Article by Wendy McCance

Have you ever wondered what people do to promote themselves and their brand on the internet?  When you are on Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+, do you see some of the same names pop up again and again?

If I am looking on LinkedIn and checking out who is connected, I will find that some people seem to show up on every profile I look at.  The same is true when I am reading up on social media (for example).  There are some people who seem to be everywhere.

I remember when I first started blogging.  Social media, self-promotion and creating a brand were all new to me.  I would research topics and find that the same people would pop up with an article they wrote or were mentioned by another writer.  I was fascinated by how these people had expanded their reach.  I wanted to know how long it took them to saturate the web.  What tricks did they knew that I was unaware of?

I have found that exposing yourself in a way that creates a positive buzz takes time, creativity and motivation.  From what I have determined, there is no quick solution.  It’s all hard, but rewarding work.

One of the things that motivates me to work so hard on self-promotion is the fact that once you put something onto the internet, it is there forever. Granted over time it may become buried as new information is created, but it will never be lost forever.  The effort is well worth your time.

I would like to share some of the latest ideas I’ve been working on.  Who knows, maybe it will give you some inspiration on how to work on your own self-promotion.  If nothing else, you will get a peek into the way someone else works to expand their reach.

Before I do any prospecting for new business, I make sure that I have fresh articles, I’m current on all my social media platforms, my information is up to date and that I am doing a good job communicating with my network.  If I am faltering in any area (easy to do when you are busy working with your clients) I work at fixing it.  Because I prospect a few times a month, everything stays fairly polished.

Why do I make sure everything is as buttoned up as possible before I prospect?  It’s because you have one chance to make the best impression.  I have been personally turned off when I see a company portray themselves as being an expert in social media or marketing (for instance) but their social media platforms aren’t being used.  I will check out their Facebook page and it’s been months without a post.  Their Twitter account will have no interactions and they are being followed by less than 100 people.  Honestly, it looks like they are out of business.

You can’t position yourself as an expert in a field and be believed if you can’t prove your skills.  The point being, I want to make sure that I do my best to impress the moment someone checks out my social media sites.

In this last month, I have been trying out new tactics.  In fact, it’s what I have been working on this last month that I would like to share with you.  Below I have broken down the different social media platforms I have been working on and what I have done to polish up those sites.  Remember, I am looking to increase my exposure, gain new followers and get new business.  The tactics I am using cover all of my goals.

Twitter - This month, I am working on filing each of the people I am following onto lists I have created.  I am focusing on placing people in the following lists:

Social Media
Writing
Music
Michigan Companies
Marketing
Michigan News
Michigan Tourism
Bloggers
Marketing

To learn how to create Twitter lists, this article is truly the best step-by-step introduction I have found.

LinkedIn - This month I am sharing new articles and updating my profile. I have several hundred followers who follow me specifically because of the information I share.  It’s a great feeling to know that I am producing articles that are well received.

I have also updated my profile.  My focus was primarily on the title I use.  I have researched what keywords are used most when someone is looking to find someone in my field and used the most appropriate words to describe my title.

To learn more about how you can spruce up your profile and test if your changes are working, this article is highly recommended.

My Website - I have been writing like a madwoman.  I have also been linking to some incredible websites to share some phenomenal information. While I’m there, I have been concentrating on leaving a comment whenever I read an article I enjoy.  Many times I feel too rushed to stop and comment, but I have learned that when you leave a well thought out comment, many times you will increase traffic to your own site.  People get curious about the person behind a comment that demonstrates an understanding and more details about a topic.  Sometimes they will check out the person behind the comment to see what additional information they have to offer.

Facebook - I have been focusing on liking other Facebook pages that have information on social media, marketing or writing.  I am also offering an opportunity for you to leave a link to your own blog so that you might get additional traffic.  I guess it’s a karma thing.  What goes around comes around or what you put out into the universe comes back.  Whatever, it’s just nice to help others out as well.

If you enjoyed this article, and want more information like this, stop by the Searching for the Happiness Facebook page.  You’ll find some of the very best articles from around the web.  While you’re there, please take a moment to LIKE our page.

What are you doing to promote your brand?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.  I’d love to hear from you.

• About
• Latest Posts

Wendy McCance

Wendy McCance is a Michigan based freelance writer and social media consultant. Wendy has gained attention as the founder of the popular blog Searching for the Happiness which can be viewed in 9 local papers online, including the Oakland Press. The combination of writing skills and social media knowledge is what makes Wendy such a powerhouse to work with. Stay tuned for opportunities to advertise, guest post and as always, have your questions answered.

To contact Wendy McCance about a writing or social media assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]

Latest posts by Wendy McCance (see all)

• What is a Writers Residency and How Do I Find One? - January 13, 2018
• Welcome to my Blog!! - January 11, 2018
• Useful Information For Those Writing a Book - January 11, 2018