name:
Do this first on your computer and another computer (public library) as Google creates select preferences on what you are presented on a search.
Things to look out for:
Is everything under your name what you would wish it to be?
There have been instances of where business owners have found that negative publicity they may have attracted from a previous business or earlier in their current business is dominating their search results. The first step to dealing with anything of this nature is to know about it.
What photos are showing up?
Are they professional and will they enhance or detract from your business image?
Are you contact details correct?
Is top results focuses towards your business?
Often the top result for your own name will be your LinkedIn profile. For your business name it can depend on whether there are other similar names and whether your website is configured to feature well in Google searches – Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO. You can find a good guide on how SEO works here.
Check if your “Branding” is consistent within and across platforms
- Is your Message the same – are the same words used?
- Is there the same look, photos, logo
- Are the same colours matching across sites
Make sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile
Many small business owners in particular neglect this thinking that LinkedIn is not a sales platform. This is a mistake because LinkedIn is a personal brand building platform that positions a person as a serious professional business owner. That means having a professional photo – no selfies! It also means a consistent, well written profile that communicates clearly what you and your business is about.
Remember, your LinkedIn profile will usually top any search on your name.
Remove or make private Facebook and social pictures
We all like to have fun and most people accept this, however you should never give anyone the opportunity to pre-judge you in a potentially negative way, so hide the snaps of you doing tequila slammers in a Thai beach bar!
Developing your marketing plan
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