Managing your presence online

29 Mar

Make sure you have a professional and current photo. If your client can’t recognize you from the picture on your business card or website, it’s probably time to get those new headshots. It’s also best to save the selfies for your friends on Instagram and Facebook.

Keep your profile clean, crisp, typo-free and forget the agent-speak. If you tell your client you did “150 sides” last year, they will most likely look at you sideways. When it comes to your online profiles, it’s important to always be professional, always tell the truth and always be current.

Know your unique selling proposition. Think of it as your 30-second elevator pitch. Ask yourself, “who am I and what do I do better?” “Why am I an agent?” Write it down and back it up with data. Here’s an example: With 20 years of experience, Amy Agent has become Anytown USA’s “Go to” agent with a reputation for tenaciously protecting her clients’ interests. Savvy negotiation skills, cutting-edge marketing efforts, and uncompromising integrity have made her the top-producing agent in her area 10 years in a row.

Google yourself. Have you done it lately? There’s a good chance your client will. Make sure the information and images that appear are what you want them to see. Pro tip: If you put your name in all CAPS, LinkedIn will list you first among other users with the same name.

Content is key. Lisa shared 11 types of content that will help make a great online profile: a professional photo, a concise and impactful headline, your “who am I?” summary, your professional experience highlights, skills & designations, recommendations/testimonials, involvement in groups or organizations, education, additional languages, and projects and awards.

So many sites, so little time. Make a point to update your online information once a year when work slows down a bit. Keeping all your information in one central place (e.g., Google doc) and maintaining a master spreadsheet with links to all of your profiles will save you time and stress when making these updates.