There are two parts to your personal brand. First, you need to build your reputation. This takes time and energy, and there are no shortcuts. The second part is no less important, and that’s making sure the right people can find you.
Google is making it easier for people to find you — if you are using Google Profiles. As reported on the official Google blog, once you setup your Google Profile, your profile may show up at the bottom of search results. I say “may” because if you have a fairly common name, you’re stuck with competition.
In my case, a search for Jeff Hester brings up the astronomer (not me), the business owner in Oklahoma (also not me), but also this blog (most definitely me, and #2 on page one). At the bottom of the search results page, you’ll see this:
Hint: I’m the guy on the left. You’ll note that Google also puts links to search for me on several popular social networks, including MySpace, Facebook, Classmates and LinkedIn.
Simon Mackie at Web Worker Daily shared these step-by-step instructions for setting up your own Google Profile:
- Go to the Google Profiles site.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Fill out the form. Add a photo and links to your sites.
Remember that information you share will be available for others to see. You can share as much or as little as you like, but Google will rank a well-filled profile higher than a skimpy one.
Have you setup your Google Profile?
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