We live in a world where decision-makers have access to lots of information.
When you reach out to a potential eTailer client with an email or a voicemail they’re going to do something before replying. These folks are going to look at your online profiles. They will google your name to find out the details of you and your company. One of the first stops on this background check-type of research will be LinkedIn along with anything else that comes up in a search. Here is how you can prepare.
Online Reputation Management for Salespeople
LinkedIn really is a great source for information on vendors. Managers are eCommerce retailers are Web-savvy. They know that by looking on LinkedIn they can get professional information such as who you’ve worked with in the past. LinkedIn will show your eTailer prospects if you share any common connections. It can be important if you’re connected to someone the potential client trusts in the industry. This can be a vote of confidence for you and your company giving you a good chance to add a new eCommerce client to your list. The eTailer managers, owners, and directors you target will do basic searches. They care more about your professional information than your personal information.
A few things to do to get a handle on your online reputation include:
1. Keep adding contacts on LinkedIn
Again, LinkedIn is a major source of information for your potential eTailer clients. Make as many connections as you can in the industry. The more people you connect with the more authentic and trustworthy you’ll appear in the industry.
2. Build your profiles on Twitter, Google+ and limit Facebook
Google currently gives a high ranking to Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles. When someone searches your name these profiles will show up if you’re active. You can control your Google results by maintaining these profiles.
Also, be sure to make your Facebook profile private. It’s a platform for personal life and it’s best to keep it that way. No one is saying you have posts or photos on Facebook that would turn away a potential eTailer client, but it’s best to keep your private life private.
3. Build your own personal website or blog
To take even more control of your online reputation you can create a personal website or blog. You can use this for something as simple as a bio page that will rank highly when someone searches your name. You could go beyond that to give potential eTailer clients insight into your personality. A blog is a great way to share this insight in a regular way.
When people read your information they’ll get to know you and the next time you call or email they’ll feel like a connection has already been made.
How do you handle your online reputation?
