Recent statistics show that 66% of social media users expect their social media usage to increase during Coronavirus confinement while sheltering-in-place (SIP)
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Did you use Google today?  We are so accustomed to using Google to search for answers that people just say, “Google it” and whatever comes up on the first page is what we read.  Chances are, in the last 24 hours, you have used Google to learn more about a person or a company.  The question is, have you Googled yourself recently? 

LinkedIn appears on the top of most general Google search results.  But even with the mass use of social media and statistics touting the importance of online presences, you may know attorneys or legal assistants who still say they do not need a professional online brand.  This could not be further from the truth.  Social media platforms allow you to network, and you do not even have to be in the same room.  Or keep a personal distance of six feet.  It is especially valuable to have a strong online presence during our time sheltering in place (SIP) at home.

Below are reminders about how you may easily interact with your network on social media with a personal, and professional platform, such as LinkedIn.

1.  If you have an active LinkedIn account that appears in a Google search, be sure your profile is current and shows who you are today in the workforce and community. That means filling in all the areas of your profile that are relevant. Keep in mind, your profile is what clients, prospective employers, alumni, and organizations will see about you.  Put forth the best version of your online professional brand for all to see.

Which profile looks better?

2.  Keep your posts short and purposeful.  The quality and size of your post is one of the main determining factors for people choosing what to look at in their feed.

3.  Be sure to use #hashtags within your post to ensure they are more searchable with other people who are interested in that # group or following that term.  #BayAreaAttorney

4.  Follow the Golden Rule:  do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Congratulate those in your network – acknowledge awards, speaking opportunities, a new job, and so forth. This helps you build stronger relationships, it feels good, and it is really simple to do.

5.  Post and share articles and quotes that you find of interest from others in your network.  People and organizations always appreciate it if you share their content. Remember, you need to follow and connect with them first, so their posts will appear automatically in your feed.

6.  What catches your attention when scrolling on social media?  Images.  Try your best to add an image that is relevant to each post.  Check your image to make sure the image size saved correctly when you posted it.  Let’s not cut off heads or have your readers questioning what the picture actually is.

7.  Tag people and organizations in your post.  (add @ in front of the name). This way they will be able to see it and those who follow that person or organization will see it too. If you do not tag persons, they may never know you gave them a shout-out or shared their work. (And #hashtags will help with tagging too.)

8.  The more we see, like, and share someone’s content, the more we look for their posts. The same goes for the people and organizations in your network - you want to keep yourself and your company foremost in their minds.  If you attended an event and did not post about it with some content, hashtag, or image, as far as your marketing contacts are concerned, it’s as if you were never there at all.  For them, it might be out of sight, out of mind.  SIP gives you the opportunity to post about your social distance networking efforts.  Post it!

See you on LinkedIn!